Observer Article Archives

Below are links to all Observer articles from 2013 to the present. Articles appear in order by date with most recent articles at the top of the page.

(Looking for the PDF Archive? Try here: Observer archive in PDF format)

Modern technologies changing oil spill response

Lessons learned during the pandemic here to stay The Council’s newest annual report on drills and exercises highlights lessons learned ... Read More

Volunteer brings oceans of experience to Council committee

A teenage Gordon Terpening grew up watching ships navigating in and out of San Francisco Bay, and knew early on ... Read More

Council shoring up its crew: two promotions and a new hire

Two long-time Alaskans on the Council’s staff are moving up the ranks and a former Valdez resident is returning to ... Read More

Onboard ballast water systems helping reduce spread of invasive species

Systems that treat tanker ballast water before release are a critical step in preventing damage from invasive species In recent ... Read More

Community Corner: Prince William Sound College students tour Bligh Reef

On May 1, Council volunteers and staff joined local high school and college students, educators, and other partners on a ... Read More

Council concerned about vessel-whale strikes

At the Council’s May Board meeting, a draft resolution in support of voluntary speed reductions for oil tankers in Prince ... Read More

From Alyeska: New Allison Creek response barge joins Alyeska’s fleet

The new oil spill response barge Allison Creek arrived in Valdez in May, the sixth new-build barge to join the ... Read More

Remaining vigilant: Review of government oversight is needed

Last year, the Council released a report titled, “Assessment of Risks and Safety Culture at Alyeska’s Valdez Marine Terminal.” This ... Read More

Council announces election of board officers to serve until May 2025

The Council held its annual board meeting in Valdez, Alaska, on May 2-3, 2024. Among other business, the Board convened ... Read More

Community Corner: Alaskans still learning from the Exxon Valdez spill

By Maia Draper-Reich, Outreach Coordinator In February, the Council participated in the Alaska Forum on the Environment, a week-long conference ... Read More

New member entity joins Council

Area recreation enthusiasts now have permanent, dedicated representation on the Council’s Board of Directors. The newly-formed Oil Spill Region Recreational ... Read More

From Alyeska: New oil spill response barge demonstrates ongoing investment in protecting Prince William Sound

Submitted by Alyeska Corporate Communications The shine has yet to dim on Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s newest on-water powerhouse; the ... Read More

Schantz: Citizen oversight leads to safer transportation of oil

By Donna Schantz, Executive Director Of all the advances made in the safe transportation of oil since the 1989 Exxon ... Read More

Contingency plan for terminal under review

The oil spill contingency plan for the Valdez Marine Terminal is undergoing its five year renewal. During a public comment ... Read More

35 years after Exxon Valdez

How has oil transportation changed in Prince William Sound? In 1989, the few measures in place were inadequate to prevent ... Read More

Tim Robertson: Real-life experiences improve oil spill response

Volunteer Spotlight Growing up in western North Carolina, over 3,000 miles away from Alaska, Tim Robertson and his brothers Roy ... Read More

Under-studied component of hydrocarbons documented in discharge from terminal

A new report examined hydrocarbons that enter Prince William Sound from the Valdez Marine Terminal that until recently have received ... Read More

New station at Copper River Delta to monitor for high winds

The Council recently sponsored a new addition to the weather station network. The new station was placed near the mouth ... Read More

From the President and Executive Director: Building trust takes time and transparency

President Robert Archibald, City of Homer Executive Director Donna Schantz We are now six months from the 35th anniversary of ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company releases inaugural ESG Report

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company has published its first Environmental, Social, and Governance report, highlighting its dedication to environmental stewardship, sustainable ... Read More

Community Corner: Music, Salmon, and Oil Spill Prevention

By Maia Draper-Reich, Outreach Coordinator In early August, the Council hosted a booth at Salmonfest in Ninilchik, Alaska. The annual ... Read More

Analysis of weather conditions released

A new report summarizes weather data collected in Port Valdez. Two buoys, one near the Valdez Marine Terminal and another ... Read More

How learning to listen can help communities heal from disasters

In 1989, when a young Patience Andersen Faulkner was working as a legal aide in the picturesque town of Cordova, ... Read More

Surveys emphasize importance of protecting nearshore habitat for wintering birds

Three years of data from surveys of marine bird species is now available online. The data is intended to help ... Read More

Analysis of genes increases understanding of oil’s effects

New techniques in the field of genetic analysis are improving our understanding of the effects of oil spills. Since 1993, ... Read More

Alaska North Slope oil trending lighter since 2010

Crude oil is often referred to as a “fossil fuel” because it is made up of plants and animals that ... Read More

Archibald: The power of ‘our’: Overcoming challenges by owning responsibilities

Oh, how time flies. It has now been just over 34 years since the Exxon Valdez oil spill. So much ... Read More

Terminal operations lead moves on; new project manager joins team

Austin Love, who has managed the Council’s projects related to the operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal is moving on ... Read More

From Alyeska: John Kurz named President and CEO of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company

John Kurz became the next President and CEO of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company on April 10, 2023. Kurz follows Interim ... Read More

Report raises concerns about safety at the Valdez Marine Terminal

In April 2023, the Council released an assessment of risks and safety culture at the Valdez Marine Terminal. This report ... Read More

Drills and exercises getting back to normal

For the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic affected many aspects of daily life. Oil spill drills and exercises were ... Read More

Valdez community engages with on-water oil spill response training

The Council held a tour for locals to observe the annual oil spill response training for fishing vessels in Valdez, ... Read More

