The Environmental Unit Leader - is responsible for environmental matters associated with the response, including strategic assessment, modeling, surveillance, and environmental monitoring and permitting. The Environmental Unit Leader prepares environmental data for the situation unit. Technical Specialists frequently assigned to the Environmental Unit may include the Scientific Support Coordinator and the Sampling, Response Technologies, Trajectory Analysis, Weather Forecast, Resources at Risk, Shoreline Cleanup Assessment, Historical/Cultural Resources, and Disposal Technical Specialists.

The major responsibilities of the Environmental Unit Leader are:

• Review Common Responsibilities.
  
  
• Review Unit Leader Responsibilities.
  
  
• Obtain a briefing and special instructions from the Planning Section Chief (PSC).
  
  
• Participate in Planning Section meetings.
  
  
• Identify sensitive areas and recommend response priorities.
  
  
• Following consultation with natural resource trustees, provide input on wildlife protection strategies (e.g., removing oiled carcasses, preemptive capture, hazing, and/or capture and treatment).
  
  
• Determine the extent, fate, and effects of contamination.
  
  
• Acquire, distribute, and provide analysis of weather forecasts.
  
  
• Monitor the environmental consequences of cleanup actions.
  
  
• Develop shoreline cleanup and assessment plans. Identify the need for, and prepare any special advisories or orders.
  
  
• Identify the need for, and obtain, permits, consultations, and other authorizations including Endangered Species Act (ESA) provisions.
  
  
• Following consultation with the Federal On-Scene Coordinator (FOSC)’s Historical/Cultural Resources Technical Specialist identify and develop plans for protection of affected historical/cultural resources. 
  
  
• Evaluate the opportunities to use various response technologies.
  
  
• Develop disposal plans
  
  
• Develop a plan for collecting, transporting, and analyzing samples.
  
  
• Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214, 5 KB PDF^*).