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A incident or disaster such as a chemical spill occurs
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National Response Center (NRC): The NRC receives
reports of all chemical, radiological, etiological (causes
of a disease or abnormal condition), and biological releases
regulated by various federal statutes.
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Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC): When a discharge
or release is discovered or reported, the predesignated
Federal On-Scene Coordinator is responsible for immediately
collecting pertinent facts about the discharge or release
to evaluate the situation.The FOSC, either directly or through
his or her staff, monitors, provides technical assistance,
and/or directs federal and potentially responsible party
(PRP) resources.
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Natural resource trustees have responsibilities as natural
resource managers to protect natural resources under
their trusteeship. Planning is likely to be the most
common location for trustee participation in the ICS.
Trustee representatives should participate and assist
in activities affecting lands and resources under their
jurisdiction.
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The OSC must coordinate with state and local response
organizations, including those represented on the State
Emergency Response Commissions (SERCs) and Local Emergency
Planning Committees (LEPCs). It is the OSC’s and
Area Committee’s responsibility to ensure that
the Area Contingency Plan (ACP) provides for a well
coordinated response that is compatible, to the greatest
extent possible, with all response plans of local, state,
and non-federal entities.
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Federal Assistance Required: While
all significant oil discharges or hazardous substance releases
must be reported to the NRC, many incidents are effectively
handled without any direct involvement by the federal government.
Others require federal aid when the incident exceeds state
and local capabilities. The federal government acts as a
“safety net” for state, local, tribal, and private
party responders. Notification occurs so that federal aid
will be there if needed to ensure that the polluter cleans
up the spill or, if necessary, to provide federal assets.
Yes
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The FOSC in conjunction with the State authorities and
agencies and the Responsible Party (RP) work together
in an effort to ensure that the incident is handled
quickly and properly as part of the Unified Command/Incident
Command System
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The National Response Team (NRT),
is made up of 16 federal agencies, each with responsibilities
and expertise in various aspects of emergency response
to pollution incidents. With nationwide responsibilities
for interagency planning, policy, and coordination,
the NRT ensures that the most valuable tools in an emergency
are available for pollution incidents of all sizes and
kinds. During an incident, the NRT provides technical
advice and access to resources and equipment from its
member agencies.
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Regional Response Teams (RRT), ensure that appropriate
federal and state assistance will reach an incident
scene quickly and efficiently when needed. There are
13 RRTs, one for each of the ten federal regions, plus
one for Alaska, one for the Caribbean, and one for Oceania.
RRTs include state and federal members and are co-chaired
by the USCG and EPA. Each RRT develops a Regional Contingency
Plan that describes the policies and procedures for
a quick and effective response to pollution incidents.
- Special Forces:
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Coast Guard's National Strike Force (NSF) is composed
of three strategically located strike teams and
a coordination center. Strike teams have specially
trained personnel and are equipped to respond to
oil spills and chemical releases. NSF capabilities
are especially suited to incidents occurring in
the marine environment, but also include site assessments,
safety, action plan development and documentation
for both inland and coastal zone incidents.
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Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental
Response Team (ERT) is a group of highly trained
scientists and engineers based in Edison, NJ and
Cincinnati, OH. Its capabilities include multimedia
sampling and analysis, hazard assessment, cleanup
techniques and specialized technical support. EPA's
ERT provides SSCs for the inland zone.
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EPA's Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT)
prepare for and respond to emergencies involving
radioactive materials, nuclear power plant accidents,
nuclear weapons accidents, international incidents
involving radioactive materials, lost (orphaned)
radiation source devices, acts of terrorism involving
nuclear materials, accidents involving satellites
containing radioactive material.
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National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
NOAA Scientific Support Coordinators (SSCs) are
designated by the FOSC, and is the principal advisor
for scientific issues, communication with the scientific
community, and coordination of requests for assistance
from state and Federal agencies regarding scientific
studies. The SSC may serve on the FOSC's staff supporting
the Unified Command or within the Planning or Operational
Component of the ICS.
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The National Pollution Funds Center (NPFC) is an
independent Coast Guard Unit reporting directly
to the Chief of Staff and is the fiduciary agent
for the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) and
the portion of the Superfund used by the US for
response to hazardous substance released in the
coastal zone. The Treasury Department is the Trustee
for the Fund, the Environment Protection Agency
(EPA), coordinates the cleanup of inland oil spills
and trustees who oversee the restoration of natural
resources.
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District Response Group (DRG), provides a framework
within which Coast Guard districts organize their
response operations. It consists of all Coast Guard
units, personnel and equipment within a district's
boundary, all pre-positioned response equipment
strategically located in the district, and the District
Response Advisory Team (DRAT).
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The U.S. Navy Superintendent of Salvage (SUPSALV),
has extensive salvage-related, open-sea pollution
incidents and recovery equipment inventory with
the requisite knowledge and expertise to support
these operations, including specialized salvage,
firefighting, and petroleum, oil and lubricants
offloading capability.
When possible, SUPSALV will provide equipment for
training exercises in support of national and regional
contingency planning objectives.
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