Board elects officers for upcoming year

On May 4, the Council elected officers to serve for the upcoming year: Archibald, Bauer, Donaldson, Shavelson, Cutrell, Beedle, and ... Read More

From Alyeska: The Prince William Sound Traveling Health Fair sails again

After cancelling the 2020 Prince William Sound Traveling Health Fair one week before departure, this long-standing Alyeska community tradition restarted ... Read More

From the executive director: Keeping the Exxon Valdez disaster in the rearview mirror

In February, the Council was certified by the U.S. Coast Guard as the Alternative Voluntary Citizens Advisory Group for Prince ... Read More

Researchers cautiously optimistic about increase in young herring

A new study hints that the herring population in Prince William Sound could be on the rise. In the early ... Read More

Fishing for answers: Geneticist using DNA to decode Alaska salmon’s family ties

Volunteer Spotlight: Wei Cheng Wei Cheng says she is happy and fortunate to be able to use her expertise in ... Read More

Electric current can find damage in underground liners

A new Council report shows how electricity can be used to “see” damage in the asphalt liners that are intended ... Read More

ADEC releases final ruling for Alaska’s oil spill prevention and response plans

In January 2023, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation updated the regulations governing the state’s oil spill prevention and response ... Read More

Invasive species intern recognized for stewardship of Alaska’s coastal waters

By Maia Draper-Reich, Danielle Verna, & Kate Morse In January, the Alaska SeaLife Center announced that the Council’s former intern ... Read More

U.S. Coast Guard recertifies Council

The Council is recertified for another year as the official citizens’ advisory group for Prince William Sound. In a February ... Read More

Trent Dodson: Bait the education hook early to reel in later learners

Volunteer Spotlight In college, Trent Dodson was most fascinated in his biology classes. He tells a story of one of ... Read More

From Alyeska: Prince William Sound – a place of unrivaled beauty

By Andrés Morales Alyeska’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Director I first came to the Valdez Marine Terminal on a tanker ... Read More

Partnering to protect the places we live, work, play

The Council views itself as a partner of and resource for industry and regulators. In our advisory role, we provide ... Read More

Community Corner: A new look at old programs

Hello from the new voice here in the Community Corner! Since joining the staff in early August, I have enjoyed ... Read More

Plankton change with the seasons in Prince William Sound

A new Council study will help improve monitoring for invasive species, such as tunicates, that live on the sea floor ... Read More

Cleaning up a big oil spill

A large spill would require equipment brought in from other regions. The Council recently sponsored a study on the availability ... Read More

Council updates position on dispersant use during an oil spill

Prevention and mechanical recovery should remain primary options The Council's Board of Directors has updated the organization’s position on use ... Read More

Matt Cullin builds life of growth and success out of expertise in corrosion and failure analysis

At his job as the director of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s BP Asset Integrity and Corrosion Lab, Matt Cullin ... Read More

From Alyeska: “A journey, never a job.”

Submitted by Alyeska. This profile is from their Memories & Mileposts story collection which commemorates 45 years of TAPS operations ... Read More

Council chronicles history of spill protection plans for Copper River Delta and Flats

A new Council report tells the story of how Cordovans, the oil industry, and government agencies came together in the ... Read More

Schantz: The value of learning from history and experience

The biggest successes achieved in our region have been a result of elected officials, government regulators, industry, and citizens working ... Read More

Patience Andersen Faulkner retires; recognized for 24 years service

The Board’s longest-serving member, Patience Andersen Faulkner, retired after 24 years of service to the Council’s mission. Her first-hand experience ... Read More

Oliver moves on; Long-time volunteers honored

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator During nearly four years at the Council as Outreach Coordinator, I have experienced a depth ... Read More

Council announces election of Board officers

The Council held its annual Board meeting in Valdez, Alaska, on May 5-6, 2022. Among other business, the Board convened ... Read More

After 25 years of work on invasive species, Council studies remain innovative

Twenty-five years ago this year, the Council released its first study on the threat of marine invasive species to Prince ... Read More

Volunteer cultivates resilience and seaweed in Prince William Sound

Volunteer Spotlight: Skye Steritz Skye Steritz’ passion for a clean environment started at an early age, during a childhood spent ... Read More

Council mourns loss of Anchorage staffer

Natalie Novik, administrative assistant for the Anchorage office, passed away in October 2021, after a two-year battle with cancer. Natalie ... Read More

Three new staff members join the Anchorage office

KJ Crawford joined staff as the new director of administration in December 2021, and has been able to focus on ... Read More

The Council’s “all-purpose bureaucrat” looking forward to a busy retirement

Walt Wrede is retiring after serving as the Council’s director of administration since 2016. Wrede’s passion for and knowledge of ... Read More

Drills and exercises affected by pandemic again in 2021

The Council has released its annual report on drills and exercises conducted in Prince William Sound in 2021. This report ... Read More

From Alyeska: New year, new barge, renewed optimism for 2022

By Danika Yeager Interim President, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 2022 marks an exciting milestone; the 45th anniversary of the Trans ... Read More

Schantz: Collaboration leads to better solutions for prevention and response

By Donna Schantz Executive Director The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 notes congressional findings from the Exxon Valdez oil spill ... Read More

Council supports Alyeska’s appeal to EPA

In late 2020, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company appealed a July 2020 Environmental Protection Agency air quality rule that would regulate ... Read More

Changes proposed to Alaska’s regulations on oil spill prevention and response

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recently proposed changes to the regulations that govern how oil spills are prevented and ... Read More

Community Corner: Committee volunteer recognized for achievements in conservation

