Region 4
Regional/Area Contingency Plan
Regional Response Centers:
US Environmental Protection Agency,
Region 4, Atlanta, GA
404-562-8705
US Coast Guard, District 7, Miami, FL
305-415-6800 (maritime emergency only)
US Coast Guard, District 8, New
Orleans, LA
504-589-6225
US Coast Guard, District 5,
Portsmouth, VA
757-398-6441 or 800-334-8377
State Emergency Contact
Information:
Alabama
800-843-0699
Florida
850-245-2010 or 800-320-0519
Georgia
404-362-2671 or 800-241-4113
Kentucky
800-255-2587
Mississippi
800-222-6362
North Carolina
800-858-0368 or 919-807-6308
South Carolina
888-481-0125
Tennessee
800-262-3300
To report spills, call the National
Response Center United States Coast
Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
24-hour number: (800) 424-8802
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Purpose and Objectives .................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Authority and Applicability ............................................................................................. 6
1.3.1 Geographic Boundaries ............................................................................................. 7
1.4 Scope ................................................................................................................................ 7
1.5 Plan Review and Update Cycle ........................................................................................ 8
1.5.1 Plan Implementation ................................................................................................. 8
1.5.2 Exercises ................................................................................................................... 9
SECTION 2. COMMAND ........................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Command Structure – Unified Command Organization ................................................ 10
2.2 Response Organization: Roles and Responsibilities ...................................................... 11
2.2.1 Federal OSC Responsibilities ................................................................................. 11
2.2.2 National Response Team ........................................................................................ 14
2.2.3 Regional Response Team ........................................................................................ 15
2.2.4 Multi-Regional Response........................................................................................ 23
2.3 State/Commonwealth and Tribal Responsibilities ......................................................... 24
2.3.1 State/Commonwealth Response.............................................................................. 24
2.3.2 Tribal Response ...................................................................................................... 39
2.4 SAFETY ......................................................................................................................... 44
2.5 PUBLIC INFORMATION ............................................................................................. 44
SECTION 3. OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 45
3.1 Concept of Operations for Oil Discharges and Hazardous Substance Releases ............ 45
3.2 Concept of Operations for Emergency Support Function #10 Responses ..................... 47
3.3 Concept of Operations for WMD responses .................................................................. 48
SECTION 4. PLANNING ............................................................................................................ 49
4.1 Planning Section ............................................................................................................. 49
4.1.1 Environmental Unit ................................................................................................. 49
4.1.2 Situation Unit .......................................................................................................... 51
4.1.3 Resources Unit ........................................................................................................ 51
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4.1.4 Documentation Unit ................................................................................................ 51
4.1.5 Demobilization Unit................................................................................................ 53
4.2 Resource Protection........................................................................................................ 53
4.2.1 Environmentally and Economic Sensitive Areas .................................................... 53
4.2.2 Cultural Sites ........................................................................................................... 54
4.2.3 Fish, Wildlife and Plants ......................................................................................... 54
4.2.4 Protected Habitat ..................................................................................................... 55
4.2.5 High risk areas ........................................................................................................ 55
4.2.6 Natural disaster impact areas .................................................................................. 55
4.3 Compliance Guidance .................................................................................................... 56
4.3.1 Statutory Guidance - Federal .................................................................................. 56
4.3.2 Statutory Guidance - State and Local ..................................................................... 63
4.4 Relationship of Plans ...................................................................................................... 63
4.4.1 National Response Framework ............................................................................... 64
4.4.2 National Contingency Plan ..................................................................................... 65
4.4.3 Regional Contingency Plan..................................................................................... 65
4.4.4 Area Contingency Plans .......................................................................................... 65
4.4.5 State Response Plans............................................................................................... 66
4.4.6 Local Emergency Planning Committees ................................................................. 67
4.4.7 Private Sector Response Plans ................................................................................ 67
4.5 General Hierarchy of Response Priorities ...................................................................... 69
4.6 Planning for Oil Spills .................................................................................................... 70
4.6.1 Dispersant and Other Chemicals Use Policy .......................................................... 70
4.6.2 In-Situ Burning ....................................................................................................... 70
4.6.3 Solidifiers ................................................................................................................ 70
4.6.4 Surface Washing Agents for Oil Spill Response .................................................... 70
4.6.5 Region 4 Shoreline Cleaner Test and Evaluation Protocol ..................................... 71
4.6.6 International Oil Response ...................................................................................... 71
4.7 Planning for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats .......................... 71
SECTION 5. LOGISTICS ............................................................................................................ 72
5.1 Logistics Section Organization ...................................................................................... 72
5.1.1 Logistics Section Chief Responsibilities ................................................................ 73
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5.1.2 Service Branch Director .......................................................................................... 73
5.1.3 Support Branch Director ......................................................................................... 76
5.1.4 Supply Unit Leader ................................................................................................. 77
5.1.5 Facilities Unit Leader .............................................................................................. 77
5.2 Area Resources: Infrastructure ....................................................................................... 77
5.2.1 Incident Facilities .................................................................................................... 77
5.3 Waste Management ........................................................................................................ 78
5.3.1 State HAZMAT Agencies....................................................................................... 78
5.3.2 Federal Disposal of Oil and Hazardous Materials .................................................. 78
5.3.3 Federal Disposal of Hazardous Materials ............................................................... 80
SECTION 6. FINANCE ............................................................................................................... 81
6.1 Roles and Responsibilities ............................................................................................. 81
6.2 Funds for Incident Response .......................................................................................... 81
6.2.1 Oil Pollution Act/Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund ..................................................... 82
6.2.2 Superfund (CERCLA) ............................................................................................ 83
6.3 Federal Fund Documentation and Cost Recovery Procedures ....................................... 86
6.3.1 Letters ..................................................................................................................... 86
6.3.2 Reports .................................................................................................................... 86
6.4 Damage Assessment Procedures .................................................................................... 86
6.5 FEMA Disasters, Stafford Act ....................................................................................... 87
6.5.1 Mission Assignments .............................................................................................. 87
6.5.2 Emergency Support Function 10, Oil & Hazardous Materials ............................... 88
List of Acronyms .......................................................................................................................... 89
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Record of Changes Table
Change
Number
Section
Description of Change
Date
Change
Manager
Rev 9
Introduction/2.2.3.1
Added signed promulgation
letter/Updated USCG
description
3/27/2020
START
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SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Federal Region 4 is comprised of the seven southeastern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee), one commonwealth (Kentucky), and
six federally recognized Indian tribes. Within Region 4 at the federal level, responses to oil
discharges and hazardous substance releases are governed by several laws and regulations. The
Clean Water Act (CWA), as amended by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), deals with oil
discharges into navigable waters of the United States. The Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) establishes the framework for
response to hazardous substance releases which threaten human health and the environment. Both
statutes mandate the development of contingency plans, and there is significant overlap in the type
and scope of information required to do so. Sections 300.210(b) and (c) of the National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) require the development of a Regional
Contingency Plan (RCP). Section 311(j)(4) of the CWA requires development of an Area
Contingency Plan (ACP), capable of removing a worst case oil discharge. In the coastal sections
of Region 4, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has developed multiple Area Contingency
Plans based on the Captain of the Port (COTP) jurisdictions. By contrast, the entire Inland zone of
Region 4 has been designed as a single “Area” for contingency planning purposes. In order to
minimize confusion and maximize resources, the RCP and the Inland ACP are combined in this
document as an Integrated Contingency Plan (“RCP/ACP” or the “Plan”).
The responsibility for both the RCP and the Inland ACP lies with the Region 4 Regional Response
Team (RRT4). This Plan is the policy document for preparedness and response to discharges and
releases in Region 4, as the RCP is designed to implement the NCP at the Regional level. The
RRT4 also serves as the Area Committee for the Inland zone ACP. This RCP/ACP fulfills the
requirements of the NCP and the CWA, and also provides for the Regional approach to a response
under the National Response Framework (NRF), particularly Emergency Support Function #10—
Hazardous Materials (ESF #10). The remainder of the Introduction section is aligned with the
relevant paragraphs of the NCP. The issue of plan update cycles and schedules is also covered in
the Introduction to the Plan, to ensure that the information is accurate and remains up to date.
In 2003, Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5 (HSPD-5) was issued which required the
Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a national incident management system for response
to domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity. In 2004, the Department of
Homeland Security issued the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which is designed
to permit effective coordination among responders at all jurisdictional levels and across all
disciplines. The essential component of NIMS is adoption of the Incident Command System
(ICS). Although the overwhelming majority of emergency incidents are handled on a daily basis
by a single jurisdiction at the local level, there will be instances in which successful domestic
incident management operations depend on the involvement of emergency responders from
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multiple jurisdictions, as well as personnel and equipment from other states and the federal
government. Utilization of the NIMS ICS Unified Command principles will enhance efficient
coordination across a broad spectrum of organizations and activities.
Because NIMS ICS is the national standard for incident management, the main body of the
RCP/ACP is organized along the following NIMS ICS concepts: Command, Operations, Planning,
Logistics, and Finance. These sections of the Plan contain information on how federal responses
are organized and conducted, the relationship of the various plans, the array of federal resources
which are available, and how federal responses are financed.
Finally, references are provided throughout the Plan to various Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs), Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and other
relevant supporting documents, which are provided as Annexes to the RCP/ACP.
1.2 Purpose and Objectives
The purpose of the Plan is to provide the organizational structure and procedures to prepare for
and respond to oil discharges and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants.
The Plan is written to both implement the NCP at the Regional level and to provide the Inland
ACP for Region 4.
In conjunction with other planning tools, this Plan will also lend itself to potential designation of
Sub-Areas for response planning within the Region 4 Inland zone. Specific information regarding
identification of equipment, sensitive environmental and economic areas and other response
specific information will be identified during development of these Sub-Area Plans in specified
locations by the appointed Area Committees, where appropriate.
1.3 Authority and Applicability
The RCP is developed pursuant to Sections 300.210 of the NCP. The NCP is required by Section
105 of CERCLA, as amended by the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA), and by Section 311(d) of CWA, as amended by OPA 90. The ESF #10 components of
this plan are required by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Act (Public Law
93-288), as amended. The RCP is applicable to response actions taken pursuant to the authorities
under CERCLA, Section 311 of CWA, and OPA 90. The NCP requires establishment of Regional
Response Teams (RRTs), which are responsible for Regional planning and preparedness activities
before response actions, and for providing advice and support to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator
(OSC) when activated during a response.
The ACP is required by Section 311(j)(4) of CWA. To accomplish the coordinated planning
structure envisioned under the law, Section 4202(a) of OPA 90 requires the President to designate
specific Areas for which Area Committees are established. Each Area Committee, under the
direction of an OSC, must prepare and submit to the President for approval an ACP that, in
conjunction with the NCP, is adequate to remove a worst case discharge from a vessel or facility
operating in or near that Area.
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Through Executive Order 12777, the President delegated to the Administrator of the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) responsibility for designating the Areas and appointing
the committees for the inland zone as designated in the NCP. The Administrator further delegated
this authority to the US EPA Regional Administrators, and designated the 10 pre-existing RRT
areas as the Areas for OPA 90 planning purposes.
This Plan is applicable to response actions taken pursuant to the authorities under CERCLA and
under Section 311 of the CWA, as amended.
Discussion of the various federal statutes and regulations governing the response to discharges and
releases to the environment are provided in Section 4 of this Plan.
1.3.1 Geographic Boundaries
The following text is excerpted from the MOA between EPA Region 4 and the USCG Fifth,
Seventh, and Eighth Districts which is provided in Annex A to this Plan:
A) Inland Zone Boundary Designation
EPA Region 4 provides the pre-designated OSC (See Annex B) for pollution response in the Inland
zone. All reported discharges or releases, or a substantial threat of such discharges or releases of
oil or hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants originating within the Inland Zone requires
an EPA OSC to evaluate the situation with respect to a potential federal response.
EPA Region 4 is bordered by EPA Region 3, EPA Region 5, EPA Region 6, and EPA Region 7.
Responsibilities regarding responses to incidents along inland waterways between these EPA
Regions are delineated in formal MOUs. These MOUs are provided in Annex A of this Plan.
https://r4.ercloud.org/r4rrt/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Annex-A-Jurisdictional-Response-
Boundaries.pdf
B) Coastal Zone Boundary Designations
The cognizant USCG COTP is the pre-designated OSC for pollution response in the Coastal zone.
All discharges or releases, or a substantial threat of such discharges or releases of oil or hazardous
substances originating within the Coastal Zone are the responsibility of the USCG OSC.
The Coastal zone boundary description for the USCG OSCs located within Region 4 can be also
be found in Annex A and is illustrated in the Region 4 Phone Duty Web-mapping application,
which can be accessed at:
https://epa.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=242cab6cedfe4d3cbf0b5029c1146657
1.4 Scope
The Region 4 RCP/ACP has been developed in accordance with the NCP, and the procedures
contained in this plan are intended to conform to the provisions of the NCP. This plan is applicable
to response actions taken pursuant to the authorities under CERCLA and the CWA, as amended.
The geographical boundaries of this plan are those defining Federal Region 4 and includes
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Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
The agreements between EPA and the States are included in Appendix A.
This plan is applicable to and in effect for:
(1) Discharges
of oil and CWA Hazardous Substances into or on the navigable waters and
adjoining shorelines of the United States that lie within the Inland zone of the region as defined in
this Plan. When discharges of oil into or on the navigable waters and adjoining shorelines within
the jurisdiction of a USCG designated area and the applicable ACP, the response will be managed
under that applicable ACP in conjunction with the NCP.
(2) Releases
into the environment of the Inland zone, of hazardous substances, and pollutants
or contaminants which may present an imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare.
When releases or threats of releases of hazardous substances occur within the jurisdiction of a
USCG designated area and the applicable ACP contains provisions for a response to such a release,
that ACP shall govern the response to that release, in conjunction with the NCP.
(3) Additional resource and support requirements above those available through the applicable
COTP ACP will be coordinated through the provisions of this Plan and the NCP as needed.
This Plan provides the direction and procedures for the pre-designated OSC to follow in order to
ensure an efficient, safe, and effective response. The Plan contains information on the various
types of assistance available to Federal OSCs from RRT member agencies during response actions.
This plan also contains separate annexes for response to incidents resulting from a natural disaster,
a radiological incident, and responses to incidents involving Weapons of Mass Destruction
(WMD).
1.5 Plan Review and Update Cycle
The RCP/ACP shall be reviewed in-depth and updated once every 5 years at a minimum. The
Plan may require more frequent updates based on lessons learned from responses to major
incidents, significant national policy changes or developments, or direction from the standing
Region 4 RRT, as appropriate.
1.5.1 Plan Implementation
Agencies signatory to this plan should participate in a training process to ensure familiarity with
its contents. Other participating agencies are encouraged to use this plan in all response training.
Signatory agencies may establish an annual training program within their agencies to ensure that
all parties:
• Understand and are fully aware of their respective roles and responsibilities;
• Understand their role in the Unified Command System;
• Understand how they coordinate and communicate with other parties and agencies;
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• Understand what and where their assignments will be at a spill scene;
• Understand the overall level of commitment they are to devote to spill response operations;
and
• Understand how they will be notified and when to respond to such notification.
Agency spill responders and key personnel should review this plan on an annual basis. Each agency
is responsible for regular review of this document.
1.5.2 Exercises
Exercise scheduling is vital to the success of a national and regional program, though it requires a
commitment of time and resources, particularly for large exercises. Coordinated scheduling allows
key players to be available and budgets to be planned. Exercises can be scheduled in numerous
ways. For example, “Area” exercises should be scheduled through the National Strike Force
Coordination Center in coordination with regional agencies and industry. Smaller annual
exercises/drills will be notified through the RRT 4 Training and Education Committee. This
scheduling function is a task of the committee, and the exercise/drill schedule is posted on the RRT
4 website.
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SECTION 2. COMMAND
2.1 Command Structure – Unified Command Organization
The NCP and the NRF identify NIMS as the national standard for response management. This
system is a structure that brings together federal and state agencies, responsible parties (RPs), and
additional tribal or local government responders as appropriate, to achieve an effective and
efficient response. The structure under which these parties come together is commonly referred to
as the ICS. In the ICS, command may be assigned to a single individual acting as an Incident
Commander (IC), or to a group of ICs acting as a Unified Command (UC) In Region 4, the
preferred approach in responding to a discharge or a release under the NCP is for an OSC to either
form or join an established UC in order to coordinate command of the incident among various
parties and multiple jurisdictions. In the Unified Command, decisions with regard to the response
will be made by consensus and documented through a single Incident Action Plan (IAP) for each
operational period. It should be noted that in this structure, the OSC retains ultimate authority in a
response operation for decisions relating to an oil discharge or release of hazardous substances.
However, the OSC will exert his/her own authority independent of the UC only if other members
are not present or are unable to reach consensus within a reasonable timeframe.
The UC is responsible for the overall management of the incident and incident activities including
the development and implementation of strategic decisions and approval of the order and release
of resources. The UC should be composed of the OSC, State IC, Local IC, Responsible Party and
additional Command Staff including Safety, Information and Liaison Officer positions. The UC
establishes incident objectives, and oversees and delegates responsibilities to the four functional
units, which are the Operations, Planning, Logistics and Finance/Administration Sections, which
are further detailed in sections 3-6 of this Plan. For additional information on the duties of the
IC/UC and other Command Staff positions under ICS, please reference the EPA Incident
Management Handbook at:
https://emp.epa.gov/empadmin/dynamicContent/centralrepo/EMP/Incident%20Man
agement%20Handbook_IMH.pdf
Commonly used objectives for an incident involving response to a discharge or a release are:
• Ensure the safety of citizens and response personnel
• Control the source of the release
• Manage a coordinated response effort
• Maximize protection of environmentally sensitive areas including wildlife and
historic properties
• Contain and recover released material
• Recover and rehabilitate injured wildlife
• Remove substance from impacted areas
• Minimize economic impacts
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• Keep stakeholders informed of response activities
• Keep the public informed of response activities
2.2 Response Organization: Roles and Responsibilities
This section describes the individuals and organizations that make up the framework of the
National Response System and discusses their responsibilities.
2.2.1 Federal OSC Responsibilities
The OSC is the predesignated Federal official, operating at the scene of an oil or hazardous
substances incident in accordance with executive powers established through law, regulation,
executive orders and agency delegations. The OSC directs response efforts and coordinates all
other efforts at the scene of a discharge or release.
The USCG designates the COTP as OSCs for the Coastal zone areas where an ACP is required.
The COTP will also act as the OSC for incidents that occur in the Inland zone where the release,
discharge, or threat of release or discharge, occur from commercial vessels or from marine
transportation–related fixed facilities. In the past, Region 4 has pre-designated OSCs in the
Regional Area Contingency Plan (RACP). Given the pace of change and rapid development of
various regional and national response plans, listing OSCs in the RACP is no longer sufficient.
Therefore, all Region 4 OSCs hired under OSCs position descriptions are designated OSCs for
purposes of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Contingency Plan and relevant statutes.
EPA will provide the OSC for incidents that occur in the Coastal zone where the release, discharge,
or threat of release or discharge, occur from fixed facilities as defined by CERCLA other than
marine transportation–related fixed facilities. EPA will also provide the OSC should the incident
involve non-marine transportation related incidents including railroad, highway, or pipeline
owners/operators/carriers.
In the case of a release of a hazardous substance on a Department of Defense (DOD) or Department
of Energy (DOE) facility, the responsible lead agency will designate the OSC. If an oil discharge
occurs on a DOD or DOE facility, the USCG or EPA will provide the OSC depending on whether
the response is in the Coastal zone or the Inland zone, respectively. In the case of a federal agency
other than EPA, DOD, DOE, or USCG, such agency shall provide OSCs for all removal actions
that are not emergencies.
The OSC may monitor local, Tribal, State, or private actions to remove a discharge, and may
provide technical assistance to local, Tribal, State, or RP response personnel. When the OSC has
determined that a discharge or release poses or may present a substantial threat to public health or
welfare, he/she is authorized by the NCP to direct all private, State, or Federal actions to remove
the discharge or to mitigate or prevent the threat of such a discharge. In addition, the OSC may
remove or arrange for the removal of the discharge to mitigate or prevent the substantial threat of
the discharge; the OSC may remove and, if necessary, destroy a vessel that is discharging or
threatening to discharge, without regard for any other provision of law governing contracting
procedures or employment of personnel by the Federal Government (40 CFR 300.322).
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Upon receipt of notification of a discharge or release, the OSC is responsible for conducting a
preliminary assessment to determine the following items:
• threat to human health and the environment;
• the responsible party and its capability to conduct the removal; and
• feasibility of removal or the mitigation of impact.
The OSC shall ensure that the trustees for natural resources are promptly notified of discharges.
The OSC shall coordinate all response activities with the affected natural resource trustees and
shall consult with them regarding the appropriate removal action to be taken. Where the OSC
becomes aware that a discharge may affect any endangered or threatened species, or their habitat,
the OSC shall consult with the appropriate natural resource trustee.
