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
The Alaska Regional Response Team, made up of state and federal agencies, recently proposed changes to the Alaska Federal/State Preparedness Plan for Response to Oil & Hazardous Substance Discharges/Releases, also known as the “Unified Plan,” which guides oil spill cleanup in Alaska. These changes would replace the Regional Stakeholder Committee, or RSC, the forum that has been used since the Exxon Valdez oil spill to communicate with those stakeholders affected by an incident such as an oil spill.
Alyeska’s new fire and rescue engine, known as “Squad 1,” is at the terminal and ready for action. Photo courtesy of Alyeska.
In December, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the City of Valdez agreed to a plan for the Alyeska Fire Brigade and the Valdez Fire Department to work together to fight fires. This agreement defines the roles, relationships, jurisdiction, and responsibilities of the two parties in advance of an emergency. The agreement provides the framework for a coordinated emergency response within Valdez city limits.
The council supports the agreement as it will improve the ability of Alyeska Fire Brigade and the Valdez Fire Department to work in coordination both on and off Valdez Marine Terminal property. The agreement will help limit the possible loss of life and property in the event of an emergency, and decrease the potential environmental impacts of a fire at the terminal.
The agreement says that the Alyeska Fire Brigade may assist the Valdez Fire Department during an emergency within the city limits but off of Alyeska property. While not required to do so, Alyeska may provide emergency assistance to the City of Valdez, if a number of conditions are met. Foremost, their service must be specifically requested by the Valdez Fire Department and Alyeska must be able to maintain their minimum required fire and rescue staffing levels at the terminal even while assisting the City of Valdez. Alyeska will not charge the city for emergency services under this agreement.
An oil spill contingency plan is a document which contains both:
Detailed information on steps to be taken before an oil spill to prevent a spill from happening
Detailed instructions describing activities that will be done during and after an accident to clean up an oil spill.
What is the Prince William Sound Tanker Oil Spill Contingency Plan?
This contingency plan describes the measures Prince William Sound shippers take to try to prevent, or clean up, an oil spill from a tanker.
Planning for prevention
Preventing an oil spill is the most effective strategy to protect human health and the environment. The tanker contingency plan contains detailed descriptions of the steps and equipment shippers are using to keep oil out of the water. Examples include:
A tanker escort system to help rescue a tanker in distress
The U.S. Coast Guard’s vessel traffic system that helps guide tankers safely in and out of Prince William Sound
Equipment that is in place to prevent oil or other chemicals from discharging into the water
Alcohol and drug testing which are required for mariners
Maintaining equipment to keep proper function
Tankers following speed limits and staying in designated lanes
The system may be restricted or closed completely during dangerous weather or when ice is present
Thorough training for mariners in the safe use of all equipment.
