News & Announcements

The council’s board of directors met in Valdez on May 1 and 2, 2014.

On the agenda:

The council conducted an election of officers, orientation for new volunteers, and seated volunteers on the established committees.

Topics on the agenda included:

• Adoption of the council budget for the year beginning July 1.
• Approval of a resolution to promote the use of best available technology in tugboats escorting laden oil tankers.
• A presentation on analysis of fishing vessel types and numbers.
• An update from the citizens’ council on the renewal process for oil spill prevention and response plans (known as contingency plans) for the Valdez Marine Terminal.
• A presentation by the US Coast Guard on ice and adverse weather.

Changes to how dispersants are authorized for use during an oil spill are being proposed by the Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT). The ARRT is a combination of federal, state and local agencies that share responsibilities for managing oil and chemical spill responses in Alaska.

The ARRT asked for members of the public and stakeholder groups to review the draft Oil Dispersant Authorization Plan, and is providing an opportunity for comment.

Update: The ARRT’s deadline for written comments was February 14, 2014.