Wildlife Response Plan February 2018 · Wildlife Response Plan Scotian Basin Exploration Project...

Security Classification: BP Public

BP Canada Energy Group ULC

B01 Issued Final Mike Condon Allen Pere February 5, 2018

A01 Issued for Review Mike Condon Allen Pere November 1, 2017

Rev Revision Description Content owner Approver/Issuing Authority Issue Date

Unique Identifier: CN001-HS-PLN-600-00004 Rev

B01

Uncontrolled when printed or stored locally

Scotian Basin Exploration Project

Wildlife Response Plan

DocuSign Envelope ID: 31C864D5-37CC-43A5-9F44-88DBD7D3AC45

Wildlife Response Plan Scotian Basin Exploration Project

CN001-HS-PLN-600-00004 Page i Final Rev: B01


THIS DOCUMENT

WILL BE HELD IN THE PROJECT SHAREPOINT SITE. CONTROLLED VERSIONS AND REVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL BE PUBLISHED, AND COMMUNICATED TO THE APPROPRIATE BP AND CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL TO ENSURE LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION. COPIES OR EXTRACTS OF THIS DOCUMENT, WHICH HAVE BEEN DOWNLOADED FROM THE SHAREPOINT SITE, ARE UNCONTROLLED COPIES AND CANNOT BE GUARANTEED TO BE THE LATEST VERSION.



CN001-HS-PLN-600-00004 Page ii Final Rev: B01


Revision History

Revision Date Revision Number Approver Revision

Issued for review

Reviewers Name Role Type of Review Date Reviewed

Signatures RAPID Name Role Signature/Date

Decide Allen Pere Wells Manager, Western Hemisphere

Agree Multiple

Input Multiple

Recommend Mike Condon Crisis, Continuity Management & Emergency Response Lead, New Ventures, Nova Scotia


12 February 2018

12 February 2018


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Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................................ III

LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES ........................................................................................................... VI

LIST OF ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................................... VII

1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION .............................................................................................................1 1.1 INTERFACE WITH OTHER PLANS ........................................................................................................... 1 1.2 GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE ......................................................................................................................... 2

2 INITIAL WILDLIFE RESPONSE ACTIONS: 0–48 HOURS .....................................................................3 2.1 FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL REPORTING ................................................................................................. 4

2.1.1 Regulatory Compliance and Reporting .................................................................................... 4 2.2 OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE ACTIVATION ............................................................................................... 4 2.3 TRIGGERS FOR ACTIVATING WILDLIFE RESPONSE .................................................................................... 5

2.3.1 Local Area Resources ............................................................................................................... 5 2.4 ACTIVATION GUIDELINES: TIERED ACTIVATION ....................................................................................... 6

3 WILDLIFE BRANCH STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION ............................................................................6 3.1 WILDLIFE BRANCH STRUCTURE AND COORDINATION .............................................................................. 7 3.2 ROLE OF OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE CONTRACTOR (OWRO) ................................................................. 7 3.3 WILDLIFE IMPACT ASSESSMENT .......................................................................................................... 8

3.3.1 Recommendations and Implications for Planning .................................................................... 8 3.4 ESTABLISHING A WILDLIFE HOTLINE ..................................................................................................... 9 3.5 INITIAL WILDLIFE PROCEDURES FOR INDUSTRY PERSONNEL .................................................................... 10

3.5.1 Oiled Wildlife Capture ............................................................................................................ 10 3.6 MEDIA RELATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 11 3.7 WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLANNING ........................................................................................................ 12

3.7.1 Planning Objectives................................................................................................................ 13 3.8 WILDLIFE DECISION MAKING PROCESS ............................................................................................... 13

3.8.1 Decision Making Process........................................................................................................ 13 3.8.2 Response Sizing ...................................................................................................................... 14

3.9 INCIDENT SPECIFIC WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLAN DEVELOPMENT ................................................................ 15

4 RESOURCES AT RISK ................................................................................................................... 15 4.1 SPECIES OF CONCERN ...................................................................................................................... 16 4.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR RESPONSE PLANNING ............................................................................................ 16 4.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF CONCERN ............................................................................................... 17

4.3.1 Birds ....................................................................................................................................... 17 4.3.2 Marine Mammals .................................................................................................................. 18 4.3.3 Sea Turtles ............................................................................................................................. 18 4.3.4 Feral Horses ........................................................................................................................... 18

4.4 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST................................................................................................. 19

5 FIELD OPERATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 20 5.1 WILDLIFE RECONNAISSANCE AND MONITORING ................................................................................... 21 5.2 WILDLIFE DETERRENCE .................................................................................................................... 22



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5.2.1 Deterrence Objectives ............................................................................................................ 23 5.2.2 Deterrence Program Considerations ...................................................................................... 24 5.2.3 Deterrence Methods and Strategies ...................................................................................... 25

5.3 PRE-EMPTIVE CAPTURE ................................................................................................................... 27 5.4 SEARCH AND CAPTURE .................................................................................................................... 28 5.5 CHAIN OF CUSTODY AND EVIDENCE STORAGE ...................................................................................... 29 5.6 FIELD STABILIZATION ....................................................................................................................... 30 5.7 WILDLIFE TRANSPORT ..................................................................................................................... 31

6 REHABILITATION OPERATIONS ................................................................................................... 32 6.1 BEST ACHIEVABLE CARE STANDARDS IN OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE ........................................................ 32 6.2 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PHASES .................................................................................................... 33 6.3 PROCESSING AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION ........................................................................................... 34 6.4 WILDLIFE INTAKE ............................................................................................................................ 34

6.4.1 Triage and Euthanasia Considerations .................................................................................. 35 6.5 STABILIZATION ............................................................................................................................... 36 6.6 WILDLIFE CLEANING ....................................................................................................................... 37 6.7 CONDITIONING .............................................................................................................................. 38 6.8 RELEASE ....................................................................................................................................... 39

7 DEMOBILIZATION ....................................................................................................................... 39

8 RECORD KEEPING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT ............................................................... 40

9 PERSONNEL ............................................................................................................................... 43 9.1 WORKFORCE PERSONNEL/VOLUNTEERS ............................................................................................. 43 9.2 WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................ 44

10 FACILITIES .................................................................................................................................. 45 10.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SITE SECURITY ............................................................................................ 45 10.2 FACILITY STANDARDS....................................................................................................................... 45 10.3 SITE LOCATION ............................................................................................................................... 47 10.4 FACILITY COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................... 48

10.4.1 Utilities .............................................................................................................................. 48 10.4.2 Waste Management .......................................................................................................... 48

1 APPENDIX 1: EMERGENCY REPORTING/WILDLIFE RESPONSE CONTACT LIST ................................. 50

2 APPENDIX 2: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM ............................................................................... 51 2.1 INTERFACING WITH BP INCIDENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK ................................................................ 51 2.2 ROLE OF WILDLIFE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST ........................................................................................... 52

2.2.1 Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist (from BP Incident Management Handbook) ...................... 52 2.3 WILDLIFE BRANCH OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................ 53 2.4 WILDLIFE BRANCH PERSONNEL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................. 55

3 APPENDIX 3: WILDLIFE BRANCH TASKING CHECKLIST .................................................................. 61

4 APPENDIX 4: TRACKING OILED WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS IN THE WILDLIFE BRANCH ........................... 71

5 APPENDIX 5: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE.................................................................................... 73 5.1 REGULATORY COORDINATION ........................................................................................................... 73 5.2 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT .................................................................................................... 73 5.3 MIGRATORY BIRD WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT ........................................................................... 74



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5.4 CAPTURE AND COLLECTION PERMIT ................................................................................................... 75 5.5 SCIENTIFIC COLLECTION AND RESEARCH PERMITS ................................................................................. 75 5.6 ROLE OF FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL AGENCIES ...................................................................................... 75

5.6.1 Environment and Climate Change Canada—National Environmental Emergencies Centre .. 75 5.6.2 Environment and Climate Change Canada—Canadian Wildlife Service ................................. 75 5.6.3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada ................................................................................................ 76 5.6.4 Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources ...................................................................... 76 5.6.5 Canada—Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board .................................................................. 77

6 APPENDIX 6: EFFECTS OF CONTAMINANTS ON WILDLIFE ............................................................. 78 6.1.1 Effects of Oil on Wildlife ......................................................................................................... 78 6.1.2 Effects of Dispersants on Wildlife .......................................................................................... 80

7 APPENDIX 7: HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY ................................................................................ 82 7.1 RECOMMENDED PPE FOR WILDLIFE PERSONNEL ................................................................................. 82 7.2 WILDLIFE SAFETY PLAN.................................................................................................................... 83 7.3 ZOONOSES .................................................................................................................................... 84

8 APPENDIX 8: PERSONNEL GUIDELINES ........................................................................................ 86

9 APPENDIX 9: FACILITY REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 87 9.1 EQUIPMENT .................................................................................................................................. 89

9.1.1 Major Equipment Needs ........................................................................................................ 89

10 APPENDIX 10: INCIDENT SPECIFIC WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLAN ...................................................... 95



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List of Figures and Tables

LIST OF TABLES TABLE 1 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST ................................................................................... 19 TABLE 2 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPERATIONS—RECONNAISSANCE ....................................................... 22 TABLE 3 DETERRENCE CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................................. 24 TABLE 4 COMPARISON OF DETERRENCE MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT .............................................. 25 TABLE 5 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—CAPTURE ............................................................................ 29 TABLE 6 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—FIELD STABILIZATION .......................................................... 31 TABLE 7 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—WILDLIFE TRANSPORT ........................................................ 32 TABLE 8 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PHASES ....................................................................................... 33 TABLE 9 FACILITY SPACE CONSIDERATIONS ......................................................................................... 46 TABLE 10 SPECIES-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF OIL ......................................................................................... 78 TABLE 11 ZOONOTIC DISEASE ............................................................................................................... 85 TABLE 12 PERSONNEL GUIDELINES ....................................................................................................... 86 TABLE 13 PRELIMINARY FACILITY CHECKLIST FOR OILED BIRD PREPAREDNESS .................................... 87 TABLE 14 WILDLIFE RESPONSE FACILITY REQUIREMENTS (ESTIMATES) ............................................... 88 TABLE 15 MAJOR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS (ESTIMATES) .............................................................. 89 TABLE 16 WILDLIFE RECOVERY EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................... 90 TABLE 17 HUSBANDRY EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................... 91 TABLE 18 MEDICAL/STABILIZATION EQUIPMENT .................................................................................. 91 TABLE 19 WILDLIFE DECONTAMINATION EQUIPMENT ......................................................................... 93 LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE 1. SCOTIAN SHELF AND SLOPE ..................................................................................................... 2 FIGURE 2 WILDLIFE BRANCH ORGANIZATIONAL CHART ....................................................................... 54 FIGURE 3 FACILITY LAYOUT EXAMPLE ................................................................................................... 94



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List of Acronyms

BRRGS Bird Recovery & Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

CCG Canadian Coast Guard

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

CMT Crisis Management Team

CNSOPB Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board

CWS Canadian Wildlife Service

DBD Deputy Branch Director

DFO Department of Fisheries and Oceans

ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada

EIS Environmental Impact Statement

EUL Environmental Unit Leader

FMO Federal Monitoring Officer

ICS Incident Command System

IMH Incident Management Handbook

IMT Incident Management Team

JIC Joint Information Center

MBCA Migratory Bird Convention Act

MMRRGS Marine Mammal Recovery & Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

NSDNR Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

NEEC National Environmental Emergency Center

OSC On-Scene Commander

OWRO Oiled Wildlife Response Organization

PIO Public Information Officer

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

RP Responsible Party

SARA Species At Risk Act

SDS Safety Data Sheet

SIMA Spill Impact Mitigation Assessment

SRT Site Response Team

UC Unified Command

UTV Utility Task Vehicle

WBD Wildlife Branch Director

WRF Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

WRG Wildlife Reconnaissance Group Supervisor

WRP Wildlife Response Plan

WHMIS Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System



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1 SCOPE AND APPLICATION

The Scotian Basin Exploration Project Wildlife Response Plan (WRP) was developed to provide guidance

and strategies for the protection of wildlife during an incident. It discusses tactical options that may be

employed during a response to an incident in the Scotian Basin. The WRP includes:

• An incident management system for oiled wildlife response that is fully integrated into BP’s oil spill

response command structure.

• Information regarding procedures to be implemented immediately after a release with the potential

to impact wildlife.

• Information regarding the function and structure of an effective professional oiled wildlife response,

including tactical procedures and direction on responsibilities and timing of actions.

• Data and procedures that will facilitate situation assessment, identification of response options, and

sound decision-making.

• Background information on regulatory compliance and wildlife permitting requirements.

• Information on significant human safety and wildlife health issues inherent in dealing with wildlife

contaminated by hazardous materials.

This WRP acts as the preliminary step toward mitigating the impacts of hydrocarbon discharges on

wildlife and supports the formation of an incident-specific WRP. During an incident, the Wildlife Branch,

in cooperation with wildlife regulatory agencies, will develop an incident-specific WRP that will identify

specific strategies and actions to be used.

1.1 INTERFACE WITH OTHER PLANS

The WRP is intended to serve both as a guidance document and also as a tactical response plan in support

of BP’s Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP) for the Scotian Basin Exploration Project. The WRP relies on the

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Stantec 2016) and modeling outputs of the Spill Impact Mitigation

Assessment (SIMA) (Sponson Group 2017), which were developed specifically for this project. This WRP

complies with the BP Incident Management Handbook, except as otherwise noted, namely for the

Incident Command Structure description of Wildlife Operations in Appendix 2.

The WRP has incorporated wildlife response standards established by the International Petroleum

Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA), as well as national and international standards

for wildlife response and oiled wildlife care. The WRP also complies with wildlife guidelines provided by

the Canada-U.S. Marine Spill Pollution Contingency Plan (CANUSLANT).





1.2 GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE

The WRP is intended to cover the geographic area of the offshore waters of the Scotian Shelf and Slope,

Sable Island, near-shore, and mainland shoreline of Nova Scotia that potentially may be impacted by a

release of hydrocarbons as a result of the Scotian Basin Exploration Project. Any incident that releases

hydrocarbon products into the marine environment has the potential to negatively impact wildlife. The

Scotian Shelf and Slope (including Sable Island) contain environmentally sensitive areas and provide

habitat for a wide variety of species and large numbers of birds, marine mammals, terrestrial mammals,

and reptiles.

FIGURE 1 SCOTIAN SHELF AND SLOPE





2 INITIAL WILDLIFE RESPONSE ACTIONS: 0–48 HOURS

The first 24–48 hours of a response impacting wildlife are critical to the success of operations (i.e.,

reducing or avoiding impacts to wildlife). A number of critical steps should be completed as soon as

possible after a release.

Within the first 24 hours of an incident, the Environmental Unit Leader should:

Report incident to ECCC and CNSOPB emergency lines (see below)

Report incident to wildlife regulatory agencies, both federal and provincial

Activate designated professional Oiled Wildlife Response Organization (OWRO) immediately

Complete Resources At Risk (ICS 232)

Establish the Wildlife Branch under the Operations Section of ICS

Designate Wildlife Branch Director

Following is a list of action items to be initiated in within 24-48 hours of an incident. Additional action

items are included in the Wildlife Branch Tasking Checklist, Appendix 3.

Within 24-48 hours of an incident, the Wildlife Branch will:

Mobilize OWRO to arrive within 48 hours of incident

OWRO to conduct Initial Wildlife Impact Assessment

Mobilize marine mammal technical experts into Wildlife Branch

Develop Wildlife Branch organization chart

Establish Wildlife Hotline

Begin development of incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan

Develop recommendations for initial Reconnaissance Plan

Determine location for field stabilization

Establish wildlife staging areas

Requisition supplies and equipment





2.1 FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL REPORTING

In the event of an oil spill, federal and provincial authorities need to be notified in order to coordinate

adequate oversight of the wildlife response. The Environmental Unit Leader should immediately (within

the first 24 hours of incident) notify Environment Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia of potential

wildlife impacts.

To Report an Emergency

• Environment and Climate Change Canada Provincial Reporting System (Nova Scotia Maritime

Regional Office, Canadian Coast Guard and Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

902-426-6030 or 1-800-565-1633

• Canada Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB): 902-496-4444

2.1.1 Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

All oiled wildlife response efforts must be coordinated, enacted, and carried out in compliance with

federal and provincial law. Of particular concern is compliance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act,

1994 (MBCA), the Fisheries Act, the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and existing provincial regulations

regarding wildlife handling and rehabilitation.

All migratory birds are protected under the MBCA, which addresses oil spill response requirements for

species managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS). Combined with the response plans of other

agencies, the MBCA forms a blueprint for dealing with all wildlife species affected by oil spills. All bird

species listed pursuant to the MBCA are the sole statutory responsibility of the federal government and

are covered by this Act. Wildlife response planning will follow guidance from and in coordination with

ECCC-CWS and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

All other bird species, as well as all other wildlife (reptiles, amphibians, terrestrial mammals) are the

responsibility of the provincial government and are subject to provincial regulations. Fish and marine

mammals fall under the jurisdiction of the DFO and are subject to strict federal regulation. The Wildlife

Branch will comply with applicable federal and provincial requirements.

More information on regulatory compliance and coordination with respect to wildlife response is

included in Appendix 4.

2.2 OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE ACTIVATION

Any release of oil into the marine environment has the potential to immediately impact wildlife. As such,

rapid establishment of the Wildlife Branch, activation of an oiled wildlife response contractor (OWRO),

and the immediate implementation of wildlife response actions are in the best interest of both mitigating

the impact to wildlife and responding to oiled animals through capture and rehabilitation. For the





purpose of this plan, it is assumed that any potential releases will be large and will have the potential to

impact large numbers of animals.

2.3 TRIGGERS FOR ACTIVATING WILDLIFE RESPONSE

If oil is released into ocean waters, establish a Wildlife Branch and activate a designated professional

OWRO immediately, if appropriate for the scale of the release.

It is imperative to implement wildlife operations as soon as possible within the first 48 hours. The

immediate activation and mobilization of an OWRO, along with the rapid acquisition of resources, directly

correlates to both the effectiveness and full engagement of the response. The Wildlife Branch and wildlife

response personnel can be stood down with approval of Unified Command if conditions do not warrant

developing further wildlife response planning and implementation.

One of the following OWROs should be contracted for wildlife response.

Oiled Wildlife Response Organizations

• Focus Wildlife Canada/Focus Wildlife International 1-800-578-3048

• Oiled Wildlife Care Network/UC Davis Wildlife Health Center 1-877-823-6926

• Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research 1-302-737-9543

2.3.1 Local Area Resources

In addition to the OWRO, there are several local organizations that should be contacted once the OWRO

has been mobilized. These groups may be able to assist the OWRO with specific wildlife response

operations. BP recognizes that the organizations listed as local area response resources do not have

specific oil spill response capacity but do have expertise in the types of activities in which they would be

engaged during a response. They should be managed and coordinated by the OWRO under the Wildlife

Branch. Contact information for these organizations should be verified and updated annually.





Local Area Resources/Organizations

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (for assistance with initial wildlife housing or rehabilitation)

• Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

(Helene VanDoninck, DVM, Brookfield NS) 902-893-0253

• Hope for Wildlife

(Seaforth, NS) 902-407-9453

Wildlife Organizations (for assistance with monitoring, deterrence, capture, and rehabilitation)

• Canadian Sea Turtle Network (Halifax, NS) 902-423-6224

• Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (Grand Manan, NB)

506-662-3804

• Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (PE, NB, NL, NS) 902.628.4314

• Marine Animal Response Society (Halifax, NS) 1-866-567-6277

• Eastern Canada Response Corporation 902-461-9170

2.4 ACTIVATION GUIDELINES: TIERED ACTIVATION

In order to facilitate the appropriate level of emergency response, tiered response levels are used (see

Appendix 8: Personnel and Appendix 9 Facilities). The need for greater or fewer resources and response

personnel will be based on incident-specific factors including the type of oil, the severity of oiling, the

species involved, and the time of year. The Wildlife Branch will determine the appropriate level of tiered

response based on specific needs of an incident. It is anticipated that any spill that would trigger use of

this WRP will require a high level of wildlife response capability.

3 WILDLIFE BRANCH STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

BP will employ the Incident Command System (ICS) to coordinate emergency response strategies and

actions. Within the initial few hours of an incident, the Environmental Unit Leader, with approval from the

Incident Management Team, will establish the Wildlife Branch through the Operations Section in the ICS

and designate a Wildlife Branch Director. The ICS structure and function of the Wildlife Branch (including

an organization chart of personnel) is further described in Appendix 2.

The Wildlife Branch planning group plays a pivotal role within the first 48 hours of the response.

Objectives for the group include establishment of the Wildlife Branch; development of initial safety

procedures; wildlife plan development (with the contracted OWRO); engagement with regulatory

agencies, Indigenous communities and stakeholders; and setting up a wildlife hotline for reporting oiled

wildlife.





3.1 WILDLIFE BRANCH STRUCTURE AND COORDINATION

The Wildlife Branch will function as a part of the Operations Section but will liaise with the Environmental

Unit (EU) in order to help build a successful wildlife response.

Establishing good communications between the EU and Wildlife Branch is essential from the start of a

response. The EU and the Wildlife Branch both generate critical information that each group needs. One

effective way to establish a clear communications link between both groups is to designate a liaison

position to serve as the clearinghouse of pertinent information that will benefit both the EU and the

Wildlife Branch. The liaison position (often the Wildlife Technical Specialist) can be organizationally

housed in either group as long as the duties and position are clearly designated, and information is shared

between the Wildlife Branch and the EU in a timely manner.

Typically, wildlife expertise will be housed within the Wildlife Branch and the wildlife planning team. The

Wildlife Branch is one of the few branches that conducts its own planning, under the Operations Section,

rather than in the Planning Section or the EU. A Wildlife Technical Specialist position should be

maintained in the EU throughout the incident. Many issues and concerns that are directed to the EU will

need some level of wildlife review and input. Certain issues such as access road construction will need

some level of wildlife field action, such as nest surveys and setback recommendations. Shoreline cleanup

recommendations may also require (or benefit from) wildlife review before implementation to assure

that planned actions are not harmful to wildlife. Wildlife input is also important in developing priorities

for protection and booming strategies to minimize impacts to wildlife and habitat. The Wildlife Branch

should work closely with the EU to assure that appropriate wildlife expertise is available to assist with

reviews and daily planning.

3.2 ROLE OF OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE CONTRACTOR (OWRO)

OWROs are engaged on an as-required basis to provide oiled wildlife expertise in planning and

implementing appropriate response actions. Professional OWROs can provide personnel to accomplish all

aspects of wildlife response. It is essential that the OWRO participate on the Wildlife Branch planning

team to ensure development of appropriate recommendations and implementation of approved

response actions. The OWRO should fill many of the key roles in the Wildlife Branch organizational

structure when determined appropriate.

The first objective for the OWRO is to conduct an Initial Wildlife Impact Assessment. This objective is

twofold:

1. Determine whether there are potentially sensitive wildlife or wildlife habitat in the release area.

2. Determine if there is any form of wildlife that has been directly impacted.





3.3 WILDLIFE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

The wildlife impact assessment must be conducted by qualified OWRO in order to assure that the full

impact of the spill on wildlife is assessed. Visual observations and wildlife species characteristics must be

considered in the assessment. Often, observations of behavioral changes in wildlife populations are the

best indicators of impacts.

The initial wildlife impact assessment can be conducted in cooperation with wildlife or regulatory agency

personnel, as available. However, the assessment should not be postponed to allow for agency personnel

inclusion. The initial assessment will generally take one to two days to accomplish and should be the first

wildlife task assigned to the wildlife team.

Information collected in the initial wildlife impact assessment will be used to determine the scope and

scale of the required response, activate additional resources (personnel and equipment), and help

determine response priority areas. The Initial wildlife impact assessment will also provide information to

help determine what immediate response actions should be taken. The assessment will involve continual

reconnaissance and monitoring of the incident situation.