The OSC’s general responsibilities are described below.
a. Overseeing development of the ACP in the area of the OSC’s responsibility, in cooperation
with the RRT, and designated state and local representatives.
b. Coordinate with appropriate Federal Agencies and ensure funding to permit timely removal
actions;
c. Notify the appropriate State and Federal Agencies (See Annex C of this Plan for Region 4
Downstream Notification Procedures)
d. Determine whether proper response actions have been initiated. If the party responsible for
the release or spill does not act promptly in accordance with the directions of the OSC or
does not take appropriate actions, or if the party is unknown, the OSC shall respond in
accordance with provisions of the NCP and agency guidance, and coordinate activities as
outlined in this RCP/ACP.
e. Collect information concerning the discharge or release:
• its source and cause;
• potentially responsible parties;
• the nature, amount, location, direction, and time of discharge;
• pathways to human and environmental exposure;
• potential impact on human health, welfare, and safety, and the environment;
• possible impact on natural resources and property;
• priorities for protecting human health and welfare and the environment; and
• estimated cost for the response.
f. Certifying the financial responsibility of vessel owners and operators.
g. Consult with and inform the RRT4 members of reported discharges and releases through
Pollution Reports in Message Format (POLREPs).
h. Consult with the appropriate Regional or District office regarding situations potentially
requiring temporary or permanent relocation. In the event of a declared Federal disaster,
coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal
Coordinating Officer (FCO) as appropriate.
i. Implement appropriate community relations activities.
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j. Address worker health and safety issues prior to and during a response operation and
comply with all worker health and safety regulations.
k. Coordinate with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), as
deemed necessary, regarding possible public health threats.
l. Coordinate with the US EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) and DOE in
emergencies involving radiological hazards.
As requested by the NRT or RRT4, the OSC shall submit to the RRT4 a complete report on the
removal operation and the actions taken. The report shall record:
• the situation as it develops,
• the actions taken,
• the resources committed, and
• the problems encountered.
2.2.1.2 Special Teams
Various federal agencies can provide special forces that a FOSC may call upon for assistance
during an oil spill or hazardous substance release. These special forces are described below.
• US EPA Special Teams:
o US EPA ERT – A group of EPA technical experts who provide around-the-clock
assistance at the scene of hazardous substance releases. ERT offers expertise in such areas
as treatment, biology, chemistry, hydrology, geology, and engineering. ERT can provide
support to the full range of emergency response actions, including unusual or complex
emergency incidents. In such cases, ERT can bring in special equipment and experienced
responders, and can provide the OSC or lead responder with experience and advice.
o Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) – A specialized unit that responds to
emergencies requiring the cleanup of radioactive substances. RERT provides onsite and
lab-based radiation risk monitoring services.
o Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management Advisory
Division (CBRN CMAD) – CBRN CMAD provides scientific support and technical
expertise for the decontamination of buildings, building contents, public infrastructure,
agriculture and associated environmental media. CMAD provides specialized expertise,
such as biochemistry, microbiology and medicine, health physics, toxicology, HVAC
engineering, and industrial hygiene. CMAD is available to assist local, national, and
international agencies supporting hazardous substance response and remedial operations,
including Nationally Significant Incidents.
o National Criminal Enforcement Response Team (NCERT) - The Office of Criminal
Enforcement, Forensics, and Training’s National Criminal Enforcement Response Team
(NCERT) supports environmental crime investigations involving chemical, biological, or
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radiological releases to the environment. NCERT’s specially trained Law Enforcement
Officers:
• Collect forensic evidence within contaminated zones;
• Serve as law enforcement liaisons with other law enforcement agencies; and
• Provide protective escorts to EPA’s OSCs, contractors and other EPA Special Teams
during national emergencies.
• USCG Special Teams
USCG Special Teams provide highly trained, experience personnel and specialized equipment
to facilitate preparedness for and response to oil and hazardous substances pollution incident
in order to protect public health and the environment.
Team
National Strike Force
Atlantic Strike Team
Gulf Strike Team
Pacific Strike Team
USCG Incident Management
Assistance Team (IMAT)
Organization/Area-Units/CG-IMAT/
Public Information Assist Team
• NCP Special Teams
The OSC will direct with ORIA coordinating the mobilization of the RERT and may
coordinate mobilization of the Department of Energy’s Radiological Assistance Program
(RAP), and Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC).
2.2.2 National Response Team
The NRT is comprised of 16 federal agencies with interests and expertise in emergency
preparedness and response to incidents involving oil and hazardous substances. The NRT is
primarily a national planning, policy and coordinating body. The NRT provides assistance as
requested by an OSC via the RRT during an incident, but usually does not respond directly to
incidents. NRT assistance usually entails technical advice, access to additional or specialized
resources and coordination with other RRTs. Specific details are found in Section 300.110 of the
NCP.
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2.2.3 Regional Response Team
Regional Response Teams are responsible for regional planning and preparedness activities, as
well as for coordination of assistance and advice to the OSC during site-specific incidents. The
Co-Chairs of RRT4 are the Chief of the Emergency Response, Removal, and Prevention Branch,
US EPA Region 4 and the Incident Management and Preparedness Advisor (IMPA) for the Coast
Guard Seventh District.
2.2.3.1 Members
The RRT4 membership includes representatives from each State appointed by the Governor, and
the designated regional representatives of the following Federal Agencies:
RRT MEMBER AGENCIES
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Coast Guard
Department of Interior
Department of Energy
Department of Defense
Department of Health & Human
Services
Department of State
Department of Labor
Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
Department of Agriculture
General Services Administration
Department of Transportation
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
State of Georgia
State of Alabama
State of Mississippi
State of Florida
State of South Carolina
Commonwealth of Kentucky
State of Tennessee
State of North Carolina
Each member agency should designate one member and at least one alternate member to the
standing RRT. Agencies whose regional subdivisions do not correspond to the standard Federal
Regions may designate additional representatives to the standing RRT to ensure appropriate
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
16
coverage of the standard Federal Region. Federally recognized Native American Tribal
governments may arrange for representation on the RRT. Other interested parties may attend and
observe RRT meetings. The usual process by which the RRT reaches its decisions is by consensus.
However, in instances where a decision is reached by means of a vote, the voting capacity of each
Federal member agency and other RRT member organizations is limited to one vote per member
agency or organization.
The NCP states that regional planning and coordination of preparedness and response actions shall
be accomplished through the RRT. Further, Subpart J (40 CFR §300.900; Use of Dispersants and
Other Chemicals) outlines specific roles and responsibilities of the RRT and Area Committee, or
certain RRT representatives, with respect to the use of particular response technologies. Section
300.910 states that RRTs and Area Committees shall address, through the planning process, the
appropriate use of dispersants, surface washing agents, surface collecting agents, bioremediation
agents, or other miscellaneous oil spill control agents listed on the NCP Product Schedule and the
appropriate use of burning agents. The NCP allows RRTs and Area Committees to develop
preauthorization or expedited approval plans for the use of the substances listed above. The NCP
also states that the EPA RRT representative, the affected state(s), the Department of the Interior
(DOI), and the Department of Commerce (DOC) must approve all preauthorization plans. For
situations not addressed by preauthorization plans, the EPA RRT representative may authorize the
use of products listed on the NCP Product Schedule or burning agents. As appropriate, this
authorization should be given with the concurrence of the affected state(s) and in consultation with
DOI and DOC. It should be noted that an OSC may authorize the use of an NCP Product Schedule
substance without the concurrence of the EPA RRT representative when the use of the product is
necessary to prevent or substantially reduce a hazard to human life.
The NCP also outlines the concept of two components of the RRT: the standing RRT and an
incident-specific RRT. Additional information on the Region 4 RRT may be found in Annex N
of this Plan.
2.2.3.2 Federal Agency Responsibilities
During preparedness planning or in an actual response, these Federal agencies, consistent with
their legal authorities and capabilities, may be called upon to provide assistance in their respective
areas of expertise, as indicated in this section. Additionally, some of these agencies also have
duties relating to the restoration, rehabilitation, replacement, or acquisition of equivalent natural
resources injured or lost as a result of such discharge or release.
To be responsive to the requirements of this plan, all RRT member agencies should plan for
emergencies and develop procedures for addressing oil discharges and releases of hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants from vessels and facilities under their jurisdiction, custody,
or control. All Federal Region 4 RRT member agencies should be prepared to provide OSCs/RPMs
with assistance from their respective agencies commensurate with their responsibilities, resources,
and capabilities.
Responsibilities common to all RRT member agencies include:
• Providing representatives to the RRT and assisting the RRT in the formulation of the RCP
and providing assistance to designated OSCs in the development of ACPs and when
requested during Federal response operations;
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• Informing the RRT of changes in the availability of their response resources and;
• Reporting discharges and releases from facilities or vessels under their jurisdiction or
control.
Agency-Specific Responsibilities
Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The USDA has the capability to measure, evaluate and monitor situations where natural resources
have been impacted by fire, insects and disease, floods, hazardous substances and other
emergencies. The USDA is represented on RRT 4 by the United States Forest Service (USFS)
office in Atlanta. The USFS is responsible for protection and management of national forests and
grasslands. The USFS maintains specially trained incident management teams and also has the
capability to provide emergency communications systems, specialized aircraft, and human support
facilities for large groups of people. In addition, the USDA is among those agencies designated
by the NCP as a Federal Trustee for Natural Resources.
Other USDA agencies include:
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), through the Food Distribution Program, provides food as
emergency assistance to disaster victims. In appropriate emergency situations, FNS will authorize
State agencies to issue food stamps based on emergency procedure.
Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) tests meat and poultry products for the presence of
violative drugs, chemical residues, and other adulterants.
Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) in cooperation with the Forest
Service, Soil Conservation Service, and Army Corps of Engineers, is responsible for emergency
plans and preparedness programs for food processing, storage, and distribution through the
wholesale level.
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides expertise on plant and animal
diseases and health. APHIS also provides assistance with the disposal of damaged plants and
animal carcasses.
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) serves as a source of data on crops, livestock,
poultry, dairy products, and labor. State Statistical Offices collect and publish local information
on these topics.
Department of Commerce
The DOC, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides
support to the RRT and the OSC in areas of scientific support for response and contingency
planning in coastal and marine areas, including assessment of the hazards that may be involved,
predictions of movement and dispersion of oil and hazardous substances and cleanup and
mitigation methods. DOC, through NOAA, has three roles within Region 4:
1. Provides Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC), in accordance with the NCP;
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2. Federal Trustee for Natural Resources, in accordance with the NCP.
3. Member of the RRT. Can provide scientific expertise on living marine resources for which it
is responsible; provide current and predicted meteorological, hydrologic, ice, and oceanographic
conditions; provide charts and maps; and can provide communication services to the general
public, various levels of government, and the media via its weather wire and weather radio system.
Department of Defense
The DOD can take all actions necessary to respond to releases of hazardous substances where
either the release is on, or the sole source of the release is from, any facility or vessel under the
jurisdiction, custody or control of DOD. In these situations, DOD will provide the OSC. DOD
also serves as a Federal Trustee for Natural Resources on DOD property.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provides design services, performs
construction services, provides potable water when a source becomes contaminated, conducts
modeling activities, manages locks and dams and provides navigation controls for major
rivers. The USACE also has an Interagency Agreement with EPA to conduct community
evacuation services when necessary.
Department of Energy
The DOE provides the designated OSC/RPM for responses to releases on or from any facility or
vessel under its jurisdiction. DOE also provides radiological emergency planning expertise to the
RRT and radiological advice and/or response resources to assist the OSCs in the mitigation of
events involving radioactive materials. Under the Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
(FRERP), DOE also has the initial responsibility for coordinating offsite Federal radiological
monitoring and assessment assistance during the response to radiological emergencies. In
addition, DOE is among those agencies designated by the NCP as a Federal Trustee for Natural
Resources on DOE property.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
HHS is responsible for providing expertise and advice on public health and worker safety issues
associated with releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances; for providing all health
studies and surveys conducted under CERCLA; and for providing and maintaining information
concerning the health effects of toxic substances.
The principal HHS response comes from the HHS/Office of the Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response (ASPR). This response is coordinated through the ASPR Regional
Office. The primary response to a hazardous materials emergency comes from ATSDR and the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Both ATSDR and CDC maintain a 24 hour emergency
response capability. Both agencies provide technical assistance to the lead Federal agency and
State and local response agencies on human health threat assessment and analysis and exposure
prevention and mitigation. Such assistance is used for situations requiring evacuation of affected
areas, human exposure to hazardous materials and technical advice on mitigation and prevention.
CDC takes the lead in petroleum discharges regulated under the CWA and the OPA 90 while
ATSDR takes the lead for chemical releases under CERCLA.
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Department of the Interior
DOI may be contacted through the Regional Environmental Officer (REO), who is DOI’s
representative on the RRT. DOI will provide, through its REO, technical expertise to the On-scene
Coordinator (OSC) and the RRT with respect to land, fish, wildlife and other resources for which
it is responsible. The REO is the designated DOI member to the RRT and can provide information
concerning the lands and resources specifically under DOI jurisdiction, as well as offer technical
expertise related to geology, hydrology, minerals, fish and wildlife, cultural resources, and
recreation resources.
Under Executive Order 12580, DOI is among those agencies designated by the NCP as a federal
Trustee for Natural Resources. DOI has direct jurisdiction for the protection of resources on its
own lands, as well as trustee responsibilities for certain natural resources, regardless of
location. The DOI natural resource trusteeship that extends beyond DOI site boundaries includes
migratory birds, anadromous fish, and endangered or threatened species and their critical habitat.
Within the DOI, individual bureaus have specific responsibilities and capabilities which are listed
below.
Each bureau may be contacted through the DOI Regional Environmental Officer who is in the
Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance Regional Environmental Office in Atlanta,
Georgia. DOI bureaus and offices have relevant expertise as follows:
1. Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance represents the DOI on the RRT and is
responsible for coordinating RRT/DOI activities. The Office of Environmental Policy and
Compliance operates within the Office of the Secretary and is responsible for policy
development and coordination of the diverse interests of DOI. The Regional Environmental
Officer, in addition to being DOI's RRT representative, provides a number of services,
including the DOI position on chemical countermeasure and in-situ burn decisions, liaison
for technical assistance requests from the OSC, administrative details to secure response
cost reimbursement approval from the OSC, and initial coordination for Natural Resource
Damage Assessments.
2. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) manages, protects, and provides expertise on
migratory birds, federally-listed threatened and endangered species and their designated
critical habitats, certain anadromous fish, inland waters and wetlands, and certain federal
lands (National Wildlife Refuges, Waterfowl Production Areas, and National Fish
Hatcheries). The USFWS can provide responders with information concerning these
resources, as well as technical assistance concerning the effects of oil on these resources.
In addition, the USFWS will help coordinate wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts in
conjunction with the state natural resource trustee(s). USFWS is responsible for assessing
damages to natural resources as a result of discharges of oil or releases of hazardous
substances into the environment, and issues federal Migratory Bird Permits to qualified
individuals and/or organizations that may be available to conduct wildlife rehabilitation
operations related to oil spill incidents.
3. U.S. Geological Survey provides advice and information concerning geohydrologic,
geologic/seismic, and geochemical data; ground and surface water data; biological
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resources; and maps. The U.S. Geological Survey maintains stream flow gauges
throughout Region 4 and can provide historical stream flow information, assist with
predicting the time/travel/trajectory of spills, and collect and analyze surface and
groundwater samples.
4. Bureau of Land Management has jurisdiction over public lands and expertise in minerals,
soils, vegetation, archeology, and wildlife habitat.
5. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) enforces offshore (Outer
Continental Shelf) energy and other resource safety and environmental regulations.
Functions include: All field operations including Permitting and Research, Inspections,
Offshore Regulatory Programs, Oil Spill Response, and Training and Environmental
Compliance functions. BSSE also conducts oil spill response technology research and
establishes oil discharge contingency planning requirements for off-shore facilities.
6. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). BOEM is responsible for managing
development of the nation’s offshore resources in an environmentally and economically
responsible way. Functions include: Leasing, Plan Administration, Environmental Studies,
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Analysis, Resource Evaluation, Economic
Analysis and the Renewable Energy Program.
7. Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement has expertise in coal mining, coal
mine wastes, acid mine drainage and land reclamation.
8. National Park Service (NPS) provides general biological, natural, and cultural resource
managers to evaluate, measure, monitor, and contain threats to park system lands and to
resources including national parks, lake shores, monuments, national historic sites, rivers,
and recreation areas. The NPS also provides expertise on historic, archeological,
architectural, and recreational resources and sites on the National Register of Historic
Places. A Programmatic Agreement between the National Park Service, several historic
preservation organizations and several response agencies guides Region 4 policy regarding
protection of historic properties.
9. Bureau of Reclamation has expertise regarding engineering, hydrology, and reservoirs, and
has jurisdiction over certain federal water projects including dams, reservoirs and irrigation
projects.
10. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is responsible for protecting tribal trust resources and
facilitating an active role in planning and response for tribal governments who wish to do
so. The Bureau of Indian Affairs coordinates activities affecting tribal lands and provides
assistance in identifying tribal government officials.
Department of Justice (DOJ)
The Department of Justice’s primary role is to serve as litigation counsel for the Federal
government and as legal counsel on enforcement and inter agency matters. As a consequence,
DOJ participation in RRT activities will ordinarily focus on litigation concerns of response
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activities and inter agency coordination. In this capacity, the role of the DOJ representative might
include: general legal advice; review and comment on regional planning and procedural
documents; and incident specific assistance, including assigning staff attorneys when the incident
may result in litigation or raise difficult issues of interagency coordination. DOJ, through the FBI,
also provides the lead agency for the crisis response to terrorist events.
The DOJ members of the RRT serve as representatives for their agency and not as legal counsel
to the RRT or its member agencies. Although the DOJ representative to the RRT is not a substitute
for a member agency's in house counsel, the DOJ representative will be able to offer the advice,
views, and expertise of the Department with respect to the RRT's long term planning and incident
specific functions.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE)
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is the Emergency Support Function
#13 lead coordinating agency for the Department of Justice. The role of ESF #13 is to provide
federal public safety and security assistance to federal, state, local, tribal or territorial organizations
overwhelmed by an actual or anticipated disaster, event or act of terrorism. Utilizing personnel
and resources from approximately eighty federal law enforcement department/agencies, ESF #13
will respond to any event resulting in a Major or Emergency Stafford Act Declaration. Absent a
Stafford Act Declaration, federal law enforcement agencies routinely respond to assist other
federal, state, local, tribal or territorial organizations utilizing their specific organic authority.
Please note that ESF #13 coordinates federal law enforcement within the framework of a FEMA
response to any incident. In the specific event of a terrorist attack, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation would serve as the lead federal law enforcement agency.
Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL, through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), conducts safety and
health inspections of hazardous waste sites to ensure employees are being protected and to
determine compliance with its regulations. Through OSHA, DOL will also provide the OSC/RPM
with advice, guidance, and assistance regarding hazards to persons involved in response activities
and in the precautions necessary to prevent harm to their health and safety.
Department of State (DOS)
The DOS leads in developing bilateral agreements with foreign governments and coordinates the
development of joint international contingency plans. It also provides assistance and facilitates
information sharing with foreign governments and international organizations for pollution
releases with cross border-impacts or involving foreign flagged vessels. DOS coordinates requests
for and offers of assistance from foreign governments and facilitates entry of response personnel
into and out of the United States.
Department of Transportation (DOT)
DOT provides expertise regarding the safe transportation of energy and other hazardous materials
by all modes of transportation. The DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration’s
(PHMSA’s) Office of Hazmat Safety offers expertise in the requirements for packaging, handling
and transporting hazardous materials by all transportation modes except pipelines.
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PHMSA’s Office of Pipeline Safety is responsible for the safe operation of the nation’s gas and
hazardous liquid pipelines. Operators of hazardous liquid pipelines are required to have approved
facility response plans that must be individually tailored to the geographic location of the facility
and contain detailed procedures for responding, to the maximum extent practicable, to a worst case
discharge and to a substantial threat of such a discharge.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA provides guidance, policy and program advice and technical assistance in hazardous
materials, chemical and radiological emergency preparedness activities. FEMA monitors and
provides technical assistance regarding public sector emergency response planning, training and
exercising for incidents involving hazardous materials. When the President declares a disaster or
emergency, FEMA coordinates Federal assistance, through the activation of the Federal Response
Plan. Coordination with the FCO in a situation where both the RCP and the Regional Response
Plan authorities are active takes place through the Emergency Support Function # 10 which is
included as an Appendix to this plan. During response to a terrorist event, FEMA coordinates
Federal response to the clean-up and aftermath.
General Services Administration (GSA)
The GSA, upon request, provides logistical and telecommunications support to Federal RRT
agencies. The support includes, but is not limited to, provision of space, transportation, supplies,
telecommunications, and procurement related services. GSA personnel may be located at the
scene of the oil or hazardous material release, or at their regular duty stations, depending on the
specific requirements of the OSC or the emergency situation.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) Responsibilities
The USNRC will respond, as appropriate, to releases of radioactive materials by its licensees to
monitor the licensee’s mitigation and recovery activities and assure that the public health and
environment are protected. The USNRC will also provide advice to the OSC and the RRT when
assistance is required in identifying the source and character of 2 released licensed materials where
the NRC has licensing authority for activities utilizing radioactive materials.