Council volunteer Kate Morse recently received a Conservation Achievement Award from Alaska Conservation Foundation. These prestigious awards recognize individuals and ... Read More

Prince William Sound is home to a variety of bird species in winter

Frigid Alaska winters can be a tough time and place for wildlife. Food is scarce, the climate can be extreme, ... Read More

Schantz and Archibald: Safeguarding our prevention and response system

By President Robert Archibald (City of Homer) and Executive Director Donna Schantz It will surprise no one to learn the ... Read More

A journey through time: New Council report documents history of tanker contingency plan

Thousands of pages of documents. Countless meetings and workgroups. Over thirty years of oil spill drills and exercises. That’s what ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska wins award for conservation of natural resources from U.S. Fish and Wildlife

In July, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recognized Alyeska Pipeline Service Company with an Outstanding Partner Award for ... Read More

Volunteer Spotlight: Patience Andersen Faulkner

A good neighbor reflects on the art of listening Patience Andersen Faulkner creates beautiful beadwork, leatherwork, hand-knitted items, traditional drums, ... Read More

Study shows purpose-driven design can improve performance

When a ship is disabled at sea, an appropriate rescue vessel must respond quickly to prevent an accident. Towing can ... Read More

Who is responsible for an oil spill in Prince William Sound?

Who is responsible for an oil spill in Prince William Sound? According to law, whoever spills oil must clean it ... Read More

New staff member brings valuable expertise to Council

Dr. Danielle Verna joined the Council’s staff in April, filling the position of Environmental Monitoring Project Manager. The position was ... Read More

Community Corner: Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium goes virtual

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator The third annual Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium, held on May 24, 2021, featured ... Read More

From Alyeska: Annual health fair held online

Submitted by: Alyeska Corporate Communications Spring brings many things to Prince William Sound – salmon, humpback whales and orcas, and ... Read More

Schantz: Safe transportation of oil requires local knowledge

By Donna Schantz, Executive Director Since 2016, there has been an increase in foreign flagged tankers loading Alaska North Slope ... Read More

New tool to support Regional Stakeholder Committee

Do you know if you or your community is prepared to advocate for themselves in the case of an oil ... Read More

Corrosion protection system for terminal’s crude oil pipes in good shape overall

A recent study of operations and maintenance of Alyeska’s cathodic protection system found that the program was “very good;” however ... Read More

Review of maintenance records finds improvements needed for oil storage tank

Oil spill unlikely as long as planned repairs are not delayed further Last year, COVID-19 delayed planned repairs to one ... Read More

Council publishes updated guide for technological disasters

Oil spill contingency plans are helpful guides for physically preventing and cleaning up spills. However, as Alaskans learned after the ... Read More

Council announces election of Board officers

The Council held its annual Board meeting in Valdez, Alaska, on May 6-7, 2021. Among other business, the Board convened ... Read More

Community Corner: We miss our volunteer family!

[show-team limit='1' ids='10094' url='active' layout='grid' style='img-circle,img-white-border,text-center,img-above,normal-float' display='photo,position,name' img='150,175'] The Council’s staff has spent much of the last year working from ... Read More

Repairs to Prince William Sound’s radar in the works

Coast Guard planning long-term project to replace entire system Radar that helps the U.S. Coast Guard monitor vessels in Port ... Read More

Escort tug Courageous damages the tanker Polar Endeavour in January incident

Just before midnight on January 11, the escort tug Courageous allided with the tanker Polar Endeavour, which had just finished ... Read More

Sale of BP’s Alaska assets approved

The Regulatory Commission of Alaska has issued a final approval in the sale of BP’s Alaska assets to Hilcorp Energy ... Read More

How has subsistence harvest changed over time in the Exxon Valdez oil spill region?

The Exxon Valdez oil spill changed the harvest and use of wild resources in Southcentral Alaska. Various anecdotal reasons such ... Read More

Schantz and Archibald: Walking the talk on responsible energy development

[show-team limit='2' ids='9875,9839' layout='grid' style='img-circle,img-white-border,text-center,img-above,normal-float' display='photo,position,name' img='90,90'] Senator Josh Revak (R-Anchorage) recently stated in an Anchorage Daily News op-ed, “Alaska ... Read More

From Alyeska: Spring Update

Spring is an exciting time as Alaska emerges from winter energized and ready for more light and activities. After the ... Read More

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 ... 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 ... 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 ... 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 ... Read More

Industry drills test equipment and personnel

Drills and exercises conducted last year in Prince William Sound continued to test the new vessels and equipment brought in ... Read More

Community Corner: How does outreach continue in a pandemic?

My job at the Council is to foster community engagement. This includes lots of travel to our many small communities, ... Read More

From the executive director: Maintaining Alaska’s High Standards in Spill Prevention and Response

Prince William Sound is home to one of the best and most effective oil spill prevention and response systems in ... Read More

From Alyeska: Collaboration and dedication helps ease tough year

I began my first weeks with Alyeska in January energized about the year ahead. Having served in multiple positions at ... Read More

Systems at fault in April Valdez Terminal spill identified

On April 12, a sheen was reported near the small boat harbor at the Valdez Marine Terminal. Investigations identified the ... Read More

VIDEO: Study of line-throwing technology demonstrates importance of the Council’s independent research

A new study evaluating methods of establishing tow lines between an escort tug and a tanker in distress is a ... Read More

Community Corner: Peer listeners build community resilience

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator After the Exxon Valdez oil spill, a Council project assessed the social impacts of the ... Read More

From the executive director: EPA’s temporary policy limits inspections and enforcement actions

