Online Observer

Council recertified as citizens’ advisory group for Prince William Sound

The U.S. Coast Guard recertified the Council as meeting its responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In a February 16 letter to the Council, Rear Admiral M. T. Bell, Commander of the Coast Guard’s District 17 in Juneau, notified the Council of recertification. The Act requires the Council to be recertified annually as … Read more

Compromise reached over habitat protections

Sensitive areas guaranteed swift protection when threatened by an oil spill Conflicting views over the timing associated with protecting two areas in Port Valdez in the event of an oil spill has been resolved. Rapid protections for two environmentally sensitive areas, a large salt marsh known as the Valdez Duck Flats and the Solomon Gulch … Read more

Inoperable radar in Prince William Sound concerns Council

No plans for repair in near future The U.S. Coast Guard’s Vessel Traffic Service, or VTS, which monitors the location of vessels in Prince William Sound, has been operating without radar in recent months. The Coast Guard monitors traffic in busy ports around the country through these VTS offices. The VTS in Prince William Sound … Read more

Potential regulation changes to undergo extended public comment period

Before the state’s oil spill regulations are modified, any proposed changes will undergo an extended public comment period, according to Jason Brune, commissioner for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

Beginning last fall, the department asked the public for input on Alaska’s statutes and regulations covering oil spill prevention and response.

Brune joined the Council during a September meeting of the Board of Directors to discuss potential changes from these comments. The Council was encouraged to hear a promise from the commissioner that any proposed changes will be given more than the required 30-day public comment period.

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