What is required for a discharge greater than a reportable quantity?

When a discharge of hazardous materials exceeds a reportable quantity, it is essential to notify the National Response Center (NRC). This requirement is in place to ensure that appropriate federal authorities are alerted to potentially hazardous situations, allowing for swift response and mitigation efforts. The NRC serves as a central point for reporting spills and discharges of hazardous substances, facilitating coordination between local, state, and federal agencies.

The necessary reporting to the NRC enables timely regulatory actions and resource mobilization to protect public health and the environment. It is crucial for compliance with federal law under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), as well as other environmental statutes.

Other reporting mechanisms mentioned, such as CUPAA (California Unified Program Agency) reports or Cal OES alerts, may have their own specific applications but do not take precedence over direct notification to the NRC for incidents exceeding reportable quantities. In particular scenarios such as agricultural incidents, while county agricultural notices might be necessary, they do not fulfill the federal requirement associated with notification of a significant discharge event. Therefore, the NRC notification is the most critical and relevant action required in the context of hazardous material discharges above specified thresholds.