Which agency would be contacted for a chemical spill on a federal highway?

The National Response Center (NRC) is the appropriate agency to contact for a chemical spill on a federal highway because it serves as the central point for reporting hazardous material spills and incidents. The NRC operates 24/7 and is tasked with coordinating the federal response to such emergencies, ensuring that necessary resources are mobilized promptly to manage the spill effectively.

In the context of a chemical spill, the NRC acts as a hub for federal notifications and response coordination, including outreach to other relevant agencies that may become involved in the cleanup and management of the incident. This makes the NRC the first point of contact for reporting and addressing hazardous material incidents, particularly when they occur in transit on highways.

In contrast, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deals with environmental protection and pollution issues, it typically engages after the initial reporting phase and may not be the first point of contact in an emergency situation like a spill. Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) focuses on workplace safety and health regulations, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates trucking safety and operation, which are not directly related to immediate response procedures for chemical spills. Therefore, the NRC’s specific role in managing hazardous material incidents makes it the correct agency to contact in