HAZMAT—Protecting Coastal Resources from Pollution Emergencies

As we've seen over the years, pollution from accidental spills and hazardous waste sites can harm the coastal environment. What can be done? A critical step towards ameliorating the problem is making rapid, yet well-thought-out decisions to prevent or lessen the damage. Further, the media and public must be educated to understand the impact of oiling on the environment. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a Federal trustee for the coastal environment and its resources, is directed to use its unique skills and knowledge to protect the environment from accidental spills, whether they are from tankers in the ocean or waste sites on navigable rivers. In addition, NOAA is the Federal scientific advisor to the Federal On-Scene Coordinator who is responsible for overseeing cleanup of spills in coastal waters.