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Lake Charles RAR

Resources at Risk for Lake Charles, Louisiana
I.	Spill Source Information
This report was prepared at 7:00 pm EDT on October 1, 2005.  Information in the report is 
a general overview of the resources in the area.

II.	Geographic Region Covered
The area covered by this report is Lake Charles.  This area does not necessarily 
correspond to actual or potential oil locations.  Consult other Hotline reports for oil 
location information.

III.	Expected Behavior of the Spilled Material
This report is not based on any particular product but a general overview of the 
resources in the area.

IV.	Shoreline Resources at Risk
Seawalls characterize most of the Lake Charles shoreline.  The north side and southwest 
corner of the lake have sand beaches associated with them.

V.	Biological Resources at Risk
Included are general statements about the effects of oil on the various biological 
resources.  The effects may vary based on the type of contaminant, since the behavior, 
toxicity, and availability of the material can vary from product to product.
	Fish - Fish present in the area include, but are not limited to, Atlantic 
croaker, bay anchovy (spawning), gulf menhaden, black drum (spawning), red drum 
(spawning), striped mullet, gray snapper, sheepshead, silver perch, spotted seatrout 
(spawning).  Juvenile fish are usually present all year.  In general, juvenile and larval 
fish are more sensitive to spilled oil than adults.  Fish in shallow water areas are more 
likely to be impacted, since it is more likely that there is a higher concentration of 
oil in the water column.  Surface slicks usually do not have much of an impact on fish.
	Shellfish - Shellfish present in Lake Charles include blue crab, brown shrimp, 
and white shrimp.  There also may be low concentrations of Gulf stone crab and bay 
squid.  Juvenile stages of all of these shellfish may also be present in the area.  
Shellfish in shallow water areas are more likely to be impacted, since it is likely that 
there is a higher concentration of oil in the water column.  Surface slicks usually do 
not have much of an impact on crabs and shrimp.  Crabs, oysters, and other benthic 
invertebrates may be contaminated by a heavy sinking oil.
	Birds - There do not appear to be any significant bird concentrations in or 
around Lake Charles.
	Mammals - There do not appear to be any significant concentration of aquatic 
mammals in or around Lake Charles.
	Reptiles - There do not appear to be any significant concentrations of aquatic 
reptiles in or around Lake Charles.

VI.	Human-Use Resources at Risk
There is a boat ramp and marina on the north side of Lake Charles.

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