Natural Hazards Observer. Volume 24, Number 5, May 2000.
Abstract
The Superfund Program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long-standing, mandated responsibilities for preparing for and responding to emergencies involving hazardous substances, pollutants, and contaminants. Because of our experience and capabilities, we are often called upon to direct overall federal response to a hazardous materials incident when the president issues a disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The Great Midwest Floods in 1993 affected nine states and caused numerous industrial accidents, such as the inundation of water treatment plants and landfills; the dislodging of tanks of propane and other chemicals; and the release of household hazardous wastes throughout hundreds of counties. Under the Federal Response Plan, the EPA worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies to respond to these incidents. These events demonstrated how significant the secondary hazards and environmental impacts of a natural disaster can be and led to the formation of special federal interagency work groups that deal with long-term recovery and environmental impacts on wetlands.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA377390
Entities
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder