SAULT STE. MARIE -- If you see emergency crews on the St. Mary's River this week don't be alarmed.  Several agencies are teaming up to conduct a series of full-scale contingency exercises.

The Coast Guard is teaming up with about 270 participants from Canadian, tribal, state and local agencies Wednesday and Thursday.  The exercises are designed to evaluate the multi-agency, international and local response to oil spills and maritime security incidents.

During the exercises, the public may observe law enforcement patrol cars and boats with emergency lights and sirens activated. Marine traffic on the river may experience temporary delays due to additional safety and security measures. Additionally, boaters may encounter safety zones around oil spill containment equipment deployed in the water.

There is no cause for alarm due to this increased activity from law enforcement and emergency response personnel. Emergency dispatchers have been notified of these exercises, which should not represent a significant impact to response capabilities for the agencies involved.

The Coast Guard conducts these exercises annually as required by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Each exercise serves as an opportunity for the Coast Guard, international and interagency partners, as well as members of industry, to train and practice together.