(CNN) Hurricane Florence, with its strong winds and massive storm surge, threatens to release toxic chemicals from hazardous waste sites that the Environmental Protection Agency has designated contaminated Superfund sites.

The EPA told CNN it is monitoring about nine of these contaminated sites in the hurricane's path.

EPA spokesman John Konkus said the agency is performing vulnerability assessments of nine Superfund sites along the coasts of North Carolina and South Carolina. The agency was also "closely monitoring the projected path" of Florence and staff members in the regions were conducting response planning.

"In addition, the agency is prepared to assist the states if help is requested, and coordinate with state and federal partners as needed," Konkus said.

The EPA said last year in the wake of Hurricane Harvey that at least 13 toxic waste sites in Texas had been damaged. Likewise, the EPA said last year that water in Puerto Rico from wells at a Superfund site was safe to drink after locals seeking water broke into wells at a hazardous waste site there.

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