Section 274 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, provides a statutory basis under which
USNRC relinquishes to the States portions of its regulatory authority to license and regulate
byproduct materials (radioisotopes); source materials (uranium and thorium); and certain
quantities of special nuclear materials. Those states, known as Agreement States, then take on the
regulatory jurisdiction and responsibility for licensed materials within their borders. All of the
states located within the boundaries of EPA Region 4 are Agreement States. Within EPA Region
4, USNRC has regulatory oversight over commercial nuclear power plants, nuclear fuel facilities,
and Federal facilities using licensed materials.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
The EPA provides the Co-Chair of the Region 4 standing RRT and provides OSCs for the inland
zone. EPA is responsible for providing expertise regarding environmental effects of pollution
releases and environmental pollution control techniques. EPA’s Environmental Response Team
(ERT) will also advise the RRT and the OSC of the degree of hazard a particular release poses to
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
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the public health and safety, coordinate damage assessment and will generally provide the
Scientific Support Coordinator for the inland zone.
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
The Coast Guard is the principal Federal agency responsible for maritime safety, security, and
environmental stewardship in U.S. ports and waterways. The USCG provides the Co-Chair for
the standing RRT and predesignated OSCs for the coastal zone. The USCG also supplies expertise
in the domestic/international fields of port safety and security, marine law enforcement, aids to
navigation, and operation and safety of vessels and marine facilities. The USCG maintains
continuously manned facilities that are capable of command, control, and surveillance for oil or
hazardous substances releases occurring in the coastal zone and on the major inland rivers of the
region and may provide these services to the OSC. The USCG also provides response support
through the Strike Teams and the National Strike Force Coordination Center (NSFCC).
2.2.2.4 First Federal Official
The first Federal official affiliated with an RRT agency to arrive at the scene of a discharge or
release, provided they have the proper training, should coordinate activities under the NCP and
this Plan, until the predesignated OSC is available. That Federal official shall consult directly with
the predesignated OSC regarding any necessary initial actions. Fund-financed operations must be
authorized by the OSC prior to implementation.
2.2.4 Multi-Regional Response
If a discharge or release moves from the area covered by one RCP or ACP into another area, the
authority for response actions should likewise shift. If a discharge or release affects areas covered
by two or more RCPs or ACPs, the response mechanisms of each applicable plan may be activated.
In this case, response actions of all areas concerned shall be fully coordinated as detailed in the
RCPs and ACPs.
There shall be only one OSC at any time during the course of a specific response operation. Should
a discharge or release affect two or more areas, EPA, USCG, DOD, DOE, or other lead agency, as
appropriate, shall give prime consideration to the area vulnerable to the greatest threat in
determining which agency should provide the OSC and/or RPM. The RRT shall designate the
OSC if the RRT member agencies who have response authority within the affected area are unable
to agree on the designation. The NRT shall designate the OSC if members of one RRT or two
adjacent RRTs are unable to agree on the designation.
Where the USCG has initially provided the OSC for response to a release from hazardous waste
management facilities located in the coastal zone, responsibility for response action shall shift to
EPA or another Federal agency, as appropriate. The OSC shall be provided by the EPA Region
within which the release occurs, or according to pre-established protocols.
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• Interregional organizations:
Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) is an interstate water pollution
control agency established in 1948, with membership consisting of representatives from the eight
States in the Ohio River Valley (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and West Virginia), and a representative from EPA Regions 4 and 5. The Commission
is responsible for operating several programs:
• water quality monitoring of the Ohio River and its major tributaries
• regulation of wastewater discharge to the Ohio River
• investigation of particular water pollution problems
In addition, ORSANCO assists State environmental agencies, EPA, and USCG in emergency spill
response and notification. ORSANCO maintains a spill notification database on the Ohio River
and its tributaries. Specifically, in the event of a spill on the Ohio River or a major tributary,
ORSANCO’s role is to serve as an interstate communications center, assisting in emergency
notification procedures and to coordinate emergency stream monitoring.
2.3 State/Commonwealth and Tribal Responsibilities
2.3.1 State/Commonwealth Response
The Governor of each State in Region 4 is requested to designate a lead agency that will direct
State-led response operations. This agency is responsible for leading State response actions and
coordinating/communicating with any other State agencies as appropriate (NCP 300.180). Each
Governor will also designate a representative for the State on the RRT4. Each State representative
may participate fully in all activities of the RRT4. Ordinarily, State and local public safety
organizations are the first government representatives at the scene of a discharge or release. As
first responders they are expected to initiate public safety measures, consistent with containment
and cleanup requirements as stated in the NCP, that protect the public health and welfare. They
are also responsible for directing evacuations pursuant to existing State or local procedures. The
State RRT4 representatives are expected to coordinate with the State Emergency Response
Commission (SERC) or State Emergency Response Board (SERB) in their States in order to
communicate and coordinate preparedness and pre-response planning activities between the State
and the RRT4. State and local government agencies are encouraged to coordinate with:
• State contingency planning efforts for response to oil and hazardous material events
• this Area Contingency Plan
• requirements of SARA Title III
Contact names and phone numbers for State organizations are maintained in the EPA Region 4
Regional Response Center and Annex M of this plan.
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Section 311(j)(4) of the FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT, AS AMENDED BY
THE CLEAN WATER ACT OF 1977 calls for inclusion of local, Tribal, and State representatives
on the Area Committee. In EPA Region 4, this has been partially accomplished through the
designation of the RRT4 as the Area Committee.
Each State in Region 4 has a State disaster plan and laws that specify that State’s authority and
organization for a technical response to environmental emergencies. All States can provide
technical expertise to assess environmental and public health threats and damage, as well as to
advise local responders. In specific circumstances, States may provide additional response
capabilities in the form of contractors and funding.
The following are summaries of emergency preparedness measures for lead agencies in each of the
States in Region 4.
2.3.1.1 Alabama
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Responsibilities
In the State of Alabama, The Alabama Emergency Management Agency will be responsible for
coordinating/communications in a large scale response. The Alabama Department of
Environmental Management will be responsible for providing the State RRT4 Representative and
State On-Scene Coordinator for ESF #10 responses.
Specific Resources/Expertise that can be provided by the state agency
• Emergency response personnel
• Petroleum and Hazardous Materials Response Oversight
For large spills, or where the spiller fails to respond adequately, ADEM staff responds onsite to
assist in the response effort, assuming the role of State OSC if necessary.
During a response, staff of the Field Operations of ADEM assume the role of technical advisors
and provide on-scene assistance to the responsible party, and to individuals or agencies involved
in the response.
Emergency Support Function Agencies
The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC), a component of the Alabama Emergency
Management Agency (AEMA), develops and issues operations orders to activate individual
Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) based on the scope and magnitude of the threat or incident.
ESF primary agencies are notified of the operations orders and time to report to the SEOC by the
Alabama Emergency Management Agency Operations Center. ESF primary agencies notify and
activate support agencies as required for the threat or incident, to include support to specialized
teams. Each ESF is required to develop standard operating guidelines (SOGs), notification
protocols, and to maintain current rosters and contact information.
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ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Alabama Emergency Management Agency,
Department of Transportation
Transportation
2
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
Communications & Alerting
3
Alabama Department of Transportation
Public Works & Engineering
4
Forestry Commission
Fire Fighting
5
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
Emergency Management
6
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing & Human Services
7
Alabama Emergency Response Agency
Logistics Management and Resource
Support Management
8
Department of Public Health
Health and Medical Services
9
Alabama Emergency Response Agency
Search and Rescue
10
Department of Environmental Management
Oil and Hazardous Materials Response
11
Department of Agriculture and Industries,
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources
Agriculture & Natural Resources
12
Alabama Department of Economic and
Community Affairs/ Energy Division
Energy
13
Department of Public Safety
Public Safety & Security
14
Alabama Governor’s Office
Long-Term Community Recovery
15
Alabama Emergency Management Agency
External Affairs
2.3.1.2 Georgia
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division provides the
designated member of the RRT4 for Georgia and is the lead agency for the State in addressing
spills, providing a 24-hour response capability.
Specific Resources/Expertise that can be provided by the state agency
• Emergency response personnel
• Chemical identification capacities
• Limited water, soil, air sampling and lab analysis capabilities
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For large spills, or where the spiller fails to respond adequately, the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources Environmental Protection Division staff responds onsite to coordinate the response
effort to minimize impacts to the natural resources of the State, assuming the role of State OSC if
necessary.
During a response, staff of the Emergency Response Program of the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources Environmental Protection Division assumes the role of technical advisors and
provides on-scene assistance to the responsible party, various agencies, entities, and to individuals
involved in the response.
Emergency Support Function Agencies
The Coordinating Agency is responsible for coordinating the actions of agencies, groups,
organizations, and or NGOs or FBOs within their ESF and between other ESFs. The Coordinating
Agency is responsible for coordinating the ESF and required to provide a person or persons with
a good general knowledge of the subject area and knowledge of the stakeholders in their ESF to
the State Operations Center (SOC).
The primary and support agencies/organizations form the ESF Working Group. This group plans,
organizes, and responds to events working cooperatively to maximize their effectiveness. The
Coordinator is the unifying point of contact between the working group members.
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Georgia Department of Transportation
Transportation
2
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/
Homeland Security
Communications
3
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Public Works and Engineering
4
Georgia Forestry Commission
Firefighting
5
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/
Homeland Security
Emergency Management
6
Georgia Department of Human Services
Mass Care and Human Services
7
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/
Homeland Security
Logistics Management and Resource
Support
8
Georgia Department of Public Health
Public Health and Medical Services
9
Georgia Emergency Management Agency/
Homeland Security
Search and Rescue
10
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Hazardous Materials Response
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
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11
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Agriculture and Natural Resources
12
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
Energy
13
Georgia Department of Public Safety
Public Safety and Security
14
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
Long Term Recovery and Mitigation
15
Georgia Emergency Management Agency
External Affairs
2.3.1.3 Florida
Florida Division of Emergency Management Responsibilities
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is the primary responder to an emergency
spill, and delegates initial, on-scene response action to the State Environmental Response Team
(SERT). The SERT serves as the primary operational mechanism through which state assistance
to local governments is managed. The SERT conducts incident action planning, with meetings to
determine tactical operations and the availability of resources. The SERT also establishes
objectives, assigns missions to be completed by ESFs, and establishes unified operations, planning,
logistics, and finance and administration sections. ESFs implement their specific emergency
operations plans to activate resources and organize their response actions.
The FDEM coordinates local, state, and federal emergency management activities and takes all
other steps, including the mobilization of emergency management assets and organizations in
advance of an emergency to ensure the availability of adequately trained and equipped emergency
management personnel before, during, and after emergencies and disasters under the authority of
the State Coordinating Officer, appointed by the Governor.
The Incident Resource Management System (IRMS) is a fully NIMS compliant software system.
This system lists all state joint force resources under one of several nationally accepted resource
types: personnel, crews, equipment, heavy equipment, commodities, vehicles, aircraft and
facilities to include State Logistics Staging Areas (I – III), Base Camps (I – V), County Points of
Distribution (PODs), and County Staging Areas (CSAs). All state and agency term contracts are
in place for every possible resource type and are all included in the IRMS typed either under NIMS,
the National Emergency Resource Registry (NERR), or Florida typed asset, system or package.
Emergency Support Function Agencies
The SERT is grouped into 18 ESFs that carry out coordination and completion of response and
recovery activities in the SEOC during an emergency or disaster. ESFs are activated by the SERT
under the authority of the SCO.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
29
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Department of Transportation
Transportation
2
Department of Management
Services, Division of
Telecommunications
Communications
3
Department of Transportation
Public Works & Engineering
4
Department of Financial Services,
Division of State Fire Marshal
Firefighting
5
Division of Emergency Management
Information & Planning
6
Department of Business and
Professional
Regulations and
Department of Children and Families
Mass Care
7
Department of Management
Services, Division of Purchasing
Resource Management
8
Department of Health
Health and Medical
9
Department of Financial Services,
Division of State Fire Marshal
Search & Rescue
10
Department of Environmental
Protection
Environmental Protection
11
Department of Agriculture &
Consumer Services
Food & Water
12
Public Service Commission and
Division of Emergency Management
Energy
13
Department of Military Affairs,
Florida National Guard
Military Support
14
Executive Office of the Governor,
Office of Communications
External Affairs – Public Information
15
Governor’s Commission on
Volunteerism and Community
Service (Volunteer Florida)
Volunteers & Donations
16
Department of Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Security
17
Department of Agriculture &
Consumer Services
Animal and Agricultural Issues
18
Department of Economic
Opportunity
Business, Industry, and Economic
Stabilization
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
30
2.3.1.4 Kentucky
Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection Responsibilities
Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection (KDEP), Environmental Response Branch
provides the designated member of the RRT4 for Kentucky and is the lead agency for the State in
addressing spills, providing a 24-hour response capability. For large spills, or where the spiller
fails to respond adequately, KDEP/Environmental Response Branch staff responds onsite to assist
in the response effort, assuming the role of State OSC if necessary. During a response, staff of the
Environmental Response Branch of Department of Environmental Protection assume the role of
technical advisors and provide on-scene assistance to the responsible party, and to individuals or
agencies involved in the response.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management also plays a key role in the coordination of
response operations and resources, and is responsible for the following:
• Coordinate, as necessary, planning and response operations with adjoining States’ EM
branch
• Develop, maintain, and operate the Commonwealth’s 24-hour National Warning System
and Warning Point for all federal programs required to report incidents to the National
Operations Center in Washington, DC
• Serve as the primary Commonwealth agency responsible for the dissemination of
information during disasters and emergencies that informs the populace of the developing
situation, provides instructions for protection, controls rumors and speculations, and
releases information needed for the safety and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth
• Provide coordination of regional or statewide resources and services as needed
• Coordinate and operate an emergency operations reporting system, designed to provide for
the maximum sharing of essential information by all emergency services at all levels,
laterally and between jurisdictions, through the CEOC as needed during natural, man-
made, and technological situations and during all operational periods
The Environmental Response Branch of the KDEP is able to provide the following technical
assistance and resources for a response:
• There are 34 Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Response Team On-
Scene Coordinators
• GC Mass Spectrometer, Area Rae’s, Single Point Monitors, Particulate Monitors, Lumex
Mercury Vapor Analyzers, multi gas meters, multi parameter YSI water meter.
• All-terrain vehicle, Satellite communication, Satellite internet capabilities, 21 foot boat
with motor, 2-way radios, mobile command post.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
31
Emergency Support Function Agencies
Commonwealth agencies [per KRS 39A] are required to, at a minimum:
• Develop, administer, and maintain a statewide comprehensive emergency management
program
• Develop an integrated emergency management system for the disaster and emergency
response of the Commonwealth
• Coordinate with federal emergency management and other related public safety,
emergency response, mitigation, and disaster recovery programs
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Transportation
2
Kentucky National Guard J6;
Commonwealth S
ystem and
Communications Group
Communications & Alerting
3
The Kentucky Finance and
Administration Cabinet
Public Works & Engineering
4
Kentucky Fire Commission
Fire Fighting
5
Kentucky Emergency Management
Emergency Management
6
American Red Cross
Mass Care, Emergency Assistance,
Housing & Human Services
7
Kentucky Emergency Management;
Commonwealth Resource Management
Group
Resource Support
8
Department of Public Health
Health and Medical Services
9
Kentucky Emergency Management; Search
and Rescue Task Force
Search and Rescue
10
Energy and Environment Cabinet
Hazardous Materials
11
Kentucky Department of Agriculture;
Kentucky Department for Natural
Resources
Agriculture & Natural Resources
12
Energy and Environment Cabinet
Energy
13
KY State Police
Public Safety & Security
14
Department for Local Government
Community Recovery and
Mitigation
15
Kentucky Emergency Management;
Commonwealth Joint Information Center
Public Information
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
32
2.3.1.5 Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Responsibilities
For emergency release notification, contact Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's 24-hour
State Warning Point at 800-222-6362.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is the lead agency for the state in addressing
spills and provides the designated member of the RRT4 for Mississippi. They are responsible for
coordinating with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, who provides 24-hour
response capability and will generally be the first responder. The Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality must provide technical assistance to the responsible party and the
responding personnel and ensure compliance with Mississippi spill regulations and other pertinent
State and Federal rules and regulations.
Specific Resources/Expertise that can be provided by the state agency
• Emergency response personnel
• Chemical identification capacities
For large spills, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is responsible for
providing support within the exclusion area and assumes the role of State OSC when appropriate.
However, if a structure (e.g., ICS) that exists within a local or county jurisdiction provides an OSC
and that OSC is being utilized, ERS staff will provide assistance to that OSC.
During a response, the staff from the Office of Pollution Control will provide technical assistance
to all involved parties, identify and generate a specific response plan for environmentally sensitive
areas, coordinate contractor support, and ensure all plans for cleanup are executed effectively. The
office of Pollution Control may then conduct a follow-up investigation to ensure that material has
been disposed of properly and the cleanup is acceptable. The SEOC will be the central point of
coordination for other state agencies tasked to handle an incident, which are listed below.
The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) coordinates all emergency support
functions outside of the exclusion area, including security of the area, monitoring, shelter measures,
coordination of evacuation efforts, public information, warning statements, and logistic
requirements for the on-scene coordinator (OSC).
Emergency Support Function Agencies
State agencies can also provide useful support for more specific aspects of a response, and the State
Emergency Operations Center is designated as the central point of coordination among the various
state agencies and MDEQ.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
33
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Mississippi Department of
Transportation
Transportation Response
2
Mississippi Department Information
Technology Services, Mississippi
Department of Public Safety
Communications
3
Mississippi Military Department-
Office of
the Adjutant General,
Mississippi Military Department-
Construction and Facilities
Management Office
Public Works & Engineering
4
Mississippi Fire Marshall’s Office
Firefighting
5
Mississippi Emergency Management
Agency
Emergency Management
6
Mississippi Department of Education,
Mississippi Department of Human
Services, Mississippi Department of
Medicaid, Mississippi Emergency
Management Agency
Mass Care, Housing and Human Services
7
Mississippi Department Finance and
Administration, Mississippi Emergency
Management Agency
Logistics and Resources Support
8
Mississippi Department of Health,
Mississippi Office of Homeland
Security, University of Mississippi
Medical Center and/or State Hospitals
Public Health and Medical Services
9
Mississippi Military Department,
Mississippi State Fire Academy
Search & Rescue
10
Mississippi Department of Health
Oil and Hazardous Material Response
12
Mississippi Public Service
Commission/Public Utilities Staff
Energy
13
Mississippi Department of Health,
Mississippi Military Department
Public Safety and Security
14
Office of the Governor
Long-Term Community Recovery
15
Office of the Governor
External Affairs
16
Mississippi Military Department
/National Guard
Military Support to Civil Authorities
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
34
2.3.1.6 North Carolina
North Carolina Division of Emergency Management Responsibilities
The North Carolina Division of Emergency Management provide the designated members of the
RRT4 for North Carolina and is the lead agency for the State in addressing spills, providing a 24-
hour response capability. The State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is the primary location
from which State operations will be conducted under the direction and control of the SERT leader,
normally the Director of the Division of Emergency Management.
State agencies have emergency resources and expertise beyond the capabilities of local
government. These can be used to relieve emergency or disaster related problems. State and
Federal Core Capabilities are grouped into five mission areas, which include prevention,
protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Core Capabilities provide the structure for
preparedness and enhance the SERT’s ability to manage incidents of any type successfully. Each
capability requires five functions, including planning, organization, equipment, training, and
exercises.
When the State EOC is activated, the Division of Emergency Management becomes the office of
primary responsibility for the SERT. The Director of Emergency Management will normally serve
as SERT Leader. Federal assistance will be provided to the State through a Unified Coordination
Group assigned to a Joint Field Office (JFO). The Secretary of Homeland Security may appoint
an FCO. According to the National Response Framework, the Federal government will provide
assistance using ESFs. These ESFs will establish direct liaison with NC SERT agencies in the
State EOC. Federal agency resources and expertise can be mobilized to augment Local and State
efforts in relieving emergency or disaster related problems that are beyond the capabilities of both
State and Local governments.
Emergency Support Function Agencies
Each ESF is headed by a primary agency, which has been selected based on its authorities,
resources, and capabilities in the particular functional area. Other agencies have been designated
as support agencies for one or more ESFs based on their resources and capabilities to support the
functional area. The ESFs serve as the primary mechanism through which Federal response
assistance will be provided to assist the State in meeting response requirements in an affected area.
Federal assistance will be provided under the overall direction of the FCO. Federal assistance is to
supplement State and Local government response efforts. ESFs will coordinate with the FCO and
the affected State to identify specific response requirements, and will provide Federal response
assistance based on State identified priorities.
