Emergency Response Program

DEQ's Emergency Response Program is designed to carry out legislative direction to work with other agencies and industry to prevent and respond to spills of oil and hazardous materials.

Oil and hazardous material spills pose a major potential threat to Oregon's waters, air, land, and wildlife. Large volumes of oil move along the Columbia River and along the coast. Hazardous materials are shipped along the highways and by rail. DEQ works with other agencies and industry to prevent and respond to spills of these materials. The program also coordinates removal of drug lab materials which would otherwise present a risk to the public.