COORDINATION AND OBTAINING COOPERATION 

 FROM VOLUNTEERS AND ONLOOKERS 



Allen C. Jackson 



Regional Pollution Response Coordinator 



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 



Newton Corner, Massachusetts 



During crisis situations, problems arise that would be easier to cope 

 with if more planning had been done. Major oil spills present emergency situ- 

 ations requiring support from many people, and only through a coordinated 

 effort with Federal and State agencies and volunteer groups can operations 

 run smoothly. This paper is based on experience gained on the ATC-133 oil 

 spill in Reedville, Virginia. It will emphasize the need to locate and or- 

 ganize the available resources in an area before a spill occurs. Planning 

 can eliminate much of the mental and physical strain associated with major 

 spills. 



The ATC-133 spill occurred on 27 February 1978. The barge grounded off 

 Smith Point in Reedville, Virginia, and spilled 25,000 gallons of No. 6 oil 

 into the water. Twenty-five thousand gallons is not a large spill, but the 

 effects on wintering waterfowl were significant. An estimated 10,000 to 

 15,000 birds were affected. A total of 423 were captured; 135 were rehabili- 

 tated and released back to the wild. This represented a 32 percent release 

 ratio. 



During various stages of the operation, 35 Fish and Wildlife Service 

 (FWS) personnel were utilized. The State of Virginia believes that it is not 

 feasible to rehabilitate oiled birds, so it did not supply the necessary man- 

 power to assist us. The volunteer group was untrained and could be used only 

 for bird care. 



The Field Response Coordinators (FRC's) recognized that outside help 

 would be needed. They alerted a local volunteer group and a rehabilitation 

 center was set up at the Reedville Fire Station. Although this was to prove 

 inadequate for the number of birds to be brought in, it was a start. Addi- 

 tional help was requested from the FWS Area, Regional, and Washington Offices, 

 The Humane Society of the United States, and the International Bird Rescue 

 Research Center. 



The Area Office provided equipment and additional manpower. The Region- 

 al Office provided support and guidance, attended meetings with the U.S. 

 Coast Guard, and furnished the Washington Office with updated reports. The 

 Washington Office provided an experienced person in bird rehabilitation and 

 volunteer training. The Humane Society furnished two trained people to assist 

 in bird care and volunteer organization, and the International Bird Rescue 



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