3.3.1 Recommendations and Implications for Planning

The initial wildlife impact assessment is critical to determining the most appropriate response actions,

personnel, resources, and facilities needed for a wildlife response. The Wildlife Branch (with input from

the OWRO) will make recommendations to Incident Command based on the initial wildlife impact

assessment. The timely approval of recommendations to implement wildlife response is critical to the

success of the overall wildlife response effort. Delays in starting on-the-ground wildlife response efforts

likely may reduce the survival of impacted wildlife and may increase the number of animals impacted by

the spill.

Information provided in the initial wildlife impact assessment will be used by the Wildlife Branch to

determine the scope of appropriate wildlife response actions and strategies. Response recommendations

will then be written into the incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan. On-going wildlife reconnaissance

and wildlife impact assessment reports will be utilized by the Wildlife Branch planning team to continually

assess needs and adjust scale and scope of response actions as needed throughout the incident (see

Wildlife Planning above).

In some cases, the initial wildlife impact assessment may indicate that no wildlife response above and

beyond the wildlife impact assessment is needed. When that occurs, the OWRO will make

recommendations through the Wildlife Branch or EU to the Incident Command. However, the EU should

continue to monitor spill conditions and reassess wildlife issues if warranted. Future concerns should be

included in the recommendations for no action at the current time. The OWRO should be engaged on the





spill until a clear decision has been reached by the Incident Command that wildlife response actions are

not warranted in an oil spill incident.

3.4 ESTABLISHING A WILDLIFE HOTLINE

The Wildlife Hotline is a critical initial step and should be established by the Wildlife Branch within the

first 24 hours of a spill. The hotline provides a mechanism for collecting information on impacted wildlife

sightings from the public as well as response personnel. The information will continually be used to help

determine the geographic scope of wildlife response efforts.

In the event of a spill in the Scotian Basin, the majority of wildlife observations reported through the

wildlife hotline will likely be from cleanup contractors, regulators, or other personnel actively working

within the spill site. Public sightings of oiled, distressed, or deceased wildlife may occur once oil reaches

the mainland or if oiled birds or marine mammals come ashore after impact. During a response, the

hotline should also be used as a resource to provide instructions to callers for safe handling and

containment of wildlife.

The Wildlife Branch will manage the hotline and develop protocols for how information will be collected

and submitted to the Wildlife Branch. Specifics of the Hotline operations should be detailed in the

Incident-specific WRP. All applicable issues above should be considered in the plan. Details must include

who will answer the Hotline and a mechanism for tracking Hotline information to assure that appropriate

field response actions are warranted for each call.

Key Considerations for establishing and operating a Wildlife Hotline 1. The dedicated call-in number for the Wildlife Hotline should be a toll-free (800 number) and should

remain the same throughout the incident. 2. Media alerts and messaging should be developed by the Wildlife Branch at the time the Wildlife

Hotline becomes active, and provided to the Joint Information Center or Public Information Officer. 3. A hotline answering service should be utilized (other than the Wildlife Branch). 4. Hotline operators should have knowledge of local geographic area as well as general wildlife

knowledge. 5. Hotline operators should be provided with a narrative to address concerns from callers and have an

understanding they may have to deal with ‘upset public’ or emotional callers reporting oiled wildlife. 6. An information data sheet should be developed and utilized to track each call and the resulting field-

level action. 7. A mechanism must be developed to assure that call information is delivered in a timely manner to the

Wildlife Branch and accurately documents the results of field response actions. 8. The Wildlife Branch must assure that each call is assessed and forwarded to field operations for

appropriate action. 9. Field operations should, in turn, report their findings back to the Wildlife Branch. This may reduce the

number of repeat calls on the same individual animal and will ensure that calls from the public are correctly addressed.





3.5 INITIAL WILDLIFE PROCEDURES FOR INDUSTRY PERSONNEL

In the initial phase of an incident in the Scotian Shelf and Slope, it is unlikely that members of the public

or clean–up operations personnel will encounter oiled wildlife prior to the arrival of the OWRO. In rare

instances, industry personnel may observe and capture impacted animals. These animals are frequently

heavily oiled and in distress. The severity of oiling may have greatly reduced their capacity to fly or move

normally. It is important that these animals are immediately removed from the spill site, particularly if this

includes an area to which the public has access. The following procedures should be followed in such an

event:

1. Human health and safety, both for response personnel and for the public, must always be the primary

concern.

2. Field personnel should consult with OWRO personnel to assist with species identification and

potential threats to human health and safety. Wildlife personnel may also be able to determine if

local personnel who are skilled and experienced in wildlife handling are available to assist.

3. In coordination with the JIC, the public should be alerted not to attempt to capture or collect oiled

wildlife. Oiled wildlife capture requires skilled and experienced personnel in order to be done safely

and successfully. Attempts by individuals without specific oiled wildlife capture skills often results in

human injury, injury to wildlife including death, and reduced success in overall and individual wildlife

capture success.

The following guidelines may be used to safely capture heavily impacted wildlife prior to the OWRO

arrival on scene. Provincial and federal permits are required for search and capture or wildlife recovery

on an organized scale, for the collection of dead birds to be held as evidence, and for wildlife

rehabilitation. It is generally permissible for one or two clearly distressed animals to be captured and

contained until the OWRO is on site. Wildlife should not be given direct care (other than containment in

a warm, quiet room) by field personnel.

3.5.1 Oiled Wildlife Capture

To ensure that human health and safety guidelines are met, there are certain species whose capture

should never be attempted by anyone other than wildlife professionals with skill and experience in their

capture. It should also be noted that any animal captured must also be able to be safely and securely

transported and housed. Species whose capture should not be attempted by field personnel include the

following:

• Cetaceans (i.e., whale, dolphin, porpoise) of any species

• Adult pinnipeds (i.e., seals, and pinnipeds over 6 months of age

Wildlife that is clearly in distress and may easily be picked up by hand or with a towel should be

considered for capture. Do not attempt to capture wildlife with a net. Some species (in particular





waterfowl, loons and pelagic species) have been shown to be highly sensitive to the presence of nets

once a capture has been attempted, making future capture attempts much more difficult. Additionally,

injuries to both wildlife and inexperienced field personnel can occur when attempting capture of alert

and mobile impacted wildlife.

There are species whose immediate capture should be attempted:

• Any clearly distressed and heavily impacted bird or turtle that is unable to fly or ambulate normally;

• T/E or SARA listed species. The OWRO should be consulted for species identification and best

handling procedure.

3.6 MEDIA RELATIONS

Media alerts and messaging for the hotline will be developed by the Wildlife Branch at the time the

hotline becomes active. Appropriate messaging will be provided to the Joint Information Center (JIC) or

Public Information Officer (PIO) to release as media notices.

Media statements regarding the mobilization and on-going activities of the wildlife response should be

provided to the public at regular intervals. It is critical to provide the public with timely and accurate

information regarding the impact to wildlife and the measures being taken to reduce both morbidity and

mortality of wildlife. Similarly, it is important to raise awareness regarding wildlife concerns, public safety

concerns, and the hazards of handling wildlife. The opportunity may also be used alert the public to

requests for volunteer assistance or to direct their interest in participation to a particular area to avoid

detrimental public intervention despite positive intentions.

Media releases issued to the public should be jointly developed by the Wildlife Branch (Wildlife Response

Director), the Public Information Officer (PIO) and the Joint Information Center (JIC). Accuracy of

statements and media releases may be greatly improved by ensuring that all information has been fully

confirmed as accurate by the Wildlife Branch. Numbers of live, dead, and released animals should

correspond to the numbers established in the prior operational period’s (end of day) wildlife report.

Consistent use of the prior day’s report may eliminate inaccuracies and limit the speculation regarding

transparency.

Media and VIP attendance at a wildlife release or tours of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility may also be

considered. These should be scheduled in advance and coordinated through the Wildlife Branch with the

PIO. In order to reduce stress to wildlife, tours may be limited in frequency and duration. Specific

requirements for clothing, PPE, camera use and wildlife disturbance will be established prior to these

events taking place.





3.7 WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLANNING

The Wildlife Branch has large planning requirements, as do all other operational activities in an oil spill

response. The Wildlife Branch is one of the few operational units that conducts its own planning. Wildlife

planning requires oiled wildlife expertise to develop effective plans—expertise that is only available from

personnel in the Wildlife Branch. It is important to have the right personnel dedicated to completing the

planning. The wildlife planning team must include oiled wildlife response experts, as well as BP and

wildlife agency personnel (if available). The wildlife planning team is housed within the Wildlife Branch of

the Operations Section, and works in coordination with the Environmental Unit (EU).

The Wildlife Branch is responsible for two distinct planning efforts:

1. Development of a long-range incident-specific WRP; and

2. Development of recommendations for a wildlife daily work plan to be included in the Incident Action

Plan (IAP). The IAP then defines the specific work activities for each operational component of wildlife

response on a daily basis (or other designated operational period).

The wildlife planning team accomplishes daily wildlife planning in collaboration with Operations, the EU,

wildlife response contractors, and wildlife agencies.

Wildlife response is composed of several phases or distinct operational components. Each operational

component must be considered in the incident-specific wildlife response plan. Incident-specific protocols

and procedures will be developed for each phase. Separate strategies and protocols are required to deal

with different species groups. Birds and marine mammals will have different tactics and protocols. The

distinct operational phases of wildlife response include:

• Wildlife Impact Assessment

• Reconnaissance and Monitoring

• Deterrence

• Search and Capture

• Carcass collection and morgue storage

• Field Stabilization (medical stabilization)

• Wildlife Transport

• Wildlife Rehabilitation

• Release of healthy animals

• Demobilization





The Wildlife Branch planning team should consider the following general guidelines for oiled wildlife

response:

• Preventing animals becoming oiled is preferable to mitigating the effect of their oiling

• Proactive actions that capitalize on the short windows of opportunity to save animals are required

• If wildlife rehabilitation is recommended, the necessary resources must be readily available and

immediately mobilized to where they are needed

• Animal carcasses should be collected from the impact area

• A proactive policy must be adopted with regard to media reports on the wildlife response and its

results

• Public communication strategies should be clear, concise, and transparent

• Provide opportunities for the public to assist as workforce volunteers with specific duties within the

WRF

3.7.1 Planning Objectives

Wildlife planning objectives are established by the Wildlife Branch planning team and must support the

incident-specific objectives established by Unified Command. Wildlife objectives must be actionable and

achievable in field response and likely will change as the wildlife response evolves and progresses through

the incident. While some aspects of response objectives will be measurable and timeline associated, it

should be expected that these standards would be more fluid than in other areas of spill response.

Objectives should be regularly reviewed by the Wildlife Branch planning team and updated as needed.

Incident-specific wildlife objectives will be included in the WRP.

3.8 WILDLIFE DECISION MAKING PROCESS

3.8.1 Decision Making Process

The Wildlife Branch planning team uses wildlife and planning expertise to review all available incident

information. The planning team then develops recommendations for the most appropriated response

actions based on incident-specific conditions. The most effective and efficient response will be

accomplished by having the right mix of expertise and agency personnel developing, reviewing and

approving wildlife response recommendations.

Regulatory agency approval of plans and recommendations can result in time delays in implementing

response actions; efficiency is increased when agency personnel are engaged in person in the Wildlife

Branch. Agency review and approval time should be considered in incidents without agency involvement

in the Wildlife Branch. The agency review and approval process should be fully described in the incident-

specific Wildlife Response Plan.





While wildlife agency/regulatory participation is important to developing recommendations, their

participation in the decision-making process is critical. All wildlife response actions must be approved by

the appropriate wildlife agencies or regulators, preferably before recommendations are forwarded to

Unified Command for approval. Wildlife agencies may take a lead role in recommendations if they feel it

is in the best interest of the wildlife.

Indigenous communities are also critical to the decision process when Indigenous land/territories are at

risk or where retained rights or aboriginal resources may be impacted. Again, it is most efficient if

Indigenous representatives are part of the planning team. This can significantly shorten the time required

to develop consensus and approval for wildlife response actions. Some Indigenous groups may not allow

response actions on their land without their engagement and involvement or may require that specific

response actions are carried out only by Indigenous groups.

Additional decision-making guidance is provided in Environment and Climate Change Canada–Canadian

Wildlife Service’s (ECCC-CWS’s) draft National Policy On Wildlife Emergency Response. The typical

decision-making process would be for the Wildlife Branch to develop recommendations with input and

review by all affected parties. The Unified Command ultimately reviews and approves all response

actions.

3.8.2 Response Sizing

Based on all available information, the Wildlife Branch planning team must make recommendations to

the Incident Command on the scope and scale of wildlife response efforts necessary to implement an

effective wildlife response. The Wildlife Branch utilizes the collective oiled wildlife expertise of the

planning team to develop strategies and determine the amount of resources (personnel and equipment)

needed to accomplish strategies, goals, and objectives. These recommendations should be fully vetted

through the entire planning team, wildlife agencies, and Indigenous community representatives.

The wildlife planning team will continually assess incident conditions to appropriately size the wildlife

response efforts. Right-sizing the wildlife response may mean increasing or decreasing efforts as needed.

Appropriate scale of response effort may not be consistent during an incident. Typically, search and

capture of oil-impacted wildlife will be initiated before rehabilitation efforts are fully implemented.

Similarly, search and capture may ramp down while animal care and rehabilitation are ongoing.

Recommendations for adjusting response efforts should be fully coordinated with wildlife agencies and

approved by the Unified Command to prior to implementation.





In order to make decisions appropriate to the size, scale, and potential threat to wildlife from the release,

the following information should be used to help determine the best strategies:

• The spill location, impact time and magnitude

• Type of oil and toxicity

• Expected behavior of the released oil according to environmental conditions

• Wildlife habitat in or near the impact zone, identifying the most sensitive or limited habitat in the

area as a priority, including wildlife species at risk

• Location of the released oil in relation to seasonal distribution/behavior of wildlife (breeding,

migration)

• Weather forecast and season

• Information on water depth, tides and currents in the potential response zone

• Resource availability (facilities, equipment, specific expertise)

• Health and Safety with regards to search and capture efforts

3.9 INCIDENT SPECIFIC WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLAN DEVELOPMENT

The Wildlife Response Plan should be developed and approved early in the incident, based on known

conditions and issues. The plan can then be modified or amended throughout the incident as needed

when conditions change. A sample plan can be found in Appendix 10.

Tactical response strategies will be developed by the Wildlife Branch. Specific tactics will be developed as

part of the Incident Action Plan (IAP) process. Tactics will be implemented in the IAP as necessary to

accomplish effective response strategies. Wildlife operations strategies and tactics will be developed in

coordination with regulatory agencies.

Numerous additional plans and protocols may need to be developed by the wildlife planning team to

address specific issues during the course of the incident. Specific additional plans may include:

• Species-specific deterrence plans

• Species-specific capture plans

• Carcass collection protocols

• Reconnaissance and monitoring plans

• Oiled wildlife transport plan

4 RESOURCES AT RISK

The Wildlife Impact Assessment Report (and continued reconnaissance) combined with the EU’s

completed ICS–232 Resources at Risk (RAR) form the basis of determining what species might be





impacted in a specific incident. It should be noted that the intent of the RAR is to compile a list of species

(along with other natural and cultural resources) that may be present in the spill impact area. Some of the

RAR species are either not susceptible to oil impacts or not likely to come in contact with oil.

Species lists included in the incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan should focus on wildlife species that

are susceptible to oil impacts and likely to become oiled in the incident (i.e., the species occur in the spill

impact area). Generally, the most susceptible species groups include birds that use the water or water

interface (pelagic sea birds, waterfowl and shorebirds); sea turtles, seals and other marine mammals,

terrestrial mammals (deer, raccoons) and songbirds (jays, robins, wrens) that may use the spill impact

area (if impacts reach mainland shoreline) but generally are not as susceptible or likely to become oiled.

4.1 SPECIES OF CONCERN

Many species that are likely to be found in a spill impact area are protected by the Species At Risk Act

(SARA) in Canada. These species, commonly termed as ‘listed’ species, are afforded the highest level of

federal and provincial protection. The list of protected species is extensive and is updated regularly as

species are added or removed.

The incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan should include all listed species that are likely to occur in the

spill impact area.

Similar to federally listed species, many species are classified as species of concern by different provinces.

Additionally, species that are under consideration for federal/provincial listing are also generally

considered a species of concern. Species of concern may or may not have any additional legal protection.

The incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan should list any known species of concern that may be present

in the spill impact area. This will be coordinated with the EU’s efforts to determine Resources At Risk

within the release area, including any critical habitat that is legally protected.

4.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR RESPONSE PLANNING

Efforts should be made to determine if listed species or species of concern are present in the spill impact

area, keeping in mind that some listed species are migratory (or mobile) and may be present in the

impact area later in the spill incident. Daily reconnaissance and monitoring should provide information on

listed species through the incident.

Response planning should be adjusted to give higher priority to response actions that protect listed

species. Any impacted listed species would have the highest priority for capture and care.

All response recommendations for listed species should be closely coordinated through the appropriate

wildlife/regulatory agencies. Deterrence actions targeting listed species will need specific authorization

from wildlife agencies. Listed species may also require a higher standard for monitoring and reporting as





required or mandated by wildlife agencies. The Wildlife Branch should assist the EU with documentation

for compliance for the response.

4.3 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF CONCERN

The Scotian Basin, Slope waters, and Sable Island are biologically rich areas—providing habitat to a

diverse abundance of marine and coastal birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, as well as the feral

horses of Sable Island. Many of these marine and neritic species are particularly susceptible to the effects

of oil, based on behaviors such as food prehension (both hunting and foraging) and dive patterns during

which the entirety of the water column is used. Obligate marine birds are the most susceptible of these

species, as they are physiologically and anatomically designed for a life exclusively on or in the water.

A full account of all species observed within the project area and critical wildlife habitat can be found in

the Scotian Basin Exploration Drilling Project—Environmental Impact Statement (Stantec 2014.)

4.3.1 Birds

An estimated 30 million seabirds use the eastern Canadian waters each year, including breeding marine

birds and migrating birds from the southern hemisphere and northeastern Atlantic (Fifield et al., 2009).

The combination of northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere birds results in peak diversity during

spring and summer months (Fifield et al., 2009). Significant numbers of overwintering birds, including

alcids, gulls, and fulmars can also be found in Atlantic Canadian waters during the fall and winter (Brown

1986), whereas species assemblages are dominated by shearwaters, storm-petrels, fulmars and gulls in

summer (Fifield et al., 2009). (Sponson Group 2017, Stantec 2016)

Approximately 19 species of pelagic seabirds, 14 species of neritic seabirds, 18 species of aquatic birds,

and 22 shorebird species use habitat on the Scotian Shelf and Slope. Nine of those species are listed

under SARA or COSEWIC (Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada) as species of special

concern or endangered.

Sable Island is part of a key migratory flyway, with over 350 bird species recorded. These include species

similar to those found on the mainland, but also a high number of vagrants. Sixteen bird species have

been confirmed to breed on the island during the spring and summer months. The Ipswich Sparrow,

breeds only on Sable Island. Critical habitat for the endangered Roseate Tern, as designated under SARA,

has been identified in several locations including Sable Island and specific coastal islands of Nova Scotia.

Critical habitat has also been identified for the endangered Piping Plover along the coastline of Nova

Scotia. These areas must be protected from disturbance during the breeding season.





4.3.2 Marine Mammals

There are six species of mysticetes (baleen whales), eleven species of odontocetes (toothed whales), and

five species of pinnipeds (seals) that could potentially be present in the project area. Seven of these

species are designated at risk by either SARA or COSEWIC.

The majority of mysticetes are migratory, and are present on the Scotia Shelf and Slope from late spring

through fall. The fin whale, however, is present year-round. On the Scotian Shelf and Slope there is

designated critical habitat under SARA for endangered species, including the North Atlantic right whale

and the northern bottlenose whale. Critical habitat for the endangered North Atlantic right whale has

been identified in Roseway Basin on the Scotian Shelf (Brown et al., 2009). Critical habitat for the

endangered northern bottlenose whale has been designated in the Gully and in the Shortland and

Haldimand Canyons on the east of the Scotian Shelf and Slope (DFO 2010, Sponson Group 2017, Stantec

2016). Several marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Scotian Shelf and Slope provide habitat for marine

mammals. A list of MPAs can be found on the DFO website at <http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/oceans/mpa-

zpm/index-eng.html>.

Seals are most commonly found over the Scotian Shelf, north of the Project Area, in the nearshore waters

around Sable Island. Sable Island hosts the world’s largest breeding colony of grey seals (DFO, 2011a;

Freedman, 2014). Grey seals generally haul out on the beaches in large groups (up to thousands of

individuals) with a particularly large number on the island during the annual molt in May and June. There

is also a small resident population of harbor seals, who pup from mid-May to mid-June. Other species

known to breed and forage in the area include harp, hooded, and ringed seals. No seal populations on the

Scotian Shelf are designated at risk under SARA or by COSEWIC.

Harbor porpoise and Atlantic white-sided dolphins have been sighted at locations in Halifax Harbor, with

occasional sightings of larger whales at the approaches to the harbor (Brodie 2000).

4.3.3 Sea Turtles

Within the Scotian Shelf and Slope waters, four species of sea turtles can be found migrating and

foraging. Two species, the leatherback sea turtle and the loggerhead sea turtle (both listed as endangered

on Schedule 1 of SARA) are most likely to occur. Critical habitat for leatherback turtles in Atlantic Canada

has been proposed based on a DFO Science Advisory Process (DFO, 2011b) but not yet formally

designated under SARA (Sponson Group 2017, Stantec 2017).

4.3.4 Feral Horses

In 2008, the Nova Scotia Legislature declared the Sable Island Horse as one of the provincial symbols,

making them the official horse of Nova Scotia. In 2011, the Canadian government created the Sable Island

National Park Reserve, which allows further protection of the island and horses. Estimates of feral horses





on Sable Island range between 150 and 400 horses—current estimates place them at a minimum of 375

animals. Feral horses are not highly susceptible to oil impact; however, they may come into contact with

or ingest oil when feeding on kelp and seaweed that wash up on the shoreline.

Parks Canada considers the feral horses to be part of the native wildlife species on Sable Island. The Sable

Island horses regularly use the beach areas for transit and gathering areas and may be impacted by

shoreline oiling on Sable Island. All attempts should be made to immediately limit access by horses to the

spill site and affected areas. Preventing feral horses from becoming oiled would be the preferred

response option. While this is an uncommon situation, feral horses should be considered during response

planning efforts. Recommendations for feral horse response strategies should be coordinated with Parks

Canada and Friends of Sable Island. Initial discussions with Parks Canada resulted in verbal support for

utilizing exclusion fencing to reduce exposure of feral horses to oiled beach areas. Additional strategies

may include enclosure fencing as well.

Care and decontamination of these animals may be supported and managed by the OWRO, but the care

should be provided by local area veterinarians or other domestic animal agencies. Decontamination

protocols may be established by the OWRO and local area resources engaged and trained on those

methods by the OWRO.

Feral animals should not be brought to or housed at the wildlife rehabilitation center. Biosecurity and

disease transmission between wildlife and feral animals is of paramount concern. In particular, feral

and/or unvaccinated animals may have been exposed to, or present with, highly transmissible diseases.

This may negatively impact wildlife in care and present human health and safety risks outside of the

scope of oiled wildlife response. Many wildlife species, in particular prey species, will be unduly stressed

by proximity to feral horses.

4.4 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST

The following table lists species of conservation interest within the projected area of BP operations in the Scotian Shelf and Slope.

