In the event of hazardous waste discharge, what is the first responsibility of a property owner?

In the context of hazardous waste discharge, the first responsibility of a property owner is to report the incident to the appropriate governmental authority, which is typically the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This action is crucial because it ensures that the incident is documented and that the proper authorities can respond quickly to mitigate any potential harm to public health and the environment. Reporting helps facilitate a coordinated response, which may include assessing the extent of contamination, determining the necessary cleanup actions, and preventing further environmental damage.

Notifying residents, cleaning the site, or filing an insurance claim are important steps that follow the initial report, but they do not take precedence over the legal obligation to report the discharge to the EPA. The reporting process is designed to protect the community and the environment by ensuring that specialized professionals can evaluate and handle the hazardous situation appropriately.