Oil and Chemical Spills: Federal Emergency Response Framework

"Thousands of oil and chemical spills of varying size and magnitude occur in the United States

each year. A recent spill of 4-methylcyclohexane methanol into the Elk River in early January

2014 in and near Charleston, WV, illustrates the potential magnitude of such incidents that can

have broad impacts on local populations. When a spill occurs, state and local officials located in

proximity to the incident generally are the first responders and may elevate an incident for federal

attention if greater resources are desired. In the case of the 4-methylcyclohexane methanol spill in

West Virginia, President Obama issued a federal emergency declaration on January 10, 2014, to

provide alternative water supplies to affected individuals. The Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) also is supporting state efforts to respond to the spill..."

Oil and Chemicla spills