OR&R Collaborates with U.S. Coast Guard for Enhanced Coordination for Emergency Response
MARCH 11, 2024 — On February 15, the Office of Response and Restoration met with the U.S. Coast Guard to commemorate the signing of the Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) Interagency Agreement. This milestone agreement sets forth standardized protocols for employing ERMA in U.S. Coast Guard-led training, exercises, and responses to oil discharges and hazardous substance releases in alignment with the National Contingency Plan (NCP), National Response Framework, and pertinent legislation such as the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
The primary objective of this agreement is to establish a formalized framework for policy decisions, funding allocation, and leveraging ERMA COP (Common Operating Picture) to optimize decision-making during response operations for both NOAA and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). Its scope encompasses bolstering responses to natural disasters like hurricanes or tsunamis in U.S. navigable waters and territories, under either the Stafford Act or NCP authorities.
After the signing of the Interagency Agreement, discussions between OR&R and USCG focused on shared priorities and interests, particularly in the realms of operational scientific support, collaborative research initiatives, and effective data management strategies. The dialogue underscored a commitment to exploring innovative technology advancements, new products, and avenues for enhancing preparedness while nurturing ongoing collaboration.
Furthermore, the OR&R Director and the acting Emergency Response Division Chief visited the National Pollution Funds Center Director and Case Management Division Chief, further reinforcing collaboration efforts during the visit.