Although HAZMAT response is not normally expected of CERTs, a disaster may force teams located near refineries or shore lines to consider some limited actions. This page is intended to provide these teams with an overview of techniques available from government and professional response agencies and companies. The information given here may be used to prepare a limited response plan until such time as these agencies and companies can mobilize.

Despite the nation's best efforts to prevent spills, almost 14,000 oil spills are reported each year, mobilizing thousands of specially trained emergency response personnel and challenging the best-laid contingency plans. Although many spills are contained and cleaned up by the party responsible for the spill, some spills require assistance from local and state agencies, and occasionally, the federal government. Under the National Contingency Plan, EPA is the lead federal response agency for oil spills occurring in inland waters, and the U.S. Coast Guard is the lead response agency for spills in coastal waters and deep water ports.

Whether or not it manages the response, EPA tracks all reports of oil spills. EPA usually learns about a spill from the responsible party, who is required by law to report the spill to the federal government, or from state and local responders. Once the federal government receives the report, either through the National Response Center, EPA, or another agency, it is recorded in the National Response System, or ERNS. ERNS contains historical spill information for the entire country dating from 1986, and is currently available for downloading.

A number of advanced response mechanisms are available for controlling oil spills and minimizing their impacts on human health and the environment. The key to effectively combating spills is careful selection and proper use of the equipment and materials most suited to the type of oil and the conditions at the spill site. Most spill response equipment and materials are greatly affected by such factors as water currents and wind. Damage to spill-contaminated shorelines and dangers to other threatened areas can be reduced by timely and proper use of containment and recovery equipment.

Mechanical containment or recovery is the primary line of defense against oil spills in the U.S. Containment and recovery equipment includes a variety of booms, barriers, and skimmers, as well as natural and synthetic absorbent materials, that are used to capture and store the spilled oil until it can be disposed of properly.

Chemical and biological methods can be used in conjunction with mechanical means for containing and cleaning up oil spills. Dispersants and gelling agents are most useful in helping to keep oil from reaching shorelines and other sensitive habitats. Biological agents have the potential to assist recovery in sensitive areas such as shorelines, marshes, and wetlands. Research into these technologies continues to improve oil spill cleanup. Subpart J of the NCP establishes the process for authorizing the use of dispersants and other chemical response agents, which includes the NCP Product Schedule, which is the federal government's listing of chemical countermeasures that are available for use during or after an oil spill response.

Physical methods are used to clean up shorelines. Natural processes such as evaporation, oxidation, and biodegradation can start the cleanup process, but are generally too slow to provide adequate environmental recovery. Physical methods, such as wiping with absorbent materials, pressure washing, and raking and bulldozing can be used to assist these natural processes.

Scare tactics are used to protect birds and animals by keeping them away from oil spill areas. Such devices as propane scare-cans, floating dummies, and helium-filled balloons are often used, particularly to keep away birds.