[StBernard] Emergency Response News Release (Region 6): EPA and Louisiana Continue to Address Flood Issues

[Westley Annis]

EPA and Louisiana Continue to Address Flood Issues    

  

(DALLAS - May 20, 2011)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the State of Louisiana are continuing efforts to prepare for any possible
hazardous materials cleanup or chemical discharges in Louisiana as result of
flooding. EPA is actively evaluating threats to human health and the
environment that may exist from Mississippi River flooding of facilities and
potential release of contaminants. 

  

EPA has sent personnel to staff the Regional Response Coordination Center in
Denton, Texas, and a representative to the FEMA Incident Management Advance
Team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. EPA also has deployed staff to South
Louisiana to coordinate activities with other response organizations.   

  

EPA is currently working with the Louisiana Department of Environmental
Quality and Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to address issues
associated with wastewater and drinking water facilities. The Louisiana
Department of Agriculture and Forestry is addressing stockpiles and
inventories of farm chemicals including herbicides and pesticides.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources and the Louisiana
Oil Spill Coordinator's Office are working with operators to mark tanks,
remove contents and replace with water and secure equipment. 

  

Additionally, EPA is identifying regulated facilities, and wastewater and
drinking water plants in the flood areas. The information will be used to
identify potential hazards and areas of concern.  

  

For more on Flooding, visit:  http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/flooding.html
<http://www.epa.gov/naturalevents/flooding.html>  

  

More about activities in EPA Region 6:
http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html
<http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/region6.html>  

  

EPA audio file is available at
http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/may2011.html
<http://www.epa.gov/region6/6xa/podcast/may2011.html>