By Donna Schantz Executive Director In March, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a temporary policy on how to handle ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska wins United States Coast Guard award for environmental excellence

The United States Coast Guard has announced that Alyeska earned a gold-level William A. Benkert Award for Environmental Excellence. This ... Read More

State of Alaska’s oil spill prevention and response funding unsustainable

Council voices support for full funding The State of Alaska’s Oil and Hazardous Substances Release Prevention and Response Fund is ... Read More

Council recertified as official citizens’ advisory group in Prince William Sound

The U.S. Coast Guard has recertified the Council as meeting its responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In ... Read More

New Board member for Chugach Alaska

At the January meeting, the Council’s Board of Directors seated a new member, Ben Cutrell, as the representative for Chugach ... Read More

Transparency is the foundation of public trust

By Donna Schantz Executive Director Public trust in our oil spill prevention and response system took many years to rebuild ... Read More

Shares of pipeline and terminal expected to change hands this year

Lack of public information about BP to Hilcorp sale leads to concerns Late last year, Hilcorp Energy Company announced that ... Read More

Alaska’s oil spill laws and regulations opened for public review

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recently began a process to review and potentially change oil spill laws and regulations ... Read More

Public statements by Commissioner Brune cause concern

The recent public scoping notice issued by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, along with statements made by the department’s ... Read More

From Alyeska: Brigham McCown named new president of Alyeska Pipeline

Brigham A. McCown will become the next president of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. The selection was announced by the Trans ... Read More

Genetic testing reveals no new marine invasive species

By Austin Love Council Project Manager Council testing plankton genes to supplement existing processes The Council funds monitoring for marine ... Read More

Study evaluates places of refuge

By Alan Sorum Council Project Manager Some locations won’t work for Prince William Sound tankers A recent Council-sponsored study reviewed ... Read More

Volunteers engage Kenai students in oil spill lessons

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator In September, Council volunteers brought a message of citizen engagement and oil spill prevention to ... Read More

News release: Board issues position on safeguarding Alaska’s oil spill prevention and response standards

Input from public critical to protect Alaska coastlines and communities The Council voted on October 29, 2019, to pass a ... Read More

Upgrades at Valdez Marine Terminal improve safe operations

By Austin Love Council Project Manager Over the past three years Alyeska has improved safety and spill prevention measures at ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska traveling health fair: Positive impact in the Sound

By Alyeska Corporate Communications Alyeska's Traveling Health and Safety Fair spent four days in the Prince William Sound communities of ... Read More

Community Corner: Transparency is key to preserving relationships in an era of mistrust

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator Clean Pacific, a conference for the oil spill prevention and response community, added a track ... Read More

New buoys now streaming weather conditions from Port Valdez

Two new buoys are now in place and broadcasting weather conditions in the vicinity of the Valdez Marine Terminal. The ... Read More

Staff news: Long-time science manager retires

Joe Banta, project manager for the Council’s environmental monitoring program, retired this past April. In 1990, Banta was the first ... Read More

Homer representative elected president of Council

New executive committee to serve until May 2020. New directors join Council's Board ... Read More

Thirty years later, Council continues mission to combat complacency

By Donna Schantz Executive Director On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef and spilled an ... Read More

New buoys will collect data about winds and currents in Port Valdez

In February, the Council reached an agreement with Alyeska that will improve knowledge about weather conditions in Port Valdez. Alyeska ... Read More

New study analyzes weather at Hinchinbrook Entrance

A recent Council-sponsored report found that wind and waves at Hinchinbrook Entrance may be under reported as observed by the ... Read More

Out-of-service buoy and winter storms raise concerns

An out-of-service buoy and a series of recent storms have combined to raise concern at the Council about tanker transit ... Read More

30 years after Exxon Valdez

NEW: 35 years after Exxon Valdez How has oil transportation changed in Prince William Sound since 1989? The immediate cause ... Read More

Drills test new response equipment and personnel

Exercises required for marine transition A series of drills and exercises, including one large no-notice drill, helped assess the new ... Read More

Community Corner: Council fosters pathways to engaged citizens

By Betsi Oliver Outreach Coordinator What makes the difference between youth who develop careers and other roles protecting our ecosystem ... Read More

Outreach coordinator Matlock leaves the Council

After five years spreading awareness about the Council’s work to citizens in the communities affected by the Exxon Valdez oil ... Read More

How Alaskans redefined oil spill prevention and response

Alaska, and Prince William Sound in particular, is known for its world-class oil spill prevention and response system. But it ... Read More

From Alyeska: Inspecting the “uninspectable”

Alyeska completes inspection of buried piping on the Valdez Marine Terminal 2018 marked the third and final year of the ... Read More

Oil spill prevention and response services transition to new contractor

Prince William Sound was a hive of activity this summer. On July 1, Alyeska’s marine services contractor transitioned from Crowley ... Read More

Changes to oil spill contingency plans approved

Extensive amendments due to transition The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation recently approved major amendments to oil spill contingency plans ... Read More

Piping inspections near completion

By Austin Love Council Project Manager For the first time since the facility’s construction was completed in 1977, a majority ... Read More

New tech improves knowledge of water circulation in Port Valdez

By Jeremy Robida Council Project Manager This year, the Council completed a multi-year study with the Prince William Sound Science ... Read More

Community Corner: Devoted to the cause of safe oil transportation

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator The Council is exceedingly lucky to have volunteers who spend precious time and provide invaluable ... Read More

Schantz: Prevention and response improving, full capabilities not yet proven

By Donna Schantz Executive Director The Council is pleased to say that the recent transition of prevention and response services ... Read More

From Alyeska: Transition activities – an update from Alyeska

Photos and information courtesy of Alyeska Corporate Communications ... Read More

Al Burch resigns from Board of Directors

Al Burch, who served on the Council’s Board of Directors since September of 2002, resigned in May. Burch represented the ... Read More

Council elects officers for next year

The Council held annual elections to choose its seven-member executive committee at the May meeting in Valdez. Amanda Bauer, who ... Read More

New Board members join the Council

Rebecca Skinner of Kodiak has replaced Burch as the representative for the Kodiak Island Borough. In addition, Josie Hickel from ... Read More

New vessels and barges on their way to Alaska

ECO is bringing a total of five new escort tugs, four new general purpose tugs, one utility and anchor handling ... Read More

Safe oil transportation: Are we really so far apart?

