A contractor in North Carolina discovers contaminated soil during excavation. The soil contains petroleum products above reportable levels. Which agency must be notified immediately?
Correct Answer
C) NC Department of Environmental Quality
The NC Department of Environmental Quality must be notified immediately when petroleum contamination above reportable levels is discovered.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The NC Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the state agency responsible for environmental protection and pollution control in North Carolina. When petroleum contamination above reportable levels is discovered during excavation, DEQ must be notified immediately as they have jurisdiction over soil and groundwater contamination. They oversee cleanup requirements, assess environmental risks, and coordinate remediation efforts to protect public health and the environment.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: NC Department of Labor
The NC Department of Labor focuses on workplace safety, wage and hour laws, and occupational health. While they may be involved in worker safety aspects of contaminated sites, they are not the primary agency for environmental contamination reporting and do not have jurisdiction over soil pollution cleanup.
Option B: NC Building Code Council
The NC Building Code Council develops and maintains building codes and standards for construction. They have no authority or responsibility for environmental contamination issues, soil pollution, or hazardous material cleanup. Their focus is strictly on building safety and construction standards.
Option D: Local health department only
While local health departments may need to be informed, they are not the primary agency for petroleum contamination reporting. The state DEQ has overriding jurisdiction for environmental contamination issues and must be the immediate contact for reportable contamination levels.
Memory Technique
Remember 'DEQ = Dirt Environmental Quality' - when you find contaminated dirt/soil, think DEQ for environmental protection.
More nc-supplement Questions
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