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Tuesday, November 18

7:30 am - 6:00 pm
8:00 am - 11:30 am
Workshops

Clean Gulf Associates (CGA) and Wildlife Response Services, LLC (WRS) responders are excited to present an engaging morning exercise as we immerse attendees into a day in the life of an oiled wildlife responder.


NOTE: Open to industry and regulators only. Dress is casual and closed toe shoes are required


Keep in mind that timely mobilization to the wildlife “incident” (located at the already deployed CGA Wildlife Response Trailer) on the day of training is crucial. The Wildlife Response Manager requires a solid “responder” head count to ensure a successful outcome to our wildlife response. Prior to any field or rehabilitation center activities, all responders will participate in a site safety meeting. Following this meeting the Wildlife Response Manager will designate teams of responders and provide necessary information to set the response efforts in motion. During this four (4) hour exercise you will be introduced to the dynamic world of caring for animals during an oil spill. We will cover safety requirements, mobilization of the core response team, use of local rehabilitation personnel, deterrents, the importance of initial and continuous wildlife surveys, setting up an efficient wildlife rehabilitation center, types of animal enclosures, various tools of the trade, use of and location of response trailers, procurement of resources, recon and recovery teams, intake exams, stabilization of patients, decontamination of patients, reconditioning and recovery of patients, achieving successful release of admitted wildlife, and demobilization of equipment and personnel.


Printed certificates will be distributed at the conclusion of the training.



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Instructor
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Workshops

Target Audience: Oil Spill Responders, Occupational Health Professionals, Team Leaders, and Organizational Decision-Makers

Workshop Objectives:

·        Increase Awareness: Understand the mental health challenges faced by oil spill responders.

·        Develop Skills: Equip participants with practical tools and strategies to support mental health.

·        Create Actionable Materials: Develop a personalized action plan for each participant to implement in their organizational Decision-Makers

 

Workshop Agenda:

1.      Session 1: Understanding Mental Health in Oil Spill Response

2.      Session 2: Building Resilience and Action Plans

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Instructors
  • Victoria Broje Ph.D., Principal Emergency Management Specialist - Environment, Shell Emergency Management - PTS

Wednesday, November 19

8:30 am - 10:00 am
All Hazards Response Case Studies and Hazard Recognition

Animals in response can mean many things; from preplanning and where the wildlife branch fits within the overall ICS Structure to the logistics of actually standing up a wildlife rehabilitation center. Further to this, as all say “every spill is different,” species collected differ, specialists vary, data requirements change, and how animals are cared for is evaluated and sometimes revised. We will also take a look at how animals (particularly oil detection canines) are utilized in detecting the presence of oil in the environment. 

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Chair
  • Josh Clifford (Invited), Vice President, Operations and Emergency Response, QT Environmental
Speakers
  • Surface Scent, Subsurface Spill: Evaluating the Capability of Oil Detection Canines to Identify Submerged and Sunken Oil
  • Oiled Wildlife Response Plans - Why You Shouldn't Just Wing It
    • Daniel Wilson, Field Response Manager, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.
      Co-Authors:
      Patrick Hogan, Oil Programs Director, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.
      Jessica Slutter, Oil Programs Manager, Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research, Inc.
  • Applying ICS to Wildlife Emergency Management: Comparative Insights from On-Site and Remote Coordination in Brazil.
    • Pedro Furtado, Emergency Response Consultant, EnvironPact Sustentabilidade e Resiliência
      Co-Authors:
      Valeria Ruoppolo, Director, Aiuká
      Rodolfo Pinho da Silva-Filho, Director, Aiuká
  • Studying the Ever-Changing Cases of Oiled Wildlife Response - Case Discussions Without Naming the Cases
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Response Fundamentals: Leveraging Resources and Technology for Effective OiI Spill Management

This session will explore the critical initial escalation phase of an oil spill response, focusing on the rapid mobilization of resources, coordination among stakeholders, and establishment of command structures.