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Transportation, Air Operations/ State and
Regional Disaster Airlift
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
35
2
North Carolina Information Technology
Services
Communications
3
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management, Geospatial and Technology
Management Section
Damage Assessment/ Public Works and
Engineering
4
Department of Insurance, Office of State
Fire Marshal, or Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services, North Carolina
Forest Service
Firefighting
5a
Department of Labor, Occupational Safety
and Health Division
Worker Safety and Health Support
5b
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Situation and Documentation
5c
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Weather Support
5d
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Reconnaissance
5f
North Carolina Emergency Management
Geospatial & Technology
Management Section
SERT Geospatial & Technology
Management Section
6
Department of Health and Human Services,
Division of Social Services
Mass Care and Human Services
7a
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Resource Support
7b
Office of the Governor- North Carolina
Commission on Volunteerism and
Community Service
Volunteer and Donations Management
7c
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina National Guard
Military Support
8a
Department of Health and Human Services,
Division of Health Service Regulation,
Office of Emergency Medical Services
Disaster Medical Services
8b
Department of Health and Human Services,
Division of Public Health
Public Health
9
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Search and Rescue
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
36
10
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, Divisions of Air Quality and
Water Quality
Hazardous Materials
11
Department of Agriculture and Human
Services
Animal Protection
12
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Energy
13
Department of Public Safety, State
Highway Patrol
Law Enforcement
14
North Carolina Division of Emergency
Management
Community Recovery and Mitigation
15
Department of Public Safety, North
Carolina Division of Emergency
Management (Public Information)
Public Information
2.3.1.7 South Carolina
South Carolina Emergency Management Division Responsibilities
The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) provide the designated members
of the RRT4 for South Carolina and is the lead agency for the State in addressing spills, providing
a 24-hour response capability.
The Director of the SCEMD will coordinate all State agencies and departments mobilized pursuant
to this plan. In the event of an emergency situation beyond local or County government’s control
capabilities, and to assure efficient response and use of resources, the SCEMD Director, under a
State of Emergency declared by the Governor and at the direction of the Governor, may assume
direct operational control over all or any necessary part of the emergency operations functions
within the State. If the incident affects a wide geographic area, or if agencies with distinctly
different capabilities need to perform several functions, a transition may occur from an Incident
Command to a Unified Command.
Emergency Support Function Agencies
A State agency within each ESF has primary responsibility for the coordination and
implementation of the ESF. By Executive Order, the designated primary agency will coordinate
the development and preparation of SOPs, and support agencies and volunteer organizations are
incorporated into plans and annexes. Additional State agencies may be required to support each
State ESF.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
37
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
South Carolina Department of
Transportation
Transportation
2
South Carolina Department of
Administration, Division of Technology
Operations
Communications
3
State Fiscal Accountability Authority,
Division of Procurement Services
Public Works and Engineering
4
Wildland Fires- South Carolina Forestry
Commission
Structural Fires-
South Carolina
Department of Labor, Licensing, and
Regulation; Division of Fire and Life Safety
Firefighting
6
South Carolina Department of Social
Services
Mass Care
7
South Carolina Emergency Management
Division
Finance and Administration
8
South Carolina Emergency Management
Division
Health and Medical Services
9
South Carolina Department of Labor,
Licensing, and Regulation; Division of Fire
and Life Safety
Search and Rescue
10
South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control
Hazardous Materials
11
South Carolina Department of Social
Services
Food Services
12
South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff
Energy
13
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division
Law Enforcement
14
South Carolina Emergency Management
Division
Initial Recovery and Mitigation
15
South Carolina Emergency Management
Division
Public Information
16
South Carolina Department of Public Safety
Emergency Traffic Management
17
Clemson University Livestock- Poultry
Health
Animal/ Agriculture Emergency
Response
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
38
2.3.1.8 Tennessee
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and Tennessee Emergency
Management Agency Responsibilities
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) along with the Tennessee
Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) provide the designated members of the RRT4 for
Tennessee and are the lead agencies for the State in addressing spills, providing a 24-hour response
capability.
Specific Resources/Expertise that can be provided by the state agency
Tennessee Department of Environmental & Conservation
• Emergency support personnel
TN Emergency Management Agency
• Emergency response personnel
• Chemical identification capacities
• State & Local Resource Coordination
• S.E.R.C. POC
For large spills, or where the spiller fails to respond adequately, TDEC staff responds onsite to
assist in the response effort, assuming the role of State OSC, if necessary.
During a response, staff of TDEC and TEMA assume the role of technical advisors and on site
liaison’s to provide on-scene assistance to the responsible party, and to individuals or agencies
involved in the response. (TCA 58-2-101-125)
Emergency Support Function Agencies
TEMA will establish the SEOC, SECO Mission Coordinator Center (MCC), and Regional
Coordination Center (RCC) operation as required and coordinate all phases of state and local
emergency management. Essential emergency management planning and threat identification will
be coordinated and performed by TEMA. Further TEMA responsibilities shall be to assist local
jurisdictions in the coordination of shelter/evacuation/displacement operations, the development
of overall emergency management preparedness training objectives to meet national standards,
and the provision of assistance and/or guidance to affected local governments in a disaster
response. TEMA shall provide timely warning to appropriate government officials of information
pertaining to threats against the state of Tennessee and maintain a liaison with federal agencies.
ESF #
Primary State Agency
Emergency Support Function
1
Department of Transportation
Transportation
2
Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency
Communications
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
39
3
Department of Commerce and Insurance-
Code Enforcement
Infrastructure
4
Department of Commerce and Insurance-
State Fire Marshal
Firefighting
5
Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency
Planning and Information
6
Tennessee Department of Human
Resources
Mass Care
7
Department of General Services
Resource and Logistics Support
8
Department of Health
Public Health and Medical
9
Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency
Search and Rescue
10
Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency
Environmental Response
11
Department of Agriculture
Food
12
Department of Environment and
Conservation- Office of Energy Programs
Energy
13
Department of Safety and Homeland
Security
Law Enforcement
14
Volunteer Tennessee
Donations and Volunteers
15
Tennessee Emergency Management
Agency
Recovery
16
Department of Agriculture
Animal Care and Housing
2.3.2 Tribal Response
The initial focus of tribal responders during an incident may be similar to that of local responders:
directed toward abating immediate public safety threats. The degree of tribal response will depend
upon the training and capabilities of tribal responders relative to the needs of the specific
emergency. In some cases, this may be using hazard awareness training knowledge to identify the
nature and scope of the hazard. This information is then passed on to other responders who are
activated to address the situation with specific expertise and/or capabilities. Tribal agencies may
take mitigating actions of a defensive nature to contain the incident and protect the public.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
40
There are currently 6 federally-recognized tribal governments in Region 4. As set forth in the 1984
EPA Indian Policy, "EPA recognizes tribal governments as sovereign entities with primary
authority and responsibility for the reservation." The Indian Policy also states that EPA "will view
tribal governments as the appropriate non-federal parties for making decisions and carrying out
program responsibilities affecting Indian reservations, their environments, and the health and
welfare of the reservation populace." EPA works with each tribe on a one-to-one or "government-
to-government" basis. Visit EPA.gov to see a list of tribes and links to further information: Region
4 Federally Recognized Tribes
A major role of tribal government agencies during emergency incidents on a reservation is
providing security for on-scene forces and equipment. For large incidents, help may be requested
through Federal or State emergency management agencies. This includes establishing local liaison
with reservation hospital, emergency services, and police personnel, as well as restricting entrance
to hazardous areas to only essential personnel.
Response capabilities of Tribes in Region 4 vary. Some tribes may be able to provide technical
expertise to assess environmental and public health threats and damage, as well as to advise local
responders. Summaries of emergency preparedness capabilities for individual Tribes in Region 4
are included in sections following as information becomes available. Omission of a tribe here
should not be taken as an indication of lack of response capability or readiness. Contact names for
individual tribes are included in Annex M of this plan.
Tribes are natural resource trustees for resources on tribal reservations and resources protected by
treaties (including ceded territories). Tribes designate contacts for notification purposes. Federal
OSCs should note these may be different individuals than those shown as the contact for spill
notification for other than natural resource impacts.
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) are available to advise responders when response
actions may impact tribal historical or cultural resources. If impacts on such resources are identified,
the response should be adjusted to protect those resources where feasible and if time is available.
Responses by Federal OSCs to environmental emergencies within a reservation are conducted in
consultation with the Tribe. Notification of tribal natural resource trustees about a spill or
notification of THPOs about a proposed response action does not meet obligations to consult with
the Tribe. Consultation is defined by EPA or USCG policy, and responders and decision-makers
from each agency will adhere to their agency’s policy.
The Chair of each Tribe in Region 4 should designate a lead staff person to direct Tribal response
operations. [This tribal lead is responsible for coordinating and communicating with other Tribal
agencies, as appropriate (NCP 300.180).] Tribes may form a Tribal Emergency Response
Commission (TERC) or the Tribal Chair may serve as a one-person TERC under SARA Title III.
Individual Tribes also may choose to coordinate with a SERC (or SERB) and/or with Local
Emergency Planning Councils (LEPCs). Each Tribal Chair may also designate a representative for
the Tribe on the RRT4. Each Tribal representative may participate fully in all activities of the RRT4.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
41
2.3.2.1 Individual Tribe
Resource Summary
Name
State
ER
plan?
Hazmat/
First
Responders
on Staff
(number)
ICS
trained
(number)
Full time
first
responder
(number)
MOU/MOA
with Local
ER?
If yes, provide
name
Poarch Band
of Creek
Indians
AL
YES
23
23
23
NO
--
Miccosukee
FL
NO
0
0
0
YES
Miami-Dade
Co.
Seminole
FL
YES
266
0
266
NO
--
MS Band of
Choctaw
Indians
MS
YES
24/38
38
38
YES
State Mutual
Aid Compact
Eastern Band
of Cherokee
Indians
NC
YES
72
60
74
YES
North Carolina
Emergency
Management
Catawba
Indian Nation
SC
YES
0
15
15-20
NO
--
2.3.2.1 Poarch Band of Creek Indians
http://pci-nsn.gov
***Emergency plan under development***
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates as a sovereign nation within the Poarch, Alabama
reservation under its own government and bylaws. The tribe employs 23 full time first responders
who are trained in the 40-hour HazMat training certification course and Incident Command System
trained.
2.3.2.2 Miccosukee Tribe
www.miccosukee.com
The Miccosukee Tribe maintains a MOU with Miami-Dade County in the event of an emergency
and does not employ any first responders.
The Miccosukee Tribe has four reservation areas in south Florida Tamiami Trail, Alligator Alley
and two at Krome Avenue and U.S. 41.
• The Tamiami Trail Reservation Area, which consists of four parcels of land, is located
forty miles west of Miami and is presently the site of most Tribal operations. The Tamiami
Trail Reservation is also the center of the Miccosukee Indian population. The first parcel
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
42
is 33.3 acres (5 miles long, 500 feet deep) and is under a 50-year use permit from the
National Park Service, which expires on January 24, 2014. The other three parcels of land,
which are roughly 600′ x 65′ are on the north side of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41). These small
plots of land were originally dedicated to the Miccosukee Tribe by the State of Florida and
have since acquired federal reservation status. The Tribe also has a perpetual lease from
the State of Florida for 189,000 acres, which is part of the South Florida Water
Management District’s Water Conservation Area 3A south.
• Alligator Alley is the largest of the Tribe’s reservations, comprising 74,812.37 acres. It is
located west of Ft. Lauderdale, lying north and south of State Highway 84 (Alligator
Alley). This land consists of 20,000 acres with potential for development and 55,000 acres
of wetlands. This reservation houses a substation of the Miccosukee Police Department.
• There are two reservations located at the intersection of Krome Avenue and Tamiami Trail.
The first reservation area is comprised of 25 acres located on the northwest corner of the
intersection and is the site of the 56,000 square foot, state-of-the-art Miccosukee Indian
Gaming Facility and Miccosukee Resort & Gaming. The second reservation area is .92
acres located on the southwest corner of the intersection and is the site of the Miccosukee
Tobacco Shop.
2.3.2.3 Seminole Tribe
http://em.semtribe.com/
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Indian Tribe organized pursuant to Section
16 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, as amended, 25 U.S.C. §476. There are five (5)
Seminole Indian Reservations in the State of Florida: Big Cypress, Brighton, Hollywood,
Immokalee, and Tampa, as well as tribal trust land in Fort Pierce. Tribal Headquarters are located
on the Hollywood Reservation in an urban environment in the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood,
Florida area. Satellite offices are located on each of the other reservations or trust land. The Tribe
also maintains off-reservation offices in Naples, Fort Pierce, Hollywood and Miami.
The Seminole Tribe employs approximately 266 first responders who are trained in the 40-hour
HazMat training certification course.
2.3.2.4 Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
www.choctaw.org
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has eight reservation areas in central Mississippi,
comprising of approximately 35,000 acres of land and approximately 10,000 residents. The Pearl
River Community, located in Neshoba County, is the largest of the reservation areas, and the
government headquarters for the tribe. The tribe maintains a State Mutual Aid Compact with the
state of Mississippi, and employs 38 first responders, 24 of which are trained in the 40-hour
HazMat training certification course.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
43
2.3.2.5 Catawba Indian Nation
www.catawbaindian.net
The Catawba Indian Nation is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in South Carolina and
has sovereignty over tribal reservation lands located in York County. The State of South Carolina
will consult and coordinate with the Catawba Indian Nation on a government-to-government basis
and provide opportunities for the Tribe to have meaningful input into actions and decisions that
may affect the Tribe or tribal resources. By agreement, the Catawba Indian Nation will coordinate
requests for emergency support, assistance or training, and assistance with emergency planning
through their resident county (York County).York County will ensure it coordinates its emergency
operations plans with the Catawba Indian Nation, and that the county emergency planning takes
into consideration any unique requirements of the Catawba Indian Nation.
The Catawba Indian Nation reserves the right to coordinate and communicate with and/or request
assistance directly from the State or Federal emergency management organizations and
governments when it is to the advantage of the Catawba Indian Nation.
The Catawba Indian Nation employs 15 full time first responders who are Incident Command
System trained.
2.3.2.6 Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
http://ebci.com/
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), is the only federally recognized Native American
tribe in North Carolina. The EBCI reservation, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in
1889 is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina. The
reservation’s most developed areas are in Swain and Jackson Counties and are comprised of two
large tracts known as the Qualla Boundary and the 3200 Acre Tract. Additional lands are in
Haywood, Graham and Cherokee counties. Over all, the reservation spreads over 56,000 acres,
with six distinct communities: Big Cove, Birdtown, Yellowhill, Soco, Paint Town and Wolftown.
Region 4 Regional Contingency Plan / Area Contingency Plan
44
2.4 SAFETY
During the course of a response, immediate actions are necessary to minimize the impact of a
discharge or a release to prevent further migration of oil or a hazardous substance. The health and
safety of emergency responders is both crucial and necessary. A site specific plan must be
developed at the onset of a response action to ensure the health and safety of response personnel.
The OSC is responsible for the overall site health and safety concerns. The OSC or his/her
delegate, should monitor all health and safety related issues. Safety guidelines concerning worker
health and safety are outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120 and shall be consulted in the development of a
health and safety plan.
It is the overall responsibility of the OSC to determine the appropriate level of health and safety
measures implemented during the course of a response action. When the State/Local or the
Responsible Party have taken the lead in a response, the OSC must review the implemented safety
procedures and determine if they are adequate for the given situation. If the level of safety does
not meet the proper guidelines, an unaddressed health or safety concern exists, and/or the OSC
determines that a threat to worker health and safety exists, the OSC may take measures to
immediately correct the situation. If the deficiency is not addressed, the OSC has the authority to
assume direction and control of the response action. While OSCs do not normally direct local
public safety operations, the OSC must work with local public officials to ensure local and State
emergency responders are working within proper safety guidelines.
The OSC has the final decision on health and safety protocols for removal activities. The OSC
may designate a site health and safety officer to monitor the response activities and address worker
health and safety issues.
2.5 PUBLIC INFORMATION
When an incident occurs, it is imperative to give the public prompt, accurate information on the
nature of the incident and the actions underway to mitigate the damage. The OSC should ensure
that all appropriate public and private interests are kept informed and that their concerns are
considered throughout the response. The OSC should coordinate with available public
affairs/community relations resources to carry out this responsibility by establishing, as
appropriate, a Joint Information Center (JIC) bringing together resources from federal and state
agencies, and the responsible party. In the event that a JIC is established, the OSC determines its
location, and every effort should be made to locate it near the scene of the incident. All federal
news releases or statements by participating agencies should be cleared through the OSC
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SECTION 3. OPERATIONS
3.1 Concept of Operations for Oil Discharges and Hazardous
Substance Releases
It is the policy of the Region 4 RRT that response actions on non-Federal lands should be
monitored or implemented by the most immediate level of government with authority and
capability to conduct such activities. The first level of response will generally be the responsible
party (RP), followed by local government agencies, followed by State agencies when local
capabilities are exceeded. Based on an evaluation by the Federal OSC on the need for Federal
response, EPA or USCG is authorized to take response measures deemed necessary to protect the
public health or welfare or the environment from discharges of oil or releases of hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants. Where practicable, a response management system which
includes a UC mechanism that brings together the functions of the Federal government, the State
and local government and the responsible party should be used to achieve an effective and efficient
response. (See Section 2.1, Command Structure, of this Plan for a more details on the application
of ICS and the UC).
The response to an incident involving an oil discharge or hazardous substance release that requires
Federal action and assistance will be made by a predesignated Federal OSC. Responses under this
Plan will adhere to the following response priorities:
(1) Safety of human life must be given the top priority during every response action. This includes
any search and rescue efforts necessary in the general proximity of the discharge/release and
ensuring the safety of response personnel.
(2) The next priority is stabilizing the situation to preclude the event from worsening. All efforts
must be focused on saving a vessel that has been involved in a grounding, collision, fire, or
explosion, so that it does not compound the problem. Comparable measures should be taken to
stabilize a situation involving a facility, pipeline, or other source of pollution. Stabilizing the
situation includes securing the source of the spill and/or removing the remaining oil or hazardous
substance from the container (vessel, tank, or pipeline) to prevent a further discharge/release, to
reduce the need for follow-up response action, and to minimize adverse impact to the environment.
(3) The response must use all necessary containment and removal tactics in a coordinated manner
to that minimizes adverse impact to the environment.
(4) All parts of this response strategy should be addressed concurrently, but safety and stabilization
are the highest priorities. However, containment and removal operations should be initiated as
soon as possible in order to minimize adverse impact to the environment.
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(5) The priorities set forth in this section are broad in nature and should not be interpreted to
preclude the consideration of other priorities that may arise on site-specific basis.
Response actions during incidents involving oil or hazardous materials are often directed toward
two separate but related threats or impacts. These are:
(1) Public Safety: A response to manage the emergency conditions caused by the release of
the material which directly threatens the lives of people at risk (i.e., threats to public safety and
property). Local public safety agencies and officials are the first responders regardless of the
magnitude of the incident. As per 29 CFR 1910.120, they must establish an Incident Command
System and initiate appropriate response/containment actions.
(2) Public Health and Environmental: A parallel response to "manage" the discharge/release
in order to protect human health and the environment (i.e., contain, cleanup, remove, dispose etc.).
The person(s) responsible for the discharge/release is responsible for make the required
notifications to the National Response Center and, if applicable, to State and local governments.
The RP is also required to take actions to mitigate the effects of any spill and to cleanup and restore
the incident site. These actions are initially taken pursuant to the direction of the IC assuming that
it is safe to do so.
Federal involvement in response to a discharge/release begins when initial notification occurs.
This may be through a notification to the National Response Center (NRC), or via other direct
means of notification. For EPA, the Telephone Duty OSC (TEL) gathers information regarding
the incident and makes contact with those who can provide additional details concerning the
discharge/release. To ensure maximum coordination and utilization of response resources, the
initial contact following notification should be with the designated State representative. In
addition, the TEL maintains access to technical information on oil/hazardous substances
characteristics and can provide risk communication and advice to response officials on-scene in
the early stages of an incident. In Region 4, EPA has established general guidelines or criteria
upon which a decision to dispatch a responding OSC is made. Once these thresholds are exceeded,
TEL makes contact with the EPA OSC on call and the Federal field response is initiated. The EPA
Region 4 Response Criteria are listed in Annex D to this Plan.
When the situation requires a Federal response to manage environmental and public health
protection, the RP, State environmental agencies and the OSC assume a more proactive role. Local
response personnel continue to manage public safety issues and provide support and assistance to
the OSC within their capabilities. As the incident progresses, State and Federal responders may
provide additional assistance through the Unified Command by providing technical assistance such
as air, water, and soil sampling, analysis of chemicals, providing specialized resources and
equipment from agency or contractor sources, and providing detailed advice or other assistance.
Region 4 maintains a sufficient quantity of response vehicles, monitoring devices and safety
equipment to allow for safe and effective response to most incidents. The agency does not maintain
an ability to conduct removal operations utilizing its own personnel and equipment. When
applicable, the OSC possesses the authority to utilize a commercial clean-up contractor to perform
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removal operations. The OSC’s function on-scene is to assess the potential threats posed by the
incident, monitor RP, State and local conduct of the response and direct Federally-financed
removal operations to minimize the impact to the public and environment, where necessary.
