Class Details

Removal Process provides EPA On‐Scene Coordinators (OSC) and other personnel supporting the removal program - including Headquarters regional coordinators, enforcement personnel, and Special Teams members - with fundamental information and practical skills needed to effectively plan, conduct and support removal actions, which respond to releases of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants and oil discharges under the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). Structured around the NCP framework, the course guides participants through the sequence of events, starting with site discovery and demonstrating how the enforcement process is integrated into various phases of the removal process. This training enhances an OSC's ability to effectively utilize the Incident Command System/Unified Command (ICS/UC) and clarifies the roles and responsibilities of an OSC during emergency responses to hazardous substance releases. The course examines the organization of the ICS/UC and provides an in-depth discussion of its planning and support functions. Participants are introduced to available tools and resources and are challenged to apply the knowledge gained to realistic exercises and case studies.

Course Objectives:

• Review the statutory and regulatory requirements, including response authority, public participation requirements, and regulations governing contracting services. 
• Learn the step-by-step process of conducting a removal action. 
• Comprehend the authorities and limitations of an OSC during a removal action. 
• Understand the ICS/UC and an OSC’s role during an emergency response. 
• Use newly developed knowledge and skills to address real-life challenges. 

Removal Process is a beginner‐level course recommended for EPA OSCs responsible for or needing to understand removal response activities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), Clean Water Act (CWA) and the NCP. It may also be valuable to other EPA removal program personnel, such as planners, Removal Managers and Special Teams members.  

Other Federal Agency OSCs and State OSCs will also be permitted to attend, but priority will be given to EPA OSCs. THIS COURSE IS NOT OPEN TO ACADEMIA, CONSULTANTS, CONTRACTORS OR ANY PRIVATE ENTITIES. The Fundamentals of Superfund course is a prerequisite for EPA employees who would like to attend the Removal Process course.

This course is offered free of charge to all registrants who are confirmed to attend.

Daily Class Times:
Monday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Tuesday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Wednesday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Thursday - 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Friday - 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM

The CERCLA Education Center (CEC) understands that questions will continue regarding the status of CEC courses currently planned for 2023. Although we hope to be able to hold classroom trainings, the CEC will assess current conditions and make a go/no-go decision for each course six weeks prior to the start of the delivery. The CEC will assess current local and EPA COVID-19 guidelines; current EPA travel policies; and the number of students enrolled in a course before making a decision. Registered students will receive a notification via email if the course is postponed. Information will also be posted to the appropriate Trainex page. Questions may be directed to Jodi McCarty, ICF (jodi.mccarty@icf.com).

To be determined - check back for updates