A contractor discovers contaminated soil during excavation of a residential property. Under Hawaii environmental regulations, who must be notified immediately?
Correct Answer
C) Hawaii Department of Health only
Discovery of contaminated soil must be immediately reported to the Hawaii Department of Health's Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response office.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Under Hawaii environmental regulations, the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has primary jurisdiction over environmental contamination issues. When contaminated soil is discovered during construction activities, contractors must immediately notify the DOH's Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response (HEER) office. This state agency has the expertise, authority, and resources to assess environmental hazards, determine appropriate response measures, and coordinate cleanup efforts to protect public health and the environment.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Property owner only
While the property owner should be informed, they are not the regulatory authority responsible for environmental contamination response. The owner lacks the technical expertise and legal authority to properly assess and manage environmental hazards that could affect public health and safety.
Option B: County building department only
County building departments handle construction permits and building code compliance, but environmental contamination falls under state jurisdiction. Building departments lack the specialized environmental expertise and regulatory authority needed to properly respond to soil contamination discoveries.
Option D: Both Hawaii Department of Health and county building department
While coordination between agencies may occur later, the immediate notification requirement is specifically to the Hawaii Department of Health only. The county building department is not part of the initial emergency notification protocol for environmental contamination discoveries.
Memory Technique
Remember 'DOH for Dirt' - when you find contaminated soil (dirt), notify the Department of Health (DOH) immediately.
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