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6.0 Impact Considerations Version :27.10.4 <br /> Spills On Water <br /> Bays and Estuaries <br /> • Description <br /> . Near coastal waters partially surrounded by land and more sheltered than <br /> offshore habitats. <br /> • Limited circulation and flushing, with depths frequently <30 feet. <br /> . Suspended sediment concentrations can be high. <br /> • Highly sensitive to oil spills, particularly where flushing rates are low and the <br /> probability of contact increases. <br /> . Many species spawn in these habitats during spring, and their sensitive early life <br /> stages can persist in shallow waters. <br /> • Large numbers of migratory or wintering waterfowl, wading, and diving birds are <br /> often found here. Bays and estuaries are also home to marine mammals and <br /> sea turtles. <br /> . Estuaries and bays are used by commercially or recreationally important finfish, <br /> shellfish, and other organisms that migrate seasonally. <br /> . Predicted Oil Behavior <br /> • Oil can impact bottom habitats (benthic organisms)when water is shallow. <br /> . Stranded oil on nearby shorelines can become a prolonged source for oil re- <br /> released to the water column. <br /> . Tides and fresh water can substantially influence spilled oil movement. <br /> • Response Considerations <br /> • Reducing impacts to organisms that live on or in the sea surface is often a high <br /> priority. <br /> . Reducing the extent of impacts to sensitive nearshore subtidal or intertidal <br /> habitats should be considered. <br /> • Spill response is not conducted from a shoreline, but from water-based vessels <br /> or aircraft. <br /> • Use of certain response options is seasonally limited to protect sensitive life <br /> histories. <br /> . Adverse effects to birds would be greatest during migration and overwintering <br /> when the birds form large flocks. <br /> Shell Supply and Distribution 6-52 Stockton Terminal FRP <br /> ©2019 Witt 0' Brien's Revision Date:October, 2019 <br />