[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 27]
[Revised as of July 1, 2006]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR300.155]

[Page 36-37]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 300_NATIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN
--Table of Contents
 
         Subpart B_Responsibility and Organization for Response
 
Sec.  300.155  Public information and community relations.

    (a) When an incident occurs, it is imperative to give the public 
prompt, accurate information on the nature of the incident and the 
actions underway to mitigate the damage. OSCs/RPMs and community 
relations personnel should ensure that all appropriate public and 
private interests are kept informed and that their concerns are 
considered throughout a response. They should coordinate with available 
public affairs/community relations resources to carry out this 
responsibility by establishing, as appropriate, a Joint Information 
Center bringing together resources from federal and state agencies and 
the responsible party.
    (b) An on-scene news office may be established to coordinate media 
relations and to issue official federal information on an incident. 
Whenever possible, it will be headed by a representative of the lead 
agency. The OSC/RPM determines the location of the on-scene news office, 
but every effort should be made to locate it near the scene of the 
incident. If a participating agency believes public interest warrants 
the issuance of statements and an on-scene news office has not been 
established, the affected agency should recommend its establishment. All 
federal news releases or statements by participating agencies should be 
cleared through the OSC/RPM. Information dissemination relating to 
natural resource damage assessment activities shall be coordinated 
through the lead administrative trustee. The designated lead 
administrative trustee may assist the OSC/RPM by disseminating 
information on issues relating to damage assessment activities. 
Following termination of removal activity, information dissemination on 
damage assessment activities shall be through the lead administrative 
trustee.
    (c) The community relations requirements specified in Sec. Sec.  
300.415, 300.430, and 300.435 apply to removal, remedial, and 
enforcement actions and are intended

[[Page 37]]

to promote active communication between communities affected by 
discharges or releases and the lead agency responsible for response 
actions. Community Relations Plans (CRPs) are required by EPA for 
certain response actions. The OSC/RPM should ensure coordination with 
such plans which may be in effect at the scene of a discharge or release 
or which may need to be developed during follow-up activities.