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Resolution in support of Exxon Valdez “Reopener for Unknown Injury”

July 24, 2023September 21, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

The council's directors in Kodiak at the September 2015 board meeting. — The council’s directors in Kodiak at the September 2015 board meeting.

On Friday, September 18, 2015, the council’s board of directors unanimously passed a resolution in support of the “Reopener for Unknown Injury” from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Multiple citizens called in during the public comment period to voice their opinions about this important issue.

Media release: Citizens’ Oversight Council calls for Agreement on Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration

Resolution 15-07 – “Supporting Habitat Restoration Pursuant to Damages Caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill – in support of a meeting between the United States, the State of Alaska, Exxon, Inc., and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustees Council.”

Full text of Resolution 15-07

Supporting Habitat Restoration Pursuant to Damages
Caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

WHEREAS, the Exxon Valdez Settlement Agreement contains a reopener clause allowing the federal or state government to request additional funds from Exxon due to unanticipated remaining oil in the environment and subsequent failure of species to recover within Prince William Sound;

WHEREAS, in 2006, the United States and the State of Alaska presented to Exxon a comprehensive project plan for the cleanup of lingering oil at an estimated cost of $92 million;

Board of directors met in Kodiak

July 24, 2023September 2, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

The council’s board of directors met in Kodiak on Thursday and Friday, September 17 and 18.

Agenda topics included:

A presentation by NUKA Research & Planning, LLC on the council’s past efforts to identify the response gap in Prince William Sound and how a response capability analysis could complement that earlier work.
A presentation by CDR Joseph Lally, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez, on managing tanker movements in Prince William Sound and Port Valdez during high weather events.
A presentation by Starcrest Consulting Group. LLC on the results of an analysis to quantify tanker ship air pollutants being released in Prince William Sound.
Consideration of a board resolution in support of implementing the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Reopener for Unknown Injury.
A report on the council’s monitoring of oil-spill response drills and training exercises conducted in Prince William Sound and nearby waters in 2014.
A presentation by Kodiak Salmon Camp youth leaders on their involvement in recent activities supported by the Council.

New council report: Port of Valdez shrimp found generally safe for consumption

January 9, 2024July 22, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

A new report on the effects of small amounts of hydrocarbons on Port Valdez shrimp is now available. The report was approved by the board of directors during the May board meeting.

News release:

Are shrimp caught in Port Valdez contaminated by Alaska North Slope crude oil? The council recently worked with scientists at the National Auke Bay Lab in Juneau to answer that question.

First known freshwater springs found beneath the face of Columbia Glacier

July 24, 2023February 11, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

Researchers working with the council have found what are believed to be the first documented freshwater springs found at the base of a tidewater glacier in Alaska.

This investigation was conducted by the Prince William Sound Science Center in support of ongoing council research focused on Columbia Glacier. Columbia Glacier has historically contributed to several maritime accidents related to the transportation of crude oil through Prince William Sound. The Glacier has been retreating rapidly from its terminal moraine near Heather Island since the early 1980s. Columbia Glacier’s main face is some 11 miles from Heather Island now. Icebergs produced by the glacier routinely cross into marine traffic lanes, posing a risk to crude oil tankers and their support vessels.

“The survey found several small freshwater springs in the bottom of the bay – places where fresh, clear water was seeping out of the bottom and mixing with the cloudier, saltier water of the bay, “ said Dr. Robert Campbell, researcher for the Prince William Sound Science Center.