DP3

DecisionPoint
http://proethica.org/ontology/cases#DecisionPoint

DP3

Should Engineer B notify proper federal and state regulatory authorities upon receiving credible field evidence of likely hazardous waste, or rely solely on vague client notification and allow the client to self-report — or not report — to regulators?

Upon receiving credible field evidence from Technician A that the drum contents are likely hazardous waste, Engineer B must decide whether to notify proper federal and state regulatory authorities as legally required, or to rely solely on oblique client notification and allow the client to arrange removal without regulatory oversight. No confidentiality agreement exists between Engineer B and the client that would bar such notification. Engineer B's primary motivation for non-notification is preservation of the business relationship rather than any competing professional obligation.

Fulfill the mandatory legal and ethical obligation by notifying the appropriate federal and state environmental regulatory authorities of the credible field evidence that the drum contents constitute hazardous waste, independent of and in addition to informing the client, recognizing that client self-reporting after oblique notification is insufficient to discharge this duty.

Limit communication to the vague 'questionable material' advisory to the client and take no independent steps to notify regulatory authorities, effectively delegating the regulatory notification decision to the client and allowing potential unlawful disposal to proceed without oversight — motivated by business relationship preservation rather than any confidentiality obligation.

Engineer B