On October 28, 2009, EPA released an updated U.S.-Canada Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan. This Plan describes how the U.S. and Canada will work together to prepare for and respond to emergencies that cause or may cause damage to the environment along the inland boundary. The Plan:

• ensures appropriate cooperative preparedness, notification, and response measures between Canada and the United States;
• coordinates the federal response to a significant polluting incident; and
• provides a mechanism for cooperative responses among all levels of government.

It also facilitates assistance between the countries when the polluting incident is large but only affects one country.

This Inland Plan has been revised and updated to reflect the current laws and regulations of each country. Implementation of the Inland Plan is the joint responsibility of the Canadian Department of the Environment (Environment Canada) and EPA. The revisions were the result of a partnership effort between EPA and Environment Canada, and in consultation with the Departments of State and Homeland Security.

• Updated Canada-US Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (PDF)(44 pp, 416 K)
• Updated Canada-US Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan - French version (PDF)(44 pp, 471 K)
• Fact Sheet: Canada-United States Joint Inland Pollution Contingency Plan (July 1994) (PDF)(2 pp, 43 K)