Which of the following is a responsibility of the reporting party after a hazardous substance release?

The responsibility of the reporting party after a hazardous substance release primarily includes the obligation to clean up the spill safely and in a timely manner. This is critical for several reasons. First, effective and quick cleanup minimizes the environmental impact and potential harm to public health. When hazardous substances are released, they can pose immediate risks, such as contamination of soil and water sources, and can affect local ecosystems and communities.

Timely cleanup is mandated by environmental regulations in many jurisdictions, as it helps mitigate further exposure and potential violations of laws designed to protect public health and safety. The reporting party has the duty to not only report the incident to the appropriate authorities but also to take proactive steps to address the spill and prevent further releases or accidents.

Considering the other options: covering all expenses may not be solely the responsibility of the reporting party, as financial liability can vary based on circumstances and regulations. Ensuring no media coverage is not a typical responsibility and could hinder transparency and public safety information. Seeking legal counsel may be prudent but is not an immediate responsibility in the context of managing the hazardous substance release itself. Thus, ensuring a safe and timely cleanup is central to the role of the reporting party following such incidents.