News & Announcements

The University of Alaska Anchorage’s KRUA radio interviewed our executive director Mark Swanson last week about the council, our history and purpose, our research, council successes such as tanker escorts and much more.  Listen to the interview:

KRUA Interview with Mark Swanson

Many thanks to KRUA Radio, 88.1FM in Anchorage for permission to post the audio clip.  KRUA’s website:  KRUA 88.1FM 

Articles from the January issue of The Observer newsletter are now online:

1. Study looks at changes in Columbia Glacier and effects on oil transportation
   This year, the council is sponsoring a project to study Columbia Glacier, looking at its retreat and loss of ice. The council hopes to learn more about possible future effects of icebergs on tanker traffic in Prince William Sound.
   Article:  Study looks at changes in Columbia Glacier and effects on oil transportation 
2. Updated tanker oil spill plans for Sound approved in November
   The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation approved the new Prince William Sound Tanker Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan and associated response plans for individual vessels effective November 2, 2012.
   Article:  Updated tanker oil spill plans for Sound approved in November
   
3. Long-time staff member Stan Jones to retire
   Stan Jones, the council’s director of administration and external affairs, will be retiring after more than 17 years of service to the council.
   Article:  Long-time staff member Stan Jones to retire
   

   Read more

Read more about the council’s concerns about extensions of the tank inspection intervals at the Valdez Marine Terminal, a coalition for citizen oversight of the pipeline, hear from the Coast Guard about dual escorts, and more.

Just as a reminder, you can now receive The Observer by email! Sign up today to receive our newsletter straight into your inbox.

The council held a board meeting on May 3 and 4 at the Valdez Convention and Civic Center.

Signifigant agenda items included:

• Seating of new directors, election of officers, and adoption of council budget for the year beginning July 1.
• An update from the citizens’ council on the renewal process for oil spill prevention and response plans for tankers in Prince William Sound.
• A report from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation on its revisions, now in progress, to the state regulations governing contingency plans.
• A presentation from Crowley Maritime on the company’s follow-up actions in response to a series of incidents involving the tugs that assist tankers carrying North Slope crude oil and support the system for responding to tanker spills.
• A presentation on the issue of storage tank inspection intervals at the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. tanker terminal in Valdez. The council has recently opposed Alyeska requests to extend inspection intervals, and has unsuccessfully urged the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation to reconsider its decision to grant at least one such extension.