The Fish and Wildlife Service representative to the RRT should be sure 

 that the team is receiving the same information as the OSC representative, 

 and must also be authorized to speak for his agency on such matters as the 

 use of dispersants and sinking agents, oil removal by burning, and bird-scaring, 

 He should be capable of addressing long-range impacts of harvesting oil-soaked 

 vegetation and discussing relationships among various species in relationship 

 to feeding habits, how the oil will affect different species, and what the 

 real toxicity of the spilled oil is to the various wildlife. He will, of 

 course, coordinate with the EPA and the state environmental agency and may 

 be assigned as liaison to private environmental groups. He should be familiar 

 with, or have knowledge of, highly skilled people on the national level who 

 can assist with complex wildlife problems or make referral to those who can. 



If the OSC or RRT is not sensitive to matters affecting fish and wild- 

 life, and believe me, there are many other things that must be attended during 

 the first day or so of a spill, the wildlife representatives should take the 

 very first opportunity to identify themselves and point out their concerns, 

 both informally and in rough write-ups, if time permits. Remember that the 

 OSC and, to a lesser extent, the RRT may not talk your language—that is why 

 you are there-so be sure they understand, and do not be timid. Be sure they 

 see the problem as you do. 



I have intentionally kept my talk brief since a good bit of my time will 

 be taken up showing the film and slides of the Nepao 140 spill, and I want 

 to respond to as many questions as possible. 2 I will be here at your confer- 

 ence for as long as I am able to assist you, or you to assist me. 



2 



Film and slides were shown on "The St. Lawrence River {h'epoo 140) Oil 



Spill of 1976." 



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