translated into policies nnd strategies needed to execute USCCI respon- 

 sibilities in marine environmental protection more effectively. Informa- 

 tion from the system has also proven useful to other P'ederal agencies. 

 Congress, industry, and academic institutions. 



The National Response Center (NRC:), operated by the USCG. is the 

 focal point for notifying the USCG of oil and hazardous substance pollu- 

 tion incidents. NRC receives current information on pollution incidents 

 as they occur, contains technical data on hazardous substances, and in- 

 ventories response resources. The NRC disseminates operational infor- 

 mation to all interested parties and agencies. It is manned continuously 

 and has quick access to qualified personnel ufho can provide assistance 

 and advice on a wide range of subjects required for response activities. 



The Chemical Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) being 

 developed by USCG as part of the NRC will be placed in operation in 

 1976. CHRIS will provide field personnel with the information they 

 need to make effective responses to discharges of hazardous polluting 

 substances. Field response personnel not completely familiar with the 

 myriad of chemicals and other hazardous substances that may be dis- 

 charged into navigable waters can use the CHRIS to obtain information 

 on the composition of substances, their potential danger, dispersal or 

 decomposition patterns, the symptoms of sickness from exposure, and 

 antidotes. CHRIS will also provide information on alternate methods to 

 handle the discharge. 



A cadre of USCG personnel has been trained to respond to discharges 

 of oil and other hazardous polluting substances that exceed the 

 capabilities of regional forces. Called the National Strike Force, this 

 cadre is organized into three teams, the Atlantic Strike Team, the Pacific 

 Strike Team, and the Gulf Strike Team. The teams, each with a strength 

 of about 15 men, respond to pollution discharges, or threats of dis- 

 charges, and provide technical expertise and supervisory assistance in 

 the deployment of special pollution control equipment for removal 

 operations to USCG, EPA, or other Federal coordinators. 



The National Strike Force has U.S. waters as its primary area of 

 responsibility, but it has been requested to provide assistance in foreign 

 waters. Strike Force personnel have responded to the requests of foreign 

 governments for assistance with oil removal from the Metuia in the 

 Straits of Magellan, Chile, in 1974, and from the Showci Mciru near 

 Singapore in 1975. In each case, the assistance was provided on a cost- 

 reimbursable basis. The USCG is also responsible for enforcement of 

 ocean-dumping regulations and the surveillance of dumping activities. 

 In accordance with the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries 

 Act, EPA administers an ocean disposal permit program and the Na- 

 tional Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) conducts a 

 program of research and monitoring of the environmental effects of 



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