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Chair
Speakers
  • Guidelines for Air Monitoring Tactics for Emergency Response - An API Publication
    • Nick Flolid, Director Operations - Emergency Management, GHD
      Co-Author:
      Ty Farrell, Senior Manager, HSE – Emergency Response and Security Management, Plains All American
  • Building a Functional Situation Unit and Leveraging Technology to Keep Pace
  • Thinking Outside the Box: Cost-Effective Strategies in Emergency Response - Part 1
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Response Tools and Technology

This session will bring together industry experts to explore the evolving landscape of dispersant use in marine oil spill response. Attendees will gain insights into strategic deployment, regulatory developments, scientific advancements, and lessons learned. Designed for emergency managers, response personnel, environmental scientists, and decision-makers, this session equips participants with the knowledge and tools to support informed, science-based decisions in marine spill preparedness and response.

 

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Chair
  • Billy J. Powell, Regional Emergency Management Manager - Americas, Shell Emergency Management
Speakers
  • Dispersant Use in Marine Oil Spills: Strategy, Application, and Monitoring
    • Tracy Sedlack (Invited), Senior Response Manager, Marine Spill Response Corporation
  • New Dispersants Under Subpart J: What We Know and What We're Learning
    • Victoria Broje Ph.D. (Invited), Principal Emergency Management Specialist - Environment, Shell Emergency Management - PTS
  • Enhancing Dispersant Response Through Exercise Outcomes
    • Mike Drieu, GOA EPR Projects Manager, Occidental Petroleum Corporation
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
General Sessions

This session brings together Louisiana and Texas leaders to discuss how Louisiana and Texas are addressing today’s emergency preparedness and response challenges, focusing on how local, state, and federal agencies work together—and where those relationships are being built, tested and strengthened."

Attendees will gain actionable insights on building stronger interagency partnerships and improving coordinated response efforts.

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Panelists
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
All Hazards Response Case Studies and Hazard Recognition

This session will cover how a variety of hazards are detected and controlled. The ultimate goal is the safety of people and the environment. Assessing what hazards are present and how to respond are important in improving capabilities.

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Chair
Speakers
  • Lithium-Ion Battery Fires - Air and Environmental Monitoring Considerations
    • Chris Kuhlman, Principal Toxicologist, CTEH, LLC
      Co-Author:
      Helen Dubach, Environmental Director, CTEH, LLC
  • Lessons Learned from the Implementation of a 24/7 Remote Monitoring Center for Oil Spill Detection via Radar
    • Ana Luisa Conceição, Emergency Consultant, EnvironPact Sustentabilidade e Resiliência
      Co-Authors:
      Pedro Pereira, Emergency Consultant, EnvironPact Sustentabilidade e Resiliência
      Pedro Martins, Operating Director, EnvironPact Sustentabilidade e Resiliência
  • Saltwater Intrusion and the NS Oliver Yard: a Preparedness Case Study
    • Andy Pennington, Environmental Scientist, Arcadis Inc.
      Co-Authors:
      Crystal Robinson, Manager Environmental Operations - Gulf Division, Norfolk Southern
      Jason Artrip, Project Manager, Arcadis Inc.
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Business and Response Continuity Issues

This session will explore the impacts of non-spill events (i.e. hurricanes, cybersecurity, supply chain failures) and how Incident Management Teams (IMTs) have adapted to address these other types of events.

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Chair
Speaker
  • The Cyber Threat: Security Best Practices
1:15 pm - 2:45 pm
Response Fundamentals: Leveraging Resources and Technology for Effective OiI Spill Management

This session will explore current regulatory challenges, best practices for maintaining spill response equipment, and cutting-edge tech ologies to enhance preparedness and response effectiveness in oil spill management. 

