Who must be notified in cases of a hazardous substance discharge?

In cases of a hazardous substance discharge, it is crucial to notify the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC serves as the primary federal point of contact for reporting hazardous substance releases from any source in the United States. Established under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the NRC ensures that appropriate federal agencies are informed and can respond effectively to the incident.

The notification to the NRC is essential for coordinating a proper response and for initiating federal emergency plans. This center collects information about hazardous substance releases and communicates that information to relevant authorities, ensuring a timely and effective response to mitigate environmental damage and public health risks.

Reporting to local agencies such as the fire department or health authorities is also important; however, the federal mandate specifically requires that the NRC be notified to activate the national response framework and facilitate a coordinated response to hazardous substance incidents.