National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan

The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP) is a set of guidelines established by the U.S. government to coordinate responses to oil spills and hazardous substance releases. Its goal is to minimize environmental and public health impacts by providing organized procedures for preparedness, response, and cleanup efforts. The plan designates responsible agencies, outlines communication protocols, and ensures rapid, effective action to contain and remediate pollution incidents. In essence, it acts as a comprehensive blueprint for managing environmental emergencies involving harmful substances to protect communities and ecosystems.