In case of an oil discharge, whom must you notify?

Notifying the National Response Center in the event of an oil discharge is essential because this organization acts as the federal point of contact for reporting oil spills and other hazardous substances. It is part of the U.S. Coast Guard's responsibility under the Oil Pollution Act and other environmental regulations to manage responses to spills. By reporting to this centralized authority, you ensure that the proper federal agencies are informed and can take necessary actions to address the spill effectively and coordinate with other responders.

The local sheriff's office, while potentially involved in maintaining public safety, may not have the jurisdiction or expertise to handle environmental issues such as oil spills. Wildlife control and the Environmental Protection Agency are both important in managing environmental impacts, but the immediate and correct route for reporting the discharge is through the National Response Center, which is specifically designated for such situations. This ensures timely and appropriate measures are taken to mitigate the effects of the oil spill.