About Us
Quickfinder
In 2004, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) was created in the EPA Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER). OEM integrates the functions of the former Superfund Emergency Response Program, Oil Spill Prevention Program, and Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office.
Core Purpose
Lead the national effort to prevent, prepare for, and respond to environmental emergencies.
Mission
OEM works with other EPA partners, federal agencies, state and local response agencies, and industry to prevent accidents and maintain and provide superior response capabilities.
OEM Program and Project Descriptions
Lawrence M. Stanton, Director: 202-564-2092
Dana Tulis, Deputy Director: 202-564-7938
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Consequence Management Advisory Team (CBRN CMAT), located in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides expertise and support to On-Scene Coordinators (OSC) regarding the decontamination of buildings or other structures in the event of an incident involving releases of radiological, biological, or chemical contaminants. Erica Canzler, Director: 202-564-2359
Business Operations Center (BOC) is responsible for program and resource management functions, including budgetary planning, human resources, contracts and grants, accountability, and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). BOC directs the formulation and execution of annual budgets, and coordinates activities across OEM. Joshua Woodyard, Acting Director: 202-564-9588
Regulation and Policy Development Division (RPDD) is OEM’s policy and technical arm. RPDD develops policy, technical approaches and regulations required by various environmental, safety and accident prevention, preparedness and response statutes. R. Craig Matthiessen, Director: 202-564-8016
National Planning and Preparedness Division (NPPD) is responsible for ensuring national EPA readiness to respond to incidents involving hazardous chemicals, oil, and biological/radiological contamination resulting from terrorist attacks or accidents. NPPD works closely with EPA’s Office of Homeland Security. Mark Mjoness, Director: 202-564-1976
Program Operations and Coordination Division (POCD) provides coordination and oversight for all OEM operational programs. Regional Coordinators provide programmatic expertise, policy interpretation, response strategies and general support to the Regional offices. POCD personnel provide a 24/7 watch officer service, serve as Regional points of contact for expertise and support, serve as advocates for Regional needs, and lead the Emergency Response Peer Support Team, which provides stress management and trauma mitigation assistance to EPA's emergency responders. Gilberto Irizarry, Director: 202-564-7982
Evaluation and Communication Division (ECD) coordinates strategic planning, program evaluation and communication. ECD coordinates OEM work planning, develops lessons learned from exercises and incidents, coordinates outreach, and keeps the OEM Web site up-to-date. Victoria L. van Roden, Director: 202-564-4253
For more information about EPA's emergency management activities and programs, please contact EPA headquarters or the Regional Emergency Management Programs for one of our ten regions.