What is the appropriate agency to call upon discovery of a hazardous materials incident?

The National Response Center (NRC) is the appropriate agency to contact upon discovering a hazardous materials incident because it serves as the Federal government's primary point of contact for reporting oil spills and hazardous substance releases. The NRC operates 24 hours a day and is responsible for coordinating the federal response to hazardous materials incidents, ensuring that appropriate authorities and response teams are notified.

When a hazardous materials incident occurs, it is critical to report it to the right agency that can mobilize the necessary resources and expertise. The NRC has the capability to relay information to other relevant agencies and support local response efforts, making it crucial in the immediate aftermath of such events.

Other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have important roles concerning hazardous materials, but their focus is on specific areas rather than serving as the primary reporting point for incidents. The EPA, for example, deals with regulatory and enforcement actions related to environmental protection, OSHA focuses on worker safety, and FEMA is involved in disaster response and recovery, rather than the immediate reporting of hazardous material incidents. Thus, contacting the NRC is the most appropriate action to initiate the response to a hazardous materials incident.