Search Frequent Questions

Filter By:

Active filters:

Remove all filters

Displaying 1 - 15 of 20 results

  • To whom do I report an oil discharge?

    A facility should report discharges to the National Response Center (NRC) at 1-800-424-8802 or 1-202-267-2675 . The NRC is the federal government's centralized reporting center, which is staffed 24 hours per day by U.S. Coast Guard personnel. If reporting directly to NRC is not practicable, reports also can be made…

    • Last published:

  • When must I report an oil discharge to NRC?

    Any person in charge of a vessel or an onshore or offshore facility must notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately after he or she has knowledge of the discharge.

    • Last published:

  • Can I use clothes, towels, and bedding that I left behind in my structure?

    Yes. However, it is recommended the occupant launder clothes, towels and bedding as normal.

    • Last published:

  • What happens after a facility submits the information about an oil discharge to EPA?

    The EPA Regional Administrator will review the information submitted by the facility and may require a facility to submit and amend its SPCC Plan. Facilities and equipment that qualified for the new streamlined requirements may lose eligibility for those options as determined by the Regional Administrator. A state agency may…

    • Last published:

  • Who is subject to the Discharge of Oil regulation?

    Any person in charge of a vessel or of an onshore or offshore facility is subject to the reporting requirements of the Discharge of Oil regulation if it discharges a harmful quantity of oil to U.S. navigable waters, adjoining shorelines, or the contiguous zone, or in connection with activities under…

    • Last published:

  • Are there any changes to the registration of disinfectants due to COVID-19?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. At the federal level, EPA has published guidance on amending product registrations to add claims of efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 , claims of…

    • Last published:

  • Why aren’t hand sanitizers listed on List N?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. List N only includes EPA-registered surface disinfectants. Hand sanitizers, antiseptic washes and antibacterial soaps are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration…

    • Last published:

  • Reporting requirements for oil discharges

    What are the reporting requirements for discharges of oil? If a discharge of oil reaches waters of the United States, it is reportable to the National Response Center under 40 CFR Part 110 , which was established under the authority of the Clean Water Act. Discharges of oil must be…

    • Last published:

  • Will samples be collected after cleaning is completed?

    Indoor air or surface samples will not be collected as part of this cleaning program. Indoor sampling is not recommended since exposure pathways for volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) have been effectively managed though site engineering controls and an extensive network of air monitoring and sampling equipment. Any VOCs that may…

    • Last published:

  • What’s the difference between products that disinfect, sanitize, and clean surfaces?

    At EPA, products used to kill viruses and bacteria on surfaces are registered as antimicrobial pesticides. Sanitizers and disinfectants are two types of antimicrobial pesticides. Action What does it do? Does EPA regulate the product? Cleaning Cleaning removes dirt and organic matter from surfaces using soap or detergents. EPA regulates cleaning products…

    • Last published:

  • Will EPA take enforcement action against companies making false claims that their disinfectants work against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Yes, EPA is authorized to take enforcement action to prevent the sale or distribution of disinfectants with false or misleading claims on…

    • Last published:

  • What do I need to submit to EPA if I have an oil discharge?

    The owner/operator must provide the following: Name and location of the facility Owner/operator name Maximum storage/handling capacity of the facility and normal daily throughput Corrective actions and countermeasures taken, including descriptions of equipment repairs and replacements Adequate description of the facility, including maps, flow diagrams, and topographical maps, as necessary…

    • Last published:

  • What information do I need to report for an oil discharge?

    The National Response Center (NRC) will ask a caller to provide as much information about the incident as possible including: • Name, organization, and telephone number • Name and address of the party responsible for the incident • Date and time of the incident • Location of the incident •…

    • Last published:

  • How will I know when I can return?

    EPA representatives will keep you informed about the progress of the cleaning. The cleaning team will provide an estimate of cleaning time when they arrive. You will be notified when cleaning is wrapping up so that you can return. Representatives of the cleaning team will not leave until you return…

    • Last published:

  • What is an emerging viral pathogen claim?

    List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases defines “emerging infectious diseases/pathogens” as those “that have newly appeared in a population or…

    • Last published: