Final answer:
A hazardous materials incident must be reported by phone to the National Response Center. The NRC is the designated federal contact for such reports in compliance with DOT regulations, which require immediate notification. The EPA also regulates the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
A report of a hazardous materials incident must be made by phone to the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC is the federal point of contact for reporting all oil, chemical, radiological, biological, and etiological spills into the environment anywhere in the United States and its territories. It is important for such incidents to be reported promptly to ensure that appropriate response actions are taken to protect public health and the environment.
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) hazardous materials regulations require immediate notification in the case of certain hazardous materials incidents, and the NRC typically fulfills this requirement. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has hazardous waste regulations focused on the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials, to ensure the safety and health of the environment from cradle to grave.