How is ATSDRs role in helping communities different from EPAs role?
Unlike EPA, ATSDR is not a regulatory agency. ATSDR is a public health agency that advises EPA on the health aspects of hazardous waste sites or spills. ATSDR makes recommen- dations to EPA when specific actions are needed to protect the public’s health. For example, ATSDR might recommend providing an alternative water supply, removing contaminated material, or restricting access to a site. EPA usually follows these recommen- dations. However, ATSDR cannot require EPA to follow its recommendations.