TABLE 1 SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST

Common Name Scientific Name SARA Schedule 1 Status

COSEWIC Designation

Birds

Duck, Harlequin1 Histrionicus Special Concern Special Concern

Falcon, Peregrine3

(anatum/tundrius)

Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius Special Concern Special Concern

Goldeneye, Barrow’s1 Bucephala islandica Special Concern Special Concern

Gull, Ivory1 Pagophila eburnea Endangered Endangered






COSEWIC Designation

Knot, Red (rufa sub-

species)2

Calidris canutus rufa Endangered Endangered

Phalarope, Red-necked2 Phalaropus lobatus Not Listed Special Concern

Plover, Piping (melodus

subspecies)2

Charadrius melodus Endangered Endangered

Sparrow, Savannah

(princeps subspecies)3

Passerculus sandwichensis princeps Special Concern Special Concern

Tern, Roseate2 Sterna dougallii Endangered Endangered

Marine Mammals

Porpoise, Harbor (Northwest Atlantic

population)2

Phocoena Schedule 2, Threatened

Special Concern

Whale, Blue (Atlantic

population)4

Balaenoptera musculus Schedule 1, Endangered

Endangered

Whale, Fin (Atlantic

Population)4

Balaenoptera physalus Schedule 1, Special Concern

Special Concern

Whale, Killer4 Orcinus orca Not Listed Special Concern

Whale, North Atlantic

Right4

Eubalaena glacialis Schedule 1, Endangered

Endangered

Whale, Northern bottlenose (Scotian Shelf

population)4

Hyperoodon ampullatus Schedule 1, Endangered

Endangered

Whale, Sowerby’s

Beaked4

Mesoplodon bidens Schedule 1, Special Concern

Not Listed

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtle, Leatherback1 Dermochelys coriacea Schedule 1, Endangered

Endangered

Sea Turtle, Loggerhead1 Caretta Schedule 1, Endangered

Endangered

(Stantec 2014, 2015; ECCC SARA registry) 1 Highly susceptible to the effects of oil 2 Moderately susceptible to the effects of oil 3 Low susceptibility to the effects of oil 4 Susceptibility poorly understood/insufficient data

5 FIELD OPERATIONS

Wildlife field operations encompass all aspects of on-the-ground wildlife response activities:

1. Reconnaissance and monitoring

2. Wildlife Deterrence

3. Preemptive capture of unimpacted individuals (as needed)

4. Oiled wildlife search and capture

5. Carcass collection (removing dead oiled animals);





6. Chain of Custody and evidence storage

7. Field stabilization (evaluation and medical care);

8. Field transport (transport from field to wildlife care center);

Components of field operations are below. The type and level of field activities are determined by the

Wildlife Branch planning team and should be included in the incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan.

Field operations on Sable Island will require specific authorization for access from Parks Canada. Parks

Canada may additionally impose specific conditions and stipulations for access and response activities on

Sable Island. Access authorization and conditions of work activities was granted by Parks Canada during

the BP Capability Exercise held in December 2017. A copy of the Parks Canada Access Authorization is

included in Appendix 10 for reference. Similar conditions may be imposed for future work on Sable Island.

5.1 WILDLIFE RECONNAISSANCE AND MONITORING

Reconnaissance may entail land, water, and/or aerial surveys. Information gained from these surveys is

key to mounting effective deterrence, search and capture, and response efforts and will be used to

determine the scope and scale of wildlife response.

Reconnaissance efforts:

• Focus on the immediate and potential impact to wildlife

• Assess potential wildlife impact based on spill trajectories, type and volume of oil

• Evaluate the effect of weather patterns

• Calculate wildlife dispersal patterns and behaviors

• Direct effective search and collection and deterrence actions

Wildlife reconnaissance and monitoring efforts are ongoing throughout the course of a response. Risk

and threat of wildlife impacts and current on-site conditions are assessed daily throughout the spill by the

wildlife field teams. The Wildlife Branch will continually assess information needs and determine

appropriate levels and types of reconnaissance needed. Wildlife reconnaissance and monitoring, along

with updated incident information from the Situation Unit are used to build a clear daily picture of

current onsite wildlife issues. Information sharing with the Environmental Unit is also critical during this

phase of response.

The Wildlife Branch will develop a Reconnaissance Plan for birds and marine mammals/sea turtles.

Standardized surveys will be utilized to quantify birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles at risk from the

spill and to ensure that wildlife surveys will quantify densities and distribution of wildlife in the spill

impact area.





Wildlife monitoring will include aerial observations (aerial over-flights), on-water boat observations, and

land-based shoreline observations. Utility Task Vehicles (UTVs) may be used for shore-based

reconnaissance on Sable Island. Protocols will be developed to avoid scaring wildlife into the water—an

operational consideration with aerial observations, as well as with shore-based activities.

TABLE 2 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPERATIONS—RECONNAISSANCE

Tactical Response Options for Reconnaissance: Offshore Waters Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Pelagic birds, mostly deep divers, singular scattered; Waterfowl may be found in concentrations or rafts of birds on the water Aerial overflight, boat-based observations.

Sea Turtles Conservation status; frequency of sightings, scattered individuals or concentrated in feeding drift lines

Aerial overflight and/or boat-based observations

Pinnipeds Scattered or grouped in near-shore waters Aerial overflight

Cetaceans Conservation status; scattered individuals Aerial overflight

Tactical Response Options for Reconnaissance: Sable Island Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Feed and roost on beaches, burrow nesting pelagic seabirds (oil impacted at sea and bring oil back to nesting site)

Aerial overflight, on-foot shoreline survey, UTV assisted beach surveys.

Sea Turtles Conservation status; rarely on land but may use near-shore area Aerial overflight, shore-based survey

Pinnipeds Haulout concentration areas on beaches, feeding near-shore habitat

Aerial overflight, shore-based surveys, maybe UTV assisted.

Cetaceans Generally do not use near-shore area No land-based reconnaissance Feral Horses Use beach for transit, loafing Aerial overflight, shore-based surveys,

maybe UTV assisted.

5.2 WILDLIFE DETERRENCE

Deterrence programs proactively safeguard wildlife from the effects of an accidental product release by

dispersing and excluding animals away from contaminated areas, thereby reducing wildlife contamination

and mortality.

Deterrence strategies should be determined and planned by the Wildlife Branch after an initial

reconnaissance survey is conducted. Hazing or deterrence may be conducted by the Wildlife Branch to

keep unoiled wildlife away from oil. Deterrence activities must be authorized and coordinated within the

Incident Command System. No federal permits are required for non-lethal deterrence of migratory birds

unless using firearms and/or aircraft (Note: this exemption does not apply to endangered species).

Canada’s Species At Risk Act (SARA) does not specifically authorize deterrence and preemptive capture of

endangered species. Specific authorization for hazing of marine mammals would be required from DFO.

Authorization for deterrence may also be required by provincial regulatory or wildlife agencies.





Deterrence actions are most effective in areas already made unattractive to wildlife through vegetation

clearing, on-going cleanup operations, and continual hazing operations. Birds that are well habituated to

existing deterrence actions will not likely be dissuaded from continued use of oiled areas without the

implementation of further deterrence, rotation and combination of visual and auditory deterrence is

recommended. It should be noted that historic use factors will be programmed in these birds and their

offspring, likely resulting in the instinct for repeated annual usage of these areas.

Deterrence programs can be effective in small, well-defined areas such as sand bars, back eddies, inlets,

or the immediate oil impact area. It is important to note that deterrence strategies will only be effective if

there are equally attractive adjacent habitat areas into which birds and mammals can be hazed.

Only trained and experienced personnel should conduct deterrence techniques. Inexperienced personnel

can worsen the situation by ineffectively deploying deterrents, inadvertently disturbing animals into oiled

areas, or causing debilitated oiled animals to scatter. Deterrence activities should be initiated as soon as

possible following an accidental release in order to prevent animals from establishing or continuing

regular use patterns within a contaminated area. Delays may increase the number of oiled animals.

5.2.1 Deterrence Objectives

Goals and objectives will be developed by the Wildlife Branch with approval of the Unified Command

Goals and objectives help determine where efforts and resources should be focused to maximize the

effectiveness of deterrence activities. Whenever possible, deterrence goals and objectives should be

multi-hazard in nature in order to provide the most comprehensive protection for the site. Goals and

objectives will be developed by the Wildlife Branch with approval of the Unified Command.

Deterrence goals include:

• Avoid impacts to wildlife resources in the area

• Develop deterrence strategies that will provide long-term exclusion of wildlife from oiled areas

• Implement viable deterrence strategies for all potential wildlife hazards at the site

• Modify deterrence strategies over time, based on monitored success/failure of strategies





5.2.2 Deterrence Program Considerations

The following points should be considered before beginning any deterrence operations:

TABLE 3 DETERRENCE CONSIDERATIONS

Habitat, species natural history and phylogenic information will influence deterrent success

▪ Particular species are difficult to deter, especially if the chosen deterrents mimic sounds or visual elements to which wildlife are already habituated.

▪ The potential effects of human activity and disturbance on sensitive habitats and species should be considered.

▪ Migration and breeding are largely influenced by season; migratory populations are generally easier to disperse than are breeding birds from a nesting area.

▪ Seasonal considerations, such as migration and breeding, require an increase in hazing regularity in order to be effective.

▪ Juvenile (unflighted) and molting birds are not easily dispersed and require a combination of different techniques. Flightless birds may take to the water when hazed, which may increase the overall wildlife impact if the water is contaminated.

The availability of clean habitat (species-appropriate) within a reasonable distance will positively influence hazing success

▪ Avoid dispersing birds into areas that might become contaminated; be aware of oil trajectory predictions. ▪ Determine if “clean” habitat can be made more attractive (e.g., temporarily limit access to people, boats or

other activities that often deter wildlife use)

The use of appropriate hazing techniques

▪ Deterrence will be more effective if the entire area of concern can be hazed as continuously as possible. Do not start a deterrence operation that cannot be maintained for the required duration.

▪ Automatically operated devices may be used when staffing is limited, during bad weather, or at night. ▪ Use a variety of devices and techniques, with random variations. ▪ Most deterrence activities are probably not effective for areas larger than 7-10 square miles ▪ Highly mobile devices that can influence large radiuses are necessary for larger spills on water. ▪ Techniques with potential to induce sparks should be used with caution. ▪ Sound-emitting devices may not be acceptable in residential areas. ▪ Deterrence evaluations should be based on site- and incident-specific details. ▪ If pyrotechnics are used, permits may also be required from the local fire marshal. ▪ Preplanned deterrence activities must be reconsidered in the case of a release. An entirely new plan may

need to be formed based on incident-specifics.

Long-term deterrence is especially difficult to conduct; habituation eventually occurs with all scaring techniques, especially if the same technique is applied continually over a period of time and if the technique is not reinforced with actual danger.

▪ Variation of technique and the introduction of human activity are primary means of slowing or preventing habituation.

▪ Variation can be achieved by changing the location, appearance, and types of hazing devices and by using a combination of devices.





5.2.3 Deterrence Methods and Strategies

Methods and strategies will be selected by the Wildlife Branch based on the above guidance. The

knowledge and experience of a trained deterrence specialist should be used to determine criteria for

selecting effective incident-specific deterrence strategies. Specific strategies will be developed in the

incident-specific Deterrence Plan.

Effectiveness of deterrent methods ranges widely according to studies conducted on several deterrence

methods in a variety of settings. Most of the studies conducted to assess the effectiveness of deterrence

on wildlife populations have been conducted using bird deterrents. There is little evidence that

deterrence, other than exclusionary devices such as fencing and silt barriers, are effective with many

terrestrial mammals. Similarly, data is lacking with regard to effective deterrents for reptiles, including sea

turtles, and many marine mammals. As such, the information below details deterrents with a known level

of effectiveness for individual species or classes of wildlife.

Below is a comparison of deterrence methods that could be used to effect in a Scotian Basin response

effort. The comparison rates deterrents’ respective effectiveness when deployed according to best

practices, the species with which they are effective, and possible unintended secondary effects.

Effectiveness as listed in Table 4 is based on experience of wildlife responders in utilizing deterrence

strategies in oil spill incidents. All options should be considered as incident-specific conditions change

throughout the incident.

TABLE 4 COMPARISON OF DETERRENCE MEASURES AND EQUIPMENT

Deterrence Strategy

Effectiveness Considerations Taxon Deployment

Physical Barriers

Solid Cover (barrier, peat, coconut mat)

Very Good May be difficult to deploy depending on type of cover; short-term use until cleanup measure can be affected

Shorebirds; gulls; may reduce impact to pinnipeds and sea turtles when on land

Shoreline segments

Elevated Mesh Netting

Very Good Entrapment Gulls Shoreline segments; shallow waters

Mylar Streamers Good Weather; placement; may attract some species of birds

Passerines Sable Island interior

Sight-line Fences Good Must be stable enough to exclude large terrestrial mammals (e.g., feral horses)

Terrestrial mammals Sable Island shoreline segments





Deterrence Strategy

Effectiveness Considerations Taxon Deployment

Auditory Hazing Methods

Cannons Subject to habituation

Human safety, subject to habituation

Birds; less effective with diving birds

Shoreline segments

Shotgun Blasts, Cracker Shells

Subject to habituation

Human safety, must be randomly deployed

Birds, terrestrial mammals

Horns Subject to habituation

Human safety, must be randomly deployed

Birds, terrestrial mammals

On-water; shoreline

Breco Bird Scaring Device


Human safety Birds Shoreline

Oikomi pipes Subject to habituation

Knowledge of technique, human safety

Killer whales; possibly other whales and sea turtles

On-water

Seal bombs Subject to habituation

Human safety; untargeted dispersal

Pinnipeds On-water

Recorded (distress, predator)


Season; regionally specific predatory species; distress call may bring in other predatory birds

Birds; especially passerines and shorebirds

Shoreline

Ultrasonic (Bird-X) Good; subject to habituation

Several options of auditory deterrents to choose from

Birds Shoreline

Visual Hazing Methods

Lights (work lights, laser, colored, strobe, spot, flashing, intermittent)

Poor in daytime; good in night-time




Rotating Beacon (floating or on land)





Pyrotechnics Subject to habituation

Pyrotechnics Subject to habituation

Pyrotechnics

Effigies (owl, falcon, human)

Poor Effigies (owl, falcon, human)

Poor Effigies (owl, falcon, human)

Combined Auditory and Visual Hazing Methods

All-terrain vehicles ATVs/UTVs

Good; must be ongoing




Human disturbance Good; must be ongoing

Human disturbance Good; must be ongoing

Human disturbance

Helicopter Good; must be ongoing

Helicopter Good; must be ongoing

Helicopter

Motorboat Good; must be ongoing

Motorboat Good; must be ongoing

Motorboat

Predators (falconry, dogs)









5.3 PRE-EMPTIVE CAPTURE

Preemptive Capture Procedures

Goals To reduce or remove the risk of oiling by removal of sensitive populations from high-risk

areas.

• Written proactive capture plan delineating individuals or populations targeted for capture;

capture method and means of rapid transport

• Written plan to ensure necessary resources are available for capture, field stabilization, transport,

and unoiled rehabilitation of large number of animals (young) or release of individuals into a clean

environment.

• Prioritization of threatened/endangered species and/or eggs and young that, if impacted, would

result in generational loss and negative population impact

• Initiate communications plan to assure maximum safety of personnel

Pre-emptive capture techniques may be considered for a limited number of species identified as at risk of

impact. Any preemptive capture effort requires rapid and coordinated deployment of resources and

thorough planning. Each aspect of the capture, transport, relocation, and release must be planned and

resources to support successful execution of the plan must be available. Preemptive capture efforts must

be coordinated with the appropriate regulatory agency. Incident-specific authorization and permits for

the capture of migratory bird species and non-migratory bird Species at Risk are required.

Preemptive capture should be considered when deterrent use is not appropriate (young animals with

limited mobility); when population is of high conservation value or where there is a high potential of

oiling and associated risk of mortality from oiling; and where circumstances are conducive to successful

capture. The following factors shall be considered to identify potential candidates for pre-emptive

capture:

• Population health and vulnerability

• Population vulnerability to oiling

• Response to deterrent/hazing tactics

• Availability of appropriate housing and husbandry to ensure humane care

• Appropriate relocation habitat





5.4 SEARCH AND CAPTURE

Wildlife Search and Capture Procedures

Goals

To capture as many live oiled animals as possible and to maximize their chance of survival to

release through the efficient use of resources and proper use of proactive techniques and

sound field stabilization practices.

• Written wildlife capture plan delineating sectors dividing the impacted area and considering

environmental sensitivity and priorities.

• Initiation of communications plan to assure maximum safety of personnel and wildlife as well as

communication with clean up personnel to assure quick response to oiled wildlife identified by

them.

• Systematic coverage of each wildlife sector on a daily or twice daily basis utilizing teams of two

people.

• Identification of opportunities for trapping, spotlighting and other proactive methods and

incorporating these into the daily plan.

• Documentation of oiled wildlife sightings and re-evaluation of the wildlife recovery plan on a

daily basis.

• Removal of oiled wildlife carcasses to decrease secondary contamination of

predators/scavengers.

Search and capture field teams focus on daily reconnaissance and assessment of oil-impacted wildlife;

prioritizing capture based on individual animal health condition or potential for rapidly declining health

secondary to oiling; and, determining appropriate capture methods for these species. Search and capture

activities will be directed by the Wildlife Branch; the number of capture teams should be scaled to ensure

effective coverage of both the geographic extent of the spill and unimpacted areas in which wildlife are

known to congregate (loafing, foraging and night roost areas). Wildlife search and capture efforts will be

focused in areas where there are known concentrations of impacted animals. As time allows search

efforts may be extended to locate oiled animals that may have moved some distance from the spill

impact area.

Wildlife capture strategies will be developed based on species, location, degree of oiling and mobility of

oiled wildlife (in particular birds). Capture will be prioritized based on species’ susceptibility to oil impacts

and availability of resources and personnel.

Each shoreline capture team should be composed of two or more wildlife staff; on-water teams require a

designated boat driver. The OWRO will, when possible, make use of local personnel and equipment

resources.





Captured animals are documented on field capture forms and then transported to either the field

stabilization unit or the rehabilitation facility. To ensure that human health and safety guidelines are met,

there are certain species whose capture should never be attempted by anyone other than wildlife

professionals with skill and experience in their capture (e.g., cetaceans, raptors, feral horses). It should

also be noted that any animal captured must also be able to be safely and securely transported and

housed.

TABLE 5 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—CAPTURE

Tactical Response Options for Capture: Offshore Waters

Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Most species highly susceptible to impacts from oil; conservation status.

Dip net; spotlighting (night operation)

Sea Turtles Conservation status; frequency of sightings Dip net

Pinnipeds Conservation status; safety Dip or hoop net capture

Cetaceans Conservation status; difficulty of capture; availability of transport, rehabilitation facilities, and personnel resources; safety

On-water capture

Tactical Response Options for Capture: Sable Island and Mainland Shoreline

Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Most species highly susceptible to impacts from oil; conservation status.

Dip net, hand-held net gun, or spotlighting from shoreline. Noose mat capture for shorebirds. Preemptive capture of nesting pelagic birds.

Sea Turtles Conservation status; frequency of sightings Dip net from shoreline for debilitated or hauled out individuals.

Pinnipeds Conservation status; safety Hoop net capture; herding/boarding from shoreline; chemical immobilization

Cetaceans Conservation status; difficulty of capture; availability of transport, rehabilitation facilities, and personnel resources; safety

Capture post-stranding

Feral Horses Conservation status; susceptibility to oil impacts; difficulty of capture; safety; resource availability

Funnel taps; chemical immobilization

5.5 CHAIN OF CUSTODY AND EVIDENCE STORAGE

All animals (live and dead) collected by wildlife field teams should be documented on an approved Chain

of Custody form provided by the OWRO. Chain of Custody and wildlife handling protocols will be

coordinated and approved by federal and provincial wildlife law enforcement for each oil spill incident.

The Chain of Custody will remain with the animal throughout the transport process (signed by each

person that has possession of the animal). Chain of Custody will be transferred to the OWRO when the

animal is delivered to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility.

Specific protocols for handling oiled wildlife carcasses will be developed and approved by the Wildlife

Branch. Protocols will also be developed to provide clear direction to response workers to deal with





wildlife carcasses they may encounter as part of normal oil cleanup operations. Dead oiled wildlife

recovered at sea as part of ongoing oil recovery operations will be bagged and labeled in accordance with

approved protocols and transported to the wildlife care center as soon as practical.

Carcasses and feather, fur or product samples will be stored in a locked freezer (wildlife morgue) under

Chain of Custody at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility until transferred to the appropriate regulatory

agency. The OWRO will act as custodians of the carcasses and will maintain Chain of Custody once

carcasses arrive at the WRF. Chain of Custody records will also be maintained by the OWRO until the

wildlife response is complete, at which time the Chain of Custody records will be transferred to the

appropriate wildlife law enforcement or regulatory agency. Copies of all records should be retained by BP

as part of the spill documentation records for the incident.

5.6 FIELD STABILIZATION

Field Stabilization Procedures

Goals To address life-threatening concerns and prepare oiled wildlife for transport to the WRF using sound field stabilization practices.

• Check for traumatic injuries or hemorrhage and treat as needed. Determine if injuries prohibit

release or contaminant removal.

• Field stabilization of oiled animals via warming/cooling devices and electrolyte fluid.

• Gross contaminant removal from the nares, mouth, eyes, and cloaca.

• Place animal in quiet ventilated stabilization area away from drafts, humans and noise, with free

access to (and away from) heat lamps.

• Record field treatments. Transmit treatment records for individual animals, or for groups of animals (e.g., when treating large numbers of birds) with the animal(s) when they are checked in at the rehabilitation center.

The field stabilization unit accepts oiled animals directly from field capture teams and provides basic first

aid measures to ensure that animals are stabilized prior to transport (fluid administration and gross

decontamination as needed, depending on species and degree of oiling. Field stabilization units for sea

turtles, pinnipeds, and marine mammals should be separate from those for birds due to facility and space

requirements and safety considerations. Field stabilization sites are established when transport times

from the field to the rehabilitation facility exceeds two hours.





TABLE 6 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—FIELD STABILIZATION

Tactical Response Options for Field Stabilization: Offshore Waters Taxon Considerations Potential Site

Birds Transport time Parks Canada building on Sable Island; mobile unit on mainland near operational resources (staging area)

Sea Turtles Transport time; availability of appropriate facilities

Incident-specific, to be determined

Pinnipeds Safety; availability of appropriate facilities Incident-specific, to be determined

Cetaceans Space; safety; availability of appropriate facilities

Incident-specific, to be determined

Tactical Response Options for Field Stabilization: Sable Island Taxon Considerations Potential Site

Birds Transport time Mobile unit on mainland near operational resources (staging area); Parks Canada building on Sable Island

Sea Turtles Transport time; availability of appropriate facilities

None on Sable Island

Pinnipeds Safety; availability of appropriate facilities None on Sable Island

Cetaceans Space; safety; availability of appropriate facilities

None on Sable Island

Feral Horses Conservation status; susceptibility to oil impacts; difficulty of capture; safety; resource availability

Not advised

5.7 WILDLIFE TRANSPORT

Transportation Procedures

Goals To assure efficient and safe transport of oiled animals from the field to the rehabilitation center

• Transportation plan should assure transportation of animals from the field to the rehabilitation

center within 4-6 hours of capture.

• Animals should be transported in individual carriers or boxes whenever possible.

• Animals should be transported inside vehicles with an ambient temperature of 21–26° C (70–80° F) as

appropriate.

• Good ventilation should be achieved; auditory and visual stimuli should be reduced.

• If transport time exceeds 2 hours animals should be checked every two hours.

Transportation procedures are established by the Wildlife Branch and put into practice by search and

capture teams in coordination with the field stabilization unit. These groups coordinate transport times

with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Group Supervisor to ensure that facility staff is prepared to receive

incoming wildlife.





