The information he will need to assess the potential environmental 

 effects will in part be provided by the Fish and Wildlife Service and its 

 State or local counterparts. Within their realm of expertise, they should 

 establish priorities for protection of a geographical area or particular 

 species, or whatever, and make their determinations known to the OSC. Then, 

 the OSC must take this information and together with all the other informa- 

 tion he has received, establish his plan of action and protection. 



During a hazardous chemicals incident, the overall hazard presented to 

 people may far outweigh any hazard presented to the environment. In other 

 words, environmental considerations, no matter how serious, may be of 

 secondary importance. . It must be recognized that in some instances in order 

 to reduce a potential harmful exposure to people, a controlled release of 

 a hazardous chemical may be made which has serious environmental effects. 



INFORMATION SOURCES 



When assessing the potential environmental impact of a hazardous 

 chemical, there is a limited amount of information. The most likely infor- 

 mation source is the chemical manufacturer. Of late, the U.S. Coast Guard 

 has found that the chemical manufacturers have been quite willing to share 

 information, recommend procedures, and assist in establishing courses of 

 action. Other sources of information include the Coast Guard's Chemical 

 Hazard Response Information System (CHRIS) and the EPA's Office of Hazardous 

 Materials - Technical Assistance Data System (OHMTADS). OHMTADS is 

 especially helpful in obtaining information on hazards to aquatic animals. 

 Other information sources include the U.S. Coast Guard's National Response 

 Center and Chemtrec. 



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