When hazardous releases and oil spills are determined to be "Nationally Significant Incidents" under the National Contingency Plan (NCP), the National Response Framework (NRF) is implemented. Components of the National Response System, such as the National Response Team, are also activated. The NRF provides coordinating mechanisms to bring in additional agencies and components as they are needed. It also fulfills the requirements of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPDs).

The NRF's Emergency Support Function Annexes (ESFs) group capabilities and resources into functions most likely needed during an incident.  A large-scale natural disaster or significant terrorist incident can require the activation of all ESFs.  A localized flood or tornado might only require activation of a few ESFs.

Each ESF has one or two coordinating federal agencies that are in charge of orchestrating federal support and managing staff and resources for that functional area, and additional agencies that have supporting roles.

EPA is the coordinating agency for:

• ESF #10- Oil and Hazardous Materials Annex

EPA is a supporting agency for:

• ESF#3 Public Works and Engineering
• ESF#4 Firefighting
• ESF#5 Emergency Management
• ESF#8 Public Health and Medical Services
• ESF#11 Agriculture and Natural Resources
• ESF#13 Public Safety and Security
• ESF#15 External Affairs