TABLE 7 TACTICAL RESPONSE OPTIONS—WILDLIFE TRANSPORT

Tactical Response Options for Transport: Offshore Waters Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hypothermia

Boat or helicopter

Sea Turtles Stress; duration and frequency of transport method

Boat or helicopter

Pinnipeds Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hypothermia

Boat or helicopter

Marine Mammals Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hyperthermia; space and weight restrictions

Marine vessel

Tactical Response Options for Transport: Sable Island Taxon Considerations Method

Birds Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hypothermia; compartment must have oxygen supply Fixed wing aircraft or helicopter

Sea Turtles Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; compartment must have oxygen supply Fixed wing aircraft or helicopter

Pinnipeds Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hypothermia; compartment must have oxygen supply Fixed wing aircraft; helicopter for pups

Marine Mammals Stress; duration and frequency of transport method; hyperthermia; space and weight restrictions; compartment must have oxygen supply Fixed wing aircraft (cargo plane)

Feral Horses Stress; injury; safety; low susceptibility to oil Fixed wing aircraft (cargo plane)

6 REHABILITATION OPERATIONS

6.1 BEST ACHIEVABLE CARE STANDARDS IN OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE

Professional oiled wildlife response organizations follow best practice documents for oiled wildlife

response and rehabilitation. While methods and techniques may differ between spills, the principles of

best practices remain consistent. “Best achievable care” practices take into consideration the realities of

individual incidents; successful rehabilitation is defined as the application of best practices within the

context of available equipment, facilities, personnel, and other resources. Early, full support of the

Wildlife Branch and wildlife response activities plays a defining role in the success of those efforts.





Guiding best practice documents include the following:

• IPIECA: Wildlife Response Preparedness: Good Practice Guidelines for Incident Management and

Emergency Response Personnel, 2014

• IPIECA: Key Principles for the Protection and Care of Animals in an Oiled Wildlife Response, 2017

• USFWS: Best Practices for Migratory Bird Care During Oil Spill Response, 2003

• ECCC-CWS: National Policy on Wildlife Emergency Response (in draft)

• NOAA: Pinniped and Cetacean Oil Spill Response Guidelines, 2015

• NOAA: Oil and Sea Turtles: Biology, Planning and Response, 2010

• Oiled Wildlife Care Network–UC Davis Wildlife Health Center: Protocols for the Care of Oil-Affected

Birds, 2016

• NWRA/IWRC Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation 3rd edition, 2012

6.2 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PHASES

Permitted OWROs are the only group authorized to carry out wildlife rehabilitation activities as guided by

established and accepted protocols (USFWS 2003; NOAA 2015; IPIECA 2014, 2017). The capture,

stabilization, cleaning, and conditioning of oiled wildlife require that care begin immediately after an

incident. The success of rehabilitation efforts differs based on the number of animals and numerous other

variables, including: the immediacy of the response effort, the species involved, the care and husbandry

requirements, the time of year, the type of contaminant affecting wildlife, and the extent and duration of

contamination.

TABLE 8 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PHASES

Phase Description and Goals

Processing and Evidence Collection

Evidence collection Assigned individual, temporary band Feather/fur/product sample Photograph Individual medical record

Intake Medical examination and treatment plan development Critical care concerns addressed Euthanasia evaluations based on established criteria and best practices

Triage Ongoing euthanasia and treatment plan evaluation based on medical health status

Stabilization Fluid, nutritional and medical stabilization of impacted animals 48–72 hours period (duration and process taxon-specific) Use species-appropriate husbandry and housing Prepare animals for cleaning process

Cleaning Pre-treatment to loosen weathered product Removal of all oil/contaminants from an impacted animal by washing (species-specific methods) Removal of the cleaning agent by rinsing Drying cleaned and rinsed animal





Phase Description and Goals

Conditioning Restoring waterproofing and physical health

Release Federal banding of individual animals Release of cleaned, waterproof animals into a clean environment Post release monitoring

Oiled Wildlife Response Organizations should work according to international standards for best

achievable care of oiled birds (USFWS 2003; OWCN 2015; IPIECA 2016) sea turtles (NOAA 2010) and

marine mammals (NOAA 2015). The condensed and general procedures for rehabilitating oiled wildlife

are as follows, and must be understood in order to facilitate a successful wildlife response.

6.3 PROCESSING AND EVIDENCE COLLECTION

Upon arrival at the rehabilitation center, wildlife goes through a processing procedure. Processing is the

means by which evidence is collected from each wild animal, dead or alive. The four pieces of evidence

legally required for collection include a product sample (generally conducted via feather or fur sampling),

photo documentation, identification/logging and tagging of each animal, and a signed medical record,

which is then completed during the intake process.

Processing and Evidence Collection Procedures

Goals To document individual animal oiling

• Identification of species and attachment of temporary band

• Take feather sample/fur sample/swab

• Take photograph

• Signed medical record

6.4 WILDLIFE INTAKE

Following processing, the wildlife proceeds to intake, where each animal receives a thorough medical

examination and initial in-house blood-work (packed-cell volume [PCV], total protein [TP], buffy coat [BC],

blood glucose [BG] [as necessary]) is taken. A comprehensive initial treatment plan is then laid out for

each animal. Triage, either based on medical health status or conservation value, also takes place at this

point. In cases where the medical condition of the animal indicates that it will be unable to recover from

its current condition and will not be able to survive the rehabilitation process to release, the individual

should be humanely euthanized.





Intake Procedures

Goals To provide a comprehensive medical and health evaluation of each animal at intake

• Start documentation of condition and care of individual patients

• Initiate triage process

• Begin process to reverse effects of oiling

• Evaluate and assist in thermoregulation as necessary

• Physical exam:

o Weight and body condition

o Alertness evaluation

o Extent of oiling

o Vital signs

o Trauma/chemical burns

o Evaluate hydration

o Evaluate buoyancy ability; other standard parameters as needed

o Blood samples

• Mitigate effects of oiling

• Address medical concerns

• Remove excess oil from nares, eyes, and mouth

• Treat dehydration with fluids

Exposure to petroleum products has numerous, significant, and often fatal consequences for wildlife (see

Appendix 5). Exposure effects can lead to debilitation and fatality (including euthanasia) for wild animals.

Euthanasia guidelines are generally based on a number of factors relating to each individual animal’s

condition and will include behavior, secondary complications, blood values, thermoregulatory ability, GI

tract function, waterproofing issues, etc. Agonal state, seizuring, extreme hyper/hypothermia, and severe

traumatic injuries also require immediate euthanasia evaluation.

6.4.1 Triage and Euthanasia Considerations

The number of animals oiled may exceed the resources available to effectively rehabilitate all of the

animals presented for care. In this case the most humane course of action is to euthanize those animals

with a poor chance for survival so that the remaining animals’ chances for survival are optimized.

Euthanasia should be considered whenever the prognosis for release back to the wild is poor. Each case

should be considered individually. Priority should be given to animals with a high conservation value, with

fair to good prognosis for release. Animals exhibiting symptoms of infectious diseases that may be

transmissible to the larger group or to the wild population should be isolated immediately and considered

for euthanasia. Based on experience, it has been found that under current treatment protocols, birds

with the following characteristics are poor candidates for rehabilitation, especially if exhibiting multiple

symptoms.





All triage and euthanasia decisions will be made by the OWRO in conjunction with CWS/DFO and

provincial regulatory agencies.

• Packed cell volume below 15%

• Total protein below 1.0 g/dl

• Body temperature below 37C (98F)

• Severe emaciation; minimum muscle mass along keel

• More than 12% dehydrated

• Visible significant hock lesions

• Significant injury such as long-bone fracture

• Respiratory distress or diagnosis of respiratory disease or injury, where disease may be a threat to

the rehabilitation population, i.e., aspergillosis, or chance of survival is minimal;

• Diagnosis of a reportable disease

• Chemical burns or severe feather damage which adversely impacts waterproofing.

NB: The extent and/or depth of oiling is not a valid criterion for euthanasia.

Euthanasia decisions are made based on a combination of these factors for each animal on an individual

basis. These parameters have been developed through extensive experience on survivability of animals

through the rehabilitation process. The Wildlife Branch will coordinate with ECCC-CWS and/or DFO to

develop and approve euthanasia protocols. Permitted wildlife rehabilitators and wildlife veterinarians

with species-specific expertise are the only personnel authorized to implement euthanasia protocols and

perform euthanasia.

6.5 STABILIZATION

After intake, the animal moves into the stabilization phase, where it is appropriately housed, provided

with medical, nutritional, and husbandry support to treat its condition, until it is deemed medically stable

enough to processed to the cleaning (decontamination) phase. This stage of the rehabilitation process is

crucial to the animal’s overall survival. If a bird is moved through the cleaning process prior to it being

medically cleared to do so, it may die during the cleaning process or it will not have the strength following

the cleaning process to recondition for release to the wild. Each individual animal generally remains in

stabilization for a minimum of 48 hours; some will require 72 hours or more. Reptiles differ from birds

and mammals in this regard. Due to their unique physiology, reptiles should be decontaminated

immediately after intake, with stabilization taking place after cleaning. Some individuals may require

numerous cleaning sessions, or cleaning may need to be halted and resumed at a later time if the

individual’s medical health is in jeopardy.





Stabilization Procedures

Goals To provide optimal supportive care to promote recovery from the effects of oiling and prepare animals for the cleaning phase

• Provide hydration and nutrition feedings (multiple times daily)

• Encourage self-feeding of fresh nutritious natural foods

• Provide appropriate supplements and medications

• Pre-wash blood samples

During the medical stabilization phase of the rehabilitation process, wildlife is medically monitored on a

regular basis (including blood-work), to determine its progress. Species-specific husbandry techniques are

used to mitigate secondary complications due to captive care. Some species are particularly susceptible

to the complications and have a very short “window of opportunity” before secondary issues become

evident. Secondary complications in birds can include, but are not limited to: aspergillosis (fungal

respiratory disease, exacerbated by stress and ventilation of a captive environment); keel, hock and foot

lesions caused by being off water-based environments (i.e. pressure lesions); feather damage; and

feather ball impactions for species that regularly ingest feathers. These secondary complications are often

fatal to waterbirds. Thus, extremely specialized care, husbandry, caging and facility development are

mandatory components of oiled wildlife rehabilitation. Humane euthanasia is a necessary component of

this phase of the rehabilitation process for wildlife that is not medically able to meet criteria for ongoing

rehabilitation.

Husbandry Procedures

Goals To provide appropriate housing to allow care and monitoring of oiled wildlife during the rehabilitation process with particular care taken to prevent captivity related health issues

• Caging must be appropriate for species

• Caging should minimize disturbance during cleaning and feeding

• Caging should protect/minimize captive damage to wildlife

• Caging should minimize disease transmission

• Caging should minimize escape

6.6 WILDLIFE CLEANING

All wildlife receives a “wash evaluation” before proceeding to the cleaning/decontamination process.

Wildlife must meet strict medical criteria in order to be cleared to go through the decontamination

process. The cleaning process may include pre-treatment to assist with breaking down weathered or

heavy product prior to cleaning. Wildlife then goes through a series of specialized washes at specific

temperatures, using specific detergent dilution, and with specific technique to remove the contaminant.

Once the contaminant is thoroughly removed, wildlife receives a high-pressure rinse treatment to ensure





that all detergent residue, also considered a contaminant to bird feathers, is completely removed. The

cleaning process is slightly modified from the above for mammals, and further modified for reptiles and

amphibians depending on the specific species in care.

Facility water volume, pressure and hardness requirements must be appropriate to the needs of the

cleaning process. After being washed, birds move to the drying area where they are fully dried using high-

velocity pet dryers and are carefully monitored for overheating, shock, and other complications.

Pinnipeds are dried with heat lamps; sea turtles and cetaceans should not be dried.

Cleaning Procedures

Goals To remove oil from animals in the most safe, humane and efficient way and maximize survival through the cleaning process

9. Utilize screening tools including body weight, condition, hematocrit and total solids

10. Hand wash in dilute solution of dishwashing detergent at 39–40C (102–104F)

11. Remove cleaning solution utilizing high-pressure nozzle (40 psi)

12. Dried using forced air pet dryers at ~30–35C (85–95F)

6.7 CONDITIONING

Once fully dried, wildlife moves into the conditioning phase of the rehabilitation process. During this

phase animals are returned to environments appropriate to their species (generally water-based

environments), allowing them to regain their waterproofing, endurance, acclimation, nutritional status

and medical status. Water volume, pressure and hardness requirements are mandatory for this stage of

the rehabilitation process to ensure adequate conditioning. Each animal must enter the conditioning

phase with a great deal of strength and health in order to reach potential for release. Due to the

microscopic architecture of bird feathers, each feather’s microscopic barbs and barbules must be

preened back into waterproof alignment during this time. This process generally takes between 7–10

days.

All individuals continue to be provided with veterinary medical and nutritional support as required. All

wildlife is medically monitored on a regular basis to determine progress (including blood-work). Humane

euthanasia can be a necessary component of this phase of the rehabilitation process for wildlife that is

not medically able to meet criteria for ongoing rehabilitation to release.





Conditioning Procedures

Goals To condition cleaned wildlife for release

13. Acclimate to outside temperatures and conditions

14. Promote/assess appropriate waterproofing and physical stamina

15. Encourage/monitor self-feeding

16. Monitor condition, weight and blood parameters

17. Monitor/assess normal behaviors, (diving, flying, etc.)

6.8 RELEASE

Each animal will receive a pre-release evaluation prior to release to the wild, which includes a full medical

examination, blood-work and waterproofing assessment. Waterproofing assessment generally takes place

up to 72 hours of conditioning pool access, species-dependent. Strict criteria must be met for wildlife to

be considered for release to the wild. Only wildlife that meets these criteria will be released, to ensure

survivability once returned to the wild. Wildlife is released in a location appropriate to its species, time of

year and migration status, and into a location that has minimal risk of re-oiling. All birds should be banded

prior to release by an authorized and permitted bird bander.

Release Procedures

Goals To release healthy animals capable of survival back into a clean environment

18. Perform pre-release health examination to ensure animals meet established release criteria

19. Band or tag wildlife assessed as ready for release

20. Review release site to ensure it meets appropriate criteria

21. Release into a clean environment where there is no risk of re-oiling

Specific alterations to above procedures and unique requirements based on resource availability, facility

infrastructure, and unpredictability of wildlife in captivity are dealt with on a case-by-case basis according

to the humane treatment and welfare of wildlife in captivity.

7 DEMOBILIZATION

Demobilization of personnel, equipment, and facilities will be evaluated throughout the response effort.

Personnel will be demobilized in phases as the response process moves from active recovery and

rehabilitation to rehabilitation only and/or a project phase. The Wildlife Branch often demobilizes after

other Operations sections due to wildlife in care. The Rehabilitation Group Supervisor will work with the





Wildlife Branch Director (WBD) to draft a demobilization plan for rehabilitation personnel, equipment,

and resources.

The demobilization plan should include the following:

• A schedule for reducing staff and volunteers. Personnel needs can be reevaluated at the end of each

operational period

• A release plan for wildlife remaining in care. The plan should include:

o Setting a release evaluation schedule for the remaining patients

o Identify release sites and potential release date(s)

o If necessary, determine local licensed wildlife rehabilitators able to accept long-term wildlife

patients if continued care is needed

• Request approval from wildlife regulatory or trustee agencies to transfer any long-term patients

• Coordinate with the prescribing veterinarian to properly dispose of or redistribute prescribed

medications

• Inventory supplies, materials, and equipment and specify any items that are being stockpiled or

transferred to another location

• Schedule demobilization and return non-essential equipment and housing to appropriate parties or

locations

• Sanitize and dry all materials and equipment planned for reuse before being packed and stored

• Coordinate with the WBD to determine a method for transferring documentation, evidence collected

(including animal carcasses), and final reporting. Ensure all evidence is transferred before leaving the

premises

Depending on the status of the incident, changing the facility status to “stand-by” may be appropriate if

there is the potential for remobilization. This decision should be made with the Wildlife Branch Director

based on field conditions, oil remaining in the environment that could impact wildlife, and ongoing search

and capture efforts.

8 RECORD KEEPING AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

The importance of recording information cannot be over-emphasized. Record collection enhances

individual animal care, response evaluations, and the ability to accurately characterize best practices for

appropriate care. Individual animal care medical records will be maintained at the rehabilitation facility

and copies provided to BP, CWS and MOE. Final reports from the OWRO, including carcass chain-of-

custody and sample collection records, where required, should be submitted within 30 days of the date

the FOSC declares the response closed, or from the departure date of the OWRO, whichever comes first.

All original field capture records and animal care records are required to be maintained by the OWRO.

Copies of all records will be provided to BP and to regulatory agencies as requested.





Accurate reporting is critical for proper dissemination of information throughout the UC and to the

public. Maintaining accurate up-to-date wildlife information can be very difficult due to the constantly

changing status of impacted wildlife as they move through the response process. The WBD must

coordinate reporting times and requirements with the Planning Section Chief. It is preferable to establish

one point in time each day to submit the daily reporting numbers to the Situation Unit. Otherwise,

wildlife reporting numbers will be constantly changing throughout the day and the reports rapidly will

become very confusing.

End of day reports from the Capture and Monitoring and Rehabilitation Group Supervisors will be

combined into a daily summary of rehabilitation and recovery activities. Unit Activity Logs (ICS 214)

should be turned into the WBD with daily summary.

The Wildlife Capture and Monitoring Group may be asked to provide status updates throughout the day.

In addition, a daily summary for field operations should be prepared by each unit and submitted to the

WBD. Proper reporting for the Capture and Monitoring Group includes:

• Initial Wildlife Impact Assessment Report: provides information regarding the location of wildlife in

relation to the spilled oil

• Wildlife Monitoring Information

o Impacted animal sightings (date, time and maps)

▪ Numbers and species of live and dead observed or collected

▪ Degree of oiling

o Non–impacted animal sightings (date and time)

▪ Numbers and species of live and dead observed or collected

o Endangered, threatened or at-risk species observed and location (coordinates) observed

o Species that may pose a human health and safety risk (large carnivores; ungulates; venomous

snakes).

o Deterrents and exclusionary devices in use (by sector)

o Clean-up activities in the observed sector

o Photographs

• Wildlife Capture Information (Field Retrieval Report)

o Number of live animals recovered

o Degree of oiling, body condition, and/or obvious injuries

o Number of carcasses recovered

o Location of capture or recovery (GPS coordinates)

o Name of individual(s) that captured oiled wildlife

o Photographs





• Operational Information

o Total number of personnel/staff

o Personnel positions and teams

o Sectors Covered

o Resources used/procured/expected

o Reportable Safety Incidents

o Objectives completed in current operational period, objectives for following operational period.

The Wildlife Care Group daily summary should reflect the following information for the rehabilitation

facility and any stabilization sites:

• Animal Information

o Received (live and dead)

o In–house (live)

o Decontaminated

o Died

▪ Dead on arrival

▪ Within 24 hours

▪ Greater than 24 hours

o Euthanized

▪ Within 24 hours

▪ Greater than 24 hours

o Transferred (including location)

o Released

o Running tally: list of all wildlife in-house by species and case number

o Daily Care Report: documents care for each animal or enclosure, including feedings, treatments,

medications, normal/abnormal activities

o Oiled Bird Examination Report: individual record summary of retrieval, medical exam, diagnostic

results, samples collected (chemical, blood, and tissue), cleaning, treatment, evaluation, chain-of-

custody, Federal bird bands or marine mammal tags, and final disposition

o Record of samples collected (chemical, blood, feather, and tissue)

o Lab Analyses Report: identifies all samples sent to labs; requested analyses and lab results

o Federal Bird Banding Report: lists all birds banded for release

o Marine Mammal Tagging Report: lists all marine mammals tagged for release

o Necropsy report

o Chain of Custody and morgue forms





• Operational Information

o Total number of personnel/staff

o Personnel positions

o Number of paraprofessionals/volunteers

o Daily operational summary, including:

▪ Media Events

▪ Reportable Safety Incidents

▪ Resources used/procured/expected

▪ Volunteer/paraprofessional training

o Objectives completed in current operational period, objectives for following operational period

All plans, reports, protocols, and documentation of response actions that are approved by the Incident

Command (IMT) will be submitted to Planning Section and Documentation Unit throughout the spill

response. Copies of all approved recommendations and actions will be maintained as part of the

response records.

9 PERSONNEL

Skilled and experienced wildlife response personnel are a vital component in oiled wildlife response. The

number of personnel required for field operations and wildlife rehabilitation is dependent on the scope of

impacted wildlife. Below is a general guideline that may be used to consider personnel levels. The actual

personnel levels will be assessed at the time of an incident and will be evaluated throughout the response

process.

Due to available resources in the area and the high abundance and variety of species on the Scotian Shelf

and Slope, any release of oil in this area would be considered a Tier 2 or Tier 3 event. Depending on the

size of the event, one or more positions may be filled by one individual. As noted below, particular

positions require a two or three-member team for safety. See Appendix 7 for Personnel Guidelines.

9.1 WORKFORCE PERSONNEL/VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers form an important part of oiled wildlife response and are often involved in larger oil spill

events. Members of the local wildlife rehabilitation community, wildlife and domestic animal

veterinarians, biologists, wildlife enthusiasts and members of the public interested in wildlife frequently

request to be of assistance during a spill. Pre-response planning for the use of volunteers is highly

recommended. Due to the potential for liability issues, it is preferable to hire volunteers as workforce

staff under the Wildlife Branch. There should be a plan for the use of volunteers. The plan should

consider details such as the conditions under which volunteers will be used, the content of the training

that volunteers will receive, the experience required in order to be a volunteer, the methods for

volunteer management and training that will be used, the delineation of duties, and the manner in which

any liability concerns will be addressed. Having such a plan will assist with integrating volunteer teams





into the overall response. Local resources can be of assistance in larger events with a high need for

manpower, particularly in the WRF. The use of volunteers will be at the discretion of the Incident

Commander.

The following local organizations may be interested and able to provide personnel support for wildlife

response efforts. This should be coordinated with the OWRO through the Wildlife Brach to ensure that

workforce positions are filled appropriate to the skills necessary.

Local Area Resources/Organizations

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers (for assistance with initial wildlife housing or rehabilitation)

• Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

(Helene VanDoninck, DVM, Brookfield NS) 902-893-0253

• Hope for Wildlife

(Seaforth, NS) 902-407-9453

Wildlife Organizations (for assistance with monitoring, deterrence, capture, and rehabilitation)

• Canadian Sea Turtle Network (Halifax, NS) 902-423-6224

• Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (Grand Manan, NB)

506-662-3804

• Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (PE, NB, NL, NS) 902-628-4314

• Marine Animal Response Society (Halifax, NS) 1-866-567-6277

• Campobello Whale Rescue Team, Campobello NS 1-888-249-4400 or 506-752-

1107

• Friends of Sable Island Society, Halifax, NS [email protected]

Additional wildlife resources may include:

• Atlantic Veterinary College, Charlottetown PEI

• Parks Canada Animal Care Committee

• Parks Canada Eastern Animal Care Task Force

• Atlantic Society of Fish and Wildlife Biologists

9.2 WORKFORCE MANAGEMENT

Wildlife response managers ensure that volunteers are appropriately trained, supervised, and informed

of all hazards. A comprehensive volunteer management program is an essential component of an efficient

wildlife response. This management program needs to address, at a minimum, volunteer safety, training,

supervision, scheduling, and liability. Volunteer screening, contracting, training, scheduling, and tracking

may be made easier by the use of a Volunteer Manager. The Volunteer Manager functions within the

Incident Command System, in conjunction with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager and/or Wildlife





Branch Director, to determine appropriate volunteer staffing levels, training levels and scheduling.

Volunteer contracts detailing performance expectations, liability information, training requirements and

conditions for termination may also be coordinated through the Volunteer Manager. The Volunteer

Manager and appropriate wildlife response staff personnel work together to schedule and conduct

trainings and to determine volunteer unit placement. Skills trainings continue during response operations

with hands-on learning supported by wildlife response staff.