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Chair
  • Gil Martinez, Senior Advisor, Emergency Response, Murphy Exploration & Production Co.
Speakers
  • Regulatory Concerns of an Ongoing Response
    • CWO-2 Michael Walker (Invited), Marine Safety Specialist Response, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston
  • Maintaining Equipment on an Extended Response
    • Michael Epstein, Senior Marine Engineer, Marine Spill Response Corporation MSRC
  • Thinking Outside the Box: Cost-Effective Strategies in Emergency Response - Part 2
  • Maximizing Technology to Manage a Response
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Training Options and Simulations
Chair
Speakers
  • Innovative On-Line Tools for Interactive Shoreline Response Training
    • Ed Owens, President, OCC Ltd
      Co-Authors:
      Elliott Taylor, Principal, Polaris Applied Sciences Inc.
      Tristan Owens, Principal, Zero Plus Productions
  • Use of Micro Learning Challenges to improve Responder Performance
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
All Hazards Response Case Studies and Hazard Recognition

This session will review the overall response to the unsecured release at Well 59 in Garden Island Bay in May 2025. Areas of focus will include Federal On-Scene Coordinator, management of the spill following federalization of the incident, the use of Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA) as a “Common Operating Picture (COP)” management tool, the type of equipment needed for the shallow water environment, and the impact of livestreaming video and pictures on the response.

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Chair
Moderator
Panelists
  • Case Study Overview: Response Strategies, Tactics, and Challenges; Uncontrolled Crude Oil Release to a Broken Roseau Cane Marsh Environment South of Venice, Louisiana Well 59 Incident April 2025
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Business and Response Continuity Issues

Employee transitions are inevitable, but disruptions don’t have to be. This session provides actionable strategies and real-world examples for building resilient teams and processes that ensure seamless operational response, even amidst workforce evolution. Lean how to minimize risk, maintain performance, and empower continuity. 

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Chair
  • Bob Patterson, Managing Director, Witt O'Brien's, LLC / Ambipar Response
Panelists
  • Bridgett Stickler (Invited), Vice President, Coalition Strategy, CAEL - Council for Adult and Experiential Learning
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Response Tools and Technology

Session Description TBD

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Co-Chairs
  • Dave Dolnick, Director, Crisis Management and Emergency Response, Phillips 66
Speakers
  • Dynamic Risk Assessment and Responder Decision-Making Using Unmanned Systems at Oil Spill Incidents
  • Using Generative AI to Support Emergency Management in Brazil
    • Victor Rodrigues, Innovation Coordinator, OceanPact
      Co-Author:
      Augusto Antoun, Consultant, OceanPact
  • Operational Probabilistic Simulations Applied in Oil Drift Forecast Uncertainty Assessment for Emergency Responses
    • Marcelo Cabral, Modeling Manager, CLS BRASIL
      Co-Authors:
      João Deboni, Oceanographer I, CLS BRASIL
      André Luis De Oliveira, Environmental Specialist, CLS BRASIL
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Response Fundamentals: Leveraging Resources and Technology for Effective OiI Spill Management

This session will explore the financial considerations and implications of closing oil spill response operations including tracking, cost recovery and financial accountability. 

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Chair
  • Michael Walker, Vice President - Gulf Region, Marine Spill Response Corporation
Speakers
  • What's Involved in Getting Paid for Spill Response Services
  • Perspective from an Insurance Surveyor: What Gets your Invoice Paid or Rejected?
5:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Thursday, November 20

7:30 am - 3:00 pm
10:45 am - 12:15 pm
All Hazards/Disaster Restoration and Remediation

This session will focus on cradle-to-grave lithium-ion battery response. Presentations will range from case studies, packaging/shipping, regulations, and actionable strategies. 

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Chair
  • Bradley Free, Emergency Preparedness and Response â€" USA Program Director, GHD
Speakers
  • Emergency Response Tactics and Strategies for Responding to Lithium-Ion Battery Incidents
    • Nick Flolid, Director Operations - Emergency Management, GHD
      Co-Author:
      Mike Sheehan, Manager Hazardous Materials, BNSF
  • Safety Considerations of Lithium Battery Thermal Runaway Incidents: Enhancing First Responder Preparedness
  • After the Flames: Navigating Battery Fire Clean-Up and Recovery
10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Crisis Leadership

When crisis strikes, true leadership is tested both within the organization and in the public eye. This session explores how to maintain internal cohesion and morale while projecting confident, credible leadership to external stakeholders.

