conducting the cleanup operation. If, through the contingency planning pro- 

 cedures, you let us know what is going on, we can handle many of the calls 

 from national television networks, wire services, and newspapers across the 

 country. 



In addition, the Washington Office of Public Affairs has worked with the 

 National Pollution Response Coordinator to produce a series of fact sheets in 

 a press information packet. This press packet is designed for use by response 

 teams at pollution spills. It gives the news media and the public general 

 background information on the scope of the spill problem, some of the environ- 

 mental effects of oil and hazardous substances, and the factors that influence 

 survival rates for oiled birds. We hope that this information will answer 

 some of the questions from reporters or, at least, will provide them with a 

 basis for asking more educated questions. We also believe that it will help 

 prevent the misunderstandings surrounding emotional topics and resulting in 

 questions about why so many birds die or why oiled birds sometimes have to 

 be euthanized. 



I will talk now about your public affairs responsibilities during a 

 spill. Not every spill is going to attract media attention. One of your 

 responsibilities is to recognize when you have got a newsworthy spill. As 

 soon as you suspect that you do, make sure that the Regional and the 

 Washington Public Affairs Offices are informed through the contingency plan 

 system. These offices should know whom to contact for additional information 

 and where that person can be reached. 



At the scene, one or more team members should devote their time to meet- 

 ing the needs of news media representatives and the public. Appropriate 

 officers to whom public statements can be attributed should be designated. 

 Periodic statements on behalf of the coordinator, should be released to the 

 media and media representatives should be assisted in obtaining food and 

 lodging. It is most important that the people working with the news media 

 have the support of and access to the operational team leader. 



The news media frequently will request information on the long-term 

 effects of a spill. To the extent possible, this information should be pro- 

 vided since many people believe that if wildlife is not affected immediately 

 after a spill occurs, it will not be affected thereafter. The public seldom 

 considers the sublethal effects of oil and hazardous substances or the effects 

 of habitat degradation. 



You also will be expected to provide reasonable figures on the confirmed 

 number of wildlife oiled and killed and the species involved. Information on 

 endangered or threatened species found in the area also may be requested. 



If the impact of news media and public information requests becomes too 

 heavy for the onsite team, the Public Affairs staff in Washington and at the 

 field level stand ready to deploy people to the site or wherever they may be 

 needed. You should not be reluctant to ask for assistance. 



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