The Inland Sensitivity Atlas (ISA) series is a set of Geographic Information System (GIS) based products providing hazardous material spill contingency planners and emergency responders with accurate and relevant information for spill preparedness and response. The Atlas series is provided to planners and responders in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Region 5 area.
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) requires that U.S. EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard prepare Area Contingency Plans to improve the efficiency of spill response nationwide. As part of its strategy to meet OPA requirements, U.S. EPA Region 5 has contracted with the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association (UMRBA) to accomplish tasks related to Area Contingency Plans since 1992.
To supplement the required contingency plans, U.S. EPA Region 5 has prepared detailed data that include each of the six states in the region – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. UMRBA is responsible for maintaining the ISA for Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Project partner Great Lakes Commission maintains the ISA for Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The ISA provides detailed information about potential spill sources and human and environmental resources at risk. Staff carry out data collection, mapping, and planning tasks that improve institutional ability to plan for and respond to spills in the Region 5 area.
UMRBA staff also work with U.S. EPA staff and other regional responders to develop and support sub-area contingency plans in the region by convening experts, creating enhanced mapping products, and developing documents for emergency response.
The ISA products are restricted due to their sensitive content. If you are an emergency responder or contingency planner, you can obtain copies by contacting the EPA, see below. The ISA is distributed digitally via the Region 5 website’s web map viewer.
For product availability and distribution, contact:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5
Oil Planning and Response Section
77 West Jackson Blvd (SE-5J)
Chicago, IL 60604
