Disasters, use of the Federal Response Plan (FRP), and activation of
Emergency Support Function (ESF) 10 - Hazardous Materials Response
The following is a brief outline of events that occur that lead up to the activation of ESF-10.
Disaster occurs
Response to the disaster exceeds the affected state's response capabilities. The need for Federal aid
is determined.
Governor requests that the President declare a national disaster. President declares a disaster and
appoints a Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO).
FEMA is the lead response coordinator. Funding for the response comes from the Stafford Act
Fund which is administered by FEMA.
FEMA will use the Federal Response Plan (FRP) and activate appropriate Emergency Support
Functions (ESFs).
A disaster field office (DFO) is established to accomodate the Emergency Response Team (ERT).
The ERT is made up of the FCO, SCO, and representatives from the primary agencies of each
activated ESF.
There are 12 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) in the FRP. Each ESF has a primary agency
assigned. The primary agency coordinates the efforts of other federal agencies (OFA) for that
support function.
FEMA activates ESFs either by phone or in writing and issues the primary agency a Mission
Assignment (MA). If the ESF is activated verbally, it must be followed up in writing with a MA
letter. The MA outlines the tasking and sets a funding limit for that task.
ESF-10 is Hazardous Materials Response which, under the FRP, includes response to oil spills. The
EPA is the designated primary agency. The EPA will activate other federal agencies as needed to
assist in completing a mission assignment.
When the CG is activated to provide assistance with ESF-10, they should receive a mission
assignment from the EPA or directly from FEMA. It should describe the tasking and set a funding
limit for their response. OSCs should ensure that a NPFC case officer is assigned to the case even
though it is not a typical federal case. If the OSC does not receive a mission assignment number or
EPA number for the disaster response, the NPFC case officer will coordinate acquisition of this. It
is critical that this is done in a timely manner because it will ensure that the funding comes from the
appropriate source (Stafford Act funding).
From then on, the CG OSC will handle the response and cost recovery similar to any oil or
CERCLA case. The NPFC will liaison between the CG and EPA (primary agency). The NPFC will
ensure that the OSC has appropriate accounting data. They will review CG documentation. They
will ensure cost recovery.
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