Musings from a retired tug engineer If you’ve ever owned horses, you probably know that cleaning the barn first thing ... Read More

Amendment to industry’s plan for preventing and responding to oil spills approved

One of the major changes incorporates new oleophilic oil skimmers, which will also be on the soon-to-arrive Edison Chouest barges, ... Read More

Steve Lewis: How a grizzly bear hide resulted in safer tanker traffic in Alaska

Volunteer profile Steve Lewis hails from a large family of farmers and ranchers who settled in Colorado and Nebraska in ... Read More

From Alyeska: Safety is a priority for Alyeska and all our contractors

I appreciate the opportunity to share with you some of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s perspectives as we continue work to ... Read More

Lally joins Council staff

The Council is welcoming a familiar face to its staff this spring. Former U.S. Coast Guard Commander Joseph T. Lally has ... Read More

Council recertified by Coast Guard through March 2019

The Coast Guard has recertified the Council as meeting its responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In a ... Read More

Community Corner: Citizen scientists help the Council monitor our region

The Council’s nearly 65 volunteers assist with technical work of all kinds each year. Environmental monitoring is but one important ... Read More

Plan for applying dispersants to crude oil spills in Alaska waters updated

"The Council does not support the use of dispersants in our region, but with this new plan, responders are required ... Read More

Council representatives visit Louisiana shipyards

Visitors come away impressed with new construction and Edison Chouest Offshore personnel New information shared with the Council along with ... Read More

Oil spill contingency plans for Prince William Sound under review

Many changes stemming from transition of marine services contractor to Edison Chouest By Linda Swiss Council Project Manager Updates to ... Read More

North Slope crude oil spills into Port Valdez

On September 21, approximately 100 gallons of North Slope Crude oil was spilled into Port Valdez. The spill occurred during ... Read More

We trust, but we must also verify, new improvements in system

Thorough training, paired with a robust array of drills and exercises, will produce the safest prevention and response system From ... Read More

From Alyeska: Well-trained teams mount aggressive response to terminal spill

On September 26, I visited with our team in Valdez, where almost 300 individuals stepped up to respond to a ... Read More

Community Corner: Alaska youth explore the Sound

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator As the skiff sailed across Cabin Bay, high-pitched twittering and piping sounds echoed over the ... Read More

Planning for marine services changeover under way

The changeover for the marine services contract for Alyeska is underway. By July of 2018, Edison Chouest Offshore, or ECO, ... Read More

Davin Holen: Social scientist uses knowledge of subsistence fisheries to help communities adapt to changing environments

At 17, Davin Holen left his home in the woods outside of Wasilla, Alaska, to travel the world. He lived ... Read More

Community Corner: Local government is an important conduit for sharing information and concerns

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator The Council’s staff and volunteers have visited with many Southcentral Alaska city councils and managers, ... Read More

Council recertified by Coast Guard through February 2018

The U.S. Coast Guard has recertified the Council as meeting its responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In ... Read More

From the Executive Director: Citizens and partnerships in the safe transportation of oil

Donna Schantz is the executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. March 24, 2017, marked the ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska staff find creative solutions for safe snow removal

Submitted by Alyeska Corporate Communications. While spring officially arrived in March, the snow keeps falling in Valdez, the snowiest city ... Read More

Council recertification application available for public review

The council is seeking recertification as the alternative voluntary advisory group for Prince William Sound, as authorized under the Oil Pollution ... Read More

Vessel construction, planning underway for Crowley to Edison Chouest transition

Council conducting independent review of vessel designs By July of 2018, Edison Chouest Offshore, or ECO, of Louisiana will be ... Read More

Smithsonian partners with council to search for marine invasive species

Citizen scientists, the Prince William Sound College, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, and the council partner for invasive species event ... Read More

Tom Kuckertz: Retired staff member still contributes engineering expertise to council’s mission

The council has benefited from Chicago-born Tom Kuckertz’ broad experience in engineering for 16 years and counting. After his retirement ... Read More

Community Corner: Partnerships help involve the next generation in the council’s mission

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator Since 2009, the council has partnered with the Chugach Children’s Forest to help youth from ... Read More

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

In December, the council submitted its application to the U.S. Coast Guard for recertification under the Oil Pollution Act of ... Read More

Conference focuses on best practices in towing rope technology

By Alan Sorum Council project manager A recent conference on rope design hosted by Samson Rope, a leading producer of ... Read More

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

Mike Day, Operations Manager for Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System. My name is Mike Day and I’m the accountable manager ... Read More

Former board member Marilynn Heddell passes

Marilynn Heddell, former council board member, passed away on November 18, 2016. Heddell represented Whittier on the board from 1996 ... Read More

Louisiana’s Edison Chouest Offshore to take over from Crowley in 2018 as Alyeska’s maritime contractor

