Introduction to Oil Spill Cleanup
National Response System (NRS)
The National Response System (NRS) is a mechanism routinely and effectively used to respond to a wide range of oil and hazardous substance releases. It is a multi-layered system involving individuals and teams from tribal, local, state, and federal agencies, as well as industry and other organizations.
EPA responds to oil spills, chemical, biological, radiological releases, and large-scale national emergencies. EPA also provides additional response assistance when state and local first responder capabilities have been exhausted or when additional support is requested.
National Contingency Plan
At the heart of the system is the National Contingency Plan (NCP). The NCP is the federal government's blueprint for responding to both oil spills and hazardous substance releases. The plan ensures that the federal government's resources and expertise are available immediately for emergencies that are beyond the capabilities of local and state responders.
NATIONAL CONTINGENCY PLAN
National Response Center
The US Coast Guard (USCG) National Response Center (NRC) is not a response agency. It serves as an emergency call center that fields INITIAL reports for pollution and railroad incidents and forwards that information to appropriate federal/state agencies for response. Anyone witnessing an oil spill, chemical release or maritime security incident should call the NRC hotline at 1-800-424-8802.
National Response Team (NRT)
The EPA National Response Team (NRT) provides technical assistance, resources and coordination on preparedness, planning, response and recovery activities for emergencies involving hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants, oil, and weapons of mass destruction in natural and technological disasters and other environmental incidents of national significance.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. What is the federal government's blueprint for responding to oil spills?
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