The FWS is concerned with oil spill impacts on individual birds but, 

 more importantly, with the subsequent impacts on their populations and to 

 their habitats which are now sustaining longer lasting damages. 



Reports of hazardous substances spills have sensitized the general 

 public to human risk and fish kills. As managers of Federal lands we share 

 these concerns. Hazardous substances pose significant threats to all living 

 organisms, including wildlife populations. Their toxic, noxious, caustic, and 

 combustible qualities pose the greatest variety of concerns towards the pre- 

 servation of fish and wildlife habitats. Train derailments of hazardous 

 substances spills are becoming commonplace. We must keep in mind that 

 hazardous substances spills and accidents occur during their storage and 

 while in any mode of transportation. 



This week, we intend to take you beyond what is generally perceived by 

 the public regarding oil and hazardous substances spills. We will focus 

 upon the threats that these spill incidents pose to fish and wildlife re- 

 sources and their habitats. With full knowledge of these problems, we shall 

 develop a more concise understanding of what we as members of a team can do 

 to prevent, mitigate, and restore damages to fish and wildlife resources and 

 their habitats occasioned by oil and hazardous substance spills. 



I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the esprit de corps 

 and dedication exhibited by all of the FWS's personnel involved as pollution 

 response coordinators. Your enthusiasm towards the protection of the re- 

 sources on a 24-hour basis rather than the 8 you are paid in your job 

 description is as commendable as it is necessary. 



I would like to take this opportunity to welcome participants from 

 other Federal and State agencies, as well as industry, conservation and 

 humane organizations, and other interested parties. 



