Mission and Purpose  —  Region 5 Regional Response Team

The Region 5 Regional Response Team (RRT) is comprised of members from state and federal agencies committed to working efficiently to minimize the adverse effects of oil and chemical incidents that affect human health, safety and the environment. The RRT is a planning and coordinating body and usually does not respond directly to the scene. Rather, they provide support, advice, and assistance to the Federal On-Scene Coordinators (OSCs). The RRT is activated at the request of the OSC or any member Agency. Any state or Tribe can request the RRT be activated through their RRT representatives. Once activated, the RRT often consults via teleconference call. This keeps the agencies from burdening the response scene and allows them to be close to their support networks, staff and resources.

The RRT is comprised of 16 federal agencies, tribal representatives and agencies from each Region 5 state with interests and proficiency in emergency preparedness and response to pollution incidents. The RRT coordinates planning among its members for oil and hazardous substance emergencies. That planning is also coordinated with local governments and private entities. Some of the federal agencies in fact have legal mandates to act in a response. Because Region 5 includes areas along the US-Canada border, Canadian agencies often work with members of the RRT during plan development and may provide or request assistance in the event of a spill along the border.

Members of the RRT make facilities, resources and knowledge available that could be useful in a response situation. They work with other states and first responders such as fire fighters, police and industry during a hazardous materials spill or oil substance spill. The RRT also works with first responders from other federal, state and local agencies, public officials, and members of industry to ensure an effective response to spill incidents.

To be successful in its mission, the RRT functions in the capacity outlined in the National Contingency Plan and uses its operational and administrative abilities to provide value to our communities.