What final element is missing from this simple four point pollution incident response plan? Stop - Contain - Notify - ?

The final element needed after "Stop," "Contain," and "Notify" in a pollution incident response plan is "Clean up." This step is crucial because, after addressing the immediate threat of pollution and ensuring safety by stopping the source and containing the spill, the next logical action is to remediate the environment affected by the incident. Cleaning up involves removing pollutants and restoring the area to a safe and acceptable state, which is essential for minimizing environmental impact and preventing further damage.

While documenting and reporting are important parts of the overall incident management process, they typically occur after the immediate response tasks are addressed, and investigating the incident can be part of a broader follow-up strategy. The focus on cleaning up emphasizes the practical and proactive measures needed to address pollution effectively.