EPA Region 7 Emergency & Disaster Response Timeline

October 2020

Region 7 Responds to Emergencies and Disasters

Throughout EPA's 50-year history, emergency preparedness and response operations have changed drastically. In some instances, this has resulted from major federal policy changes spurred by significant events. In others, technology like bag phones has given way to iPhones. Today, Region 7 responds to about 40 emergency incidents per year. Responses range from pipeline leaks and floods to train derailments, tire fires, oil and mercury spills, and more. In 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of a strong, skilled emergency preparedness and response team is clear. But to understand today’s strategy and tactics, we need to look back at the evolution of emergency response.

As we celebrate EPA@50, we want to recognize the efforts of those who support emergency preparedness and response operations both directly and indirectly. In Region 7, this includes the Superfund and Emergency Management Division (SEMD) and the Mission Support Division (MSD), with support from the Laboratory Services and Applied Science; Water; Air and Radiation; Land, Chemical and Redevelopment; and Enforcement and Compliance Assurance divisions, as well as the Office of Public Affairs and Regional Counsel. This story map provides a glimpse into a few of the events and incidents that have shaped emergency preparedness and response in EPA Region 7.

"I think we, in Region 7, have sort of a 'Midwestern sensibility' that prevails when we go out into the field. We don’t complain or gripe about positions that we get thrown into." - Joe Davis, EPA Region 7 on-scene coordinator

Image of EPA staff on a boat monitoring a river.
Image of EPA staff on a boat monitoring a river.

Introduction to Emergency and Disaster Response

EPA employees are regularly on the frontlines of responses to emergencies and disasters.

EPA’s emergency response efforts involve responses to chemical, biological and radiological releases, oil spills, and more. EPA is given the authority to respond to these incidents under statutes like the  Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act  (also referred to as Superfund) and the  Oil Pollution Act . Together, these statutes provide authority to EPA to help in protecting human health and the environment due to hazardous material and oil release events, and allow the Agency to support state and local partners.

EPA also carries out disaster response, which occurs when FEMA or state governments request EPA assistance in responding to federally-declared disasters or emergencies. The  Stafford Act  allows the president to provide this federal assistance when the response needed exceeds state and local capacity.

“In order for us to do what we need to do, we rely on support from folks across the region. Those in IT and folks that assist with travel and payroll, logistical folks sending and receiving supplies, contract folks, toxicologists and risk assessors, our public information officers and community involvement coordinators, along with subject matter experts from across the region. It takes a family.” – Heath Smith, Region 7 on-scene coordinator

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U.S. EPA Region 7 (Midwest)

Office of Public Affairs in U.S. EPA Region 7