What criteria are used to determine significant noncompliance?

Significant noncompliance is assessed based on various criteria that reflect the severity and potential impact of noncompliance incidents on public health and the environment. The correct answer emphasizes that factors such as endangerment to health and reporting failures are critical indicators of significant noncompliance.

When evaluating significant noncompliance, agencies consider whether the violations pose a risk to human health or the environment. For instance, if a facility discharges pollutants at levels that could harm public health or fails to report discharges accurately, it indicates a serious level of noncompliance that warrants attention.

Other factors like the frequency of inspections and community complaints, while relevant to understanding compliance as a whole, do not directly address the criteria for determining significant noncompliance. Excessive discharges alone do not encompass the broader implications of potential health risks and reporting failures that could exacerbate noncompliance issues.