EPA Special Teams
Environmental Response Team
The Environmental
Response Team (ERT) is a vital force in the battle to eliminate hazardous substance
threats. The ERT is a group of EPA technical experts who provide
around-the-clock assistance at the scene of hazardous substance
releases, offering expertise in such areas as treatment, biology,
chemistry, hydrology, geology, and engineering. The ERT can
provide support to the full range of emergency response actions,
including unusual or complex emergency incidents such as when an
underwater release challenges EPA.
In such cases, the ERT can bring in special equipment
and experienced responders, and can provide the OSC or lead
responder with experience and advice.
Radiological Response Team
The Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT) is a specialized unit that responds to emergencies requiring the cleanup of radioactive substances. They provide onsite and lab-based risk monitoring services.
National Decontamination Team
The National Decontamination Team (NDT) provides scientific support and technical expertise for decontamination of buildings, building contents, public infrastructure, agriculture, and associated environmental media. Specialized expertise, such as biochemistry, microbiology and medicine, health physics, toxicology, HVAC engineering, and industrial hygiene, is available to assist local, national, and international agencies supporting hazardous substance response and remedial operations, including Nationally Significant Incidents.