3.2 Concept of Operations for Emergency Support Function #10
Responses
The NRF facilitates the delivery of Federal response and recovery assistance to States to assist in
dealing with the consequences of a disaster. ESF #10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials Response
provides Federal support in response to an actual or potential discharge and/or uncontrolled release
of oil or hazardous materials when activated. The scope of ESF #10 includes the appropriate
actions to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a threat to public health, welfare, or the
environment caused by actual or potential oil and hazardous materials incidents. See Annex E to
this Plan for additional information on the NRF Emergency Support Functions and Incident
Annexes.
Response to oil and hazardous materials incidents is generally carried out in accordance with the
NCP. Under ESF #10, “hazardous materials” include hazardous substances, pollutants, and
contaminants as defined in the NCP. In addition, ESF #10 may be used under appropriate
authorities to respond to actual or threatened releases of materials not typically responded to under
the NCP but that pose a threat to public health or welfare or to the environment. Appropriate ESF
#10 response activities to such incidents include, but are not limited to, oil and chemical response,
drum and tank cleanup, household hazardous waste collection, monitoring of debris disposal, air
quality sampling and monitoring.
EPA has been assigned responsibility as the ESF #10 Coordinator, and the two primary agencies
are EPA and USCG. (The supporting agencies are as listed in the ESF #10 Annex to the NRF).
EPA Region 4 provides the overall leadership for the planning and implementation of this ESF
and acts as the Regional ESF #10 Chair. When response operations involve responses in the
coastal zone, the USCG District with jurisdiction in the affected area will designate a USCG ESF
#10 Vice Chair. When a response involves both the inland and coastal zones as defined in the
RCP, the predesignated ESF #10 Chair (EPA) will direct the inland area response. Response
operations in the coastal zone will be directed by the ESF #10 USCG Vice-Chair. If ESF #10 is
activated for response operations occurring solely in the Region 4 coastal zone, all NCP guided
response operations will be under the direction of the USCG Vice Chair.
When a DOD or DOE facility is affected by a disaster and releases of hazardous substances occur,
the DOD or DOE facility, in the role of lead agency, will provide OSCs as directed by the NCP.
When oil discharges occur on a Federal facility, the facility will provide the first Federal official
who will act for the appropriate OSC until his/her arrival.
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3.3 Concept of Operations for WMD responses
The NRF includes incident-specific annexes dealing with specific threats posed by WMDs or
chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-explosive (CBRNE) material. At the federal
level, both EPA and USCG respond to situations involving the release of a hazardous substance,
or pollutant and contaminant under the NCP. Nearly all of the potential WMD/CBRNE scenarios
involving a biological, chemical, or radiological component would qualify as an NCP response.
However, for a terrorist event, the FBI would be the coordinating or lead agency, and either EPA
or USCG would be a cooperating or support agency depending on where the incident occurs in the
coastal or inland zone. If the terrorist event involved the release of a biological agent such as
anthrax, HHS would be the coordinating agency to manage the consequences of such an incident.
If the terrorist event involved the release of radionuclides such as a dirty bomb detonation, the
DOE would be the coordinating agency to manage the consequences of such an incident. In all of
these instances, either the EPA or USCG would be involved to assist in determining the extent of
contamination and recommend technologies and resources capable of mitigating the hazard.
Specific roles for EPA and USCG are outlined in each of the following NRF Annexes:
“Terrorism Incident Law Enforcement and Investigation Annex”
“Biological Incident Annex”
“Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex”
See Annex E to this Plan for additional information on these procedures.
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SECTION 4. PLANNING
Regional planning supports operational coordination between federal, tribal, state, and local
resources to respond to a variety of natural disaster, hazmat, and oil spill contingencies. Plans
must be coordinated across a broad spectrum of capabilities and integrated in the unified command
structure.
4.1 Planning Section
This section, like all parts of the Regional Contingency Plan/Area Contingency Plan contains
information that applies throughout Region 4 (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, & TN) unless
specifically noted otherwise.
This document endeavors to create a framework for coordinated planning between all levels of
government and private response organizations. Plans must coordinate and organize tactical plans
across the region to prepare for natural disasters, and chemical and oil releases. Regionally, planner
must identify best practices and prepare for region specific events such as a New Madrid Fault
earthquake, seasonal hurricanes and tornados, inland flooding, and terrorism along with typical
environmental emergencies.
At the Tactical level of a response, the Planning Section is responsible for the collection and
evaluation of incident situation information, preparing situation status reports, displaying situation
information, maintaining status of resources, developing an Incident Action Plan, and preparing
required incident related documentation.
For information about the organization of the Planning Section, the positions within it and its role
in developing the Incident Action Plan, see the US Environmental Protection Agency Incident
Management Handbook Incident Command System (ICS), January 2016 Edition, and the USCG
Incident Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
4.1.1 Environmental Unit
Other than protecting human life and safety, reducing impacts on natural, cultural, and economic
resources is the key motive in responding to an oil or hazardous substance spill or release. The
Environment Unit (EU) is the central point within the Planning Section for determining how to
best protect those resources.
For information about the organization of the EU, the positions within it and its role in developing
the Incident Action Plan, see the US Environmental Protection Agency Incident Management
Handbook Incident Command System (ICS), January 2016 Edition, and the USCG Incident
Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
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4.1.1.1 Environmental Unit Leader (EUL) Staffing Policy
There is a shared responsibility to manage a response among the Unified Command
representatives. Moreover, it is broadly recognized that the critical phase of any response,
regardless of size, occurs during the initial hours after the spill or release. Given the importance of
the EU’s duties, and because the responsibility and knowledge base for public resources lies with
trustee agencies, it is in everyone's best interest to ensure that early critical response decisions are
made by the most knowledgeable individuals quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Therefore, it is
the policy that the EU be led by a representative of a government natural resource trustee or
environmental agency, if available. If no such agency representative is initially available or willing
to lead the EU, an RP representative may fill that role. Furthermore, as the response action matures,
a transition to an RP-designated EUL may occur with the concurrence of the Unified Command.
It is also encouraged that spill response plan holders and RPs designate a Deputy EUL, who will
participate in all the meetings attended and briefings made by the EUL. These meetings and
briefings include, but are not limited to, the following pre-identified ICS scheduled events:
• Initial ICS 201 briefing,
• Command and general staff meetings,
• Tactics meetings,
• Planning meetings,
• Operations meetings,
• Unified Command briefings, and
• Press conferences.
4.1.1.2 Environmental Unit Staffing
All trustee resource agency staff with environmental information/expertise should initially report
to the EU. This includes technical specialists (e.g., SSCTDE) identified elsewhere within the ICS
organization. However, it is recognized that the SSC is an independent advisor to the OSC.
Technical specialists might include:
• Sampling Specialist,
• Response Technology Specialist,
• Trajectory Analysis Specialist,
• Weather Forecast Specialist,
• Resources at Risk Specialist,
• Shoreline Cleanup Assessment Specialist,
• Historical/Cultural Resources Specialist, and
• Disposal Specialist.
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4.1.2 Situation Unit
The Situation Unit Leader (SITL) collects, processes and organizes incident information relating
to the growth, mitigation or intelligence activities taking place on the incident. For information
about the organization of the Situation Unit, the positions within it and its role in developing the
Incident Action Plan, see the US Environmental Protection Agency Incident Management
Handbook Incident Command System, January 2016 Edition, and the USCG Incident Management
Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
4.1.3 Resources Unit
The Resource Unit Leader (RESL) maintains the status of all assigned resources (primary and
support) at an incident. Additional information can be found in the Resource Unit Leader (RESL)
Job Aid, the Logistics Section Chief (LSC) Job Aid, and the Finance/Administration Section Chief
(FSC) Job Aid posted on the NIMS Integration Team website at epaosc.org, the US Environmental
Protection Agency Incident Management Handbook Incident Command System, January 2016
Edition, and the USCG Incident Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
4.1.3.1 Volunteers
Each ACP contains guidance for how volunteers are managed locally. Properly trained volunteers
may be used for such duties during an incident as beach surveillance, logistical support, and bird
and wildlife rehabilitation. Such use of volunteers must, however, be approved by the appropriate
State, Federal, and Native American fish and wildlife officials, as well as by the RP. Unless
specifically requested by the OSC, these volunteers generally should not be used for physical
removal or mitigation activities. If, in the judgment of the OSC, dangerous conditions exist, these
volunteers shall be restricted from on-scene operations. For more information regarding volunteers
during emergency response operations, see Annex F, “Volunteer Education Information Fact
Sheet”.
4.1.3.2 NRT Guidance Regarding Use of Volunteers for Oil Spills
The NRT maintains a Technical Assistance Document (TAD) about the Use of Volunteers
Guidelines for Oil Spills.
4.1.3.3 National MOU for Volunteers
The NRT maintains a Use of Volunteers for Oil Spills MOU among the Corporation for National
and Community Service (CNCS), EPA and USCG.
4.1.4 Documentation Unit
The Documentation Unit maintains accurate, up-to-date incident documentation that is critical to
post-incident analysis. For information about the organization of the Documentation Unit, the
positions within it and its role in developing the Incident Action Plan, see the US Environmental
Protection Agency Incident Management Handbook Incident Command System, January 2016
Edition, and the USCG Incident Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
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All Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) users need to collect and maintain documentation that
supports all actions taken under the NCP. See 40 C.F.R. § 300.315. Also, OSCs are required to
document and create an administrative record of their response actions. 40 C.F.R. § 300. 40 C.F.R.
§ 300.315 establishes the documentation requirement for OSTLF oil spill responses and 40 CFR
§ 300.160 establishes the documentation requirement for CERCLA responses. In addition, 33
C.F.R. Part 136 sets out the National Pollution Funds Center documentation procedures. Taken
together, these regulations require that response documentation take into consideration the needs
of all future users of the documentation generated by the response organization.
4.1.4.1 Information-Management Plans
An Information-Management Plan (IMP) defines critical information that must be preserved and
kept readily-accessible during the response. This may include: Geographic Information System
(GIS) data, photography, SCAT, remote sensing data, response sampling, and other information
and data generated as a result of the response, or relevant to the mitigation of the incident. A less-
detailed document may be called a data-sharing or information-sharing agreement. The IMP
ensures continuity of information as personnel rotate in and out and facilitates sharing among
response personnel during the incident. The plan also sets the foundation for archiving and access
to information.
4.1.4.2 Reports from the Unified Command
The actions, decisions and expenditures made by the Unified Command must be fully documented
to facilitate future financial audits and legal actions. The Documentation Unit Leader and his/her
staff are the UC’s primary resource for this task.
4.1.4.3 Situation/Pollution Reports
SITREPs and POLREPs are a report format used by the EPA and USCG. The procedure and format
are explained in the Coast Guard Marine Safety Manual.
4.1.4.4 After-Action Reports from OSCs
After-action reports, also known as OSC Reports, will be submitted when requested by the RRT
or at the discretion of the OSC for a particular incident as stated in 40 CFR 300.165(a). OSC
Reports should be routinely prepared for all major response actions to document lessons learned
from the perspective of the OSC and others that the OSC has surveyed to enhance the report with
a broader perspective. This should be considered an important mechanism for documenting and
sharing information on lessons learned within the OSC’s organization as well as with others in the
response community.
The RRT should consider requesting an OSC Report when the pollution response involved:
• an unusual challenge;
• a unique or complex issue (e.g., intergovernmental coordination, use of a new technology,
etc.)
• a decision that creates precedent; or
• a lesson learned that should be made known regionally or nationally.
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The RRT reviews the OSC report and forwards a copy to the NRT along with comments or
recommendations.
4.1.5 Demobilization Unit
Demobilization is an orderly and cost effective process for the release and return of all response
resources and personnel to their respective home destinations. Personnel and equipment are
demobilized from the incident in accordance with a written Demobilization Plan approved by the
Unified Commanders.
The demobilization of the resources and personnel from an incident is a team effort involving all
personnel working on the incident. It is the responsibility of the Planning Section Chief to ensure
that a systematic plan is established and implemented by the Demobilization Unit Leader early in
the event timeline.
4.2 Resource Protection
Planning identifies the critical resources within the region and organizes equipment and personnel,
operations, and command and control for the mitigation of environmental impacts coordinated
between Federal, State, Local, and private response organizations.
4.2.1 Environmentally and Economic Sensitive Areas
Environmentally and Economically Sensitive Areas are identified in the Region 4 Inland
Sensitivity Atlas, a set of GIS products intended to provide contingency planners and spill
responders in Region 4 with the most accurate and relevant information possible for spill
preparedness and response. The atlas series includes:
• data about sensitive environmental, economic, and cultural resources;
• potential spill sources;
• response resources;
• cultural areas;
• high-risk areas;
• natural disaster impact areas;
• inland water commerce areas;
• major transportation hubs; and
• high-volume, inland water commerce areas
within EPA Region 4. GIS products from this joint effort will be available through the EPA
Geoplatform and will utilize/display map service from several national agencies.
Information mapped includes:
• species data including Federal and State threatened and endangered species;
• Federal, State, Regional, and privately-owned and managed natural resource areas;
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• Tribal Lands;
• Federal, State, Regional, and private designations of natural resource areas (no ownership);
• industrial water intakes in lakes, streams and rivers;
• locks and dams;
• marinas and boat accesses;
• USCG and EPA facility response plan sites and oil pipelines; and
• Federal, State and Tribal Trustees.
Types of environmentally and economically sensitive areas are detailed in Annex G, Sensitive
Environmental and Economic Areas, including agencies and programs that can be contacted for
further information. Owners/operators should also incorporate information on locally managed
environmentally and economically sensitive areas into their FRPs.
4.2.2 Cultural Sites
Identification of culturally sensitive sites in the vicinity of a spill can be accomplished by
contacting the appropriate State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). This individual is generally
associated with the State Historical Preservation Office or Society, which may or may not be within
a department of State government. Contacts for individual States are provided in Annex H, Natural
Resources Trustees Annex.
The NPS has responsibility for sites located on Federal lands within the Region. NPS maintains a
registry of historically and culturally significant resources, the National Register of Historic
Places, which can be accessed via the National Register Information System.
Specific procedures and Federal responsibilities regarding these sites are set forth in the
Programmatic Agreement on Protection of Historic Properties During Emergency Response Under
the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan. Further information about
the History and Culture program can be found on the National Park Service website.
4.2.3 Fish, Wildlife and Plants
USFWS Field Response Coordinators are the primary Federal contact for information about
migratory birds, endangered and threatened species, and fish and wildlife at risk as a result of spills
in the inland and coastal zones.
Each State has fisheries and wildlife biologists, who may be assigned to a Department of Natural
Resources or other State agency. These personnel are assigned to geographic areas within a State
(district or region) and are listed in Section 2, Annex H, Natural Resources Trustee Annex. They
can also be identified through State emergency response agencies or Pollution Response
Coordinators.
The Inland Sensitivity Atlas includes ) inventories developed by each State’s Natural Heritage or
Natural Features Inventory.
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The USFWS can be a source of technical assistance in understanding Native American fish and
wildlife management and cultural values. Another source of valuable information is the ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center.
Sea Grant Universities and Extension Agents may be a source of local knowledge outside the
public sector. These agents have contact with local scientists, fishermen, environmental groups,
and other sources that may supplement information provided by regulatory agencies. They can be
contacted through the NOAA SSC.
See also, Natural Resources Trustee Annex H, in this plan for more information.
4.2.4 Protected Habitat
Updated information on protected habitat in Region 4 can be found in Natural Resources Trustee
Annex H.
A variety of protected areas such as forests, parks, preserves, reserves, and management areas are
managed by public or private organizations such as The Nature Conservancy/Heritage Foundation.
Additional sources of this information include Federal or State land management agencies, which
include the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Commerce at the Federal level and their
counterparts at the State and local levels.
4.2.5 High risk areas
Under the CWA, local Source Protection Committees will develop plans for protecting local
surface water intakes such as streams, lakes, and rivers. High-volume, inland water commerce
areas are maintained and regulated by the USACE.
4.2.6 Natural disaster impact areas
Region 4 states are at risk to be impacted by several types of natural disasters including hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornados and flooding. The Robert T. Stafford Act) provides for an orderly federal
response to support state and local governments in response to natural disasters. The National
Response Framework(NRF) is a guide to how the Nation responds to all types of disasters and
emergencies. It is built on scalable, flexible, and adaptable concepts identified in the National
Incident Management System to align key roles and responsibilities across the Nation. Emergency
Support Function (ESF) Annexes describe the Federal coordinating structures that group resources
and capabilities into functional areas that are most frequently needed in a national response.
ESF 10 is the Oil and Hazardous Materials Response Annex which provides Federal support in
response to an actual or potential discharge and/or release of oil or hazardous materials when
activated. It is organized as follows:
• ESF Coordinator: Environmental Protection Agency
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• Primary Agencies: Environmental Protection Agency Department of Homeland Security/
U.S. Coast Guard
• Support Agencies: Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of
Defense Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of
Homeland Security Department of the Interior Department of Justice Department of Labor
Department of State Department of Transportation General Services Administration
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
For more information on natural disaster risks in Region 4 please visit:
• Earthquake faults zones https://www.fema.gov/earthquake-hazard-maps
• Tornado prone areas https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/20130726-1801-25045-
0298/ra1_2011_tornado_risks_tagged_011912.pdf
• Inland flooding https://www.fema.gov/risk-map-region-iv
• Hurricanes https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/climo/
4.3 Compliance Guidance
See Permit Summary Table in Annex I of this plan.
4.3.1 Statutory Guidance - Federal
4.3.1.1 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 1980
CERCLA (42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq) provides the authority to respond to uncontrolled releases of
hazardous substances from inactive hazardous waste sites that endanger public health and the
environment. CERCLA established prohibitions and requirements concerning closed and
abandoned hazardous waste sites, provided for liability of persons responsible for releases of
hazardous waste at such sites, and established a trust fund to provide for cleanup when no
responsible party could be identified. In addition, CERCLA provided for the revision and
republishing of the NCP (40 CFR 300) that provides the guidelines and procedures needed to
respond to releases and threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
The NCP also provides for the National Priorities List, a list of national priorities among releases
or threatened releases throughout the United States for the purpose of taking remedial action.
CERCLA provides a Federal Superfund to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste
sites as well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into
the environment. Through the Act, the Coast Guard and EPA have the power to seek out those
parties responsible for any release and assure their cooperation in the cleanup.
Section 104 of CERCLA as amended by SARA gives the Federal government the authority to
respond to any hazardous substance released or to a substantial threat of a release into the
environment or any pollutant or contaminant which may present an imminent and substantial
danger to the public health or welfare and to remove or arrange to remove the hazardous substance,
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pollutant or contaminant or take any other response measure consistent with the NCP which is
necessary.
4.3.1.2 Federal Water Pollution Control Act as Amended by Clean Water Act and Oil Pollution Act
1990
OPA 90 amended the FWPCA and made the following provisions:
• Established pollution fund with a $100 million amount.
• Defined “reportable and harmful quantities”.
• Authorized the federal assumption of clean-up operations.
• Established the National Response Center.
Section 311 of the CWA, 33 U.S.C. §1321, gives the Federal government the authority to respond
to a discharge or substantial threat of discharge of oil or a hazardous substance into or upon the
navigable waters of the United States, adjoining shorelines, or the waters of the contiguous zone.
Section 311(c)(1) of CWA gives the President the authority to remove or arrange for removal of a
discharge and mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of a discharge at any time; direct or monitor
all private, Local, State, and Federal actions to remove a discharge; and if necessary, destroy a
vessel discharging, or threatening to discharge, by whatever means are available.
This authority has been delegated by the President to the Administrator of EPA or the Secretary
of the Department of Homeland Security in which the USCG is operating, as appropriate.
Subsequently, this authority has been delegated to USCG OSCs (COTPs) and EPA OSCs. Under
Section 311(c)(2) of the CWA, if the discharge or a substantial threat of discharge poses a
substantial threat to the public health or welfare of the United States, the OSC shall direct all
private, Local, State, and Federal actions to remove the discharge or to mitigate or prevent the
threat of such a discharge.
Within EPA, Section 311(e) of the CWA allows the Division Director of the Superfund Division,
to whom this authority is delegated, where he/she has determined that there may be an imminent
and substantial threat to the public health and welfare of the United States because of an actual or
threatened discharge of oil or hazardous substances from a vessel or facility which violates Section
311(b) of CWA, to require the United States Attorney General to secure any relief from any person
as may be necessary to abate such endangerment; or, after notice to the affected State, take any
action authorized under Section 311 of CWA that may be necessary to protect the public health
and welfare.
4.3.1.3 Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
OPA 90 streamlined and strengthened the Coast Guard’s and EPA’s ability to prevent and respond
to catastrophic oil spills in numerous ways. OPA 90 established the OSLTF, a trust fund financed
by a tax on oil is available to clean up spills when the responsible party is incapable or unwilling
to do so.
OPA 90 requires oil storage facilities and vessels to submit to the Federal government plans
detailing how they will respond to large discharges. EPA has published regulations for
aboveground storage facilities; the Coast Guard has done so for oil tankers. OPA 90 also requires
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the development of Area Contingency Plans to prepare and plan for oil spill response on a regional
scale.
