Upon confirming a release, how soon must a site assessor notify ECY?

When a release is confirmed at an underground storage tank site, the site assessor is required to notify the Washington State Department of Ecology (ECY) within 24 hours. This regulation is in place to ensure a prompt response to potential environmental hazards that may arise due to petroleum or hazardous substance releases. Quick notification is critical in mitigating harm to public health and the environment, allowing for timely investigations and appropriate remediation efforts.

Understanding the timeline for reporting is significant because it reflects the urgency needed in these situations. Other timeframes like 12, 48, or 72 hours do not align with the immediate risks associated with such releases, indicating the importance of acting swiftly within the specified 24-hour period to effectively manage the potential consequences of the release.