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Council board meeting held in Valdez

May 11, 2016April 21, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

The council’s board of directors recently held a board meeting in Valdez.

On the agenda:

An overview of the standards for the escort tugs, barges, and other equipment that is required for oil spill prevention and response in Prince William Sound
A presentation about potential changes by the Alaska Regional Response Team to the Regional Stakeholder Committee, that allows stakeholders an opportunity to provide input in the event of an oil spill or pollution incident
A presentation on how oil dispersants may impact the health of wildlife
A presentation on recent changes to how dispersants are approved for use in Alaska
An update on council outreach activities for the past year

Report shows air pollutants in Prince William Sound reduced by hundreds of tons per year

January 9, 2024January 29, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

By AUSTIN LOVE
Council Project Manager

A new council study found that the low-sulfur fuel used in oil tankers has resulted in far less air pollution from crude oil tankers than just a few years ago.

The study, by Starcrest Consulting Group, evaluated the air pollution from tankers that traveled through Prince William Sound during 2014. The study looked at three air pollutants: nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides. These pollutants are produced by internal combustion engines and released in a vessel’s exhaust. Each of the pollutants can have negative impacts on human health, contributing to heart and lung disease. Researchers calculated the amount of each of these pollutants that would have been released if the tankers had been using fuel with a sulfur content of 2.7, 1.0, or 0.1 percent. The results were then compared to determine the amount reduced.

Long-time employee appointed as head of council

February 18, 2016January 27, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

The council announced at its January 22 meeting that Director of Programs Donna Schantz has been promoted to the position of executive director. Schantz replaces Mark Swanson, who retired from the council in November of last year. Since then, Schantz has served as acting executive director.

“The council is very fortunate to have someone with Donna’s organizational knowledge and history to lead us into the future,” said Amanda Bauer, president of the council board. “I am confident her commitment to our mission and her positive attitude will significantly strengthen relationships within the council, as well as with our industry and regulatory partners, as these relationships are a critical component to achieving our mission.”

Swanson resigns as head of citizens’ council

January 29, 2016November 25, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

Mark Swanson has resigned as executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. His resignation was unanimously accepted by the council board November 24 during a telephonic meeting.

While the board works to seek a permanent replacement, Donna Schantz, the organization’s director of programs, will serve as acting executive director.

“On behalf of the council, I’d like to thank Mark for his service to the organization,” said board President Amanda Bauer. “We wish him the very best in the future.”