4.3.1.4 Responsible Party Liability
Under OPA 90, the RP has primary responsibility for cleaning up of a discharge. OPA 90 states
that an owner or operator of a tank vessel or facility participating in removal efforts shall act in
accordance with the National Contingency Plan (40 CFR 300) and the applicable response plan
required. Under OPA 90 these response plans shall:
1. Be consistent with the requirements of the National Contingency Plan and local Area
Contingency Plans;
2. Identify the qualified individual (QI) having full authority to implement removal actions,
and require immediate communications between that individual and the appropriate
Federal official and the persons providing personnel and equipment;
3. Identify, and ensure by contract or other means approved by the President, the availability
of private personnel and equipment necessary to remove to the maximum extent practicable
a worst case discharge (including a discharge resulting from fire or explosion), and to
mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge;
4. Describe the training, equipment testing, periodic unannounced drills, and response actions
of persons on the vessel or at the facility, to be carried out under the plan to ensure the
safety of the vessel or facility and to mitigate or prevent the discharge, or the substantial
threat of a discharge;
5. Be updated periodically; and
6. Be resubmitted for approval of each significant change.
Each owner or operator of a tank vessel or facility required by OPA 90 to submit a response plan
shall do so in accordance with applicable regulations. Facility and tank vessel response plan
regulations, including plan requirements, are located in 33 CFR 154 and 155, respectively.
As defined in OPA 90, each responsible party for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged,
or which poses a substantial threat of a discharge, into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining
shorelines or the Exclusive Economic Zone is liable for the removal costs and damages specified
in Subsection (b) of Section 1002 of OPA 90. Any removal activity undertaken by a responsible
party must be consistent with the provisions of the NCP, the Regional Contingency Plan (RCP),
the Area Contingency Plan, and the applicable response plan required by OPA 90. If directed by
the OSC at any time during removal activities, the responsible party must act accordingly.
4.3.1.5 Discharges Involving Multiple RPs
Under the OPA 90 and CERCLA, if an incident involves two or more potentially responsible
parties, each responsible party for a vessel or facility from which oil or hazardous substances is
discharged is liable for the removal costs and damages. Each responsible party’s liability extends
to the entire incident not just its own material. The OSC will encourage the RPs to take a
proportionate share of the responsibility and work together to mitigate the incident. This also
applies to the commingling of spilled material from different sources.
See also Permit Summary Table in Annex I of this plan.
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Different terms are frequently used for the various types of resources which may have historic, cultural and
tribal significance. These terms are not necessarily interchangeable and may not refer to the same type of
resource. A resource can be of some level of significance and value with a potential to be damaged by a
spill and/or response activities and may not be on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register. One
example would be a biological resource which has cultural significance. Therefore, it is important that all
appropriate notifications and consultations are completed.
4.3.1.6 Endangered Species Act
Responses to oil spills or hazardous substance release may impact species listed as "endangered"
or "threatened" under the ESA, 50 CFR 402.02 and, in accordance with Section 7 of the ESA,
federal agencies must consult with NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and/or the
USFWS regarding any activities that may affect a listed species.
The NOAA SSC and DOI REO can help facilitate the consultation process and coordinate
appropriate listed species expertise, as appropriate.
The OSC is responsible for initiating consultation to determine impacts to threatened or
endangered trustee species by spill response actions. This consultation is undertaken regarding the
federal action taken by the OSC in response to the spill, not regarding impacts of the spill itself.
The nature of a response does not allow for a normal consultation process, which can take 135
days to complete, so emergency consultation processes are followed (see 50 CFR 402.02). Under
the emergency consultation process it is the OSC’s responsibility to engage in consultation with
USFWS and NMFS. This is facilitated by the NOAA SSC and DOI REO, who consult and engage
the assistance of the USFWS and NMFS regarding methods to help mitigate and minimize impacts
on listed species and critical habitat(s). The NMFS and USFWS have developed emergency
consultation procedures to allow action agencies to incorporate endangered species concerns into
their emergency response activities.
The documentation associated with emergency consultation under the ESA is completed after the
response is finished. NMFS and USFWS are able to provide technical assistance to the OSC in
complying with Section 7 of the ESA.
In 2001, the USCG, EPA, the DOI’s Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance and USFWS,
and the NOAA NMFS and NOAA Fisheries and National Ocean Service signed an Interagency
MOA regarding Oil Spill Planning and Response Activities under the FWPCA’s National Oil and
Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and the ESA.
This MOA provides guidance on how the USCG, EPA, USFWS, and NMFS work collaboratively
before, during, and after an emergency and provides templates for required documentation and
processes.
The MOA among the USCG, EPA, DOI, USFWS, and National Ocean Services are available
online under “Coordination Oil Spill Response Actions Under the Clean Water Act & Endangered
Species Act” at:
https://www.nrt.org/Main/Resources.aspx?ResourceType=Endangered%20Species%20Act%20(
ESA)%20Section%207&ResourceSection=2
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Notifying Trustee Agencies:
See the Natural Resource Trustees for the notification numbers.
4.3.1.7 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
The Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976, is at 42 U.S.C. §6901 et seq. RCRA
gives EPA authority to control hazardous waste from "cradle-to-grave." This includes the
generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA also sets
forth a framework for the management of non-hazardous solid wastes. The 1986 amendments to
RCRA enabled EPA to address environmental problems that could result from underground tanks
storing petroleum and other hazardous substances.
The Federal Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments (HSWA) are the 1984 amendments to
RCRA that focus on waste minimization and phasing out land disposal of hazardous waste as well
as corrective action for releases. Some of the other mandates of this law include increased
enforcement authority for EPA, more stringent hazardous waste management standards, and a
comprehensive underground storage tank program.
4.2.1.8 Emergency Planning & Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 (Title 42, United States
Code, Chapter 116) was passed by Congress in response to concerns regarding the environmental
and safety hazards posed by the storage and handling of toxic chemicals. These concerns were
triggered by the 1984 disaster in Bhopal, India, which killed or severely injured more than 2,000
people.
Congress imposed requirements for federal, state and local governments, tribes, and industry.
These requirements covered emergency planning and "Community Right-to-Know" reporting on
hazardous and toxic chemicals. The Community Right-to-Know provisions help increase the
public's knowledge and access to information on chemicals at individual facilities, their uses, and
releases into the environment. States and communities, working with facilities, can use the
information to improve chemical safety and protect public health and the environment.
EPA’s EPCRA Fact Sheet provides an overview of EPCRA and its reporting requirements.
The NRT issued the Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (NRT-1) in 1987, as
required by Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act.
Planning guidance for state and local governments in the development of local emergency response
plans can be found in the Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (NRT-1) updated in
2001.
Criteria for RRTs to review their emergency plans can be found in the Criteria for Review of
Hazardous Materials Emergency Plans (NRT1a). These criteria are also useful for SERCs and
LEPCs during plan revision.
4.3.1.9 Marine Debris Act
The Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act, which legally established the NOAA
Marine Debris Program, was signed into law by President Bush on December 22, 2006, and
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reauthorized by Congress as the Marine Debris Act in December 2012. The Act initially set a
$10M authorization for NOAA for implementation of the program, including identification and
impact assessments, removal and prevention activities, research, and development of alternatives
to fishing gear posing threats to the marine environment, and outreach activities. The Act also re-
establishes the Interagency Marine Debris Coordinating Committee, which NOAA chairs.
4.3.1.10 Marine Debris as a Pollution Threat
In cases where marine debris poses an oil or hazardous substance threat, the OSC shall notify the
National Pollution Fund Center (NPFC) to ensure availability of the OSLTF. The OSC shall also
notify the regional NOAA Marine Debris Coordinator. The OSC shall lead removal actions to
address the oil and hazardous substance threat in accordance with the FWPCA, CERCLA, and
NCP. It is important to note that actions taken are in response to actual or substantial threat from
the oil or hazardous substance, and not to marine debris itself.
For scenarios involving marine debris containing an actual or substantial threat of oil and/or
hazardous substance (e.g. barrel or container potentially containing oil and/or hazardous
substance), the OSC shall lead removal actions necessary to remove the potential source in
accordance with the NCP. When the potential source is mitigated, the OSC’s authority under the
NCP does not apply to the remaining marine debris.
For scenarios involving marine debris contaminated with oil and/or a hazardous substance, the
OSC is authorized to take any action necessary to mitigate the contamination (e.g., oily debris)
and the discharge and/or release associated with the marine debris field.
4.3.1.11 National Environmental Policy Act
As defined by 42 USC 4321 et seq., the purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act are:
• To declare a national policy which will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony
between man and his environment;
• To promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and
biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man;
• To enrich the understanding of the ecological systems and natural resources important to
the Nation; and
• To establish a Council on Environmental Quality.
4.3.1.12 National Responsible Party Policy
Under the FWPCA as amended by OPA 90, the RP has primary responsibility for cleanup of a
discharge. Per FWPCA Section 311 and OPA 90 Section 4201, an owner or operator of a tank
vessel or facility participating in removal efforts shall act in accordance with the NCP and the
applicable response plan. FWPCA Section 311(j)(5)(C) as implemented by OPA 90 Section 4202
states that these response plans shall:
• Be consistent with the requirements of the NCP and ACPs;
• Identify the qualified individual having full authority to implement removal actions and
require immediate communications between that individual and the appropriate Unified
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Command official and the persons providing personnel and equipment pursuant to this
clause;
• Identify, and ensure by contract or other means approved by the President, the availability
of private personnel and equipment necessary to remove to the maximum extent practicable
a worst-case discharge (including a discharge resulting from fire or explosion), and to
mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge;
• Describe the training, equipment testing, periodic unannounced drills, and response actions
of persons on the vessel or at the facility, to be carried out under the plan to ensure the
safety of the vessel or facility and to mitigate or prevent the discharge, or the substantial
threat of a discharge;
• Be updated periodically; and
• Be resubmitted for approval of each significant change.
Each owner or operator of a tank vessel or facility required by OPA 90 to submit a response plan
shall do so in accordance with applicable regulations. Facility and tank vessel response plan
regulations, including plan requirements for the coastal zone, are located in 33 CFR Parts 154 and
155, respectively. Facility response plan regulations for the inland zone are located in 40 CFR Part
112.
Each RP for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged, or that poses a substantial threat of
a discharge, into or upon the navigable waters, adjoining shorelines or the Exclusive Economic
Zone of the United States, is liable for the removal costs and damages specified in Subsection (b)
of Section 1002 of OPA 90. Any removal activity undertaken by an RP must be consistent with
the provisions of the NCP, the Regional Contingency Plan, the NWACP, and the applicable
response plan required by OPA 90. If directed by the Unified Command at any time during removal
activities, the RP must act accordingly.
4.3.1.13 Stafford Act
The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, (42 U.S.C. §5121 et. seq.),
signed into law November 23, 1988; amended the Disaster Relief Act of 1974. This Act constitutes
the statutory authority for most Federal disaster response activities especially as they pertain to
FEMA and FEMA programs. Broken into seven titles, the Stafford Act establishes a federal
process for declaring disasters, determining the appropriate level of response, and dividing up the
costs among federal, state, and local governments. In addition to providing federal assistance
programs to deal with economic losses resulting from disasters, the Act articulates the need for
state and local governments to create comprehensive disaster preparedness plans and mechanisms
to prepare for intergovernmental coordination during times of crisis.
Many Region 4 Regional Response Team member agencies have specific responsibilities during
and following a WMD incident or other terrorist act. To address the requirements set forth in the
Stafford Act (previously implemented via the Federal Response Plan) and Homeland Security
Presidential Directives 5, 8 and 9, (HSPD-5, HSPD-8, HSPD-9), the NRF has been promulgated.
The NRF, in conjunction with additional guidance provided by USCG and EPA, addresses the
integration and coordination of interagency operations under both the NRF and the National
Contingency Plan.
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The NRF describes the following coordinating mechanisms to assist the Secretary of Homeland
Security in implementing his domestic incident management role for incidents of national
significance including, but not limited to, terrorist attacks and the use of weapons of mass
destruction:
• Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC)
• Interagency Incident Management Group (IIMG)
• Assistant to the President for Homeland Security
• Principal Federal Official (PFO)
• Joint Field Office (JFO)
4.3.2 Statutory Guidance - State and Local
4.3.2.1 State Compliance Guidance
See also Section 2.3.1 or Annex M for state/commonwealth emergency response contact
information.
Please refer to the following Region 4 state agencies regarding laws for all oil spills or reportable
quantities of hazardous substances, and notification requirements.
State
Website:
Alabama
http://www.adem.state.al.us/compInfo/default.cnt
Georgia
https://epd.georgia.gov/existing-rules-and-corresponding-laws
Florida
https://floridadep.gov/oer
Kentucky
http://dca.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Mississippi
https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/about-mdeq/regulations/
North Carolina
http://deq.nc.gov/permits-regulations/rules-regulations
South Carolina
http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/
Tennessee
https://www.tn.gov/environment.html
4.4 Relationship of Plans
There are numerous emergency-related plans within the Federal, State, Tribal and local levels of
government. In addition, plans developed by business and industry should also be considered.
Within the planning levels of governments, there are three levels of Federal plans; national
contingency and response plans, Federal RCPs and Federal ACPs. At the State and local level are
State plans, regional plans, local plans and departmental and support-agency plans. Each of these
plans reflects levels of action and responsibility. Some of these plans are multi-hazard
comprehensive plans while others are single-hazard response and coordination plans. Given the
fact that responses to incidents involving oil and hazardous substances will most certainly be multi-
organizational and multi-jurisdictional, a basic understanding of each planning level and how the
various plans fit together is needed to facilitate integration and coordination of the several plans
that may be activated in a response.
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This section describes the three levels of contingency plans under the National Response System
and cross-references emergency preparedness plans at the State and local level.
Planning and preparedness for disasters occurs at all levels of government and business and
industry. The coordination of actions taken under these plans is critical, particularly in a chemical
emergency. This section identifies and briefly defines the plans that may be operative during an
oil or hazardous substances event so that those implementing this plan may be aware of other
probable plan activations and how best to integrate and coordinate the overall response activities.
4.4.1 National Response Framework
The United States uses the NRF to coordinate the federal government’s response to disaster or
emergency situations. The NRF is applicable to natural disasters involving earthquakes,
hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and fires; technological emergencies
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involving radiological or hazardous materials; and other incidents requiring Federal assistance
under the Stafford Act. The NRF describes the basic mechanisms and structures by which the
federal government mobilizes resources and conducts activities to augment state and local
response efforts. To facilitate the provision of federal assistance, the NRF uses a functional
approach to group the types of assistance that a State is most likely to need among fifteen ESFs.
4.4.2 National Contingency Plan
The NCP supports the NRF and describes an organizational structure and procedures for preparing
for and responding to discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and
contaminants.
4.4.3 Regional Contingency Plan
40 CFR 300.210(b) of the NCP states, “The RRTs, working with the states, shall develop federal
RCPs for each standard federal region.”
This is the Regional Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan for Federal Region
4 which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South
Carolina and Tennessee.
The RCP outlines the assistance available to the OSC from RRT member agencies and the response
approach that should be implemented by the OSC during response actions. The plan also includes
resource information from governmental, commercial, and other sources that may be utilized
during a response. The RCP has been organized to follow the structure of the ICS, as outlined in
the Integrated Contingency Plan guidance developed by the National Response Team (NRT).
This RCP provides Local, Tribal, State, and Federal emergency response personnel with
information and resources to respond to an oil or hazardous materials incident. It’s not intended to
displace local emergency response plans, but rather to coordinate with local plans and build on the
mechanisms set forth in local ACPs.
The RCP combines the response authorities relevant for both oil and hazardous materials.
Although these releases and the related contingency planning are regulated separately under OPA
90 and CERCLA, there is significant overlap in the type and scope of relevant information. In
order to meet the ACP requirements of OPA 90, area plans (includes sub-area plans and geographic
response plans) are developed separately and are referenced in this RCP.
4.4.4 Area Contingency Plans
Area Contingency Plans are required under the NCP 40 CFR 300.210(c). The ACPs, when
implemented in conjunction with other provisions of the NCP and RCP, must be adequate to
remove a worst case discharge and to mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge.
ACPs provide for a well-coordinated response that is integrated and compatible, to the greatest
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extent possible, with all appropriate response plans of state, local and non-Federal entities, and
with SARA Title III local emergency response plans.
ACPs for designated areas within a region are developed by appointed Area Committees, each
under the direction of an OSC. Area Committees are planning and preparedness entities and
encompass Federal, State, local and private sector representation from within the designated Area.
Area Committees, while charged with the preparation of the ACP do not have operational decision
authority to approve the use of dispersants or in-situ burning as a response option.
The ACP, however, contains the mechanisms for requesting and granting such approval, as well
as any pre-approvals as may be given by the RRT.
Within Region 4, ACPs have been developed by Area Committees representing each of the eight
Captain of the Port Areas. Under the direction of the USCG predesignated OSC, these plans
provide specific procedures and details for response to discharges of oil occurring within each
designated area.
The RCP for Federal Region 4 is also the ACP for the inland area of the region. This designation
of the inland area was made by the EPA Administrator in April 1993. As a region wide planning
and support coordination plan, this RCP is applicable for both the coastal and inland zones as the
umbrella plan for the region and applies to discharges of oil and to releases of hazardous substances
and contains the mechanisms to provide resource coordination in support of those specific Area
Plans as needed.
When appropriate, EPA Region 4 intends to designate Areas and appoint Area Committees within
Region 4, to develop ACPs. Those ACPs when finalized will be implemented for those Areas,
and will be consistent with this Regional ACP, the NCP, the CWA and CERCLA.
4.4.5 State Response Plans
Each state in Region 4 has a state response plan and laws that specify each state’s authority and
organization for a technical response to environmental emergencies. All states can provide
technical expertise to assess environmental and public health threats and damage, as well as to
advise local responders. Under specific circumstances, states may provide additional response
capabilities in the form of contractors and funding.
In the event of an incident, the state RRT member/representative organization will be notified via
the NRC. NRC notifications are sent to the appropriate state response agency per protocols
developed by the state. The state response agency will ensure completion of the following actions,
as appropriate:
• Notify downstream water users (municipal, tribal, industrial, and agricultural) of all
discharges and releases that may threaten them.
• Notify and coordinate with other state and local agencies, as appropriate, including state
trustees for natural resources.
• Be responsible, in conjunction with the EPA representative, for:
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o Assisting EPA in determining and providing advice on the degree of hazard of the
discharge or release to public health and safety;
o Assisting EPA in assessment of the environmental damage caused by the discharge
or release; and
o Assuming responsibility for operation and maintenance (O&M) of a site, if
necessary, or when no RP has been identified.
See also, section 3.2 in this plan for links to the state plans.
4.4.6 Local Emergency Planning Committees
The local governing entities and the LEPC emergency operation plans detail response procedures,
agency roles, resources, and training for public response agencies. The primary focus of these
plans is protection of public safety and property. A local response plan also provides information
on how the county or city will manage major emergencies that threaten county functions, services,
and operations. A LEPC response plan is intended to be a countywide document that will provide
cohesive, coordinated, and cooperative interoperability among and between the municipal
governments and the county.
Sections 301 and 302 of the EPCRA (EPCRA is Title III of the SARA Title III) provide for the
establishment of LEPCs within districts to facilitate the preparation and implementation of
emergency plans. For more information on state-specific LEPCs and local response plans contact
the State/County LEPCs at:
State
Website:
Alabama
www.ema.alabama.gov
Florida
https://www.floridadisaster.org/
Georgia
https://gema.georgia.gov/
Kentucky
www.kyem.ky.gov
Mississippi
http://www.msema.org/
North Carolina
www.ncema.net
South Carolina
https://www.scemd.org/
Tennessee
https://www.tn.gov/tema.html
4.4.7 Private Sector Response Plans
Facility operators are required to prepare or adhere to a variety of federal and state plans in an
effort to prevent or mitigate releases or discharges to the environment. In an effort to streamline
the planning process, the National Response Team’s (NRT’s) Integrated Contingency Plan (ICP)
Guidance was published in the Federal Register (F.R. Vol. 61, No. 109, 28642-28664) on June 5,
1996. The purpose of the ICP guidance was to provide a mechanism for consolidating the multiple
plans that facilities are required to prepare into one functional emergency response plan. A number
of statutes and regulations, administered by several federal agencies, include requirements for
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emergency response planning. A particular facility may be subject to one or more of the following
federal regulations:
• EPA’s Oil Pollution Prevention Regulation [Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
(SPCC) and Facility Response Plan Requirements]- 40 CFR part 112.
• EPCRA, which is Title III of the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA Title III).
• Mineral Management Service’s (MMS) Facility Response Plan Regulation-30 CFR part
254.
• U.S. Research and Special Programs Administration’s (RSPA) Pipeline Response Plan
Regulation-49 CFR part 194.
• USCG’s Facility Response Plan Regulation-33 CFR part 154 Sub-part F.
• EPA’s Clean Air Act (CAA) Risk Management Programs Regulation-40 CFR part 68.
• OSHA Emergency Action Plan Regulation-29 CFR part 1910.38(a).
