The 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 safety, human health and the environment. The RRT is co-chaired by the US Coast Guard Ninth District and US Environmental Protection Agency Region V.

The purpose of the RRT is to act as a regional planning and coordination body for preparedness and response actions. In the case of discharged oil and/or hazardous materials, the chair for the RRT is the member of the agency providing the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC). Preparedness activities are carried out in conjunction with appropriate State Emergency Response Committees, Area Committees, Local Emergency Planning Committees and Tribal Councils.

To locate a specific member of the Region 5 RRT, please see the Region 5 RRT Roster.

More information on the role of the RRT can be found on the National Response Team website.

The RRT 5 Mission

The Region 5 RRT has composed a fact sheet will help you understand the organization, its mission and its responsibilities. It also explains who the RRT members are and what they can do for you. Download the RRT 5 fact sheet (.pdf).

The mission of the RRT is to serve as the regional mechanism for development and coordination of preparedness activities before a response action is taken, and to coordinate assistance and advice to the FOSC and/or the Remedial Project Manager during such response actions. Download the complete RRT 5 Mission/Vision Statement (.pdf).

To be successful in its mission, the RRT needs to serve in the capacity outlined in the National Contingency Plan and use its operational and administrative abilities effectively. This is accomplished by:

• Thinking Regionally: Provide information to Local, State, Federal, Tribal, and Canadian partner agencies regarding the RRT's role in planning, preparedness, and response actions.
• Acting Locally: Provide effective support and guidance to the FOSC during response actions and to area committees in the local planning process. The RRT and FOSC are mechanisms for the local authorities to access Federal resources and expertise.
• Working Together to Build Trust and Cooperation: Encourage Federal, State, Local, private, and international partnerships to develop solutions to regional preparedness and response challenges.