10 FACILITIES

10.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SITE SECURITY

Site security is an important component of any wildlife rehabilitation facility. Site security ensures that the

public, members of the press or other individuals (including industry and cleanup contractors) are not

able to access areas where wildlife is housed without being on a designated tour or guided by wildlife

response personnel. This is vital to reduce stress on wildlife in recovery. It also ensures a general

reduction in foot traffic, and potential theft of or damage to rehabilitation equipment and supplies.

Security should be provided physically, by means of fencing around enclosures and by 24-hour security

personnel for larger incidents. For smaller incidents, site security may be maintained by nighttime

security personnel. A single entrance should be used for all non-wildlife personnel; a visitor log noting

entry and exit times should be maintained for larger events.

10.2 FACILITY STANDARDS

It is critical to a successful response effort that the wildlife facilities are established as immediately as

possible. Facilities should meet or exceed established requirements. Facilities that do not meet these

requirements likely may jeopardize response efforts and increase wildlife mortality. Establishing a site for

the facility should happen within the first 24–72 hours of a response, with the goal of the center being

completely up and running within 72 hours.

Processing, intake, stabilization, and isolation areas should be operational within 48 hours of wildlife

response activation. Wildlife cleaning and conditioning areas should be operational within 72 hours of

wildlife response activation. Delay in the establishment and appropriate operation of these areas likely

may negatively impact mortality rates and the success of response efforts.

The use of an existing wildlife rehabilitation center for an incident is often considered for convenience

and expediency. However, this can present significant difficulties for the response and generally should

not be considered for other than initial housing while establishing an incident-specific wildlife

rehabilitation facility.

Oiled wildlife requires specialized rehabilitation, including specialized facilities. Because facility

requirements can vary significantly, a permanent facility is not always advisable and may be an





impediment to providing appropriate facility design for the incident. Suitable facilities must have a large

open space on the ground floor that can easily be configured and reconfigured to accommodate the

changing needs of this unique form of wildlife rehabilitation.

Animals impacted by an oil spill must be cared for separately from the in-house population. Oiled wildlife

is immunocompromised and debilitated by the effects of oil, making them more susceptible to infectious

disease (i.e., parasites, bacterial, fungal and viral infections) commonly seen in wildlife centers

rehabilitating multiple species. Proper precautions such as quarantine areas, footbaths, and separate

ventilation systems must be used to limit the impact to oiled wildlife. Injured, ill or neonate wildlife that is

not oiled may be further compromised by inhalation of volatile hydrocarbons, cross-contamination of

care areas, caging, and instruments. Stress is common to all wildlife in a rehabilitation setting—increased

caseload, staff, and foot traffic in care areas heighten this stress for wildlife patients. In addition, most

multiple species centers do not have the ability to fully segregate predator and prey species throughout

the course of their rehabilitation, which is also a stress factor for wildlife.

Facility standards for marine mammals are complex and are not included within this WRP. Specific marine

mammal rehabilitation and facility guidelines were developed by the National Marine Fisheries Service

(Policies and Best Practices for Marine Mammal Response, Rehabilitation, and Release [2009] available at

<www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/health/health/rehab_standards.pdf>). These policies set minimum facility,

husbandry and veterinary standards for rehabilitating marine mammals. It should be noted that

temporary facilities that are established at the time of an oil spill response may not be able to follow

every aspect outlined in these documents due to the emergent nature of the incident (NOAA 2015).

The facility requirements listed below are specific to avian care. Minimum facility requirements include

the following spatial components to meet regulatory requirements:

TABLE 9 FACILITY SPACE CONSIDERATIONS

Dynamic Space ▪ Space requirements change in direct relation to the volume of birds in-house. A general guideline is 6 sq.

ft. per 1 kg bird. (Intake, holding, cleaning, drying/conditioning, pools)

Care areas ▪ Field stabilization area ▪ Drying

▪ Processing area ▪ Pools/outdoor conditioning areas

▪ Intake ▪ Food preparation

▪ Holding ▪ Lab/pharmacy

▪ Critical care and isolation ▪ Morgue/necropsy

▪ Wash and rinse ▪ Storage





Semi-Static Space

▪ Space requirements increase in a non-linear fashion according to the volume of birds in-house.

Requirements for these areas will be based mainly on severity of spill. (Food preparation,

morgue/necropsy, storage, freezers, training room, rest area, office, restrooms/hand wash stations)

Non-care areas

▪ Separate contaminated and uncontaminated areas, including a decontamination area

▪ Administration area (e.g., sign in, volunteer orientation, training, record keeping)

▪ Break areas and rest rooms for staff and workforce

▪ Space for human food storage, preparation, and dining

Static Space

▪ Space requirements do not necessarily change with the volume of animals in-house. (ICU, laboratory,

laundry, electrical, mechanical)

10.3 SITE LOCATION

The location of the wildlife center should take into account the following:

1. Ensure adequate access to supplies, human resources, transportation corridors, etc.

2. Ensure adequate utilities and infrastructure (see below)

3. Ensure restricted perimeter access to outdoor/indoor facility areas to facilitate appropriate visitor

and media control and site security

4. Ensure outdoor facility areas adequate for conditioning pool expansion requirements

5. Ensure facility location that minimizes visual and auditory stress to wildlife

6. Ensure adequate vehicle, trailer, storage access, and parking

7. Develop and maintain predator exclusion and pest control plans

8. Ensure adequate access to phones, faxes, computers, Internet access, etc.

9. Non-Wildlife Areas

a. Don/Doffing areas and decontamination areas

b. Volunteer area (for volunteer sign-in, orientation, training, etc.)

c. Office area (for meetings, record keeping, communications, etc.)

d. Staff/volunteer rest areas

e. Restrooms and hand wash stations

f. Human food storage, preparation, catering, and dining areas





10.4 FACILITY COMPONENTS

In addition to the above spatial components, requirements regarding the functioning of those areas also

exist. Facilities must meet requirements regarding: ventilated/heated interior space; air exchange; air

temperature and circulation; water volume, pressure and hardness; volume of potable water; and

electrical voltage allowances.

10.4.1 Utilities

Water is one of the most important fundamental requirements of a functional oiled wildlife rehabilitation

facility. The following specifications are required for adequate water:

• Quality: 2–3 grains of hardness for wash and rinse water and initial conditioning pools. Water

hardness can increase through pre-release pools

• Quantity: 4 gallons/minute to all indoor outlets and an additional supply for pools (3500 gallons) and

overflows. A 1 kg bird requires approximately 100–300 gallons of water to complete one wash and

rinse process

• Temperature: 40–41C (104 –106F) is required for washing and rinsing

• Pressure: 40–60 psi is required for the rinsing process

Adequate air quality and temperature is also required to provide best achievable care to oiled wildlife

• Temperature: 18–32C (65–90F), adjustable to two-degree increments is required for intake, holding

and conditioning areas

• Ventilation: 8–12 air exchanges per hour are recommended; however, humidity levels must also be

monitored to ensure air exchange rate does not lead to patient dehydration

• Electricity

In order to maintain all facility operations consistently, a very large amount of energy is required

• Amps: 800–1000 amps, preferably at 220/3 phase (with ground fault interrupt circuits)

10.4.2 Waste Management

The Wildlife Branch will work with the EU to ensure that the incident-specific waste management plan

will include all needs specific to wildlife response efforts in the field and in the rehabilitation facility. The

Waste Management Plan (WMP) must include the supply and procurement of waste disposal containers

for wildlife operations, as well as appropriate methods for disposal. The WMP should be included in the

overall WMP in the OSRP.





Wastewater

Wastewater resulting from oiled wildlife rehabilitation operations requires specific and specialized

disposal methods. Wastewater is to be handled in accordance with the waste management plan (WMP)

for the incident.

• Oily wastewater (water from decontamination process): Must be collected during the

decontamination (wash) process managed in accordance with the WMP.

• Grey water: (ex. rinse water, pool overflow water) must be disposed according to federal, provincial,

and municipal regulations. Grey water from pool overflows can be managed by routing the water to a

cistern where it is then collected.

• Storm water/runoff: Must be appropriately controlled to prevent contact with grey water and oily

wastewater.

Solid Waste

• The wildlife rehabilitation facility generates considerable solid waste. Disposal of all solid waste must

be in accordance with the WMP for the incident.

• Disposal of carcasses must be in accordance with designated regulatory agencies, evidentiary

protocols, and best management practices for biosecurity. Carcass disposal protocols are frequently

site-dependent and will be developed by the Wildlife Branch for incorporation into the WMP for the

incident. Migratory bird carcasses must be transferred to Canadian Wildlife Services Law

Enforcement; other carcasses (subject to provincial regulations and incident-specific requirements)

may need to be maintained or must be treated as biohazards during disposal.





1 APPENDIX 1: EMERGENCY REPORTING/WILDLIFE RESPONSE CONTACT LIST

To Report an Emergency (Maritimes Regional Office, Canadian Coast Guard, DFO) 902-426-6030 or 1-800-565-1633 Government Departments and Agencies

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources 902-424-5935 (main office) 902-679-6091 (Wildlife Division)

Nova Scotia Environment 902-424-8150

Canadian Wildlife Service 506-364-5068 (permit office)

Oiled Wildlife Response Organizations

Focus Wildlife Canada/Focus Wildlife International 1-800-578-3048

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research 1-302-737-9543

Oiled Wildlife Care Network/UC Davis Wildlife Health Center

1-877-823-6926

Local Area Resource/Support Organizations

Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Helene VanDoninck, DVM, Brookfield NS)

902-893-0253

Hope for Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Seaforth, NS)

902-407-9453

Canadian Sea Turtle Network (Halifax, NS)

902-423-6224

Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (Grand Manan, NB)

506-662-3804

Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (PE, NB, NL, NS)

902-628-4314

Marine Animal Response Society (Halifax, NS)

1-866-567-6277 (24-hr hotline) 902-423-2883





2 APPENDIX 2: INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

BP has adopted the Incident Command System (ICS) to meet its emergency management requirements.

ICS consists of procedures for managing personnel, facilities, equipment, and communications. It is

designed to be applied from the time an incident occurs until the requirement for management and

operations no longer exists. ICS provides the following key features:

• A simple command structure with a standard format, regardless of the size of scope of the incident

• The system is flexible and can be rapidly matched to the scale, phase and type of incident response

required or flexed as circumstances change

• Communication channels are clear and information exchange is efficient and open

• Choice and prioritization of response actions are based on clearly stated objectives

• Allows personnel from a variety of agencies to meld rapidly into a common management structure

• Provides logistical and administrative support to operational staff

• Is cost effective by avoiding duplication of efforts

• Documentation is robust

• Forward planning is addressed

2.1 INTERFACING WITH BP INCIDENT MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK

The BP Incident Management Handbook (IMH) includes wildlife response as a Branch in the Operations

Section (IMH, p. 97) The IMH does not describe duties or assign responsibilities to the Wildlife Branch.

The IMH does describe some responsibilities to all Branch Director positions, specifically: “Supervise Field

Response Operations” (IMH, p. 110).

The IMH assigns many of the traditional roles of the Wildlife Branch Director to the Wildlife Rehabilitation

Specialist position in the Environmental Unit. Listed responsibilities for the position (see below) include

wildlife response planning, developing response strategies, and supervising Wildlife Branch operations.

The Scotian Basin Exploration Project Wildlife Response Plan differs from the IMH in assigning the

responsibility for wildlife response planning, developing appropriate response strategies and supervising

Wildlife Branch operations to the Wildlife Branch Director. The WRP also differs from the IMH in that it

identifies the need for a Wildlife Technical Specialist in the Environmental Unit. This organizational

structure aligns with recent changes to Canada’s national oil spill response policies for incident

management. It also aligns with BP response structure in the rest of North America.





2.2 ROLE OF WILDLIFE TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

The BP Incident Management Handbook (IMH) describes a Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist position in

the Environmental Unit (EU) (IMH p. 136). Responsibilities assigned to the Wildlife Rehabilitation

Specialist position in the IMH are copied below. This WRP identifies the need for a Wildlife Technical

Specialist in the EU (WRP, Sec. 3.5). This position would assume some of the duties assigned by the IMH

to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, while the remaining duties are assumed by the Wildlife Branch

Director as described above.

The Wildlife Technical Specialist is a critical position in the EU to deal with an incident in the sensitive

environments offshore Nova Scotia. The position will provide valuable expertise to the EU on a myriad of

wildlife and resources at risk issues. Additionally, the Wildlife Technical Specialist should serve as the

liaison position, providing a critical link and coordination between the EU and the Wildlife Branch.

Information sharing is crucial to successful response on any large-scale response.

2.2.1 Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist (from BP Incident Management Handbook)

Responsible for minimizing wildlife injuries during responses and coordinating aerial and ground

reconnaissance of the response site wildlife. Advise IMT on wildlife protection strategies; coordinating the

search for, collection and field tagging of dead and live impacted wildlife; and setting up recovery and

cleaning facilities.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist Responsibilities

Determine affected wildlife species and potential damage to each

Coordinate reconnaissance of wildlife in the area

Alert IMT personnel to laws and policies regarding injured wildlife

Determine wildlife protection strategies

Identify wildlife hazing procedures and resources

Prepare plan to recover and rehabilitate impacted wildlife

Supervise Wildlife Branch operations:

Establish/implement protocols for collection of impacted wildlife

Coordinate transportation of wildlife to processing stations

Coordinate participation of volunteers and public at large

Establish wildlife release protocols

Assess need for and feasibility of wildlife rehabilitation centres, including all financial aspects,

procurement of staff and equipment, training and centre management

Work through Logistics Section Chief or Supply Unit to obtain necessary resources to construct and

operate facilities for wildlife rehabilitation, as appropriate; help identify rehabilitation centre

location

Coordinate wildlife and habitat protection and rehabilitation operations with appropriate resource

agencies

Identify experts to assess wildlife impacts, rescue, and rehabilitation, as necessary





Work with Safety Officer to provide for the safety of personnel engaged in wildlife protection and

rehabilitation operations

Maintain accurate, up-to-date information on wildlife/habitat impacts and rehabilitation

operations, including documentation of successes and mortalities; provide information to situation

Unit Leader

Products Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist is responsible for: • Unit Log (ICS 214)

• Wildlife Rehabilitation Plan

2.3 WILDLIFE BRANCH OPERATIONS

Wildlife response management uses the organizational structure of the Wildlife Branch within the

Operations Section of the ICS. The Wildlife Branch (WB) has the functional responsibility for all aspects of

oiled wildlife response operations and incorporates:

• Wildlife impact assessment

• Wildlife deterrence

• Monitoring

• Oiled wildlife search and capture

• Evidence collection and documentation of live and dead oiled wildlife

• Oiled wildlife rehabilitation and decontamination, including the facilities to support these efforts

• Wildlife release and monitoring

• Reporting to the Incident Management Team (IMT)

Overall objectives and priorities for the Wildlife Branch are agreed upon within the IMT and the Unified

Command (UC), with recommendations from the Wildlife Branch Director (WBD) and the Environmental

Unit Leader (EUL).

The following diagram illustrates one possible means of organizing the Wildlife Branch. The mobilization

and staffing of the positions is flexible and dependent on incident specific requirements.





FIGURE 2 WILDLIFE BRANCH ORGANIZATIONAL CHART





2.4 WILDLIFE BRANCH PERSONNEL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Wildlife Branch will be composed of personnel from the responsible party, a wildlife response

contractor, Federal and Provincial wildlife and regulatory agencies, and Indigenous representatives.

Indigenous inclusion in the Wildlife Branch is important for transparency of operations, local area

knowledge, and determining operational objectives when Indigenous resources are impacted or

threatened. Stakeholder organizations may also participate when expertise is available. Additionally,

specific wildlife subject matter experts may be utilized when needed to address specific species issues.

Wildlife expertise is essential to building a successful wildlife response.

Designation of the Wildlife Branch Director will be determined by the Incident Command in each specific

oil spill incident. It is imperative that the Wildlife Branch Director has wildlife expertise as well as a clear

understanding of ICS roles and functions. BP should designate a Wildlife Branch Director from within the

company or from the wildlife response contractor.

The Wildlife Branch has two main functions in ICS. The first function is a planning function, which requires

specific knowledge and expertise to accomplish the myriad of on-going planning efforts throughout the

response. The planning team portion of the Wildlife Branch requires wildlife and planning expertise. The

Wildlife Branch planning team should be consistent throughout the incident if possible.

The second function of the Wildlife Branch is implementation of on-the-ground wildlife response actions

(as described in sections below and in the Scotian Basin Exploration Project Wildlife Response Plan).

Personnel conducting oiled wildlife response actions are supplied by the wildlife response contractor and

may, when appropriate, be supplemented by other wildlife experts. Proper reporting structure will be

critical to ensure coordination of activities and relaying critical information to the Wildlife Branch. Federal

and provincial agencies may choose to provide personnel to participate in on-the-ground response

actions and can become part of wildlife field teams. Occasionally, a wildlife agency may want to lead the

wildlife field operations while relegating animal care and rehabilitation to the wildlife response

contractor. Delineation of duties will be specified in the incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan (see

planning template).

The following general guidelines are included to assist individuals with their roles within the Wildlife

Branch. Depending on the size of the response, some positions may not be necessary, or several positions

may be filled by one person.





2.4.1.1 Wildlife Branch Director

Reports to: Operations Section Chief

Scope: Responsible for minimizing wildlife losses during the response effort

Responsibilities 1. Direct and oversee all activities undertaken in the Wildlife Branch 2. Ensure the health and safely of wildlife responders 3. Ensure the oiled wildlife response is consistent with the guidelines provided by the plan 4. Ensure the integration of wildlife activities into the overall incident response 5. Ensure approval by wildlife authorities in coordination with the EU 6. Ensure information flows between the oil spill response team and the wildlife branch 7. Minimize wildlife casualties 8. Recover and rehabilitate oiled wildlife 9. Ensure maintenance of appropriate documentation

Manages/supervises: Deputy WBD; all other functions in the Wildlife Branch

Immediate actions (0–72 hours)

Keep Personal Log (Form 214) and Unit Log (Form 214a)

Coordinate recommendations with the IMT or the Operations Section Chief. Confirm the extent of the threat to wildlife and the decision to activate and mobilize the Wildlife Branch.

Obtain specific instructions from the Operations Section Chief, appoint a Deputy WBD as needed

Coordinate early aerial and ground reconnaissance of impacted wildlife. Collect relevant data on spilled oil and anticipate or monitor wildlife threats or impacts (Initial Wildlife Impact Assessment).

Determine level of operational response and identify resources required

Employ wildlife deterrence methods as authorized and recommended by the OWRO and EUL.

Develop an incident specific Wildlife Response Plan

Establish a wildlife hotline and determine effective flow of information between field teams (Wildlife Search and Capture Group Supervisor) and Wildlife Branch.

Identify staff and prepare organizational chart for the Wildlife Branch

Determine when personnel should arrive; notify and mobilize personnel; ensure their integration on arrival

Meet with wildlife response team and delegate roles and responsibilities

Identify and establish rehabilitation facility

Contact local veterinary organizations to engage them in the response effort

Ensure all relevant documentation is in place to enable procurement of consumables, equipment, etc.

Determine if additional personnel and resources are required

Organize a first tactical meeting that plans for key actions for the next 24-48 hours

Ensure and chair other tactical meetings in the situation unit as appropriate

Provide a report on activities and achievements at the end of each day

Ongoing actions (after 72 hours)

Keep Personal Log (Form 214) and Unit Log (Form 214a)

Ensure the functioning of the Situation Unit and flows of information between OWRO and the OSC

Attend Operations Briefing

Ensure tactical meetings of the OWRO, chaired by the Deputy WBD at least once a day

Define the criteria for downscaling and demobilization, determine the details of the demobilization plan

Recommend termination of wildlife response efforts to IMT when appropriate

Organize debriefing of personnel and collate final report for IMT





2.4.1.2 Wildlife Search and Capture (Recovery) Group Supervisor

Reports to: Wildlife Branch Director

Scope: Responsible for coordinating search and capture of live oiled wildlife, collection of dead oiled wildlife, and transporting oiled wildlife to field stabilization units or wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Responsibilities 1. Ensure the health and safely of assigned staff 2. Direct and oversee all field activities related to reconnaissance (monitoring), capture, collection, and

transport of dead and live oiled wildlife 3. Ensure all field activities are consistent with the guidelines provided by the Wildlife Response Plan and

incident objectives established by IC 4. Establish and implement protocols for collection and documentation of impacted wildlife 5. Establish and implement protocols for transport of impacted wildlife; coordinate transport 6. Review Group assignments and incident activities with Task Force and Unit Supervisors and assign tasks 7. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on activities and status of resources within the Group 8. Respond to wildlife sightings reported to the Wildlife Hotline; report results to the Wildlife Branch

Director 9. Coordinate activities with the Hazing and Deterrence, Field Stabilization and Rehabilitation Group

Supervisors 10. Resolve logistical problems within the Group 11. Ensure maintenance and transfer of appropriate documentation

Manages/supervises: Assigned staff


Keep Personal Log (Form 214); Unit Log (Form 214a); review Assignment List (Form 204a)

Attend Safety Meetings


Attend Tactical Meeting

Ensure necessary permits for capture and collection of impacted wildlife







2.4.1.3 Wildlife Hazing and Deterrence Group Supervisor


Scope: Responsible for coordinating hazing and deterrence operations to mitigate impacts to wildlife.

Responsibilities 1. Ensure the health and safely of assigned staff 2. Direct and oversee all field activities related to hazing and deterrence of unimpacted wildlife 3. Ensure all field activities are consistent with the guidelines provided by the Wildlife Response Plan and

incident objectives established by IC 4. Establish and implement protocols for hazing and deterrence of wildlife 5. Deploy exclusion devices, visual and auditory wildlife deterrence equipment 6. Review Group assignments and incident activities with Task Force and Unit Supervisors and assign tasks 7. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on activities and status of resources within the Group 8. Coordinate activities with the Wildlife Search and Capture Recovery Group Supervisor 9. Resolve logistical problems within the Group 10. Ensure maintenance and transfer of appropriate documentation



Keep Personal Log (Form 214); Unit Log (Form 214a); review Assignment List (Form 204a)



Attend Tactical Meeting

Ensure necessary permits for hazing and deterrence of wildlife







2.4.1.4 Wildlife Field Stabilization Group Supervisor


Scope: Responsible for coordinating field stabilization of impacted wildlife and coordinating transport of stabilized wildlife to the wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Responsibilities 1. Ensure the health and safely of assigned staff 2. Direct and provide basic field stabilization of oiled wildlife to prepare animals for transport 3. Ensure all field activities are consistent with the guidelines provided by the Wildlife Response Plan and

incident objectives established by IC 4. Establish and implement protocols for field stabilization of impacted wildlife 5. Establish and implement protocols for transport of impacted wildlife; coordinate transport 6. Review Group assignments and incident activities with Task Force and Unit Supervisors and assign tasks 7. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on the numbers, species, and status of impacted wildlife directed to the

Field Stabilization Unit. 8. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on activities and status of resources within the Group 9. Coordinate activities with the Search and Capture and Rehabilitation Group Supervisors 10. Resolve logistical problems within the Group 11. Ensure maintenance and transfer of appropriate documentation



Keep Personal Log (Form 214)


Attend Operations Briefing (when possible)

Ensure necessary permits for stabilization and transport of impacted wildlife







2.4.1.5 Wildlife Rehabilitation Group Supervisor


Scope: Responsible for receiving oiled wildlife at the wildlife rehabilitation facility, evidence documentation, carcass storage, and conducting triage, stabilization, treatment, transport, and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife.