• OSHA’s Process Safety Standard-29 CFR 1910.119.
• OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard (HAZWOPER)
Regulation-29 CFR 1910.120, and
• EPA’s RCRA Contingency Planning Requirements-40 CFR part 264, Sub-part D, 40 CFR
part 265 Sub-part D, and 40 CFR 279.52.
Note: The RCP/ACP guidance has been developed to assist facilities in demonstrating compliance
with the existing federal emergency response planning requirements referenced above. Although
it does not relieve facilities from their current emergency planning obligations, it has been designed
specifically to help meet these obligations. Adherence to the RCP/ACP guidance is not required
in order to comply with federal regulatory requirements. Facilities are free to continue maintaining
multiple plans, in lieu of an RCP/ACP, to demonstrate federal regulatory compliance. A brief
discussion of facility emergency response plans, specifically those pertaining to the NCP, OPA
90, and CWA, follows below.
Section 300.211 of the NCP describes and cross references the regulations that implement section
311(j)(5) of the CWA. Owners of tank vessels, offshore facilities, and certain onshore facilities are
required to prepare and submit Facility Response Plans for responding to a Worst- Case Discharge
(WCD), and to a substantial threat of such a discharge, of oil or a hazardous substance release.
Facility and tank vessel response plan regulations, including plan requirements, are located in 40
CFR § 112 and 33 CFR § 154, respectively. Prior to approval, facility and vessel response plans
shall be reviewed for consistency with any relevant ACP or Regional Integrated Contingency Plan
(RICP).
As defined in OPA 90, each RP for a vessel or a facility from which oil is discharged, or which
poses a substantial threat of a discharge, into or upon the navigable waters or adjoining shorelines
or the Exclusive Economic Zone is liable for the removal costs and damages specified in Section
311(f) of CWA, 33 U.S.C. § 311(f). Any removal activity undertaken by the RP must be consistent
with the provisions of the NCP, RICP or the Region 4 RCP/ACP and the applicable response plan
required by OPA 90. The RP must adhere to any directives given by an OSC at any point during
the removal activities.
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Section 311(j)(5)(d) of CWA requires that these response plans shall:
"(i) be consistent with the requirements of the NCP, ACP or Integrated Contingency Plans;
(ii) identify the qualified individual having full authority to implement removal actions,
and require immediate communication between that individual and the appropriate Federal
official and the persons providing personnel and equipment pursuant to clause (iii);
(iii) identify, and ensure by contract or other means approved by the President the
availability of private personnel and equipment necessary to remove to the maximum
extent practicable a worst case discharge (including a discharge resulting from fire or
explosion), and to mitigate or prevent a substantial threat of such a discharge;
(iv) describe the training, equipment testing, periodic unannounced drills, and response
actions of persons on the vessel or at the facility, to be carried out under the plan to ensure
the safety of the vessel or the facility and to mitigate or prevent the discharge, or substantial
threat of a discharge;
(v) be updated periodically; and
(vi) be resubmitted for approval of each significant change."
In addition to the aforementioned federally mandated response planning, state and local governing
entities including LEPC in RRT 4 are required to develop and maintain emergency operations
plans.
4.5 General Hierarchy of Response Priorities
Specific strategies for response to spills in sensitive areas are detailed in Annex G, Sensitive
Environmental and Economic Areas. The general hierarchies of response priorities are:
• Ensure the safety of citizens and response personnel,
• Control the source of the spill,
• Maximize protection of environmentally sensitive areas,
• Contain and recover spilled product,
• Recover and rehabilitate injured wildlife,
• Manage a coordinated response effort,
• Remove oil from impacted areas,
• Minimize damage to economically sensitive areas, and
• Keep the public and stakeholders informed.
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4.6 Planning for Oil Spills
4.6.1 Dispersant and Other Chemicals Use Policy
Guidelines for authorizing the use of dispersants and other chemicals listed on the NCP Product
Schedule are found in NCP Subpart J, Section 300.310 Phase III and Section 300.310 (b), the
Region 4 Bioremediation Spill Response Plan (See Annex J), the Region 4 In-situ Burn Plan (See
Annex J), and in the Region 4 RRT Dispersant Use Plan (See Annex J). The RRT and OSC may
use chemicals and other materials to restrain the spread of oil and protect public health and welfare
and the environment. Section 300.910 states that the RRT must evaluate the appropriate use of
dispersants, surface collecting agents, biological methods and miscellaneous agents listed on the
NCP Product Schedule. The Region 4 RRT Dispersant Use Plan and the Region 4 Bioremediation
Spill Response Plan provides direction and procedures for dispersant use in the coastal zone. Pre-
authorization has been given to the OSC for dispersant use decisions in Federal coastal waters.
For the inland zone, the Region 4 RRT has agreed that oil dispersants are generally not acceptable
for use on water or in situations in which the use of a dispersant on a land spill is a threat to enter
navigable waters of the United States.
Limited use is allowable on land spills that do not threaten surface waters. The OSC is only granted
authority to use dispersants, surface washing agents, surface collecting agents, bioremediation
agents or miscellaneous spill control agents without RRT concurrence, when human lives are
threatened by the oil spill.
In non-life threatening situations, the OSC must obtain concurrence from EPA's representative to
the RRT and, as appropriate, the RRT representatives from the State with jurisdiction over the
navigable waters threatened by the release or discharge. Consultation with the natural resource
trustees, DOC, and DOI, is also necessary.
See also, Annex J in this plan for the Region 4 Oil Spill Countermeasures.
4.6.2 In-Situ Burning
See Annex J, Use of In-Situ Burning in RRT Region 4.
4.6.3 Solidifiers
See Annex J, Use of Solidifiers in Region 4.
4.6.4 Surface Washing Agents for Oil Spill Response
See Annex J Oil Spill Countermeasures in this plan for the RRT 4/R&TC Position and Guidance
on Use of Surface Washing Agents for Oil Spill Response.
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4.6.5 Region 4 Shoreline Cleaner Test and Evaluation Protocol
See Annex J in this plan for the Region 4 Shoreline Cleaner Test and Evaluation Protocol.
4.6.6 International Oil Response
See Annex K, International Oil Spill Response in this plan.
4.7 Planning for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and
Nuclear threats
See Annex E, National Response Framework ESF #10 in this plan.
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SECTION 5. LOGISTICS
Regional logistics strategy is to identify critical infrastructure and resources for employment in a
variety of response scenarios over a broad range of operating environments in support of
operations.
The primary goal of regional logistics is the coordination of U.S. Government resources to assist
regional and private response activities. The Regional Contingency Plan is organized to enhance
partnership within the Federal, State, and local resources managers.
Logistics involves sourcing supplies, equipment, facilities and personnel in accordance with
existing plans and resource requests from responders. The key resources for any sized response
include – personnel, equipment, and supplies.
5.1 Logistics Section Organization
The following sections outline personnel, equipment, and supplies to support an incident and
follows the NIMS model for response organization.
For information about the organization of the Logistics Section, the positions within it and its role
in developing the Incident Action Plan, see the US Environmental Protection Agency Incident
Management Handbook Incident Command System, January 2016 Edition, and the USCG Incident
Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May 2014.
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5.1.1 Logistics Section Chief Responsibilities
The Logistics Section Chief and the Branch Directors and Unit Leaders under him/her must have
a position-specific qualification from their agency which certifies they are fully trained to fill that
role.
Responding agencies and resources will be responsible for their own administration and logistical
support until a Logistics Section is established. The Logistics Section Chief will be appointed by
the IC or UC. When commercial resources are required, the vessel/platform/facility representative
should be consulted and given the Right-of-First-Refusal in the ordering process. A decision to not
proceed with the Right-of-First Refusal by the Incident Commander or Unified Command should
be documented in a decision memo. This gives IC/UC the ability to decline to use a resource from
that is determined unsafe.
Commercial vessels and facilities are required by federal law to maintain emergency response
contracts for pollution and hazardous material response. Tank vessels carrying petroleum are also
required to maintain contracts for marine firefighting and salvage services. Using these in-place
contracts may be the most expedient method of ordering major equipment and services.
Coast Guard Sector Area Contingency Plans contain procedures and protocols for activating
Mutual Aid agreements and designation communications frequencies. These Sector level plans
also include a listing of salvage and marine firefighting resources and their contact information.
5.1.2 Service Branch Director
The service Branch Director is responsible for the management of all service activities at an
incident including communications, medical and food.
5.1.2.1 Communications Unit Leader
The Communications Unit is primarily responsible for developing plans that are effective towards
the use of communications equipment and facilities; installing and testing communications
equipment; supervising Incident Communications Center; distributing communications equipment
to incident personnel and communications equipment and repair.
• NRC Teleconference Services
The National Response Center is capable of establishing a teleconference of up to 650
participants. The system is intended for use in support of emergency response operations but
can be made available on a limited basis for routine matters.
Federal OSCs and RRT chairmen may request a teleconference by contacting the NRC Duty
Officer at 1-800-424-8802. They may request emergency conferences at any time but should
provide 1-day advance notice whenever possible. A member of the RRT asking for phone lines
in relation to RRT business may call the NRC or email the duty officer at [email protected] with
a request for teleconferencing services. If requesting via email, the requestor will get a response
either by email or phone with the conference call line information.
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• State Interoperability Plans
Information regarding Region 4 State’s communication plans is listed below:
State
Website
Alabama
https://afrwc.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-AL-
SCIP_Draft-v4_11-1-2018.pdf
Florida
https://www.dms.myflorida.com/business_operations/state_technology/p
ublic_safety_communications/radio_communications_services/florida_in
teroperability_network_fin/fin_implementation
Georgia
https://cccdn.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/Files/CEMA/Plans/APP%202-
1%20INTEROPERABLE%20COMMUNICATIONS.pdf
Kentucky
https://kwiec.ky.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Approved%20Kentucky
%20SCIP%20Jan%202017.pdf
Mississippi
https://www.wcc.ms.gov/WCCDocuments/Mississippi%20SCIP.pdf
North
Carolina
https://files.nc.gov/ncdps/2018%20North%20Carolina%20SCIP%20%28
Final%20%20-%204.20.18%29.pdf
South
Carolina
http://interoperability.sc.gov/
Tennessee
https://ke4rx.org/cheatsheet/TN%20COMM%20FOG%20VERSION%2
02%200%20060912%20FINAL.PDF?_sm_vck=7Js2tJ4JWVnFNkkN4k
Jw5Z3jR20rt5sZstMvkH113QwtJjtjJsqQ
• Satellite Phones
U.S. EPA Region 4 maintains 12 satellite phones available throughout the region. All 12 are
manufactured by Motorola/Iridium, model number 9505A. The assigned location and quantity
are listed below:
Location
Quantity
Regional Readiness Center, Norcross, GA
3
Phone Duty, Regional Emergency Operations Center, Atlanta, GA
1
Region 4 Response (R1/R2) Trucks
2
Region 4 Mobile Command Post
1
Outpost - Mobile, AL
1
Outpost - Tallahassee, FL
1
Outpost - Louisville, KY
1
Outpost - Raleigh, NC
1
Outpost - Jackson, TN
1
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• Portable Satellite Units
Portable Satellite Units (PSUs) were developed under the direction of the National Approach
to Response-Field Communication Group. In an effort to support OSCs deployed for the
September 2005 Hurricane Katrina response, these units were assembled and sent to the field.
U.S. EPA Region 4 maintains 3 PSU’s available at the Regional Readiness Center located in
Norcross, Georgia and each PSU includes voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone service.
To access a PSU in Region 4, contact the Region 4 Telephone Duty at (404) 242-3393.
• Important Region 4 Phone Numbers:
Contact
Phone Number
Telephony Duty Blackberry
(404) 242 - 3393
Telephone Duty Pager
(404) 650 - 4955
Telephone Duty Sat Phone
011 - 88 - 164 - 140 - 6555
• Mobile Command Post
US EPA Region 4 has a Mobile Command Post (MCP) stored at the Regional Readiness Center
in Norcross, Georgia.
The MCP is made up of two main areas, separated by a slide pocket door. The forward work
area serves as a workstations and houses the computer and communications rack. The rear
work area can serve as a conference room. The MCP can be hard-wired to shore power or to
the EPA owned portable generator as well as operate from an on-board generator. The MCP
has a satellite dish for internet data service, satellite television and VoIP phones. It has a
satellite phone and radio equipment for communications. The MCP can monitor regional
television broadcasts via satellite and local stations through the internet. The MCP has a
computer network system with wired and wireless Internet, fax capability, and a local print
server with a printer and a large color plotter.
• MCP Numbers:
Device
Phone Number
VOIP Line 1
(404) 567-5657
VOIP Line 2
(404) 567-5657
Cell Numbers
(404) 295-8923
(404) 295-9264
(404) 295-9553
(404) 295-9966
FAX
(404) 309-0228
(404) 309-4121
Sat Phone
011-88-164-140-6561
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5.1.2.2 Medical Unit Leader
The Medical Unit is primarily responsible for the development of the Medical Plan, obtaining
medical aid and transportation for injured and ill incident personnel, and preparation of reports and
records. Consult the Internet or phone book for list of providers.
5.1.2.3 Food Unit Leader
The Food Unit is responsible for supplying the food needs for the entire incident, including all
remote locations (e.g. Camps, Staging Areas), as well as providing food for personnel unable to
leave tactical field assignments. Consult the Internet or phone book for list of providers.
5.1.3 Support Branch Director
The following section includes resources to find assets for personnel, equipment, and supplies to
support an incident.
5.1.3.1 Ground Support
Primarily responsible to support out of service resources, the coordination and transportation of
personnel, supplies, food and equipment.
5.1.3.2 Support Provided by General Services Administration
GSA can provide a full range of timely logistical telecommunications and other support to the
Federal response effort in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), the GSA
Acquisition Regulations (GSAR), and relevant public laws so that the command post may be
operational no later than 48 hours after acceptance of the space by the OSC. Support may include:
• Workspace
• Office Furniture and Equipment
• Office Supplies
• Transportation
• Telecommunications
• Printing, Graphics and Reproduction Services
• Advisory Personnel: GSA can provide technical advisors in the areas of acquisition,
storage, transportation and other areas as required. Engineering assistance will also be
made available for help in damage surveys, appraisals of buildings for demolition or repair,
etc.
• Procurement of Staff Quarters.
• Other Services:
o Mobile home acquisition;
o Assistance in the restoration of interrupted public utility service to Federal
agencies;
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o Loan of excess Federal personal property and its return to the holding agency after
use;
o Donation of Federal surplus personal property for use and ultimate disposition by
State government in accordance with current procedures;
o Preliminary damage assessment;
o Cleanup contractor services;
o Specialized technical support;
o Support.
5.1.4 Supply Unit Leader
The Supply Unit Leader is responsible for ordering personnel, equipment and supplies; receiving
and storing all supplies for an incident; maintaining an inventory of supplies; and servicing non-
expendable supplies and equipment.
5.1.4.1 USCG Response Resource Inventory System
See USCG database of Oil Spill Response Organizations for information regarding the CG
Response Resource Inventory System.
5.1.5 Facilities Unit Leader
The Facilities Unit Leader is responsible for activation and layout of incident facilities; provides
sleeping and sanitation facilities for response personnel; and manages base and camp operations.
• Site security – generally, local law enforcement or responsible party will provide site
security at the scene of an incident. However, an OSC has authority to provide for site
security as necessary.
5.2 Area Resources: Infrastructure
5.2.1 Incident Facilities
A command post may be established based on the requirements of the incident. The Incident
Commander or Unified Command determines when these facilities are established and where they
are located.
The command post is the location from which all incident operations are directed. Only one
command post is required per incident. Government and private entities should be co-located at
the command post to make planning and communications easier. The communications center is
usually established at the command post. Incident bases(s) are used for large oil spills affecting a
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large geographical area and provide staging areas for equipment and personnel (e.g., small craft
launching area, shoreline cleanup access point).
5.2.1.1 Resource Directory
For resource descriptions, see Section 2.2, Response Organization: Roles and Responsibilities.
5.2.1.2 Oil Response Equipment
Most response equipment is provided by the oil spill response organization (OSRO) contracted by
the RP. For oil response equipment see Annex J, Oil Spill Countermeasures.
5.2.1.3 Hazardous Substance Response Equipment
For oil hazardous substance response equipment see Annex J, Oil Spill Countermeasures.
5.2.1.4 Salvage Companies/Divers
For more information, see: http://www.americansalvage.org/members.php
5.2.1.5 Area Contact List Links
Area contacts can be found in Annex M.
5.3 Waste Management
A major challenge associated with an oil spill response is the disposal of collected product and
contaminated cleanup materials, soil, and debris. Each category of waste has its own type of
response and management problem.
In the coastal zone, the USCG OSC usually relies on the OSRO hired by the Responsible Party to
write the waste management plan.
5.3.1 State HAZMAT Agencies
See Section 2.3.1, State/Commonwealth Response, for more information.
5.3.2 Federal Disposal of Oil and Hazardous Materials
In order to ensure proper treatment and disposal of hazardous substances recovered from CERCLA
emergency response or removal sites, Section 300.65 of the NCP requires that offsite transport of
hazardous substances use only facilities operating under appropriate Federal or State permits or
authorization. Hazardous substances removed from such sites may be transferred only to facilities
that are operating in compliance with RCRA, TSCA, and all applicable State requirements. These
requirements also preclude the use of disposal units that have releases of hazardous wastes or
hazardous constituents, and of disposal facilities that have releases which have not been addressed
by corrective action.
EPA issued policies and procedures related to these requirements on November 13, 1987, entitled
"Revised Procedures for Implementing Off-site Response Actions" (Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response [OSWER] Directive 9834.11). Specific OSC roles and responsibilities for
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implementing the requirements can be found in Section IV of the Superfund Removal Procedures
Manual, dated February 1988 (OSWER Directive 9360.03B).
The OSC should coordinate closely with the Regional RCRA Off-site Coordinator (RROC), and/or
TSCA personnel and the State, as appropriate.
5.3.2.1 Federal Disposal of Oil
The NCP, Appendix E to Part 300, Oil Spill Response, Section 5.4, states that oil recovered in
cleanup operations shall be disposed of in accordance with the RCP, ACP, and any applicable
laws, regulations, or requirements. RRT and ACP guidelines may identify the disposal plans to be
followed during an oil spill response and may address: the sampling, testing, and classifying of
recovered oil and oiled debris; the segregation and stockpiling of recovered oil and oiled debris;
prior State disposal approvals and permits; and the routes, methods (e.g. recycle/reuse, on-site
burning, incineration, land filling, etc.), and sites for the disposal of collected oil, oiled debris, and
animal carcasses.
The Solid Waste Disposal Act as amended by the Used Oil Recycling Act (1980) and the Hazardous
and Solid Waste Amendments (1984) provide the statutory authority for RCRA, as amended
regulations applying to recovered oils and oily wastes. In 1992, EPA promulgated new used oil
regulations at 40 CFR Part 279; these regulations incorporate the old used oil fuel requirements
formerly codified at 40 CFR 266, Subpart E (1986 – 1992 CFRs). The new used oil management
standards at 40 CFR Part 279 apply only to "used oil", defined as any oil that has been refined
from crude oil, used, and, as a result of such use, contaminated by physical and chemical
impurities. If used oil is destined for disposal, the 40 CFR Part 279 regulations reference the RCRA
hazardous waste management standards. Mixtures of waste oil (i.e., spilled, unused product oils)
and used oil are regulated as used oil. Waste oil and oily wastes are subject to the hazardous waste
management regulations at 40 CFR Parts 124, 260-266, 268, and 270. Non-hazardous used oil may
be disposed of in an industrial or a municipal solid waste landfill (each State may have additional,
more stringent requirements), in accordance with 40 CFR 257 and 258.
It is Federal policy to recycle waste and used oils rather than dispose of them. Under the pre- 1992
used oil regulations, used oil destined for recycling (in any way other than burning for energy
recovery) is exempt from regulation as a hazardous waste. The 1992 used oil management
standards do address all recycling activities. Recycling of waste oils and oily wastes is addressed
by applicable hazardous waste management regulations.
Determining which used oil regulations apply to a particular spill is complicated by EPA's use of
different statutory authority for the pre-1992 used oil fuel regulations than for the September 10,
1992, used oil management standards. The pre-1992 used oil regulations are federally-enforceable
requirements in all U.S. Region IX States. The 1992 used oil management standards will become
federally-enforceable requirements as the individual States promulgate the regulations and become
authorized for them. The relationship between 40 CFR 266 Subpart E and 40 CFR Part 279 was
clarified in a May 3, 1993 Federal Register final rule (58 FR 26420-26426).
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5.3.3 Federal Disposal of Hazardous Materials
To ensure proper treatment and disposal of hazardous substances recovered from CERCLA
emergency response or removal sites, Section 300.65 of the NCP requires that off-site transport of
hazardous substances use only facilities operating under appropriate Federal or State permits or
authorization. Hazardous substances removed from such sites may be transferred only to facilities
that are operating in compliance with RCRA, TSCA, and all applicable State requirements. These
requirements also preclude the use of disposal units that have releases of hazardous wastes or
hazardous constituents, and of disposal facilities that have releases which have not been addressed
by corrective action.
