NCJ Number
191803
Date Published
May 2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the EPA’s responsibilities and capabilities in responding to nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) terrorism.
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has statutory authorities and responsibilities to prepare for and respond to emergencies involving pollutants or contaminants, which include chemical, biological, and radiological materials that could also be components of a weapon of mass destruction (WPD). A WPD is defined as a weapon, device, or large conventional explosive that produces catastrophic loss of life or property. Additional EPA responsibilities include assisting the FBI in threat assessments and determining the type of hazards associated with releases or potential releases of material in a terrorist incident. The EPA is assigned to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with environmental monitoring, decontamination, and long-term site cleanup. The EPA is also the lead agency for hazardous materials response under Emergency Support Function (ESF) #10 of the Federal Response Plan (FRP). Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) #63 named EPA the lead agency for the Water Supply Sector. In addition, the EPA was named as one of the six Federal authorities for assisting in the provision of the WMD training program for first responders in 120 of the country’s largest cities. The Federal On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs) are the primary Federal representatives at responses conducted under the National Response System (NRS). Federal OSCs work with State, local, and private responders to protect human health and the environment. EPA OSCs possess the authority to manage all response efforts at the scene of an incident, and can call upon a variety of specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) discusses special forces and other assistance available to Federal OSCs during a response. The following are examples of the specialized assistance available to the Federal OSC: (a) Environmental Response Team (ERT)--EPA’s ERT supports EPA’s OSCs with expertise in treatment technology, biology, chemistry, hydrology, geology, and engineering; (b) the Coast Guard’s National Strike Force (NSF)--the NSF is composed of three strategically located strike teams that have specially trained personnel and equipment to respond to major oil spills and chemical releases, a public information assist team (PIAT), and a coordination center that is available to assist OSC in demands for public information during a response; and (c) Scientific Support Coordinator (SSC)--the SSCs are the principal advisors to the OSCs for scientific issues, communication with the scientific community and coordination for requests for assistance from State and Federal agencies regarding scientific studies. A final responsibility of the EPA is its radiological response capabilities. EPA’s role in response to a nuclear/radiological terrorism incident varies depending on the situation. The three main areas of EPA radiological responses are: (1) monitoring and assessment; (2) protective action guidance; and (3) assistance in coordinating Federal response during the cleanup. EPA’s Office of Radiation and Indoor Air (ORIA) has established a Radiological Emergency Response Team (RERT). The RERT provides support during incidents or at sites involving radiological hazards.