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The Iowa Department of Natural Resources' Emergency Response and Homeland Security Unit (unit) was formed in the late 1980s to provide 24-hour technical assistance to local, state, and federal response agencies, regulated industries, and interested public. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist events the unit has taken on added DNR Homeland Security responsibilities. The unit provides technical assistance, contingency planning and education, and regulatory over-site for homeland security and spill response activities related to chemical, petroleum, manure, and other materials with a potential to create a hazardous condition. The unit coordinates technical assistance and over-site activities at larger incidents with DNR field office staff. The unit consists of three staff members who rotate on-call duty shifts for 24 hour/365 day statewide coverage. Members also serve on local, state, and federal committees, teams, and groups. These activities focus on regulatory issues, special training, and assisting in exercise planning, development, and evaluation. The unit provides advice to local agencies and companies on how to meet reporting requirements and oversees responsible parties as they remediate sites that have had spills.
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