Which center handles reporting of discharges and security breaches at regulated facilities?

• A. National Response Center (NRC)
• B. Coast Guard Sector Command Center
• C. Homeland Security Investigations
• D. Environmental Protection Agency

Answer: (A)

When a discharge or security breach occurs at a regulated facility, the National Response Center is the focal point for reporting. It operates 24/7 as the federal point of contact for oil spills and releases of hazardous substances, gathering details and immediately notifying the appropriate agencies to coordinate the response. The Coast Guard Sector Command Center handles on-scene command and local coordination, but it isn’t the national reporting hub. Homeland Security Investigations focuses on criminal investigations, and the Environmental Protection Agency handles regulatory actions rather than serving as the central reporting channel. So, the National Response Center is the correct center for reporting these incidents.