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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Session Description TBD
This session will explore the financial considerations and implications of closing oil spill response operations including tracking, cost recovery and financial accountability.
This session will focus on cradle-to-grave lithium-ion battery response. Presentations will range from case studies, packaging/shipping, regulations, and actionable strategies.
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.
TBD
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.
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.
Session Description TBD
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.
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.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality