USE OF DISPERSANTS - U.S. National Response Team (NRT)

2. YELLOW ZONE - WATERS REQUIRING CASE-BY-CASE APPROVALThe Yellow Zone is defined as any waters within the CRRT which have not been designated as a "Red"zone, and in which ANY of the following conditions apply:For Puerto Rico:1) Waters designated as marine reserves, National Marine Sanctuaries, National or StateWildlife Refuges, or proposed or designated Critical Habitats;2) Waters within 0.5 miles of a shoreline;3) Waters less than 60 feet in depth; or4) Waters in mangrove or coastal wetland ecosystems, or directly over coral communities whichare in less than 60 feet of water. Coastal wetlands include submerged algal beds andsubmerged seagrass beds.For U.S. Virgin Islands:1) Waters designated as marine reserves, National Marine Sanctuaries, National or StateWildlife Refuges, or proposed or designated Critical Habitats;2) Waters within 1.0 miles of a shoreline;3) Waters less than 60 feet in depth; or4) Waters in mangrove or coastal wetland ecosystems, or directly over coral communities whichare in less than 60 feet of water. Coastal wetlands include submerged algal beds andsubmerged seagrass beds.If the USCG-OSC believes dispersants should be applied within the Yellow Zone, a request forauthorization must be made to the CRRT representatives of the EPA, affected State(s), DOC, and DOI.The information contained on the documentation/application form in Appendix IV must be provided tothe CRRT members. The OSC is only granted authority to conduct dispersant operations in the YellowZone when concurrence has been given by EPA and the affected State(s), and after consultation withDOC and DOI. EPA, the State(s), DOC and DOI must respond to the OSC request for authorizationwithin four (4) hours. If a decision cannot be reached within four hours, the OSC is to be notified andinformed of the delay.Once authorized, application of dispersants within the Yellow Zone will be conducted in accordance withthe protocols outlined in Section III.