OR&R and NPFC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that codifies this relationship through FY 2027 and continues a long standing partnership.

The Coast Guard is responsible for ensuring removal of oil discharges and/or hazardous substance releases in the coastal zones. Upon request by the CG Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC), the NOAA Scientific Support Coordinator provides support services related to scientific issues affecting the removal.

NOAA may also provide other services to the FOSC during a removal as a member of the Regional Response Team. This agreement identifies the cost reimbursement protocols for those activities under the National Contingency Plan for which NPFC provides funding using the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (oil) or using amounts provided to CG via Superfund (hazardous substances).

This agreement also addresses the procedures for NOAA to request funding from the OSLTF Emergency Fund to initiate natural resource damage assessment activities for Oil Pollution Act incidents. NOAA is responsible for assessing natural resource damages to resources under their trusteeship resulting from oil pollution incidents and developing and implementing plans for the restoration, rehabilitation, replacement, or acquisition of the equivalent, of those damaged resources.

During the meeting, representatives discussed past response and damage assessment accomplishments, anticipated future activities working together, and celebrated the new MOU and ongoing relationship.