The Environmental Protection Agency is warning Hurricane Irma could result in downed power lines, complicating the ability to pump water through drinking and wastewater systems, especially in Puerto Rico.
Two EPA emergency operations centers, Region 2 and Region 4, are monitoring the storm and preparing to activate to support the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and state environmental agencies.
Region 2 serves New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight tribal nations.
Region 4 represents Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
“After seeing the expert preparedness and ongoing response efforts of our team in Region 6, I am confident that Region 4 and Region 2 can replicate their efforts, as we work together to provide the needed support to local, state and federal agencies around Hurricane Irma,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in a statement.
In a press release Wednesday, the EPA said it identified and conducted initial assessments at approximately 23 Superfund and oil sites in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Our biggest health and environmental concerns in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are potential oil spills and the potential impacts of power disruptions on water supply systems,” said Acting Regional Administrator Catherine McCabe.
“Region 2 is working with managers of Superfund sites and other facilities that may contain oil or hazardous materials to ensure appropriate precautions have been taken to prevent spills. We are doing our best to prepare and support our citizens in Puerto Rico.”
In addition, the EPA has identified 22 current or former Superfund sites within Florida’s southernmost 100 miles. Region 4 is working to protect these sites and ensure that staff in the area are safe.
President Trump issued a state of emergency declaration in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday ahead of the Category 5 storm’s landfall, expected this weekend.
