Articles from the July issue of The Observer newsletter are now online.
1. Industry and council test spill response plans during drill
On June 12 and 13, an oil spill drill conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and hosted by Alyeska tested oil spill contingency plans for the Valdez Marine Terminal. During the drill, the council put aspects of its own internal spill readiness plan to the test.
Read more: Industry and council test spill response plans during drill
2. Citizens’ advisory council for Gulf of Mexico holds first meeting
Representatives from U.S. states bordering the Gulf of Mexico met May 30 in New Orleans to “move forward with the establishment of a Gulf of Mexico Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council,” according to a press release from the group.
Read more: Citizens’ advisory council for Gulf of Mexico holds first meeting
3. Council staffer Linda Robinson retires after 23 years with the council
Linda Robinson retired from the council in June, after 23 years of dedication to the council and its mission. Read more from Linda in her final Community Corner column.
Read more: Council staffer Linda Robinson retires after 23 years with the council
4. Citizen network monitors for aquatic invasive species
With support from the council, a network of citizens monitor our region for invasive species, particularly European green crab and tunicates.
Read more: Citizen network monitors for aquatic invasive species
5. Council representatives head to Washington
For two days in May, council board members Dorothy Moore and Patience Anderson Faulkner, accompanied by staff members Mark Swanson and Steve Rothchild, visited our nation’s capital in an effort to highlight some of the council’s major concerns to the Alaska congressional delegation and several others.
Read more: Council representatives head to Washington
6. Volunteer Spotlight: Engineering expert motivated by intellectual challenges
Orson Smith, the newest member of the council’s Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System committee, loves a good mental challenge.
Read more: Engineering expert motivated by intellectual challenges
7. Citizens’ council board elects new officers, seats new members
The council’s board of directors elected its seven-member executive committee May 2 and 3 during a meeting in Valdez.
Read more: Citizens’ council board elects new officers, seats new members
8. From the Executive Director: Dispersant use in spill response a concern for many
The council has long been skeptical about the use of dispersants in responding to oil spills in our local waters. Until they can be shown to be effective and environmentally beneficial, the council does not recommend their use and advocates for mechanical clean-up options with booms and skimmers that physically remove the spilled oil from the environment.
Read more: Dispersant use in spill response a concern for many
9. From Alyeska Pipeline: Traveling fair brings health and wellness services to Prince William Sound communities
For the last 13 years, Alyeska has sponsored and supported the Prince William Sound Traveling Health and Safety Fair. For eight days, the Krystal Sea brings vital health and wellness services to communities of Cordova, Whittier, Chenega Bay, Tatitlek and Valdez. Our theme this year was “Healing our whole selves,” and the trip focused on health and well-being in all aspects of life, from blood pressure to nutrition, exercise, boating safety, music and meditation.
Read more: Traveling fair brings health and wellness services to Prince William Sound communities
10. Terminal spill contingency plan review extended
The current Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan, set to expire this past May, has been extended to December 9, 2013.
Read more: Terminal spill contingency plan review extended
*Subscribe to the email edition of our newsletter: The Observer