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Chair
  • Jim Elliott, Chief Operating Officer, T&T Group of Companies
Co-Chair
Panelists
10:45 am - 12:15 pm
Planning and Preparedness
Chair
  • Vincent Velasquez, Sr. Emergency Preparedness & Response Advisor, Occidental Petroleum Corporation
Speakers
  • Beyond the Compliance Checklist: Building Sustainable Emergency Preparedness
  • Thinking Like an Environmental Regulator: Roleplaying for Success
  • 2025 EPA OPA90 Trends
    • John Carroll, Managing Director - Compliance Services, Witt O'Brien's, LLC / Ambipar
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
All Hazards/Disaster Restoration and Remediation

This session will focus on the transition from PFAS containing to Fluorine Free Foam and review the landscape from an operational and legal standpoint with Field Testing and a case study/observation.

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Chair
Speakers
  • Operational and Environmental Aspects of Transitioning from AFFF to Fluorine Free Firefighting Foam
  • Regulatory Landscape of PFAS/Risks
  • Benzene Persistence in Post-Fire Crude Oil Tanks Extinguished with Fluorine-Free Foam
    • Derek Kliethermes, Senior Exposure Scientist, CTEH, LLC
      Co-Author:
      Scott Skelton, Principal Exposure Scientist, CTEH, LLC
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Crisis Leadership

 Protracted crises demand more than technical expertise—they require sustained psychological endurance, adaptive leadership, and cohesive team dynamics. This session explores science-backed strategies to build mental flexibility and resilience within Incident Management Teams (IMTs), particularly in the energy sector where high-consequence, low-frequency incidents challenge preparedness. Drawing insights from emergency psychology, law enforcement practices, and holistic wellness models, we examine how to equip IMT personnel—many of whom come from non-response backgrounds—with the cognitive tools and emotional strength to lead through sustained stress. Participants will learn how proactive mental flexibility training, embedded wellness practices, and intentional team culture can fortify IMTs for prolonged response conditions. Real-world case studies and lessons learned from corporate response teams and cross-sector partnerships will ground the discussion in practical application.

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Chair
  • Jim Elliott, Chief Operating Officer, T&T Group of Companies
Co-Chair
Speakers
  • IMT Resiliency- Building Mental Flexibility in the Incident Management Team
    • Brad Hubbard, Emergency Response Manager, Shell Exploration & Production Company
      Co-Author:
      Jenny Prohaska, Psychologist, Tactical Longevity
  • A Holistic Strategy for Responders' Well-Being
  • Staying Focused and Resilient Under Pressure: Tools for Crisis Management Teams
    • Andrew Couch, Executive Performance Coach, Andrew Couch Coaching Ltd.
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Planning and Preparedness

Session Description TBD

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Chair
  • Michael Hernandez, Science, Technology and Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Oil Spill Response USA Inc.
Speakers
  • Mitigating Risks, Maximizing Preparedness: The Impact of Risk-Based Exercise Planning
    • Nick Furnari, Emergency Preparedness & Response Manager, Marine Well Containment Company
  • The Simplified Planning "P"
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm
All Hazards/Disaster Restoration and Remediation

We know the benefits of restoration and remediation from public safety to ecosystem recovery, but what are the potential impacts? This session will focus on the impacts of remediation and recovery by way of case studies.

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Chair
  • Chris Tracy, Environmental Engineer, Arcwood Environmental Services
Speakers
  • Lead Abatement on Bridges and the Importance of Waste Management Planning
    • Crystal Robinson, Manager Environmental Operations - Gulf Division, Norfolk Southern
  • Combining Remediation and Restoration Tasks to Enhance Ecological Functions
  • Mitigation Scoring
    • Brian Reilly, Director, Natural Resource Assessment, CSA Ocean Sciences, Inc.
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm
Planning and Preparedness

Panelists will apply their own real-world experiences from serving in the position of Environmental Unit Leader to provide practical insights into the role of the Environmental Unit and its importance during a spill response, as well as proven tools and best practices to ensure an effective environmental response.

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Moderator
Panelists
  • Steven Caruselle (Invited), General Manager, Logistics Management Facilities, Kirby Inland Marine Lp

CO-HOSTED BY

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality