906 Oil Spill Cleanup

National Response System (NRS)

On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) / Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC)

The On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) , also known as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC), is the federal official who leads and manages the on-site response to oil spills and hazardous substance releases. The OSC/FOSC has overall responsibility for coordinating response actions at the incident location.

For incidents occurring in the inland zone, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides the OSC. For incidents in the coastal zone or navigable waters, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) serves as the OSC. This division of responsibility helps ensure that the most appropriate federal resources and expertise are used during a response.

The OSC/FOSC works within the Incident Command System (ICS) and may operate as part of a Unified Command that includes state, local, tribal, and responsible party representatives. Key duties include assessing the situation, directing response operations, ensuring worker and public safety, and coordinating federal, state, and local resources.

The OSC/FOSC also oversees cleanup activities, monitors environmental impacts, and ensures that response actions comply with the National Contingency Plan. Through this role, the OSC/FOSC helps ensure an effective, organized, and timely response to environmental emergencies.

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