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Each year, more than 20,000 emergencies involving the release (or threatened release) of oil and hazardous substances are reported in the United States, potentially affecting both communities and the surrounding natural environment. Emergencies range from small scale spills to large events requiring prompt action and evacuation of nearby populations.

EPA coordinates and implements a wide range of activities to ensure that adequate and timely response measures are taken in communities affected by hazardous substances and oil releases where state and local first responder capabilities have been exceeded or where additional support is needed.  EPA’s emergency response program responds to chemical, oil, biological, and radiological releases and large-scale national emergencies, including homeland security incidents. EPA conducts time-critical and non-time-critical removal actions when necessary to protect human health and the environment by either funding response actions directly or overseeing and enforcing actions conducted by potentially responsible parties.

In carrying out these responsibilities, EPA coordinates with other EPA programs (including the Superfund remedial program), other federal agencies, states, tribes, and local governments.

For More Information

• National Response System
• Emergency Response Authorities
• National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan Overview
• Community Involvement
• About Chemicals, Hazardous Substances, and Oil
• Meet Our Emergency Management Partners
• Cleanups in My Community