40 CFR 300

Overview of the NCP Roles and Responsibilities National Response Priorities General Pattern of Response Relationship with the Area Contingency

Plan

To provide the organizational structure and procedures for preparing for and responding to discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants.

1968 in response to massive oil spill from the oil tanker “TORREY CANYON” off the coast of England the year before. 37 million + gallons of crude oil spill

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA)

Clean Water Act (CWA) OPA 90

Discharges of oil into or on the navigable waters, shorelines, the contiguous zone, or the EEZ of the United States.

Releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants which may present imminent and substantial danger to public health or welfare.

Federal Agencies are responsible to uphold the following:

1. Plan for and develop procedures for addressing pollution incidents;

2. Coordination of planning, preparedness, and response activities;

3. Ensure coordination with affected states, local governments, and private entities;

4. Make available facilities and resources that may be useful in a response situation, consistent with agency authorities and capabilities.

National Response System (NRS) – the mechanism for coordinating response actions by all levels of government in support of the OSC.

The NRS is composed of: National Response Team (NRT) Regional Response Team (RRT) On Scene Coordinator (OSC) Area Committees Special Teams

NRT: Responsible for national response and preparedness planning, for coordinating regional planning, and for providing policy guidance and support to the RRTs (15 federal agencies)

RRT: Support to the OSC when activated during a response. Reps from NRT, state and local.

OSC: Directs on-scene efforts. Area Committees: Under the direction of OSC,

develops the Area Contingency Plan. Area Contingency Plan (ACP): Includes the GRP.

1. Safety of life- this includes any search and rescue efforts in the general proximity of the discharge and insurance of safety of response personnel.

2. Stabilizing the situation- including securing the source.

3. Response must use all necessary containment and removal tactics in a coordinated manner to ensure a timely effective response.

OSC actions:1. Investigate to determine level of threat

posed to health, welfare and environment, the type and quantity of polluting material, and the source.

2. Officially classify the size (minor, medium, major) and type.

3. Determine if RP is properly carrying out removal, mitigation, or prevention.

GRP is used to supplement ACP and NCP.

Information will not be duplicated throughout.

Levels of contingency plans shall not contradict one another.

Serves as plan for first responders and initial action.

Importance of initial response and assessment.

Safety of responders. Securing the source. Stabilizing the situation. Coordination between agencies in the

planning stage.