News & Announcements Archives | Page 58 of 75 | Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council

From the Executive Director: Ignore the lessons of history at our own peril

October 10, 2024January 29, 2016 by Contributing Author

Twenty six years have passed since the Exxon Valdez grounded on Bligh Reef, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound. The spill devastated the environment, fishing industry, our economy, and livelihoods. Our organization was created in the wake of this disaster to work with industry, government, and local communities to understand how this happened and to use the lessons from the Exxon Valdez spill to advocate for safeguards designed to make sure nothing like it happens again. Thanks to the foresight, vigilance and tireless efforts of elected officials, regulators, industry, and citizens, the oil spill prevention and response system now in place in Prince William Sound is a model to the rest of the world.

From Alyeska: Alyeska crew carries out pipeline maintenance and response readiness from base in Glennallen

January 29, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

Jeff Streit, a supervisor at the Glennallen Response Base, on a brisk winter morning tour of the facility. Photo courtesy of Alyeska.

The Glennallen Response Base is located in Alaska’s Interior, a little over 100 miles north of Valdez. Originally designated as Pump Station 11, the facility was constructed as a response and maintenance base after it was decided that another pump station wasn’t necessary. Now, a small Alyeska team, supported by a focused and energetic Ahtna baseline crew, coordinates and carries out maintenance and prevention activities along the pipeline right of way, while maintaining a constant state of oil spill response readiness. Their accountable area stretches from south of Paxson all the way to the gate of the Valdez Marine Terminal.

Interns help fulfill council’s mission

December 8, 2018January 29, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

The council has three interns, two college and one high school, hard at work on projects this spring.

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.”