Council invited to observe trainings, ship construction, on-water exercises In June, Alyeska Pipeline officially confirmed that Edison Chouest Offshore will ... Read More

Foreign tankers arrive in Prince William Sound

Council observing process Two foreign-flagged tankers hauled Alaska North Slope crude oil from the Valdez terminal this summer for the ... Read More

Council applauds decision to keep public engagement tool for spill response in Alaska

Recent council concerns about a proposed change to Alaska’s spill response plan have been alleviated for now. However, the council ... Read More

Kate Morse: Volunteer helps connect new generations with council’s mission

Kate Morse was nine years old and living in Pennsylvania when the Exxon Valdez hit Bligh Reef in 1989. Although ... Read More

Council hires director of external communications

Brooke Taylor has joined the council’s staff in the new position of Director of External Communications. She will oversee public ... Read More

Peer Listening: Building resilience in communities affected by human-caused disasters

Community Corner By Lisa Matlock, Outreach Coordinator Until 2010, the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill was the largest oil spill ... Read More

From the President and Executive Director: Partnerships build trust and help prevent oil spills

By Amanda Bauer, President of the Council’s Board of Directors and Donna Schantz, Executive Director. In 1990, just after the worst oil ... Read More

From Alyeska: Pipe inspections on terminal finds no repairs needed

Submitted by Alyeska Corporate Communications. This summer, Alyeska’s multi-year internal inspection program of Valdez Marine Terminal piping included inspecting buried ... Read More

Council’s executive committee re-elected to another term in office

The council board held annual elections to choose its seven-member executive committee at its May meeting in Valdez. Amanda Bauer ... Read More

Homer teens use technology to monitor Kachemak Bay for aquatic invasions

By Beth Trowbridge Executive Director for the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Four Homer high school students, a project leader, ... Read More

Marine services for Alyeska to change hands in 2018

Update: This article ran in the May issue of our newsletter, The Observer, stay tuned for updates in the next ... Read More

Community Corner: A tour of the crown jewel of local oil spill response

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator I was a Homer resident for five years. Each spring I watched a fleet of ... Read More

New plan for using dispersants in Alaska is in effect

The Alaska Regional Response Team, or ARRT, established a new plan earlier this year for how oil spill dispersants, an ... Read More

Council questions proposed changes to ADEC response exercise program

By Susan Sommer Drills and exercises are a vital part of making sure that companies transporting oil through Prince William ... Read More

Schantz appointed as head of council

Donna Schantz, long-time staff member, has been named as the council’s new executive director. Schantz had been serving as the ... Read More

Wrede joining council staff; Changes in Anchorage office

Walt Wrede will be joining the council’s staff as Director of Administration. He most recently worked as city manager of ... Read More

From the Executive Director: Proposed amendment to Alaska’s Response Plan would reduce citizen involvement in spills like Exxon Valdez

The federal and state group that plans oil-spill response and cleanup in Alaska waters has proposed changes that would dismantle ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska receives Governor’s Safety Award of Excellence

Alyeska Pipeline Service Company was recognized with a Governor’s Safety Award of Excellence for the second year in a row ... Read More

Colin Daugherty: An unlikely Alaskan helps protect Prince William Sound

Colin Daugherty’s accent quickly gives him away as a native Chicagoan. “It’s unlikely that I ended up here in Alaska, ... Read More

Council and partners plan test of spill surrogate for response training

By Jeremy Robida Council Project Manager A group of oil spill preparedness planners in Prince William Sound are working together ... Read More

Alyeska and City of Valdez agree to plan for joint firefighting response

By AUSTIN LOVE Council Project Manager In December, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company and the City of Valdez agreed to a ... Read More

What is an oil spill contingency plan?

An oil spill contingency plan is a document which contains both: Detailed information on steps to be taken before an ... Read More

Report shows air pollutants in Prince William Sound reduced by hundreds of tons per year

By AUSTIN LOVE Council Project Manager A new council study found that the low-sulfur fuel used in oil tankers has ... Read More

Community Corner: The importance of public comment

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator The council regularly provides public comment on behalf of our 18 member entities on matters ... Read More

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

Twenty six years have passed since the Exxon Valdez grounded on Bligh Reef, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons of ... Read More

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

The Glennallen Response Base is located in Alaska's Interior, a little over 100 miles north of Valdez. Originally designated as ... Read More

Interns help fulfill council’s mission

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

Jeremy Talbott: A life on the water inspires stewardship of the sea

Volunteer Spotlight: Jeremy Talbott, member of the council’s Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System Committee, is enthusiastic about his new ... Read More

Swanson resigns as head of citizens’ council

Mark Swanson has resigned as executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. His resignation was unanimously ... Read More

Researchers say ice drifting into tanker lanes will be smaller but more numerous in future

By Alan Sorum Council Project Manager Columbia Glacier, located in the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, is losing mass faster than ... Read More

Community Corner: Passing the torch through story

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator Many of the council’s volunteers and staff experienced 1989’s Exxon Valdez oil spill firsthand. Memories ... Read More

Falling oil prices shouldn’t mean reduced environmental protections

From Executive Director Mark Swanson: Oil prices have been falling for a long while now. Stock markets and energy sectors ... Read More

Expedition reshapes Kodiak educator’s feelings about Prince William Sound

By Lindsey Cassidy Kodiak Middle School Teacher The name Prince William Sound causes ominous memories of my childhood in Kodiak ... Read More

Jane Eisemann – Kodiak volunteer passionate about working for the council

Jane Eisemann, volunteer on the council’s Information and Education Committee, first came to Alaska in 1976 to visit her brother ... Read More