Responsibilities 1. Ensure the health and safely of assigned staff 2. Process impacted wildlife, collect evidence and maintain documentation 3. Direct and manage all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation and release 4. Ensure all rehabilitation activities are consistent with the guidelines provided by the Wildlife Response

Plan and incident objectives established by IC 5. Establish and implement protocols for field stabilization of impacted wildlife (with Field Stabilization

Group Supervisor) 6. Establish and implement protocols for transport of impacted wildlife; coordinate transport 7. Establish and implement protocols for the rehabilitation and release of impacted wildlife, including

euthanasia 8. Develop relationships with local veterinary services and wildlife rehabilitation groups in the area as

needed 9. Review Group assignments and incident activities with Task Force and Unit Supervisors and assign tasks 10. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on the numbers, species, and status of impacted wildlife brought to the

Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility. 11. Brief the Wildlife Branch Director on activities and status of resources within the Group 12. Coordinate activities with the Search and Capture and Field Stabilization Group Supervisors 13. Resolve logistical problems within the Group 14. Ensure maintenance and transfer of appropriate documentation

Manages/supervises: Assigned staff; rehabilitation and veterinary staff and volunteers


Keep Personal Log (Form 214)


Attend Operations Briefing (when possible)

Ensure necessary permits for the rehabilitation of impacted wildlife







3 APPENDIX 3: WILDLIFE BRANCH TASKING CHECKLIST

Wildlife Branch Objectives

1. Implement BP Scotian Basin Exploration Project Wildlife Response Plan

2. Develop incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan

3. Identify and mobilize equipment/facilities

4. Identify and mobilize personnel and support

5. Complete incident notifications: internal and external

6. Establish Wildlife Branch communication plan: internal and external

Staffing/Positions

• Branch Director (BD)

• Deputy Branch Director (DBD)

• Marine Mammal Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor (MMRRGS)

• Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor (BRRGS)

• Wildlife Reconnaissance Group Supervisor (WRGS)

• Liaison (L)—coordinate with EU and JIC

• IAP software specialist

• Documentation tracker (for larger events)





Products Developed by the Wildlife Branch:

Organizational Chart Impact Assessment/Reconnaissance Plan Incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan Initial Deterrence Plan Press kit ICS forms (various)

Possibly describe Response Levels relative to tasks?

Important Decisions to be Made Early (over-respond)

• What rehab facility and where to locate?

• Where to establish Field Stabilization Unit?

• Where will equipment and personnel be staged/deployed?

• How many people are needed and with what qualifications and skill sets? o Professional contractors o Agency o Security o Primary activities: search and collection, transport, rehabilitation, release, security, rehab

facility/field stabilization equipment management (fuel, trouble shooting, setup/takedown, etc.), command post, etc.

Initial steps (complete these in this order and on Day 1 when possible):

• Notify Command (as appropriate) that Wildlife Branch is up and running and making plans o Notify Operations Section Chief o Notify Environmental Unit o Notify ECCC-CWS, DFO, and other interested agencies, parties, or organizations.

• Begin Unit Log ICS 214

• Identify Branch staff and assignments. Use the list of positions and tasks below to identify tasks and who will be doing them. Remember, the number of personnel expands and contracts as appropriate to the event so it may be one person doing everything or there may be a full contingent of staff. (Provide an organization chart (ICS207) and contact information to resources).

• Estimate equipment (facility) and personnel needed based on the estimated number and type of animals anticipated. This will be an educated guess, but lean toward over-responding as it’s easier to send resources back than not have resources when needed.

• Identify deployment locations for equipment and personnel. Equipment locations need to be available for a long enough time to handle entire (anticipated) response AND rehabilitation to avoid having to move during the process. Example: Schools are a bad idea, even if it is winter/summer break. Fairgrounds may be okay seasonally for small to medium events. Government, petroleum company facilities, or facilities with long-term leases are preferred.

• Submit ICS 213s for facilities, equipment, personnel, and personnel support resources such as break areas and restrooms. If possible, establish the equipment delivery area as a staging area as





it will make the ordering and delivery aspect easier, otherwise you may have to have it delivered to a staging area then redeployed to the requested location.

• Develop reconnaissance plan or ‘animal location’ needs (on Day 1 this will be a very brief plan, if one at all). Coordinate with EU, work with Flight Operations, etc. (ICS 213s)

• Develop search and collection and transportation plans (Day 1 there may not have formal plans, Day 2 will). Identify search areas, number of crews, support needs, etc. (ICS 204; ICS 204a)

• Develop a plan to care for birds that are captured before field stabilization is operational.

• Develop a wildlife rehabilitation plan.

• Begin drafting Wildlife Plan for the IAP (include decisions from above and below). The plan may just be an outline at first but it needs to be started quickly so as to document work/activities and so that it’s ready for the IAP. Submit with a ICS 213

• Submit ICS 231 to announce the Wildlife Hotline. Walk this through JIC so that they issue it early and understand it.

• Submit ICS 213 to provide “opportunistic” carcass collection protocol for the primary responders. This protocol is only for responders who come into incidental contact with carcasses and have the time for recovery. This “opportunistic” protocol is separate from the “formal” carcass collection protocols that will be undertaken by workers specifically tasked with carcass collection tasks.

Then:

• Provide JIC with general Wildlife Branch overview, oil effects documents, etc.

Personnel Assignments:

Branch Director

Deputy Branch Director

Marine Mammal Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

Wildlife Reconnaissance Group Supervisor

Wildlife Volunteer Coordinator

Liaison

IAP Specialist

Documentation Specialist





Position Tasks

General Tasks applicable to all Wildlife Branch staff members, as appropriate:

Ensure you are checked in to the event

Attend Incident and Safety Briefing

Attend Section and Branch meetings

Obtain/review Trajectory, Weather, Tides, Divisions, etc.*

Obtain/review 201 Incident Briefing for current spill response status*

Obtain/review 202—Incident Objectives*

Obtain/review relevant 204s—Assignment List*

Obtain/review 205 and 205a—Radio Communications Plan and List*

Ensure your name and contact information is on the 207—Incident Organization Chart*

Obtain/review 208—Site Safety Plan*

Review 209—Incident Status Summary*

Review 213—Resources Request, to become familiar with ordering process*

Maintain individual logs (214a) and update Unit Log when necessary (214)

Obtain/review 230—meeting schedule*

Obtain/review 232—Resources at Risk*

* One current copy will be maintained in the Branch Document Library





Branch Director

Attend Operation Section Briefing – quick overview of Branch objectives/expectations (see above)

Establish Branch Organization Chart, assign tasks, and set deadlines

Determine need to request personnel support (professionals and volunteers)

o Request approval to hire staff as appropriate

o Request Unified Command approval if volunteers are needed

Notify CWS and/or DFO

o Provide situation overview

o Ask for assistance if necessary

Attend planning meeting

Make sure the OSC is kept apprised of Wildlife Branch activities via 213s. Especially before the press conference or any other important meetings.

Attend press conference

Establish internal Branch meeting schedule

Communicate external meeting information with Branch members

Establish contact with Logistics Section

Establish Environmental Unit coordination

Maintain Individual log

Develop incident-specific wildlife response plan





Deputy Branch Director

Manage the Branch when the Director is gone

Compile Wildlife Plan (Info)

Ensure that ICS 214 (Unit Log) is maintained (Info)

Ensure Branch deadlines are met and products delivered (use checklist.)

Make sure Branch is represented at IC meetings (monitor meeting schedule, ICS 230)

Maintain Branch meeting log (make template)

Submit Wildlife Hotline number to the JIC

Request Indigenous organizations contact information from Liaison

Ensure Branch information is getting into the IAP system as appropriate

Ensure ICS 213s (resource requests) are placed for stabilization/rehab facilities, other structures, misc. equipment based on total numbers wildlife impacts anticipated.

Attend Tactics Meeting

Ensure WB resource requests ICS 213RRs are reconciled with ICS 215.

Author Wildlife Branch summary for planning meeting

Organize/ensure development of WB safety plans (make template) for search and collection, transport, and rehabilitation.

Establish carcass collection protocol (first day, mechanical recovery staff, general staff, etc.)

Establish contact with JIC, and determine Press Release schedule and requested info

Provide and maintain information and accuracy of the ICS 209 (Incident Status)

Make sure that the rehabilitation center location, field stabilization locations, and any other physical site locations are mapped on the Sit/Stat map.

Request radio frequencies for search and collection teams (if appropriate)

Maintain Individual log ICS 214a





Bird Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

Contact/coordinate with regulatory agencies, re: migratory bird handling issues/protocols/hazing.

Assure required regulatory permits are in place for capture, handling, rehabilitation, and pre-release banding.

Ensure safety plans are developed and understood by all personnel, especially those safety issues associated with activities around birds.

Develop reconnaissance, search and collection, field stabilization (if needed), transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation, and release plans (personnel, locations, equipment, etc.). Submit 213RRs as appropriate.

o Estimate type and number of impacted animals that will be recovered.

o Coordinate search and collection teams with other operation activities such as cleanup crews, SCAT, etc.

o Determine where rehabilitation facilities will be located and order equipment (ICS 213RR)

o Order freezer/refrigerator truck

o Determine personnel and support needs (capture, transport, rehabilitation, facility support/development, security, travel, lodging, meals, PPE, capture/recon gear, etc.). Make sure associated personnel support resources are ordered such as break rooms, restrooms, etc. (ICS 213RR)

o Determine waste handling needs (liquid and solids) and incorporate into the EU Disposal Plan.

Communicate/coordinate the reconnaissance, search and collection, transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation and release plans with the Environmental Unit (or Wildlife Branch Liaison if available).

Complete ICS 204 and 204a for reconnaissance, search and collection, transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation, and release activities.

Develop a Radio Communications Plan 205 and List 205a for bird related activities.

Monitor 215s to ensure resources requested have been ordered.

Establish infectious disease sampling/monitoring protocols.

Maintain Individual log 214a





Marine Mammal Recovery and Rehabilitation Group Supervisor

Contact/coordinate with DFO, re: marine mammal handling issues/protocols/hazing

Ensure safety plans are developed and understood by all personnel, especially those safety issues associated with marine mammals.

Develop reconnaissance, search and collection, field stabilization (if needed), transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation, and release plans (personnel, locations, equipment, etc.) primarily for whales and pinnipeds. Submit ICS 231s as appropriate.

o Announce a marine mammal stranding contact number (if appropriate)

o Estimate type and number of marine mammals that will be recovered.

o Determine where rehabilitation facilities will be located.

o Determine personnel needs (capture, transport, rehabilitation, facility support/development, security, etc.).

o Determine personnel and support needs (travel, lodging, meals, PPE, capture/recon gear, etc.). Make sure associated personnel support resources are ordered such as break rooms, restrooms, etc. (ICS 213RR)

o Determine waste handling needs (liquid and solids) and incorporate into the EU Disposal Plan (template needed).

Develop marine mammal hazing and monitoring plans.

o Work directly with DFO

o Identify current animal location and risk

o Consider use of helicopters, seal bombs, and Oikomi pipes as soon as practicable

o Develop a monitoring plan

Develop seal response plans

o Work directly with DFO.

o Identify current animal location and risk.

o Develop capture, transport, and rehabilitation plans.

Communicate/coordinate the reconnaissance, search and collection, transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation and release plans with the Environmental Unit (or Wildlife Branch Liaison duty if available).

Complete ICS 204 and 204as for reconnaissance, search and collection, transport, euthanasia, rehabilitation, and release activities.

Develop a Radio Communications Plan 205 and List 205a for marine mammal related activities.

Monitor ICS 215 to ensure resources requested have been ordered.

Contact/communicate/coordinate with the aquarium facilities

Establish infectious disease sampling/monitoring protocols.





Wildlife Reconnaissance Group Supervisor

Develop land, water, and air reconnaissance plans. Submit ICS 213s as appropriate.

o Determine need and extent for land, air, and water reconnaissance efforts.

o Determine how often teams are deployed (frequency of effort).

o Determine personnel and support needs (travel, lodging, meals, PPE, etc.).

o Establish and coordinate flight schedule and information exchange with the Environmental Unit.

Identify and coordinate staff to participate in reconnaissance activities.

Maintain wildlife hotline reporting summary, email reports, and other reports of oiled wildlife. Communicate/consolidate reports and provide to the Bird and Mammal Recovery and Transportation Unit Leaders.

Complete ICS 204 and 204a for land, water, and air reconnaissance activities.

Maintain Individual log (ICS 214a)





Wildlife Branch Liaison—Includes EU, JIC

Collect and maintain spill general information such as tides, weather, trajectory, division boundaries, over-flight information, resources at risk information (ICS 232) staging areas, heliports, etc.

Contact Command Staff Liaison Officer and request that affected Indigenous communities are notified and invited to participate in oiled wildlife response effort (or get approval to do so directly). Determine if ongoing Indigenous community interaction can occur at the Branch level and if so collect appropriate contact names and information.

Maintain communication and coordination with various federal and/or provincial agencies if they are not present in the Command Center:

Within the Command System serve as the primary liaison between the Wildlife Branch and:

Environmental Unit (convey Branch planning activities, coordinate reconnaissance/over-flight, flight restriction zones, waste disposal efforts, etc.).

▪ Ensure EUL has a current understanding of Wildlife Branch activity.

▪ Ensure that the need for, and receipt of, the spill specific permit Authorization is articulated to the Environmental Unit.

▪ The wildlife plan will be submitted to the Planning Section (via the EU) for inclusion in the IAP after the Wildlife Branch Director and Operations Section Chief sign the cover or signature page. The Liaison will ensure this happens.

o Situation Unit (if any questions on the ICS 209 or other situations arise).

o Logistics/Resources (address logistical or procurement issues).

o JIC, general wildlife background documents, POC for JIC).

o Command Staff

▪ Liaison Officer (First Nations, stakeholder coordination, etc.).

▪ Safety Officer (ensure Branch has safety plan, facilitate safety discussions, etc.).

Make sure all information from the above groups is circulated to the staff in the Wildlife Branch.


ICS Software Specialist (if IAP software is utilized):

Enter forms into the IAP software.

Monitor the IAP Software to ensure that information entered is reflected in the system.






4 APPENDIX 4: TRACKING OILED WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS IN THE WILDLIFE BRANCH

Accurate and timely tracking of wildlife hotline calls and the resulting field actions can be complicated.

The following figure outlines mechanisms for assisting with the flow of information and documentation.





Animal Sighting Report Form

Date Time Hotline Staff Name/ID

Caller Information Animal information

Name Date/time animal seen

Phone number Number of animals seen

Email Species (if known) or description (size/shape/characteristics)

Information processing Route all unduplicated sightings to field operations as below.

☐ Email generated Appear oiled? Degree (light/heavy)?

☐ Email routed to Wildlife Capture & Monitoring Group Supervisor

☐ Photo attached ☐ YES ☐ NO Animal behavior observed

☐ Date and time routed

Comments

Location (GPS/address/landmarks)

Photo available? ☐ YES ☐ NO





5 APPENDIX 5: REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

All oiled wildlife response efforts must be coordinated, enacted, and carried out in compliance with

federal and provincial law. Of particular concern is compliance with the Migratory Bird Convention Act

(MBCA) Act, the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and existing provincial regulations regarding wildlife handling

and rehabilitation. All migratory birds are protected under the MBCA of 1994. The act does not

specifically address oil spill response requirements for species managed by Canadian Wildlife Service

(CWS), but combined with the response plans of other agencies, it forms a blueprint for dealing with all

wildlife species affected by oil spills. All bird species listed pursuant to the MBCA are the sole statutory

responsibility of the federal government and are covered by this act. All other bird species, as well as all

other wildlife (reptiles, amphibians, mammals) are the responsibility of the provincial government and are

subject to provincial regulations. Fish (and marine mammals) fall under the jurisdiction of the Department

of Fisheries and Oceans and are subject to strict federal regulation.

5.1 REGULATORY COORDINATION

Regulatory coordination and requirements for wildlife response in oil spills can differ among jurisdictions

based on incident-specific parameters. Responders and decision makers must recognize regulatory

differences and utilize levels of coordination with regulators (government agencies) that are appropriate

to the location and incident-specific conditions of a spill.

Typically in Canada, the oiled wildlife response contractor (OWRO) will draft the Wildlife Response Plan or

Wildlife Management Plan with input from Responsible Party (RP) personnel, wildlife subject matter

experts, and regulatory agency staff. The RP submits the draft plan to the appropriate regulatory agencies

(provincial and/or federal agency). The regulators will review the draft plan and provide comments or

requirements that will be incorporated into the plan. The process can be lengthy and may require follow-

up discussion between the RP and the regulators. Confusion and time delays may be avoided if the OWRO

is included in discussions with the regulators early in the spill incident. Additional coordination with

regulators is accomplished throughout the spill incident during on-site inspections.

5.2 WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT

Permitted wildlife rehabilitation professionals are the only group authorized to carry out wildlife

rehabilitation activities as guided by established and accepted assessment protocols and under the

endorsement of a licensed veterinarian. The OWRO will work with CWS and the provincial regulators

(Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources [NSDNR]) to determine appropriate response and

treatment strategies for impacted migratory birds, species at risk, and wildlife under provincial

jurisdiction. This will include the cleaning and rehabilitation of any protected species with particular

attention towards those designated as endangered or threatened as defined under federal legislations

and regulations (MBCA & SARA).





Permits to allow wildlife rehabilitation will only be issued to applicants who can demonstrate they have

the expertise and logistical capacity to carry out those functions humanely and competently, and if

facilities and personnel for rehabilitation are available. CWS and NSDNR will ensure the competence and

effectiveness of organizations involved in the collection, cleaning, rehabilitation, and euthanasia of

migratory birds (federally protected), provincially protected birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Permits may be issued to allow oiled wildlife to be held temporarily in captivity for rehabilitation, or to

euthanize those animals whose health status indicates they will be unlikely to survive.

A valid Federal Migratory Bird Permit must be held by the OWRO. A federal permit may be applied for

and granted prior to an incident, however, incident specific authorization must still be obtained from CWS

for the capture and recovery of oiled wildlife, the rehabilitation of impacted wildlife, and the collection of

dead oiled wildlife. If a federal permit is not already held by the OWRO at the time of the incident, it must

be applied for by the OWRO immediately after conducting the initial wildlife impact assessment.

Applicable Nova Scotia provincial permits are specific to proposed wildlife response actions for each

incident. The OWRO will be responsible for obtaining the incident-specific provincial wildlife permits.

Provincial permits, at the time of this writing, are not granted prior to an incident and must be applied for

immediately after conducting the initial wildlife impact assessment.

Both federal and provincial permit applications must establish that the applicant has the training, skill and

expertise to conduct oiled wildlife capture and rehabilitation, and must define response objectives. The

approval will be contingent on these factors, an inspection of the rehabilitation facilities, and will be

granted for the specific period anticipated for wildlife response actions.

Scientific research permits for fish (including SARA listed species) are coordinated through the

Environmental Unit, not the Wildlife Branch, and do not fall under wildlife response activities.

(Information collected by the Fisheries Group and the Wildlife Branch can be shared to identify areas of

concern).

5.3 MIGRATORY BIRD WILDLIFE REHABILITATION PERMIT

A Scientific Collection—Take (migratory bird wildlife rehabilitation) permit is required in order to capture

and rehabilitate oiled migratory birds. If the contracted OWRO does not have a federal permit that is valid

in Nova Scotia, the local Canadian Wildlife Services Permit Office should be contacted for application

instructions (contact information below).

ECCC–CWS Permit Office—Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick 17 Waterfowl Lane Sackville NB E4L 1G6 Telephone: 506-364-5068 Fax: 506-364-5062 Email: [email protected]





5.4 CAPTURE AND COLLECTION PERMIT

Authorization for the capture and recovery of both live and dead oiled wildlife will be issued to the OWRO

at the time of the incident. The authorization will be specific to the incident and will be jointly issued by

ECCC–CWS and NSDNR.

5.5 SCIENTIFIC COLLECTION AND RESEARCH PERMITS

An incident-specific Scientific Collection and Research Permit may be required by NSDNR. Requirements

for this permit will be determined by the proposed response strategies. The Wildlife Branch or OWRO will

apply for this permit at the time of the incident and at the direction of NSDNR.

5.6 ROLE OF FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL AGENCIES

5.6.1 Environment and Climate Change Canada—National Environmental Emergencies Centre

In the event of a significant environmental emergency (e.g., oil spill), Environment Canada’s National

Environmental Emergencies Centre (NEEC) will support the lead agency (e.g., CNSOPB, Canadian Coast

Guard (CCG), etc. in assessing the environmental impact and potential resources at risk, providing

scientific and technical expertise to the lead agency and ensuring all measures are taken to protect the

environment. As part of Environment Canada’s role and at the request of the lead agency, an

Environmental Emergencies Science Table (Science Table) meeting can be convened to provide scientific

and technical advice to the lead agency on environmental concerns, priorities and strategies and

evaluation of proposed response measures.

Science Table experts include representatives from all levels of government, Indigenous representatives,

and may include local communities, industry, environmental non-government organizations, and

academic institutions. The mandate of the Science Table is to coordinate the appropriate expertise, and

to develop consensus on protection, cleanup priorities, and end-points. As such, input and expertise from

the appropriate regulatory agencies in association with wildlife response will be provided through the

lead agency to the responsible party.

As the Science Table is developed to be flexible and work within any emergency structure, inclusive of ICS,

it is anticipated that direct communication, participation and coordination will occur between the

relevant wildlife experts in the ICS Wildlife Branch and those participating as part of the Science Table to

allow for appropriate and efficient wildlife response.

5.6.2 Environment and Climate Change Canada—Canadian Wildlife Service

The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), a branch under Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), is

responsible for the management and conservation of migratory bird populations through administering

and enforcing the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA). The MBCA and associated regulations





provide protection to all birds listed in the CWS Occasional Paper No. 1, Birds Protected in Canada under

the MBCA. Migratory birds protected by the Act generally include all seabirds (except cormorants and

pelicans), all waterfowl, all shorebirds, and most land birds (birds with principally terrestrial life cycles).

CWS also has mandated responsibility for all bird species, terrestrial species on federal lands, and the

associated habitats listed as at risk under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Wildlife species that are

protected federally under SARA are listed in Schedule 1 of the Act. SARA seeks to prevent species from

being extirpated or becoming extinct; to provide for the recovery of species that are extirpated,

endangered, or threatened as a result of human activity; and to manage species of special concern to

prevent them from becoming endangered or threatened. Sections 32, 33, and 58 of SARA contain

provisions to protect species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA, and their critical habitat.

Wildlife response planning will follow guidance as specified in ECCC-CWS’s National Policy On Wildlife

Emergency Response (ECCC-CWS 2016). As waterfowl and seabirds are the species most often affected

by oil spills, it is most commonly the CWS that is engaged following an oil spill impacting wildlife. In

association with spill response, responsibilities of CWS include, but are not limited to:

• Permitting of wildlife recovery and care inclusive of responders and rehabilitators under the MBCA

Regulations

• Assessing adequacy and compliance of wildlife response and permitted operations, and taking over if

the response is determined to be inadequate

• Providing information, recommendations and advice on marine birds monitoring and appropriate

response strategies, including standardized marine bird surveys

• Approving emergency response actions taken with regard to marine birds and species at risk under its

jurisdiction

• Minimizing the damage to birds by deterring unoiled birds from becoming oiled; and

• Ensuring the humane treatment of captured migratory birds and species at risk by determining the

appropriate response and treatment strategies which may include euthanization or cleaning and

rehabilitation

5.6.3 Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the mandated authority for the protection and recovery of marine

mammal species and habitats designated as at risk under SARA. In addition, DFO has overarching

authority for the management, conservation, and protection of Canada’s marine resources inclusive of all

marine mammal, fish, and sea turtle species as defined under Section 2 of the Fisheries Act.

5.6.4 Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources

Bird species (and other wildlife) may also be protected under the Nova Scotia Wildlife Act and the Nova

Scotia Endangered Species Act (NS ESA). The NS ESA provides protection to species listed as endangered,





threatened, or vulnerable under the Act as well as their core habitat. The conservation and recovery of

species assessed and listed through the provincial process is the responsibility of the Wildlife Division of

the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR). Select fish, shorebirds, neritic seabird, and

waterfowl species are listed in Nova Scotia and protected under the Act. NSDNR is also responsible for

the overall management for onshore wildlife, non-migratory bird populations and habitats.

