NOAA and EPA - Scientific Support Coordinators (SSCs)
  • SSCs are designated as a “Special Team” to advise the Federal On-Scene Coordinator on scientific and technical issues, communicate with the scientific community, and coordinate scientific assistance requests from state and federal agencies.
  • SSCs provide technical guidance and scientific advice to Federal On-Scene Coordinators to support preparation and training, and can be activated to support response actions.
  • Typically, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) SSCs support the USCG in the coastal zone; and EPA SSCs support the EPA in the inland zone.
  • Expertise includes:
    • Pollutant Transport Modeling in air and water
    • Oil & Hazmat Fate and Effects
    • Natural Resources at Risk
    • Environmental Chemistry and Toxicity
    • Environmental Trade-off of Countermeasures and Cleanup
    • Environmental sampling
    • Data & Information Management
    • Contingency Planning
    • Liaison to Scientific Community
Graphic illustrating the process used by Scientific Support Coordinators