Online Observer

From the Executive Director: Recertification is time for reflection and self-evaluation

by
Donna Schantz

In December, the council submitted its application to the U.S. Coast Guard for recertification under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, referred to as “OPA90.”

The Act requires the council to reapply yearly for the Coast Guard’s approval as the official citizens’ advisory group to the oil industry in Prince William Sound. Guidelines established in 2002 streamlined the recertification process for two out of three years, with every third year requiring stricter procedures. That process—known as comprehensive recertification—was used this year.

The application and supporting documents describe how the council has met its responsibilities under OPA90 over the past few years. We are evaluated on whether we include a broad representation of interests in our membership, maintain open communication with industry and government on a variety of issues, coordinate on scientific work, develop and carry out effective monitoring programs, work to prevent and plan for oil spills, and more.

Read more

Conference focuses on best practices in towing rope technology

by

By Alan Sorum
Council project manager

A recent conference on rope design hosted by Samson Rope, a leading producer of high performance towing rope, shared best practices for towing that may be applicable in Prince William Sound.

Founded in Boston in 1878, Samson is the world’s largest producer of ropes made with “Dyneema,” an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fiber. The company manufactures ropes of traditional fibers, like nylon and polyester.
Samson provided the emergency towing equipment for the last two foreign-flagged tankers that called on the Valdez Marine Terminal. The International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency tasked with improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships, requires tankers to carry an emergency towing package on their stern. In addition to this equipment, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation requires what is known as the “Prince William Sound Tow Package” to be carried on the bow of every tanker. This towing package consists of a messenger line, towline, buoy, and heavy-duty shackle that can be quickly deployed in an emergency.

Read more

From Alyeska: Alyeska’s commitments during transition include protection, safe oil transportation, and transparency

by

Mike Day, Operations Manager for Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System.

Vessel under construction. Photo courtesy of Alyeska.

My name is Mike Day and I’m the accountable manager for the marine services transition, which means that I oversee the internal Alyeska transition team and work with Edison Chouest Offshore, or ECO, to make sure they’re ready to provide services in Prince William Sound in 2018. As a lifelong resident of Prince William Sound, it’s incredibly important to me that we are successful.

I recently spent a few days at ECO facilities to monitor the work. ECO is building nine new tugs for Alyeska, and construction is progressing on schedule. They will be built at Edison Chouest shipyards in Louisiana and Mississippi, before completing extensive sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico or Puget Sound, and additional tests in Prince William Sound.

Read more

Former board member Marilynn Heddell passes

by
Marilynn Heddell

Marilynn Heddell, former council board member, passed away on November 18, 2016.

Heddell represented Whittier on the board from 1996 until 2013. She held several positions during her 17 years on the council. She was first elected as member-at-large in 1996. She served as secretary from 1997 to 2001, as vice-president from 2002 to 2004, again as secretary from 2004 to 2008, and was elected to the position of treasurer in 2012.

Heddell was an active member of the council’s finance committee. This committee helps the board to oversee the council’s financial affairs and ensure a balanced budget each year.

Heddell and her husband, Pete, operated a marine charter service, Honey Charters, and a gift shop in Whittier for 22 years. Pete continues to serve as a member of the Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System Committee.

Heddell was very involved in the community of Whittier. She helped start the Greater Whittier Chamber of Commerce and Whittier’s Prince William Sound Museum with exhibits on the history of Whittier and World War II in Alaska. She also represented Whittier on the Prince William Sound Economic Development Council. In 2013, she and Pete were presented with a “Spirit of Alaska” award from the Alaska Travel Industry Association for demonstrating exceptional efforts to support a local community, charity, or other organization outside the travel industry.

Marilynn and Pete Heddell in front of their Whittier shop, the Captain Cook Books and Gifts. Photo by Linda Robinson.

“Marilynn always entered the room with a smile and a hug,” remembered council volunteer and former outreach coordinator Linda Robinson. “When working the booth at Pacific Marine Expo, you could always count on Marilynn and Pete coming by, dropping their coats, and visiting with guests. I never saw her without a warm greeting for everyone,” added Robinson.

Skip to content