Joe Banta marks twenty-five years of service to the council

On October 1, 1990, Joe Banta started a new job managing oil spill planning projects for a young organization, the ... Read More

Robotic inspection tool redefines Trans-Alaska Pipeline innovation

From Alyeska: This is a tale of perfect timing and imperfect piping, insistent independence and trusted teamwork, hundreds of hurdles ... Read More

Oral history teaches new generation about Exxon spill

By Alicia Zorzetto Digital Collections Librarian Students in the annual Copper River Stewardship Program studied the Exxon Valdez oil spill ... Read More

Firefighters from across Alaska converge on Valdez to learn about marine fire response

By Alan Sorum Council Project Manager A shipboard fire is dreaded by all mariners. When a fire occurs at a ... Read More

Executive committee for next year includes a mix of council experience and new members

During its annual board meeting in Valdez this May, the council board held elections to choose its seven-member executive committee ... Read More

Pete Heddell: Exxon Valdez taught many lessons to those who paid attention

Volunteer Spotlight: Volunteer Pete Heddell, member of the council’s Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System committee, has seen a lot ... Read More

How can we combine efforts and verify response capabilities?

From Executive Director Mark Swanson: The safe transportation of oil requires that the industry plan extensively for spill prevention and ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska’s 2015 Atigun Award spotlights health and safety, hearing protection, and communication

Alyeska’s Valdez Marine Terminal is a unique work environment where hundreds of professionals from dozens of trades perform thousands of ... Read More

Community Corner: Sharing our mission with students

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator Universities, both from Alaska and out-of-state, offer field courses that can connect students to places ... Read More

New law means sustainable funds for spill prevention and response in Alaska

A new refined fuel products tax to fund Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Spill Prevention and Response division was signed ... Read More

Whittier’s Korbe resigns

Andrea Korbe of Whittier announced in June that she would be resigning her seat on the council’s board. Korbe accepted ... Read More

New staff member has deep ties to Alaska

The council recently welcomed Shawna Popovici to the Anchorage staff. Popovici has lived in Anchorage since 2005, but previously lived ... Read More

UPDATED JULY 1: Budget cuts threaten spill response equipment in remote Alaska communities

Update: GOOD NEWS! We received word from Lt Nunez with Alaska's District 17 of the Coast Guard that the Coast ... Read More

Environmental Protection Agency revising rules on oil spill dispersants

By Joe Banta Council Project Manager The Environmental Protection Agency is updating the rules for using chemicals, including dispersants, to ... Read More

New regulations mean cleaner air in Prince William Sound

By Austin Love Council Project Manager Crude oil tankers in Prince William Sound are using cleaner fuel than they were ... Read More

How do you define burdensome?

By Amanda Bauer Council President As a personal rule, I try not to get caught up in the words that ... Read More

State spill prevention and response division prevails in fight for funding

By Steve Rothchild Administrative Deputy Director The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s division of Spill Prevention and Response, often referred ... Read More

Mikkel Foltmar: New volunteer’s expertise benefits terminal projects

Mikkel Foltmar, one of the newest additions to the council’s volunteer roster, is almost as new to Alaska as he ... Read More

Listening to downstream concerns

By Lisa Matlock Outreach Coordinator Over the past two months, Executive Director Mark Swanson and I have been traveling as ... Read More

In tough economy, good news for risk of oil spills in Alaska

From Mark Swanson Council Executive Director Everywhere we turn, we see fiscal belt tightening. State budgets are the leanest we ... Read More

Alyeska program wins award for stewardship and sustainability

From: Alyeska Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s Vessel of Opportunity Program recently received a 2015 Alaska Ocean Leadership Award by the ... Read More

New council members to represent Kenai, Seward, Kodiak, Homer communities

Several seats on the council’s board of directors are changing hands this spring. Steve Lewis, City of Seldovia representative, left ... Read More

Then and Now – 25 years of citizen involvement following the Exxon Valdez oil spill

Twenty-six years ago today, the Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, spilling an estimated 11 million gallons ... Read More

Corrosion found in piping at terminal; Alyeska plans fix

By AUSTIN LOVE Council Project Manager In 2012, Alyeska identified a 6 inch wide area of external corrosion on crude ... Read More

Oil spill drills teach lesson in prevention

By ROY ROBERTSON Drill Monitor Two large oil spill drills were conducted in Prince William Sound this past September and ... Read More

A look back at the early years of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council

One of the most radical innovations to come out of the Exxon Valdez spill was the establishment of permanent, industry-funded ... Read More

From Alyeska: SERVS’ tugs help tankers dock safely at terminal

On a recent morning, the tug Stalwart pulled away from the SERVS dock, headed out to meet the tanker Alaska ... Read More

John LeClair: Oil spill response lessons from fighting wildfires

During his summer vacations from college, council volunteer John LeClair got his start in the field that he would come ... Read More

Revised curriculum educates about oil spill prevention and response

By LISA MATLOCK Outreach Coordinator During the summer of 2012, the council hosted a workshop with environmental education professionals from ... Read More

Liberty Bay enters service in Prince William Sound

The first of two new SeaRiver oil tankers made its first visit to the terminal in Prince William Sound this ... Read More

To prevent oil spills, we must focus on the right risks

From the Executive Director: Only in hindsight can we perfectly zero in on the most important details. We’d like to ... Read More

Single-hulled tankers now outlawed in U.S. waters

Starting this year, single-hulled oil tankers are now illegal in all U.S. waters. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, passed ... Read More

