After a nationally significant or large-scale hazardous chemical release has occurred, cleanup and recovery activities will follow some of the same basic procedures that govern the response to smaller- scale HAZMAT incidents. However, a nationally significant or large-scale incident necessarily will involve the collaboration of multiple FSLTT agencies and out-of-area resources. This is especially true regarding the selection of an appropriate remediation strategy based on the nature of the incident and how and when to deem the site ready for resumed use/re-occupancy, either with or without limitations.
Decisions made during the response to and recovery from a nationally significant or large-scale chemical incident should be timely, prioritize lifesaving and human health and safety activities, and strive to stabilize Community Lifelines to protect human health and the environment and minimize significant socioeconomic impacts. Additional considerations include establishing and maintaining public confidence; preserving physical property and the flow of goods and services; ensuring civil rights and environmental justice;9 and facilitating the rapid restoration and recovery of critical infrastructure, services, industry, business, and public activity. Efforts to minimize health and environmental impacts and achieve key socioeconomic objectives should be undertaken in a clear, consistently agreed-upon manner by the many agencies and other key stakeholders involved.
Typically, no single, absolute remediation criteria or approach level will fit all scenarios or individual areas of concern, but the perception that there are inconsistencies among agencies separately addressing specific aspects of a response can occur if consensus is not achieved. Perceived inconsistencies can lead to confusion and public distrust in high-concern/high-anxiety situations that require clear and transparent communication. Yet, it should be acknowledged that hazardous chemical health-based exposure criteria and corresponding remediation approaches will likely evolve during different phases of the response and recovery effort. (e.g., “immediate” action levels may be applicable to the initial response, while more stringent cleanup levels may be appropriate for the sustained response and longer-term recovery).
The planning and decision framework presented in this document is intended to be applicable to most large-scale chemical contamination incident scenarios, regardless of cause. Comprehensive planning among all agencies and clear, consistent communication and coordination between agencies and between RPs and government agencies at all levels and the general public throughout all phases of the response and recovery effort are essential. This notion is reinforced and strongly encouraged by national guidance documents such as the NRF and the Response FIOP and its supporting annexes, including the OCIA.10