• An immediate decision is made on the types of samples and observations 

 to be taken. This is a most important step since it is at this point 

 that the EPA biologists begin to "do their thing," which is to assess 

 the overt and subtle damages that have already occurred. Moreover, 



the decision will set the scene for making some professional predictions 

 as to further damages. 



• After a plan of action has been formulated, the biological communities/ 

 habitats are delineated for sampling: benthos, periphyton, and mudflats/ 

 wetlands. 



• After all of the preceding steps have been taken, the EPA biologists 

 touch base with the OSC to inform him on their activities; and the 

 purpose, plan, and places they will be working. 



FIELD ACTIVITIES 



The full-scale sampling program includes the following tasks: 



• The affected areas are located and sampled and similar, unaffected 

 areas are located to serve as controls. 



• Live specimens are collected in large containers and brought back 

 to shore for some qualitative toxicity tests. These tests are most 

 important for gaining some insight into the possibility of further 

 damage from latent toxicity, etc. For some tests, spilled oil is 

 added to a number of the containers, while other containers are left 

 to serve as controls. 



• After the live organisms are collected, additional samples are preserved 

 for positive identification at a later date. 



Environmental substrates (i.e., soils and water) are collected in 

 solvent-rinsed jars for hydrocarbon residue analyses. These samples 

 are stored under ice to avoid deterioration. Water samples should be 

 extracted as soon as possible to capture all of the hydrocarbon compounds. 



The EPA assumes that all of the data collected will eventually be used 

 in legal proceedings. This means that: 



• Proper sampling methodology, accurate labeling, and preservation techniques 

 must be used. 



• Comprehensive photographic documentation, with print labeling after 

 developing, must be accomplished. 



• For those samples that change hands from sampler to analyst, a complete 

 chain of custody must be maintained. 



The spill scene requires different approaches and a special criterion 

 for assessing environmental damage within a concentrated time frame. Therefore, 

 EPA biologists look for overt responses, such as: 



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