The Colorado River has a unique nature and importance as the major interstate riverine resource in EPA Region IX. The water from the River is used intensively for municipal and industrial purposes, as well as irrigation. It provides significant power generation, supports diverse wildlife, provides critical habitat for endangered species, and is used for numerous recreational activities.
EPA Region IX is developing a Geographic Response Plan for the Lower Colorado River (Hoover Dam south to international border) to promote a timely, organized, effective, and coordinated response to protect human health and the environment. One of the goals of this effort will be to improve inter-governmental and inter-agency emergency response on the Colorado River. To this end input from federal, tribal, state, county, and local agencies which have a responsibility to respond to a release of oil or hazardous substances, as well as other stakeholders is envisioned. This new Geographic Response Plan will replace the existing Colorado River Area Contingency Plan, which was finalized in 1993 by the Regional Response Team, Region IX.