5.6.5 Canada—Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (CNSOPB) is an independent joint agency of the

Government of Canada and Nova Scotia responsible for the regulation of petroleum activities in the Nova

Scotia Offshore Area. In the event of an incident involving the Scotian Basin Exploration Project, the

CNSOPB will hold regulatory oversight as the lead agency and Federal Monitoring Officer (FMO) and will

facilitate the decisions and guidance of the Science Table to the Responsible Party.





6 APPENDIX 6: EFFECTS OF CONTAMINANTS ON WILDLIFE

6.1.1 Effects of Oil on Wildlife

Wildlife affected by a hydrocarbon release may be debilitated to varying degrees depending on several

factors: species vulnerability, the type of product released, weather, time of contact, weathering of the

oil, the degree to which the animal has been oiled, whether the animal has ingested oil, the length of

time before affected animals were captured and stabilized and, the overall health of the animal at the

time of the oil spill. The success of rehabilitating contaminated animals is variable, depending on species

affected, the breeding or biological state of those species, the nature of the contaminant, weather,

temperature, and quality and immediacy of wildlife care. Oil has numerous effects on the anatomical and

biological systems of all species, including the potential for disruption of the normal interlocking

waterproofing mechanism of feathers or fur, damage and toxic effects to the lining of the gastrointestinal

tract, liver and pancreas, and disruption in the normal behavior and reproductive ability of wildlife.

Species most susceptible to the impacts of an oil spill are those that make use of the entire water column;

pelagic birds in particular are most susceptible due the relatively fragile nature of their waterproofing as

well as behaviors that make use of all levels of the water column. Neritic species are similarly highly

susceptible. Although cetaceans and pinnipeds make similar use of the water column, they may be less

susceptible to the external effects of oil based on thermoregulatory systems.

Environmental effects may include long or short-term contamination of food sources, contamination of

breeding and foraging habitat, and potential reduction in reproductive success due to oil contamination

of adults and eggs.

TABLE 10 SPECIES-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF OIL

Taxonomic Group Overview of Effects of Oil

Reptiles

Sea Turtles ▪ Sea turtles at all life stages are at risk from oil exposure. Direct oil exposure to eggs can result in developmental deformity of scutes and a decrease in survival to hatching, depending on the duration of exposure and egg developmental stage.

▪ Ingestion of weathered oil or tarballs may cause starvation due to gut blockage or impaction; decreased absorption efficiency, absorption of toxins; intestinal ulceration and necrosis; interference with fat metabolism; and buoyancy problems which, in turn, prevents turtles from feeding and increases vulnerability to predators and boat traffic.

▪ Ocular lesions and dermatitis and/or necrosis. ▪ Esophageal irritation and potential deleterious effects to lung tissue due to

exposure and inhalation of petroleum vapors. ▪ Significant changes to blood chemistry, including decreased red blood cell volume

leading to reduced oxygen carrying capacity.






Birds

Pelagic and neritic

birds, waterfowl

▪ Decreased thermoregulatory regulation and hypothermia due to loss of waterproofing. Loss of buoyancy and mobility, inability to feed leading to starvation; exhaustion from excessive preening

▪ Severe dehydration, hypoglycemia, and/or hypoproteinemia. ▪ Skin and ocular burns, leading to additional waterproofing issues and risk of

infection. ▪ Trauma to keel, feet, and legs from beaching due to diminished waterproofing;

these injuries can require surgical intervention or euthanasia. ▪ Ingestion of contaminated water leading to internal complications including

gastrointestinal dysfunction (hemorrhagic gastroenteritis), reduced GI tract motility and absorption of nutrients toxicity, hematological changes, and organ damage.

▪ Reduction in reproductive success due to oil contamination of adults and eggs. Colonial species with low reproductive rates (e.g. alcids) are particularly susceptible.

▪ Many of the species in this group are highly susceptible to captive stress and the resultant decline in health.

Shorebirds ▪ Shorebirds are less susceptible to oil releases than obligate marine or freshwater birds, with the exception of phalaropes. Heavy oil impacts from the water’s surface can lead to rapid death.

▪ Other species of shorebirds are susceptible during feeding and may become oiled by wading through contaminated water, or may ingest oiled food sources.

▪ Potential effects of oil are similar to other species; due to body size, shorebirds may become hypothermic rapidly.

▪ Shorebirds, including phalaropes, are highly susceptible to the effects of captive stress.

Raptors ▪ Raptors are less susceptible to oil releases than obligate marine or freshwater birds; predation of oiled birds can result in becoming oiled, with similar effects as above, and/or ingestion of oil.

▪ Many raptor species (including Peregrine Falcons) are highly susceptible to captive stress.

Passerines ▪ Passerines are less susceptible to oil releases than other birds. ▪ Consumption of oiled food sources can lead to gastrointestinal damage and oil

toxicity. ▪ Ground nesting species may see reduced reproductive success if eggs or hatchlings

are oiled. Developmental deformities may also be seen.

Marine Mammals

Pinnipeds ▪ Insufficient data to fully understand the effects of oil on pinnipeds or to be able to correlate degree of oiling to causes of morbidity and mortality in oiled pinnipeds due to confounding factors of captive care and stress.

▪ Pinnipeds thermoregulate via fat stores; pups and young seals who have not yet built up sufficient fat stores are most susceptible to oil impacts.

▪ External oiling is generally not observed to disrupt seal locomotion or mother-pup interactions.






▪ Direct contact may result in corneal lesions and edema; interfere with hearing if oil accumulates in ear canals; dermal irritation, burning and ulceration.

▪ Inhalation of hydrocarbons may result in chemical or bacterial pneumonitis; may cause central nervous system dysfunction.

▪ Oil ingestion from consumption of oiled prey species, grooming and nursing can result in rapid hydrocarbon absorption and internal organ damage.

Cetaceans ▪ Relatively little is known about the effects of oil on cetaceans. Experimental studies have found that cetacean skin may be an effective barrier to petroleum compounds during short-term contact.

▪ Some cetacean species may detect and actively avoid large surface slicks; experimental findings and spill data provide inconclusive results.

▪ Injuries from internal exposure can include anemia and immunotoxicosis; gastrointestinal erosions/ulceration; hepatic/renal lipidosis and necrosis; adrenal gland dysfunction; reproductive dysfunction.

Terrestrial Mammals

Feral Horses ▪ Horses are not highly susceptible to oil events; impact would likely be due to ingestion of impacted food and water sources.

▪ May be displaced by site activities rather than direct exposure to hydrocarbons. ▪ Hydrocarbon odors may deter them from the impacted areas.

6.1.2 Effects of Dispersants on Wildlife

While there are clear benefits to the use of dispersants, namely reducing the amount of oil reaching the

shoreline, there are other, often poorly understood or documented effects of dispersant use, that can

add to the complexity of oiled wildlife response.

The safety of chemical dispersants used during oil spill responses is largely unknown in birds. Chemical

dispersants such as Corexit EC9500a are comprised of a proprietary mixture of surfactants, solvents, and

petroleum distillates. Previous studies have found varying levels of toxicity to marine invertebrates and

fish, but evaluation of toxicity to birds and mammals are lacking (Ramachandran et al., 2004; Wise and

Wise, 2011; Agamy, 2013; Hansen et al., 2014). Recent studies have shown that some mammalian cells

suffer acute toxicity when exposed to Corexit EC9500a and other dispersants (Wang et al., 2012; Shi et

al., 2013; Wise et al., 2014; Zheng et al., 2014). A theoretical concern is the finding that smaller droplet

sizes may be more disruptive to feather structure than larger droplets (Duprat et al., 2012); while not a

toxic effect, this has the potential for serious negative impacts on seabirds (Fiorello et al, 2016) that may

dive through dispersed oil. A 2011 study conducted by the Oiled Wildlife Care Network Wildlife Health

Center at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine (Duerr et al., 2011) found similar

disruption of waterproofing when birds were subjected to petroleum contamination alone, both

petroleum and dispersant, and dispersant alone. This finding is consistent with subjective observations

from professional oiled wildlife responders regarding the need to remove all surfactants used during the





wash process in order to restore waterproofing. Recent studies have also found that exposure to oil or

dispersant was related to the development of conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers (Fiorello et al., 2016).

Similarly, little is known about the effects of dispersants on sea turtles or marine mammals. Inhalation of

petroleum vapors can irritate lungs; dispersants can interfere with lung function through their surfactant

effect (NOAA 2010). Dispersant components absorbed through the lungs or gut may affect multiple organ

systems, interfering with digestion, respiration, excretion, and/or salt gland function—similar to the

effects of oil alone. However, dispersants reduce adherence of oil droplets to solid particles and surfaces,

and may reduce the tendency of oil to stick to turtle or cetacean skin.





7 APPENDIX 7: HUMAN HEALTH AND SAFETY

Human health and safety is the first priority in any oil spill response. In addition to hazards from oil,

numerous physical hazards may be associated with wildlife rescue and rehabilitation activities. Safety for

all responders, as well as the safety of each individual animal, must be considered. All personnel involved

in oiled wildlife response must maintain proper levels of safety and wildlife training.

Wildlife Branch personnel will comply with all health and safety trainings as required by the incident

Safety Officer. Workforce personnel may be given specific on-site safety training as identified by the

Safety Officer and Wildlife Branch Director. Levels of training for individuals involved in the various areas

within the wildlife response will be defined and approved by the UC. Safety measures vary depending on

conditions such as the following:

• ‘Right to Know’ issues (potential hazards of the spilled product)

• Location of spill or release

• Environmental conditions, including weather

• Biological hazards (vegetation and wildlife)

• Potential hazards when working with impacted wildlife

• Location of WRF and field stabilization sites

7.1 RECOMMENDED PPE FOR WILDLIFE PERSONNEL

Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is specific to each phase of oiled wildlife response, and

includes PPE such as the following: safety glasses, oil-protective suits, nitrile gloves, and protective

footwear. In addition, search and capture will be required to undergo more extensive safety training and

may be required to wear other forms of PPE, such as Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs). To guard against

injury from wildlife, all workers should wear approved PPE that is appropriate to their task, such as the

following:

• Full eye protection, e.g., safety glasses, goggles, or face shield

• Oil resistant rain gear or oil protective clothing (coated Tyvek, Saranex, etc.)

• Gloves (neoprene or nitrile) that are oil resistant and waterproof

• Non-skid shoes/boots, that are oil resistant and waterproof

• Ear protection (muff and/or ear plug type) when using pyrotechnic devices, operating machinery or

on boats

• Personal flotation device when working on or near water

Respiratory protection from organic vapor hazards may also be required for some operations. If

respirators are required by the Site Safety Officer, respiration training and fit testing will also be required.





All workers must be trained on the proper use and limitations of all personal protective equipment prior

to using equipment.

To protect against injury from wildlife, appropriate clothing (closed-toed shoes, long sleeved shirts, long

pants, etc.) and equipment should be worn underneath the oil protective equipment whenever

necessary. Workers should be aware of temperature, weather, and other environmental conditions and

use personal protective equipment to guard against dangerous waters, frostbite, hypothermia, heat-

stress disorders, and infectious diseases.

7.2 WILDLIFE SAFETY PLAN

Wildlife Operations will comply with the Site Safety Plan developed by the Safety Officer. Incident specific

wildlife safety plans will be developed by the Wildlife Branch in coordination with the Safety Officer. The

Plans will be specific to Wildlife Branch operations, both field and rehabilitation operations, and will be in

accordance with overall Site Safety Plans and BP’s corporate safety practices. Standard human health and

safety issues (hydrocarbon toxicity and related air quality, fire hazards, weather and marine hazards,

slips/trips and falls, fatigue, hypo- and hyperthermia) will be discussed as they relate to field and facility

safety. Wildlife-specific issues such as zoonotic disease and wildlife handling injuries will also be

discussed.

A Field Safety Plan should identify hazards associated with the work being done in respect to geographic

location, topography of terrain, and the resources being used in the field. Wildlife Facility Safety Plans

should be specific to the wildlife species being handled in the Wildlife Response Facility and the

techniques used to rehabilitate those species. The plan should address the pertinent and highest risk

hazard with each animal as well as ways to mitigate risks. All individuals who will be handling oiled wildlife

must be trained in proper capture and restraint techniques. Each shift should be briefed on the field or

facility safety plan before they begin their tasks/work orders, as tasks change, and/or locations and

species change.

Site-specific safety plans will be maintained on site for inspection by all people at that place of work or

about to commence work. The Wildlife Safety Plan should address the following components:

• Risk management: identification of the hazards (associated with the locations to be surveyed and the

contaminant) and assessment of the risks associated with the work (specific to resources being used -

long-handled nets, boats, snare, etc.), and documentation of the risk control measures to be taken.

• Species-specific risk management: identification of the hazards associated with each species and

assessment of the risks associated with the tasks involving those species.

• Safe handling: detailed outline of how each species should be handled safely for both the animal and

the caregiver. PPE that may be required. Diagrams and photos can be helpful, but are not necessary.





• Safety Data Sheet (SDS): a detailed informational sheet that thoroughly describes the hazards, safety

measures, and chemical composition of the product or products that have been spilled or released.

• Statement of responsibilities: a statement that nominates individuals who will be responsible for the

site-specific OHS and WHMIS aspects of the work, and who will be available to deal with illness/injury

and OHS incidents.

• Occupational health and safety training: a statement identifying the training needs of the personnel

conducting fieldwork and using specific resources in the field, including WHMIS training for the work

and arrangements to address these needs.

• Equipment-specific safety measures: if boats or airplanes/helicopters are being used, field personnel

must have specific safety details for procedures associated with the use of this equipment, and well

as points of contact for individuals specializing in the safe use of this equipment during this response.

• Incident management and reporting measures: a statement identifying the reporting protocol used

and personnel available to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from illness/injury and

incidents.

• PPE rules: rules that specify PPE and how it should be donned and doffed in prominent areas at the

field site [including Stabilization Site(s)].

• Weather report: a detailed weather report describing any significant weather impacts that may

impede the work being done in the field and the timing of the weather impacts.

• Statement of responsibilities: a statement that identifies individuals who will be responsible for the

site-specific OHS aspects of animal care, and individuals who will be available to deal with

illness/injury and OHS incidents involving wildlife.

7.3 ZOONOSES

Zoonoses are infectious diseases that may be transmitted between animals and humans under natural

conditions. Personnel handling or coming into contact with wildlife have the potential of exposure to

zoonoses. Veterinarians, technicians, search and collection staff, animal handlers, and other animal care

personnel who come into direct or indirect contact with animals and any body fluids are at risk of contact

with disease agents that may have zoonotic potential. Organisms that may cause or transmit zoonotic

diseases include many classifications from viruses and bacteria to internal and external parasites.

Anyone whose immune system is compromised, which includes anyone who has a condition such as the

following: pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients,

splenectomized individuals, or persons under acute or chronic high levels of stress. Such individuals are

highly susceptible to opportunistic and secondary infections with zoonotic disease agents.





TABLE 11 ZOONOTIC DISEASE

Disease Etiology Hosts Transmission Symptoms

Mycoses

Aspergillosis Aspergillus fumigatus Birds, mammals Airborne Respiratory disorders

Dermatophytosis/ Ringworm

Microsporum and Trichophyton

Mammals, birds Direct contact Dermatitis

Chlamydial and Rickettsial

Chlamydiosis Chlamydia psittaci Psittacines, pigeons, sea turtles

Aerosol Respiratory disorders

Viruses

Avian Influenza Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus

Birds, certain mustelids Direct contact; fecal-oral

Influenza-like

Encephalitides Arbovirus Mammals, birds Mosquito bites Influenza-like

Newcastle Disease Avian paramyxovirus-1 Birds (esp. juvenile cormorants and gulls)

Direct contact; inhalation or ingestion of contaminated material

Conjuctivitis; mild influenza-like symptoms

Rabies Rhabdo virus Warm blooded vertebrates (bats in NS)

Bite wounds Neurological signs

West Nile Virus Flavivirus Birds, mammals Mosquito vector Influenza-like, paralysis, encephalitis

Parasitic

Giardia Giardia spp. Beaver, waterfowl Direct contact, fecal-oral

Asymptomatic to influenza-like

Mange Sarcoptes scabei Demodex follicularum

Mammals Direct contact Pruritic dermatitis

Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasma gondii Felids, warm blooded vertebrates

Fecal-oral Congenital toxoplasmosis

Bacterial

Botulism Clostridium botulinum Ducks, mink Ingestion, wound infection

Neurological signs

Brucellosis Brucella spp. Seals, cervids Direct contact Septicemia, fever

Campylobacteriosis Campylobacter fetus subspp. Cervids, birds Fecal-oral Gastroenteritis

Leptospirosis Leptospira interogans serovars

Seals, cervids, rodents, carnivores; sea turtles

Contact with infected urine

Septicemia, renal failure

Pasteurellosis Pasteurella multicida Mammals, birds Bite wounds, aerosol Infected wounds, respiratory disorders

Salmonellosis Salmonella spp. Mammals, birds, reptiles including sea turtles

Fecal-oral Gastroenteritis

Seal Finger Bisgaardia hudsonensis Seals Bite wounds Dermatitis, infection

Tuberculosis Mycobacterium bovis and avium

Cervids, birds Aerosol Respiratory disease

Tularemia Francisella tularensis Rodents, lagomorphs, ticks

Tick bites, wound infection

Mesenteric lymphadenitis enteritis





8 APPENDIX 8: PERSONNEL GUIDELINES

Depending on the size of the event, one or more positions may be filled by an individual from the OWRO. Multiple functions will be filled by one person in smaller incidents.

TABLE 12 PERSONNEL GUIDELINES

Area of Responsibility Position Tier 1

Minor event Tier 2

Major event Tier 3 Crisis

Response Management

Incident Command 1 1 2

Finance 1 1 1-2

Logistics 1 1-2 2

Health and safety 1 1 1

Volunteer/workforce coordination 1 2 2

Media relations 1 1 1

Administration 1 1 1

Data management 1 2 2

Field Operations Bird deterrence/hazing (team) 1 1-2 1-3

Marine mammal & sea turtle deterrence/hazing (team) 1 2 2-3

Bird recovery (team) 1 1-2 3-5

Marine mammal and sea turtle recovery (team) 1 1-2 1-5

Transport (Birds) 1 2 2-4

Transport (Marine mammals & sea turtles) 1 2 2-4

Field stabilization (Birds) 1 1-2 1-2

Field stabilization (Marine mammals & sea turtles) 2 2-4 2-4

Primary Care Operations: Birds

Receiving 1 1-2 2-4

Processing/morgue 1 1-2 2-4

Veterinary services 1 1 1-2

Medical intake 1-3 3-12 3-15

Intensive care unit 1 1 1

Lab/pharmacy 1 1 1

Necropsy 1 1 1

Stabilization 1-2 2-6 2-10

Decontamination (team) 1-2 2-7 2-9

Conditioning 1-3 2-6 2-10

Release 1 1-2 1-4

Primary Care Operations: Marine mammals and sea turtles

Receiving 1 1-2 2-4

Processing/morgue 1 1-2 2-4

Veterinary services 1 1 1-2

Medical intake 1-3 3-12 3-15

Intensive care unit 1 2-3 2-3

Lab/pharmacy 1 1 2

Necropsy 1 1 1

Stabilization 1-2 2-6 4-10

Decontamination (team) 1-2 2-7 2-9

Conditioning 1-3 2-6 2-10

Release 1 1-2 1-4

Support Services Food preparation 1 1-2 2-5

Facility maintenance 1 2-5 2-8

Laundry/cleaning 1 2-4 2-10





9 APPENDIX 9: FACILITY REQUIREMENTS

TABLE 13 PRELIMINARY FACILITY CHECKLIST FOR OILED BIRD PREPAREDNESS

General Requirements

▪ Minimum of 10–15 air exchanges per hour with outside air in all animal areas

▪ Air temperature adjustable and maintainable to any given temperature within 30-32C (65-85F) with

ventilation system running

▪ Electrical capacity to support heat lamps, pet dryers, etc.

▪ Sufficient staff and volunteer support to handle extra workload

Oiled Bird Requirements

▪ Intake and assessment area that is separate from regular patients (recommended 40 ft2)

▪ Area to house oiled patients separate from regular rehabilitation patients (recommended 6 ft. [2 per

average sized bird]); the ability to prevent cross contamination through establishment of a

decontamination zone

▪ At least one pre-wash holding pen no smaller than 2’x2’x2’ with appropriate net bottom (1/2“ stretched,

no-knot mesh) at least 1” off the ground

▪ At least one post wash holding pen no smaller than 3’x2’x2’ (other specs same as above)

Wash Requirements

▪ Wash/rinse area (recommended 100 ft2)

▪ 300 gallons of fresh water available per wash

▪ Water maintainable at 39-41C (102-108F)

▪ Water hardness of 2-5 GH (34-85 mg/L)

▪ Water pressure sustainable at 40-60 psi for the duration of the rinse process

▪ Ability to collect and safely dispose of oily waste water

Post-Wash Support

• At least one warm water pool

• Conditioning pool with a minimum of 7.5 ft2 of surface area, 3’ depth and constantly running water that drains from the surface to exchange the volume of the pool 4.25x/day





TABLE 14 WILDLIFE RESPONSE FACILITY REQUIREMENTS (ESTIMATES)

Infrastructure No. in care (1-25)

No. in care (26-100)

No. in care (101-500)

No. in care (501-1000)

Ventilated/heated interior space (sq. ft.) 1,500 2,400 4,400 6,500

Air exchange per hour (AEH) 10-15 AEH 10-15 AEH 10-15 AEH 10-15 AEH

Heated interior space (ventilation unnecessary) (sq. ft.) 1,600 2,500 3,700 5,100

Air Temperature and circulation system 19-35° 19-35° 19-35° 19-35°

Outdoor conditioning space (sq. ft.) 1,256 2,198 10,676 21,038

Search & collection space (cf) 555 605 989 1,049

Field stabilization (sq. ft.) 350 350 480 864

Fire hydrant-red (500 gallons per minute) (approximate) 1 1 1 2

Propane tanks (100 gal) 2 4 6 6

Daily volume of conditioned fresh potable water required (gallons) 900 6,000 29,700 59,400

100-300 gallons of softened water/bird 100-7500 2600-30,000 10,100-

150,0001 50,100-300,000

Daily volume of unconditioned fresh potable water required (gallons)

1,445 8,670 40,460 79,475

Minimum 4' deep or 3,500 gallons for 12' diameter pool to fill. Number of pools:

1-5 3-10 6-18 12-30

24/7 constant water flow (rate 10 gal/min) (approximate)

72000g/day 144000g/day 144000g/day 129600g/day

Electrical 110 Voltage GFCI Outlets 12 12 48 48

Electrical 120 Voltage GFCI Outlets 12 12 24 24

Outlet-GFCI/11 amps per dyer 8 8 14 28

Water softening system 2 3 4 6

Waste water disposal tank – 500 liters 2 4 6 8





9.1 EQUIPMENT

Focus Wildlife owns and maintains response trailers equipped for oiled wildlife response, including the equipment listed in Tables 16–19. Additionally, Eastern Canada Response Corporation (ECRC) maintains equipment for bird hazing and deterrence and additional wildlife rehabilitation supplies.

9.1.1 Major Equipment Needs

Equipment that is difficult to procure or that has a long lead time should be ordered in advance of an

incident and stored, or ordered within the first 48 hours of the incident, regardless of the response stage

during which it will be used.

