Section 750.204    Non-Government Participation

a)         Industry groups, academic organizations, and others are encouraged to commit resources for response operations.

b)         It is particularly important to use the valuable technical and scientific information generated by the non-government local community along with those from Federal and State government to assist the IEPA in devising clean-up strategies where effective standard techniques are unavailable, and to ensure that pertinent research will be undertaken to meet national needs.

c)         IEPA should establish procedures to allow for well-organized, worthwhile, and safe use of volunteers. These procedures should provide for the direction of volunteers by the IEPA or by other State or local officials knowledgeable in contingency operations and capable of providing leadership.  IEPA also should identify specific areas in which volunteers can be used, such as beach surveillance, logistical support, and bird and wildlife treatment.  Unless specifically requested by the IEPA volunteers generally should not be used for physical removal or remedial activities.  If, in the judgment of the IEPA dangerous conditions exist, volunteers shall be restricted from on-scene operations.

d)         If any person other than a person operating under contract or cooperative agreement with the IEPA takes response action and intends to seek reimbursement from the Fund, such actions must be in conformity with this Plan, and may only be undertaken if such person notifies the Director of IEPA or his/her designee prior to taking such action, receives prior approval to take such action, and acts by and under the direction of IEPA.