[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: 40CFR300.3]

[Page 6-7]
 
                   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 A_Introduction
 
Sec.  300.3  Scope.

    (a) The NCP applies to and is in effect for:
    (1) Discharges of oil into or on the navigable waters of the United 
States, on the adjoining shorelines, the waters of the contiguous zone, 
into waters of the exclusive economic zone, or that may affect natural 
resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive 
management authority of the United States (See sections 311(c)(1) and 
502(7) of the CWA).
    (2) Releases into the environment of hazardous substances, and 
pollutants or contaminants which may present an imminent and substantial 
danger to public health or welfare of the United States.
    (b) The NCP provides for efficient, coordinated, and effective 
response to

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discharges of oil and releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, and 
contaminants in accordance with the authorities of CERCLA and the CWA. 
It provides for:
    (1) The national response organization that may be activated in 
response actions. It specifies responsibilities among the federal, 
state, and local governments and describes resources that are available 
for response.
    (2) The establishment of requirements for federal, regional, and 
area contingency plans. It also summarizes state and local emergency 
planning requirements under SARA Title III.
    (3) Procedures for undertaking removal actions pursuant to section 
311 of the CWA.
    (4) Procedures for undertaking response actions pursuant to CERCLA.
    (5) Procedures for involving state governments in the initiation, 
development, selection, and implementation of response actions, pursuant 
to CERCLA.
    (6) Listing of federal trustees for natural resources for purposes 
of CERCLA and the CWA.
    (7) Procedures for the participation of other persons in response 
actions.
    (8) Procedures for compiling and making available an administrative 
record for response actions.
    (9) National procedures for the use of dispersants and other 
chemicals in removals under the CWA and response actions under CERCLA.
    (c) In implementing the NCP, consideration shall be given to 
international assistance plans and agreements, security regulations and 
responsibilities based on international agreements, federal statutes, 
and executive orders. Actions taken pursuant to the provisions of any 
applicable international joint contingency plans shall be consistent 
with the NCP, to the greatest extent possible. The Department of State 
shall be consulted, as appropriate, prior to taking any action which may 
affect its activities.
    (d) Additionally, the NCP applies to and is in effect when the 
Federal Response Plan and some or all its Emergency Support Functions 
(ESFs) are activated.