nce. Several areas such as marshland, recreational beaches, and offshore islands required specialized attention.The marsh areas were particularly sensitive, not only to oiling, but to methods of oil spill cleanup. Some consideration was given to using a sod cutter to remove contaminated grass, but the method was deemed severe, and ordinary rakes and garden hoes were employed to preserve the root system and thus ensure future growth.The overall effect of the bunker C on the shoreline itself was relatively minor. Because of the thickness and consistency, the oil generally remained on the surface of the beaches without sinking into the sand; thus, it was easier to remove without causing undue disturbance the shoreline. Furthermore, heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and pay loaders, were not employed on the beaches, as learned from the "Arrow" cleanup.In areas where the fishing industry is active, the oiling of fishing gear was unavoidable. Fish nets were heavy casualties, and in order to clean them, a fish-net Laundromat, initially built during theArrow oil spill in 1970, was reconditioned and put to use. The Laundromat was very successful, cleaning nearly 100 nets and cleanup equipment, such as oiled booms, as well.By far the most visible victims of the spill were the dead and dying birds, which washed ashore by the hundreds. It is impossible to at an accurate figure for the number of birds killed, because up to 80% may have died at sea and never washed ashore. However, the Canadian Wildlife Service estimated that the total number ranged from12,000 to 25,000. Most of the inshore birds killed were gulls and ducks, especially Old Squaw, Eiders, and Scoters, while at sea Auks such as Murres and Dovekies were seriously affected. There was also some mortality among seals, but damage to shellfish areas was minimal.Disposal of ProductIn all 997,000 bags and 1,500 barrels of oily debris were collected and this material required a means of dispo...