TABLE 15 MAJOR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS (ESTIMATES)

Major Equipment Needs Tier One

(1-25) Tier Two (26-100)

Tier Three (101-500)

Tier Four (501-1000)

Ground Transport: Car 2 3 3 3

Ground Transport: Truck 2 3 4 6

Ground Transport: Van (animal transport) 1 2 3–4 4

Boat, search and capture (14’–18’ skiff) 2 3 4 6

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) 0–2 0–4 0–6 0–2

GPS Units (e.g., Garmin eTrex 30 Worldwide handheld) 2 4 8–10 10–24

Propane cannon 0–1 0–3 0–8 0–12

Net gun (Super Talon Ultra Net Launcher Kit model 805839)

0–1 0–2 0–3 0–4

Freezer (morgue; with lock) 1 1 2 2

Freezer (animal food storage) 1 1 2 3–6

Refrigerator 1 1 2 3–4

Generator; three phase with adaptor 2 3 4 5

Number of soft–sided pens/baby pens (specifically, Graco Pack ‘n’ Play On-the-Go Play Yard model number 1852640)

12 60 160 180

Sheets, twin or queen, flat, white 50 200 400 1000

Towels, bath, white 100 300 600 1000

Towels, hand, white 25 100 100 300

Pillow cases, standard, white 25 300 400 500

Number of wash & rinse stations 2 6 8 12

Number of pools (or equivalent and associated outdoor caging)

2 12 34 65

Centrifuge 1 1 2 2–3

Refractometer (Clinical refractometer, serum protein) 1 1 2 2–3

Pet dryers (Oster Hi-velocity adjustable table and cage dryer)

8 10 12 16

Pediatric scale (Salter Brecknell MS20 Stainless Steel baby-veterinary scale)

2 3 4 4–8

Pet carriers, plastic airline kennel (variety of sizes) 6 20 150 300–600

Water heater (Rinnai R85i tankless) 2 4 6 6

Water pressure regulator 1 1 2 2





TABLE 16 WILDLIFE RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

Equipment Quantity per team

Area maps and charts 1

Standard forms 1 set

Digital camera (with spare battery and memory card) 1

Binoculars 2

Field Guide 1

Compass 2

Hand held GPS 1

Radio/mobile phone 1

First Aid Kit 1

Incident specific PPE 1

Polarized safety glasses/sunglasses 2

Birds

Long handled dip net 2

Cardboard/coroplast carriers 10

Airline approved pet carriers (large) 2

Masking tape 1 roll

Pillowcases 10

Heavy duty aluminum foil 1 roll

Ziploc bags, assorted sizes (1 quart, 1 gal, 5 gal) 1 box of each

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

Nets 2

Foam sheet, closed cell, 2” thick, 4 ft x 10 ft (cetaceans) 1

XL dog crates 5

100 pieces multi-color cable ties 1 bag/100

½” braided rope 100 ft

Cotton sheets 2-3

Heavy duty polyethylene tarps, 12’ x 16’ 1



Heavy duty body bags, 36” x 96” long with straps, weight 800 lbs 1

Heavy duty body bags, 48” x 100” long with straps, weight 800 lbs

Nitrile gloves 4 boxes

Tyvek suits 4





TABLE 17 HUSBANDRY EQUIPMENT

Equipment Quantity

Knotless netting, nylon ½”-1” 200’

Visqueen, clear (floor covering) 2 rolls

2” x 4” x 12’ (aviaries) 60

4’ x 8’ x ½” CDX or Marine Ply (aviaries) 2

Microwave oven 1

Food blender 1

Rubbermaid molded plastic pools, 250-300 gal (pinnipeds and sea turtles) 10-20

10’ X 16’ above ground pool (K-D pool) (birds, pinnipeds, sea turtles, small cetaceans) 2-5

Dry erase boards (with markers, fine point) 6

Trash bags, 6 ml, 55-gal Black for oiled waste 2 boxes of 50

Trash bags, 6 ml, 55-gal Clear for unoiled waste 2 boxes of 50

Chlorhexidine scrub 2 gallon

TABLE 18 MEDICAL/STABILIZATION EQUIPMENT

Equipment Quantity

Work tables 4’ x 6’ 10

Digital scale, battery operated, measure in 5g increments 1

Postage scale, battery operated, measure in 1g increments 1

Floor scale, large, battery and plug in operated

Lactated Ringer’s Solution (500 ml bags) 1 case

2.5% dextrose in half normalized saline (500 ml bags) 1 case

Hetastarch, 250 ml bags 2

Infrared/ceramic heat lamps 6

Plastic numbered leg bands, Size 4 100





Catheters, Size 8 French 20



Foal stomach tube, 3/8” OD 7” long

Sterile syringes, 60 ml, catheter tip 3 boxes

Sterile syringes, 60 ml, luer/slip tip 3 boxes

Sterile syringes, 35 ml, luer/slip tip 2 boxes

Sterile syringes, 20 ml, luer/slip tip 3 box





Hypodermic needles, 25 g x 5/8” 1 box/100


Hypodermic needles, 22 g x 1 ½” 1 box/100





Equipment Quantity


Hypodermic needles, 23 g x 1” 1 box/100


Hypodermic needles, 20 g x 1 ½”” 1 box/100

Hypodermic needles, 18 g x 1 ½”” 1 box/100

Butterfly catheter infusion sets, 19G x 3.4” needle, luer adapter 1 box/100



Butterfly catheter infusion sets, 19G x 3.4” needle, luer adapter

2 ml freestanding cryule (cryovial) w/cap, sterile with white block 1 case

RNAlater RNA stabilization reagent 50 ml

Viral transport media 2 boxes of 50 vials

Blood tubes, glass, red/gray tiger serum, 10 ml 1 flat of 100 tubes

Blood tubes, glass, green sodium heparin, 10 ml 1 flat of 100 tubes

Blood tubes, glass, lavender whole blood with EDTA, 5 ml 1 flat of 100 tubes

4” x 4” gauze sponges 1 case

3” x 3” gauze sponges 1 case

Chlorhexidine solution 1 gallon

Bg glucose sticks 1 box

Glucometer 2

70% Alcohol disinfectant 2 gallons

Digital thermometer 5

Sterile lubricant, water-based (KY jelly) 2 tubes

Exam gloves (S, M, L) 1 of each

Sharps container, 4 quart and 2 gallon 2 each

Eye wash/saline solution 6

Cotton tipped swabs 2 boxes

Vetwrap, white 2” 1 box

N95 particulate respirator mask (marine mammals) 1 case (12 boxes of 20)

Pen lights (6 per box) 5





TABLE 19 WILDLIFE DECONTAMINATION EQUIPMENT

Equipment Quantity

On-demand water heater (5 gallons per minute), Rinnai 2

Water hardness test kit 1

Water softener 1

Rubbermaid dishwashing tub (4.7 gallon) 6

Wash tubs, Rubbermaid rough tote 10 gallon 3

Seventh Generation or Dawn dish soap 2 cases

Water-pik 2

Toothbrush, children’s soft bristle 6

Plastic measuring cups (2 cup) 4

Heavy duty garbage bags, 45 gallon 1 box

Aprons, plastic, 12 ml 6

Wash gloves size M, L 12 each

Spot light with clamp 1

Pet dryers, Oster 2

Water thermometer 2

Safety glasses, anti-fog 12

Sheets, flat white queen 25

Towels, bath size 100





FIGURE 3 FACILITY LAYOUT EXAMPLE





10 APPENDIX 10: INCIDENT SPECIFIC WILDLIFE RESPONSE PLAN

THIS IS A DRILL—BP Scotian Basin Worst Case Discharge Exercise 2017 Incident-specific Wildlife Response Plan—THIS IS A DRILL BP Scotian Basin Worst Case Discharge Exercise 2017 December 7, 2017 Note: This plan may be amended to incorporate agency and stakeholder input and to adapt to changing conditions during the course of the event. The plan is to serve as guidance in developing site-specific strategies based on field conditions.

1. Safety Considerations

When initiating wildlife response activities, responder safety is of paramount importance. Thorough site surveys and hazard assessments will be conducted before the commencement of any hazing, capture, or rehabilitation activities. Work will follow the incident specific Site Safety Plan. The Wildlife Branch will develop health and safety requirements specific to wildlife operations to be appended to the Site Safety Plan. Workers will wear protective clothing that meets all spill safety requirements and wildlife specific safety requirements. Minimum training requirements may be required for specific positions and will be developed in

cooperation with the incident Safety Officer.

2. Agency Notification Procedures

Wildlife agencies (Environment Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, and Department of Fisheries and Oceans) were notified the day of the spill. Additional notification will take place when this plan is submitted. As part of this plan, Focus Wildlife has standing oiled bird capture and rehabilitation permits from EC-CWS. Wildlife operations will be conducted under existing permits (or as sub-permittees) of local wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Additional permits and authorizations will be secured in accordance with regulatory requirements for conduction wildlife activities in this incident. Marine mammal hazing and collection, if required, would be done under the direction of DFO personnel with organizations that possess appropriate authorization.

3. Purpose and Need for Wildlife Plan and Permits

As a result of this oil spill, there is a potential for adverse impacts to wildlife (birds, mammals, reptiles) that come into contact with the oil. Trained wildlife personnel will conduct wildlife activities under the direction of the Wildlife Branch Director. The Wildlife Branch, established within the Operations Section, manages those spill response activities related to wildlife issues. A Wildlife Branch Director has been designated and the Branch is operational within the ICP.

The primary means of protecting birds or mammals from an oil spill is to prevent the oil from reaching areas where birds or mammals are concentrated. With approval from Unified





Command mechanical containment and recovery utilizing booms and skimmers, heavy equipment, and other methods may be used. Oil may be contained at the spill site with a variety of methods including boom placement using near shore and open water tactics developed within the Operations Sections of the ICS, with guidance from the Planning Section. Refer to the Incident Action Plan for current primary response strategies. The response strategies used for protecting wildlife from oil include containing the oil before it reaches the wildlife, capturing and treating oiled birds, and collecting oiled dead wildlife to avoid contamination through scavenging. Deterrence activities to move birds and mammals from oiled areas may be implemented if deemed appropriate. As part of this plan, BP has requested and secured the services of Focus Wildlife, which has standing oiled bird capture and rehabilitation permits from EC-CWS and the province. An incident specific carcass collection permit has been issued by EC-CWS. The province has been contacted regarding a permit for collection of carcasses of species under provincial jurisdiction. An inquiry has been made into a provincial permit for hazing. In addition, marine mammal hazing and collection, if required, would be done under the supervision of personnel from DFO.

4. Geographical Extent

The geographic extent of response activities for wildlife will be determined after assessment activities by water and air have been concluded and results analyzed. Oiled wildlife has been reported seen in oil slick area near the release site. The open ocean and Sable Island are area of particular concern for oil impacts to wildlife. Areas of concern will be prioritized based on the extent of oiling, the wildlife observed, the habitat type, the sensitivity of wildlife that use the site, and the likelihood of wildlife being exposed to oil.

5. Primary Branch Activities

The objectives of the wildlife response are established by the Unified Command and focus primarily on the removal of oiled animals from the environment and the treatment of those for which rehabilitation is an option. The Wildlife Branch will manage wildlife operations in order to obtain these objectives in accordance with the Wildlife Plan contained within the Northwest Area Contingency Plan. Staffing and equipment for reconnaissance, deterrence, search and capture, field stabilization, transportation, and rehabilitation are described below. The Wildlife Branch will work with the Environmental Unit to develop specific protocols and

guidelines to manage all response activities to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife and habitat

on Sable Island.

6. Species Potentially Affected

Specific birds and mammals that may be in the area of the spill are identified in the following sections. Refer to the current ICS-232 to obtain the most current information concerning wildlife potentially at risk.





6.1 Birds

The Scotian Basin and Sable Island serve as breeding, loafing and foraging habitat for a variety of species groups including:

• Seabirds

• Gulls and terns

• Waterfowl

• Shorebirds

• Diving birds

During summer, large populations of birds nest on Sable Island. The near-shore and offshore areas serve as important feeding areas for large numbers birds. Migrants have moved out of the area and are not expected to be congregated, except for colonial nesting species. 6.2 Mammals

Several species of marine mammals have been identified in the area of the spill.

• Harbour seal

• Grey seal

• Northern bottle-nosed whale

• North Atlantic right whale

• Blue whale

• Other cetaceans

Feral Horses—Approximately 400 feral horses roam throughout Sable Island. The horses are of special concern due to public sentiment and are protected by Parks Canada regulations. The horses regularly use the beach areas for loafing and transiting the island and are susceptible to oiling impacts when on the beach areas. 6.3 Reptiles

Two species of sea turtles have been identified in the spill impact area.

• Leatherback turtles

• Loggerhead turtles

6.4 Species at Risk

Several Species of Concern occur in the Scotian Basin and could potentially be in the impact area. This list is not exclusive and species may or not be present, but have the potential to be within the area impacted by the spill. Of particular concern are marine mammals, sea turtles and certain birds.





SPECIES OF CONSERVATION INTEREST


COSEWIC Designation

Birds

Duck, Harlequin1 Histrionicus Special Concern Special Concern

Falcon, Peregrine3 (anatum/tundrius)

Falco peregrinus anatum/tundrius Special Concern Special Concern

Goldeneye, Barrow’s1 Bucephala islandica Special Concern Special Concern

Gull, Ivory1 Pagophila eburnea Endangered Endangered

Knot, Red (rufa sub-species)2

Calidris canutus rufa Endangered Endangered

Phalarope, Red-necked2 Phalaropus lobatus Not Listed Special Concern

Plover, Piping (melodus subspecies)2

Charadrius melodus Endangered Endangered

Sparrow, Savannah (princeps subspecies)3

Passerculus sandwichensis princeps Special Concern Special Concern

Tern, Roseate2 Sterna dougallii Endangered Endangered

Marine Mammals

Porpoise, Harbor

(Northwest Atlantic population)2

Phocoena Schedule 2, Threatened Special Concern

Whale, Blue (Atlantic population)4

Balaenoptera musculus Schedule 1, Endangered Endangered

Whale, Fin (Atlantic Population)4

Balaenoptera physalus Schedule 1, Special Concern

Special Concern

Whale, Killer4 Orcinus orca Not Listed Special Concern

Whale, North Atlantic Right4

Eubalaena glacialis Schedule 1, Endangered Endangered

Whale, Northern bottlenose (Scotian Shelf population)4

Hyperoodon ampullatus Schedule 1, Endangered Endangered

Whale, Sowerby’s Beaked4 Mesoplodon bidens Schedule 1, Special Concern

Not Listed

Sea Turtles

Sea Turtle, Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea Schedule 1, Endangered Endangered

Sea Turtle, Loggerhead Caretta Schedule 1, Endangered Endangered

(Stantec 2014, 2015; ECCC SARA registry) 1 Highly susceptible to the effects of oil 2 Moderately susceptible to the effects of oil 3 Low susceptibility to the effects of oil 4 Susceptibility poorly understood/insufficient data





7. Wildlife Response

7.1 Oiled Wildlife Reporting Hotline

An Oiled Wildlife Reporting Hotline has been activated and a Public Service Announcement (PSA) has been requested, to advise the public not to handle oiled wildlife.

This Hotline is intended to be used by the public for reporting observations of oiled wildlife. Calls received will be routed to personnel organizing the oiled wildlife search and recovery efforts for this incident. In addition, this line should be used by Operations personnel to report any encounters with oiled wildlife (live or dead).

7.2 Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance by fixed-wing aircraft will be conducted daily over the next several days. The over-flights will focus on determining the distribution and numbers of birds, turtles and marine mammals that may potentially be impacted by oil as it moves through the open ocean and on Sable Island. Results of the over-flights will guide wildlife response activities. Ongoing reconnaissance will be important as spill response continues. NOTE: Operations field staff is requested to stay away from oiled wildlife to minimize stress to the impacted animals. Under no circumstances should they attempt to capture any oiled wildlife, as such efforts could endanger the safety of both themselves and the animals. Wildlife Branch has been coordinating with the Environmental Unit for initial wildlife information. 7.3 Wildlife Monitoring

Initial Wildlife Impact Assessment An initial wildlife impact assessment is being conducted on 7 Dec 2017 on Sable Island to determine extent of wildlife impacts. Two wildlife observers will assess the shoreline and seal haul-out areas on Sable Island. Monitoring will be conducted on foot and by UTV/ATV. Impact assessment will be ongoing activity of field teams in order to continuously monitor changing conditions and ongoing impacts to wildlife in the area. Information collected will be essential to developing and implementing appropriate wildlife response strategies throughout this incident. Seal Haul-out Monitoring Wildlife field teams will monitor seal haul-out areas on a daily basis. Monitors will attempt to reduce disturbance to seal haul-out areas and to record any oil impacts observed. Appropriate response strategies will be developed based on observed impacts.





Vessel Based Monitoring The wildlife branch will continue to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using vessel based wildlife monitoring in the offshore area. In-situ Burning Monitoring One wildlife observer will be assigned to each in-situ burn boat task force. The observer will record information on wildlife in the burn areas. Dispersant Application Monitoring One wildlife observer will be assigned to the spotter plane attached to the dispersant application plane. Sightings of rafting flocks of seabirds, marine mammals, or sea turtles will lead to a cessation of application for a 1000 m horizontal distance. 7.4 Search and Capture

Wildlife search and capture of oiled birds will begin work on 8 Dec 2017 on Sable Island. Initially, three 2-person field teams will be utilized for search and capture of oiled birds. Search and capture on Sable Island will be by foot or utilizing UTV/ATV transport to reach distant sites. Additional field teams will be utilized as determined appropriate to level of response efforts needed throughout this incident. A variety of capture techniques may be utilized as appropriate. No open-water capture is proposed at this time due to logistical and safety issues with working in boats in open water of the North Atlantic. Search and capture teams will do the following: 1. Use information provided from reconnaissance operations to locate and capture oil impacted

wildlife. 2. Coordinate the transfer of captured wildlife to either the field stabilization unit or the

rehabilitation unit as appropriate. 3. Collect dead wildlife using the appropriate carcass collection protocol and deliver to the

wildlife morgue under chain of custody. 4. Monitor wild bird populations in area for potential deterrence operations.

Trained and experienced marine mammal specialists (MARS or ALERT) will be utilized to field capture oil impacted seal pups. 7.5 Field Stabilization

A field stabilization facility will be established December 8th on Sable Island at the Parks Canada garage building. Two field stabilization technicians will manage the facility to provide initial medical treatment to stabilize animals before transport to the animal care center to increase survival of animals. The stabilization center will serve as collection site for birds collected by wildlife search and collection teams. Centers will arrange for transportation of collected birds to the wildlife rehabilitation center. The need for additional field stabilization sites will be assessed as the incident progresses.





7.6 Wildlife Transport

Oil impacted wildlife, particularly oiled birds and seal pups, will need to be transported from field stabilization to longer-term care in the Wildlife Care Center. The primary area of concern is Sable Island. Transport from Sable Island to Dartmouth may be accomplished by boat or small aircraft. The Wildlife Branch will utilize the most efficient and timely methods of transport in order to increase the survival of impacted animals. Generally, shorter transport times result in higher survival rates of animals. 7.7 Rehabilitation

A Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Wildlife Care Facility) will be established in Dartmouth (133 John Savage Avenue) beginning on Saturday, December 9. The Rehab Center is expected to be fully operational by December 10, with additional build-out of animal housing, pens, and pools to occur as necessary throughout the incident. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will provide all aspects of rehabilitation and animal care as required to address appropriate animal care standards for oiled wildlife. Professionally trained and experienced oiled wildlife care experts will manage all aspects of animal care from intake to release of healthy animals. DFO has authorized the Wildlife Branch to attempt rehabilitation of harbor seal pups. Field stabilization will be conducted at the same stabilization facility on Sable Island. Additional rehabilitation facilities for seal pups will be developed as needed. 7.8 Oiled Wildlife Carcass Collection

An additional component of the wildlife response activities is the removal of any dead, oiled wildlife to avoid attracting scavengers to the site. The responsibility for the collection and documentation of dead oiled wildlife is primarily the responsibility of the Wildlife Branch within the ICS. As such, organized efforts to collect wildlife carcasses will be pursued as appropriate for the circumstances of the spill response. Specific carcass collection protocols will be developed by the Wildlife Branch. The first protocol will be an initial protocol that will be used by operational staff during the first day or two of the response. The purpose of this initial protocol is to collect data that would otherwise be lost while waiting for the development of formal protocol and for the collection activities to commence. Because these carcasses may be useful in other parts of the response, they should be collected for delivery to Wildlife Branch staff. Additional detailed carcass collection protocols will be developed for birds, turtles, and marine mammals. Environment Canada Wildlife Enforcement Division and Canadian Wildlife Service should be involved in the development of the protocols for processing of wildlife carcasses. DFO concurrence will be required for marine mammal and sea turtle carcass collection protocols. 7.9 Marine Mammal Sampling/Necropsy

The Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS) will be engaged to address marine mammal and sea turtle strandings. MARS will investigate strandings, collect samples, and conduct carcass necropsy as determined on a case-by-case basis. The Wildlife Branch will request MARS assistance whenever needed.





8. Deterrence and Hazing

No deterrence operations are currently underway. Use of hazing is contingent upon results of reconnaissance. The Wildlife Branch will continually assess opportunities to utilize deterrence options to protect wildlife from oil impacts. Hazing of wildlife may be used to discourage birds and mammals from moving into or near an oil slick or contaminated area. Hazing will be conducted only by appropriately trained personnel under specific guidance from the Wildlife Branch. The purpose of hazing wildlife from the vicinity of this spill is to prevent birds and mammals from becoming oiled, while minimizing the disturbance to non-oiled wildlife. It is important that hazing be conducted in a controlled manner, so as not to move birds from unoiled areas into areas where they could become oiled. Often the techniques require frightening birds or mammals to keep them away. In many cases, wildlife must be deterred from contaminated areas repeatedly and frequently. Deterrents may be attempted for any flock or group size, but the success rate may be low with larger flocks of birds or groups of animals. Furthermore, hazing potentially may result in some mortality. Nonetheless, the drawbacks associated with hazing may be more acceptable than allowing wildlife populations to undergo oil contamination. 8.1 Bird Deterrence

No bird deterrence is currently implemented. Bird deterrence equipment has been ordered and will be staged on Sable Island or in the wildlife staging area. Field teams will continually assess opportunities to develop and implement bird deterrence strategies to keep birds out of oiled areas. Floating acoustic hazing devices (Breco Buoy) may be used in open water if determined to be appropriate. 8.2 Marine Mammal Deterrence

No marine mammal hazing operations are currently underway. Use of hazing is contingent upon results of reconnaissance. It is expected that any hazing of marine mammals would be done with concurrence and under the direction of DFO personnel. 8.3 Feral Horse Deterrence/Exclusion

The Wildlife Branch will utilize exclusion fencing to keep feral horses away from oiled shoreline areas. Additional cross-island fencing may be used to segregate horses from oiled sections of Sable Island. Fencing will be erected by contract personnel under direct supervision of the Wildlife Branch and/or Parks Canada. Fencing will be constructed in unvegetated dune or sand areas, allowing for a 10’ unvegetated buffer island side of beach/dune areas. Fencing will not be constructed until shoreline impacts have been determined. Fencing will be limited to oil impacted shoreline areas.

9. Training





Wildlife personnel training requirements generally fall into two primary areas: personal safety (HAZWOPER, animal handling, etc.) and animal husbandry. In addition to these primary areas each position will receive training that is specific to the task they’ve been assigned. 9.1 Personal Safety

All responders must abide by the incident-specific site safety plan, as well as any wildlife specific safety requirements. 9.2 Animal Husbandry

Animal husbandry training will be specific to the task assigned and the species present. Training will include information intended to keep the worker safe as well as information intended to prevent injury to the animal. Training will cover proper animal holding technique, examination procedures, feeding/hydrating, blood work analysis, evidence collection, etc.

10. References

USFWS. 2003. Best Practices for Migratory Bird Care During Oil Spill Response. Catherine Berg, Ed. (dated November 2003).






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Wildlife Response Plan February 2018 · Wildlife Response Plan Scotian Basin Exploration Project...

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