EPA issued policies and procedures related to these requirements on November 13, 1987, entitled
"Revised Procedures for Implementing Off-site Response Actions" (Office of Solid Waste and
Emergency Response [OSWER] Directive 9834.11). Specific OSC roles and responsibilities for
implementing the requirements can be found in Section IV of the Superfund Removal Procedures
Manual, dated February 1988 (OSWER Directive 9360.03B).
The OSC should coordinate closely with the RROC, and/or TSCA personnel and the State, as
appropriate.
5.3.3.1 EPA Model Waste Management Plan for SONS
EPA has a model waste management plan for spills of national significance (SONS) dated July 24,
2013. See EPA Framework for a Model Waste Management Plan for Oil Spills of National
Significance (SONS) or https://www.epa.gov/homeland-security-waste.
The framework provides EPA emergency managers, planners, and responders the key elements of
waste management planning for an oil discharge that is declared a Spill of National Significance
(SONS). Experience with major oil discharges has shown that many of the waste management
planning elements are similar and can be planned for ahead of time, and then tailored to the site-
specific spill conditions at the time of the SONS. Although an oil SONS will likely involve a
responsible party, past incidents have shown that these key elements should be planned for by all
stakeholders and be documented within a pre-incident waste management plan and made part of
appropriate RCPs and/or ACPs.
RCRA Hotline
(800) 424-9346
Call for answers to spill cleanup questions.
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SECTION 6. FINANCE
6.1 Roles and Responsibilities
The Finance/Administration Section is responsible for all incident costs and financial
considerations. Organizationally, the Finance/Administrations Section includes the Time Unit,
Procurement Unit, Compensation/Claims Unit, and Cost Unit. All functions not assigned by the
Section Chief remain the responsibility of the Section Chief.
For information about the organization of the Finance/Administrations Section in a Unified
Command, the positions within it and its role in developing the Incident Action Plan, see the US
Environmental Protection Agency Incident Management Handbook Incident Command System,
January 2016 Edition, and the USCG Incident Management Handbook, under JOB AIDS, May
2014.
6.2 Funds for Incident Response
Congress established two trust funds to finance the cost of federal responses to discharges of oil
or the release of hazardous substances.
Fund
Purpose
OSLTF
Costs of responding to discharges of oil.
Hazardous Substance Superfund
Trust Fund (CERCLA)
Costs of responding to a release of a hazardous substance.
If an RP is not financially equipped or cannot be identified, the relevant fund may pay for federal
response actions up to the amounts made available from it and within certain limitations. The
federal government may recover response costs from RPs under liability provisions provided by
OPA 90 and CERCLA.
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6.2.1 Oil Pollution Act/Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
The Oil Pollution Act established the OSLTF to pay for oil spill cleanups and damages in cases
where they responsible party cannot or will not pay for the cleanup. The OSLTF is administered
by the USCG’s NPFC.
• Summary of Oil Pollution Act
• Statute
• Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
• National Pollution Funds Center
• National Pollution Funds Center User Reference Guide - reference tool during an oil or
hazardous materials spill incident for Coast Guard and EPA OSCs
• Ceiling and Number Assignment Processing System (CANAPS) - EPA OSCs use to obtain
a Federal Project Number when responding to an oil spill
• Technical Operating Procedures for Resource Documentation under Oil Pollution Act of
1990
In the event of an oil spill, the OSC, states, claimants, and trustees can obtain access to federal
funds. OSCs can obtain immediate access to a funding account and ceiling for incident response
by accessing CANAPS.
The following funding limitations exist in accessing the OSLTF:
• The maximum, per case, is $1 billion, or the balance in the OSLTF, whichever is less.
• Removal funding (including response to a substantial threat) and initiate request funding
are limited to the funds available in the OSLTF Emergency Fund.
• There is a maximum of $500 million per case to satisfy Natural Resource Damage claims
and assessments.
• Initiation of Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) costs may be paid out of the
Emergency Fund, subject to its availability and the process through which funding was
requested.
• The discharge (or substantial threat of discharge) must impact navigable waters of the
United States (including the 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone).
6.2.1.1 State Access to the OSLTF
States may access the OSLTF through three mechanisms: (1) Pollution Removal Funding
Authorizations (PRFA); (2) uncompensated removal cost claims as described in 33 CFR 136; or
(3) through the procedures established in 33 CFR 133. Of the three mechanisms, PRFAs or claims
are the most efficient ways for States to access the OSLTF. See section 6.2.1.3, Pollution Removal
Funding Authorizations, for more information about PRFAs. Additional guidance can be found in
the National Pollution Funds Center’s User Reference Guide. For additional information regarding
these procedures or related subjects, State representatives, OSCs, and other interested parties may
contact the NPFC at (202) 795-6968.
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6.2.1.2 Trustee Access to the OSLTF
See Natural Resource Trustees for information about Federal Trustee access to the OSLTF.
6.2.1.3 Pollution Removal Funding Authorizations
For PRFAs, the State acts as a contractor to the OSC on site and can oversee site activities. The
State can oversee Federal contractors under a PRFA.
https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/Documentation-Cost/PRFAs/
6.2.1.4 Claims against the OSLTF
Information about allowable claims against the OSLTF can be found in 33 CFR 136 with
additional guidance in the National Pollution Funds Center’s User Reference Guide. For additional
information regarding these procedures or related subjects, State representatives, OSCs, and other
interested parties are urged to contact the NPFC Claims Division at (800) 280-7118.
6.2.2 Superfund (CERCLA)
CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980 and
updated under SARA in 1986.
The person or persons responsible for discharges or releases are liable for costs of cleanup. Action
will be initiated by the agency administering the funding mechanism to recover such expenditures
from the party responsible for the discharge, if known. The OSC may also issue an Administrative
Order, either by consent or unilaterally, to require financially viable responsible parties to conduct
the removal action.
Until new guidance is published, all incidents requiring funding must be screened by category:
(a) CWA Section 311(k) for oil only, and
(b) CERCLA for any release or threat of release of a hazardous material as defined by CERCLA.
An EPA and USCG Headquarters agreement states that response to any potentially hazardous oil
and hazardous materials mixture shall be CERCLA-funded. This section addresses EPA and State
access to OPA 90 and CERCLA funding. USCG procedures can be found in USCG ACPs.
CERCLA, commonly known as Superfund, was enacted by Congress on December 11, 1980 and
updated under SARA in 1986. An overview can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/summary-comprehensive-environmental-response-
compensation-and-liability-act
Funding guidance can be found through the National Pollution Fund Center at
https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/urg/
Local Government Reimbursement under CERCLA
CERCLA Overview: www.epa.gov/superfund/policy/cercla.htm
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USCG procedures for accessing CERCLA:
www.uscg.mil/npfc/docs/PDFs/urg/Ch2/NPFCcercla.pdf
6.2.2.1 Local CERCLA Access
The purpose of local CERCLA access is to provide funds (limited to $25,000) in the form of
reimbursements for expenses, to local, county, and tribal governments that respond to hazardous
substance release in their jurisdiction.
Reimbursement to Local Governments for Emergency Response to Hazardous Substances
Releases Regulation Overview:www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/reimbursement-local-
governments-emergency-response-hazardous-substance-releases
Local Governments Reimbursement Program:
www2.epa.gov/emergency-response/local-governments-reimbursement-program
6.2.2.2 Interagency Agreements (IAA)
The OSC is responsible for identifying whether technical assistance from another agency is
necessary, and for making arrangements for that assistance. In addition, OSCs are responsible for
initiating and processing any site-specific IAAs necessary for reimbursing Federal agency
participation.
EPA OSCs may develop, negotiate terms, and award IAAs for site-specific, EPA-led actions.
6.2.2.3 Local and Tribal Government Access to the CERCLA Fund
Local and federally recognized tribal governments may request reimbursement of costs to carry
out temporary measures to protect human health and the environment without a contract or
cooperative agreement. All costs for which local governments are seeking reimbursement must be
consistent with the NCP and federal cost principles outlined by the Office of Management and
Budget. Reimbursements are limited to $25,000 per hazardous substance response. In addition,
reimbursement must not supplant local government funds normally provided for emergency
response. States are not eligible for reimbursement, and no state may request reimbursement on its
own behalf or on behalf of political subdivisions within the state. More information on the Local
Government Reimbursement program may be found at:
• Reimbursement to Local Governments for Emergency Response to Hazardous Substances
Releases Regulation Overview
• Local Governments Reimbursement Program
Criteria for Reimbursement:
The following criteria must be met before a request for reimbursement is to be considered:
• Local government must have had a Title III plan by October 1, 1988.
• Response occurred after the effective date of this rule (October 17, 1986).
• Local government informed EPA or the NRC as soon as possible, but not more than 24
hours after initiating response.
• Response actions were consistent with CERCLA, the NCP, and EPCRA.
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• The request contains assurances that the response reimbursement does not supplant Local
funds normally provided for such activities.
• The applicant must have first attempted to recover the costs from all known potentially
responsible parties (PRPs) and any other possible sources of reimbursement (State funds,
insurance companies, etc.). Sixty (60) days must be allowed for the above responsible party
to respond by making payment, expressing intent to pay, or demonstrating willingness to
negotiate payment.
• CERCLA limits the amount of reimbursement to $25,000 per single response. If several
agencies or departments are involved in a response, they must determine among themselves
which agency will submit the request for reimbursement. Any request must be received by
EPA within six months of the related response action.
6.2.2.4 Cost Recovery
EPA will make all decisions regarding recovery of expenditures from the Trust Fund. All agencies
expending Trust Funds must submit an itemized account of all funds expended in accordance with
provisions of contracts, IAAs, or Cooperative Agreements with EPA. These agreements must be in place
prior to the expenditure of funds.
6.2.2.4.1 Forms
Pollution Removal Funding Authorization: A PRFA is issued to a government agency to
assist the OSC when responding to an oil spill. Forms for issuing a PRFA to a federal or
state agency can be found at the website. The OSC will prepare cost documentation to the
NPFC. Each agency involved in the spill must have a separate PRFA.
https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/Documentation-
Cost/PRFAs/
Claims: Claims against the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 can be submitted to the National
Pollution Fund Center for damages due to an oil spill or uncompensated removal costs. A
claim can be submitted by local and State agencies for costs incurred related to an oil spill.
Spill response contractors can also submit a claim against the OSLTF for costs incurred if
the responsible party has been invoiced and is not willing to pay contractor. Costs for spill
cleanup can be submitted to the NPFC after the incident if direct state access or a PRFA
was not used. An OSC is not involved in the claims process. When submitting a claim
against the OSLTF, the claimant must ensure:
Response actions taken are consistent with the NCP
The material spilled is an oil
The name of the navigable water threatened or impacted by the oil
A cost breakdown of the amount being claimed
https://www.uscg.mil/Mariners/National-Pollution-Funds-Center/claims/
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6.3 Federal Fund Documentation and Cost Recovery Procedures
Through Executive Orders, the President has delegated certain functions and responsibilities
vested to him by the FWPCA and CERCLA to the EPA and the USCG. Under CERCLA, the
Hazardous Substance Response Trust Fund has been set up to fund federal responses to hazardous
substances, pollutants, or contaminants, as defined by CERCLA that may present an imminent or
substantial threat to public health or the environment. Responses to discharges of petroleum
products are specifically excluded from CERCLA. Section 311 of the Clean Water Act, as
amended by OPA 90, established the OSLTF for response to discharges of petroleum products.
Response includes conducting NRDAs and paying claims for removal costs or damages. EPA and
the USCG both have access to both funds through MOUs established between both agencies. Only
costs incurred during containment, countermeasures, cleanup, and disposal (Phase III) during a
federal response to an oil pollution incident are recoverable from the Pollution Fund (311 (k)) and
must be certified as Phase III costs by the OSC. The NCP contains information and procedures
with regard to both the FWPCA and CERCLA and contains sections dealing with documentation
and cost recovery for both acts. USCG Commandant Instruction 16465.1 defines documentation
for enforcement and cost recovery. The instruction is incorporated into this plan by reference.
6.3.1 Letters
• Notice of Federal Interest for an Oil Pollution Incident (Form CG-5549);
• Notice of Federal Assumption; and
• Letter of Designation of Source.
The OSC is responsible for notifying the NPFC of the source of a discharge, actual or potential.
The NPFC must also be notified if the source is not identified. Notification may be made by letter,
Rapidraft, or message (POLREP or Situation Report). The NPFC should be contacted for guidance
on procedures, or with any questions relating to this.
6.3.2 Reports
• OSC Reports will be submitted as determined necessary by the RRT for a particular
incident.
• POLREPS shall be submitted for the coastal zone in accordance with the requirements
outlined in Volume VI, Chapter 7.B.5.b of the Marine Safety Manual. The POLREP format
can be found in Volume VII of the Marine Safety Manual. In the inland zone, POLREPS
shall follow the format outlined in the USCG Marine Safety Manual.
6.4 Damage Assessment Procedures
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published a final rule to guide trustees in
assessing damages to natural resources from discharge of oil. The rule provides a blueprint that
enables natural resource trustees to focus on significant environmental injuries, to plan and
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implement efficient and effective restoration of the injured natural resources and services, and to
encourage public and RP involvement in the restoration process.
Under the rule, the NRDA process is divided into three phases:
• Pre-assessment: The trustees evaluate injury and determine whether they have the authority
to pursue restoration and if it is appropriate to do so.
• Restoration Planning: The trustees evaluate and quantify potential injuries and use that
information to determine the appropriate type and scale of restoration actions.
• Restoration Implementation: The trustees and/or RPs implement restoration, including
monitoring and corrective actions.
This process is designed to rapidly restore injured natural resources and services to the condition
that would have existed had the spill not occurred and to compensate the public for the losses
experienced from the date of the spill until the affected natural resources and services have
recovered.
6.5 FEMA Disasters, Stafford Act
When a National Disaster Declaration is issued by the President of the United States, additional
funding may be available through FEMA.
FEMA, through the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law
100-707), may fund emergency operations such as maritime transportation system recovery,
firefighting, search & rescue, and oil and hazardous material response. The Stafford Act provides
the legal authority for the federal government to provide assistance to states during declared major
disasters and emergencies. For additional details, please visit the following websites:
National Response Framework
National Response Framework-Financial Management Support Annex
FEMA’s Public Assistant Applicant Handbook-Handbook - Developed by FEMA to assist
communities in recovering from disasters to get better understanding of the Public Assistance
Program.
6.5.1 Mission Assignments
When an incident is of such magnitude that a State government’s resources are overwhelmed, the
State may request Federal response assistance to supplement ongoing disaster relief activities. The
Stafford Act establishes the programs and processes for the Federal Government to provide
disaster and emergency assistance to States, local governments, tribal nations, individuals, and
qualified private nonprofit organizations. Mission assignments (MA) are issued by FEMA to direct
other federal agencies for tasks in response to a Stafford Act event under the National Response
Framework. MA are provided in anticipation of or in response to a Presidential declaration. See
FEMA’s Mission Assignment Overview (IS-293), for more information.
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A Presidential Disaster Declaration does not change the OSC’s responsibilities and authorities
under the National Contingency Plan for oil and hazardous materials spills. The Responsible Party
is still responsible for paying the cost of cleanup.
A Mission Assignment from FEMA enables a wholesale cleanup of spilled oil or chemicals, such
as after a hurricane, whereas use of RP funds or the OSLTF requires a separate investigation and
financial accounting for each spill.
An MA is a work order issued to a Federal agency by FEMA directing the completion of a specific
task, and citing funding, management controls, and guidance. It orders immediate, short-term
emergency response assistance when an applicable State or local government is overwhelmed by
an incident and lacks the capability to perform, or contract for, the necessary work. An MA
combines in one document both operational tasking and the obligation of funds to accomplish that
tasking by the assigned agency. MAs are directives issued by FEMA; they are not contracts or
IAAs. In most cases, MAs are issued only for assistance under the Stafford Act, not for assistance
provided that would normally fall under an agency’s independent authorities or responsibilities.
FEMA will not reimburse for work done under an agency’s regulatory authority.
MAs can be issued from three FEMA-managed entities: JFOs, Regional Response Coordination
Centers (RRCCs), and the National Response Coordination Center (NRCC). The FEMA Region
4 RRCC in Atlanta is the regional interagency coordination center and has primary responsibility
for operations until a JFO(s) is established and operational. The RRCC is directly involved in the
coordination and issuing of MAs until the JFO becomes operational.
6.5.2 Emergency Support Function 10, Oil & Hazardous Materials
See also, Annex E, Emergency Support Function #10 Annex.
Following a Presidential declaration of disaster or emergency, the Coast Guard may operate under
the Stafford Act and its implementing framework, the NRF. The NRF groups the types of Federal
assistance most likely to be needed under fifteen ESFs. EPA and the Coast Guard are both assigned
as primary agencies for ESF #10, Oil and Hazardous Materials Response. While FEMA may
assign an ESF #10 MA directly to the Coast Guard if both agencies are involved, the normal
practice is for FEMA to assign the ESF #10 MA to EPA, which then sub-task the MA with the
Coast Guard or with contractors who can assist with disaster response involving hazardous
materials in the marine environment.
EPA will only collect household hazardous waste when it receives a Mission Assignment funded
by FEMA to do so.
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List of Acronyms
ACP Area Contingency Plan
AEMA Alabama Emergency Management Agency
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
ASCS Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service
ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs
BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
BSEE Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
CAA Clean Air Act
CANAPS Ceiling and Number Assignment Processing System
CBRNE Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or high-explosive
CDC Centers for Disease Control
CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
CNCS Corporation for National and Community Service
COTP Captain of the Port
CSA County Staging Areas
CWA Clean Water Act
DOC Department of Commerce
DOD Department of Defense
DOE Department of Energy
DOI Department of the Interior
DOJ Department of Justice
DOL Department of Labor
DOS Department of State
DOT Department of Transportation
EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
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EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act
ERT Environmental Response Team
ESF Emergency Support Function
ESF #10 Emergency Support Function #10 – Hazardous Materials
EU Environmental Unit
EUL Environmental Unit Leader
FAR Federal Acquisition Regulations
FCO Federal Coordinating Officer
FDEM Florida Division of Emergency Management
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FNS Food and Nutrition Service
FRERP Federal Radiological Emergency Response Plan
FRMAC Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
GIS Geographic Information System
GSA General Services Administration
GSAR GSA Acquisition Regulations
HAZWOPER Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard
HHS Department of Health and Human Services
HSOC Homeland Security Operations Center
HSPD-5 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-5
HSWA Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments
IAA Interagency Agreements
IAG Interagency Agreements
IAP Incident Action Plan
IC Incident Commander
ICS Incident Command System
IIMG Interagency Incident Management Group
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IMP Information-Management Plan
IMPA Incident Management and Preparedness Advisor
IRMS Incident Resource Management System
JFO Joint Field Office
JIC Joint Information Center
LEPCs Local Emergency Planning Councils
MA Mission Assignments
MCC Mission Coordinator Center
MCP Mobile Command Post
MDEQ Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
MEMA Mississippi Emergency Management Agency
MMS Mineral Management Services
MOA Memoranda of Agreement
MOU Memoranda of Understanding
NASS National Agricultural Statistics Service
NCP National Contingency Plan
NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
NERR National Emergency Resource Registry
NIMS National Incident Management System
NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NPFC National Pollution Fund Center
NPS National Park Service
NRC National Response Center
NRCC National Response Coordination Center
NRDA Natural Resource Damage Assessment
NRF National Response Framework
NSFCC National Strike Force Coordination Center
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OPA Oil Pollution Act
ORIA US EPA Office of Radiation and Indoor Air
ORSANCO Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
OSC Federal On-Scene Coordinator
OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration
OSLTF Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
OSRO Oil spill response organization
PFO Principal Federal Official
PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration
PODs Points of Distribution
POLREP Pollution Reports
PRFA Pollution Removal Funding Authorizations
PRP Potentially responsible parties
PSU Portable Satellite Unit
QI Qualified Individual
RAP Radiological Assistance Program
RATs Radiological Assistance Teams
RCC Regional Coordination Center
RCRA Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
REO Regional Environmental Officer
RERT Radiological Emergency Response Teams
RICP Regional Integrated Contingency Plan
RP Responsible Party
RRCC Regional Response Coordination Centers
RROC Regional RCRA Off-site Coordinator
RRT Regional Response Teams
RRT4 Region 4 Regional Response Team
RSPA Research and Special Programs Administration
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SARA Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SCEMD South Carolina Emergency Management Division
SEOC State Emergency Operations Center
SERB State Emergency Response Board
SERC State Emergency Response Commission
SERT State Environmental Response Team
SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer
SITL Situation Unit Leader
SOC State Operations Center
SOG Standard operating guidelines
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
SPCC Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
SSC Scientific Support Coordinator
TAD Technical Assistance Document
TDEC Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
TEL Telephone Duty OSC
TEMA Tennessee Emergency Management Agency
TERC Tribal Emergency Response Commission
THPO Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
UC Unified Command
USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
USCG United States Coast Guard
USDA Department of Agriculture
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USNRC U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
VoIP Voice over internet protocol
WMD Weapons of Mass Destruction