What are EPA’s responsibilities for response efforts in the Gulf Region?
EPA is the lead federal agency under the National Response Plan for Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10, which addresses hazardous materials, including oil. As such we are coordinating with state, local and other federal government agencies (especially the US Coast Guard) to prevent, minimize, or mitigate threats to public health, welfare, or the environment caused by the actual or potential release of hazardous materials. EPA has been assessing, and will continue to assess and manage, a range of environmental issues, from the disposal of small containers left by the flood waters to the evaluation of potentially impacted Superfund sites. Because EPA was able to field staff in 67 boats during the first days after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, we joined the priority effort of rescuing flood victims and taking them to safety. To date, EPA staff have rescued close to 800 flood victims. EPA is also one of several agencies that provide support under ESF #3, which addresses Public
