A licensed professional working at a wastewater treatment plant owned and operated by XYZ company...

NPPE ethics materials consistently state that a professional’s duty to protect the public and the environment supersedes loyalty to an employer. However, professionals are expected to follow a progressive and reasonable course of action. The initial response should be to notify management of the issue, clearly explain regulatory obligations, and attempt to resolve the situation internally.

Option D reflects this approach and is consistent with the duty to act responsibly, ethically, and constructively. NPPE references emphasize that professionals should use their expertise to correct unsafe practices before escalating the matter externally.

Option A is incorrect because duty to the employer never overrides duty to public safety. Option B may be appropriate if corrective efforts fail, but it is not the preferred initial action. Option C is premature and inconsistent with professional expectations regarding confidentiality and due process.