Eisemann and Selanoff pass the torch

Two board members resigned in recent months, passing the torch of stakeholder representation to new board members. Jane Eisemann resigned ... Read More

Alaska tourism and recreation organization closes its doors

The Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association closed at the end of December. The association represented the interests of the ... Read More

Council weighs in on terminal contingency plan changes

By LINDA SWISS Council Project Manager The oil spill contingency plan for the Valdez Marine Terminal is undergoing an update, ... Read More

Linda Robinson: New committee volunteer has long history with council

On the way out the door on her last day before she retired from 23 years on the council’s staff, ... Read More

Symposium for marine firefighters set for May

The eighth edition of the Marine Firefighting Symposium for Land-Based Firefighters will be held on May 19-21, 2015 in Valdez, ... Read More

Anchorage and Valdez offices welcome new staff members

Over the summer, the council said goodbye to two staffers and welcomed two new staff members to take their place ... Read More

What’s in an oil spill contingency plan? Prevention and response and the essence of preparedness

From the executive director: It’s fall now in Alaska. You can feel it in the air. You can see it ... Read More

Powerful new vessel joins oil spill response fleet

 From Alyeska:  The Yukon Responder is Alyeska’s newest oil spill response vessel and it is a beast with a 34-foot ... Read More

Alaska students reflect on effects of oil spills

This summer, ten students embarked on the 2014 Copper River Stewardship Program, taking 8 days to explore the Copper River ... Read More

Developing internships for the council’s future

By LISA MATLOCK Council Outreach Coordinator In February 2015, the council will be 25 years old. We are an organization ... Read More

Experience in Sound ignites educators’ passion to pass on environmental stewardship

By Elly Ray Seward, Alaska When the 1989 oil spill happened in Prince William Sound, I remember being horrified about ... Read More

First of two new oil tankers to begin service in Prince William Sound in 2014

The first of two new SeaRiver oil tankers is expected to begin service in Prince William Sound later this year ... Read More

Prince William Sound spill contingency plans under review

By LINDA SWISS Council Project Manager The council participates in various workgroups tasked with updating the Prince William Sound Subarea ... Read More

Bauer reelected, new members welcomed, long-time volunteers honored

The council held its annual board meeting in Valdez during the first week of May. Among other business, new board ... Read More

After a long life of service, Walt Parker passes away at 87

Walt Parker, 10 year council board representative for the Oil Spill Region Environmental Coalition, seems to have made a contribution ... Read More

John Devens, former council executive director, dies at 74

John Devens, Sr, executive director of the council from 1998 to 2009, passed away at his home in Copper Center, ... Read More

Iver Malutin, Kodiak advocate, passes away at 82

Iver Malutin, former council board member representing the Kodiak Village Mayors Association, passed away June 25 at the age of ... Read More

New Zealanders visit Alaska in search of Exxon Valdez lessons

This past June brought visitors to Alaska to learn about the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Raewyn Bennett and Elaine Tapsell, ... Read More

Let’s not write off mechanical oil recovery in Prince William Sound spill response

From the Executive Director: The council has often written and commented about the significant difficulty of responding to an oil ... Read More

Employee training increases safety, saves lives

From Alyeska: Life and death situations arise in an instant, at any location, in any environment. Remote field sites, urban ... Read More

Oral history of Exxon Valdez now complete and online

The council recently partnered with the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Oral History Program to create an online oral history of ... Read More

Council staffer keeps a close eye on terminal for last fourteen years

Tom Kuckertz, project manager for the Terminal Operations and Environmental Monitoring program, retired from the council staff in June. A ... Read More

Anchorage administrative assistant position changes hands

Barb Penrose, administrative assistant for the council’s Anchorage office, resigned in June. Penrose had been studying towards a second career ... Read More

Inspection and testing of secondary containment liners at terminal observed

On July 10, staffer Nelli Vanderburg visited the terminal to observe an inspection and repairs to drainage piping under the ... Read More

The power of shared history – Chenega Bay

Community Corner: By LISA MATLOCK Council Outreach Coordinator On June 6, nearly a hundred people gathered to commemorate the residents ... Read More

Oil spill response training focuses on nearshore and sensitive area protection

By JEREMY ROBIDA Council Project Manager On March 15 and 16, Alyeska’s Ship Escort Response Vessel System, known as SERVS, ... Read More

Personal stories of Exxon Valdez spill to be preserved in University of Alaska Fairbanks’ oral history archives

By ALICIA ZORZETTO Digital Collections Librarian Twenty-five years after the Exxon Valdez disaster, the voices of 20 local citizens are ... Read More

Coast Guard receives 78 support letters for council

The Coast Guard has recertified the citizens’ council as meeting its responsibilities under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. In ... Read More

Council meets with elected officials in DC and Juneau

By STEVE ROTHCHILD Administrative Deputy Director For two days in March, council board members Dorothy Moore and Robert Beedle, accompanied ... Read More

Gordon Scott tells his story of “Life at half a knot”

Volunteer Spotlight  On March 23, 1989, Prince William Sound fisherman Gordon Scott didn't know a thing about oil spills, and ... Read More

Intern helps council develop suggestions to improve fishing vessel program

By ZACHARY VERFAILLIE Council Intern As an Emergency Management major at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, I was excited for the ... Read More

What have we learned in the last 25 years?

From the Executive Director • Mark Swanson is the executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council ... Read More

Safety stewardship from shore to sea

From Alyeska Pipeline Crowley is a key partner in Alyeska’s Ship Escort/Response Vessel System. The company owns and operates the ... Read More

Council study reviews remote operations at Valdez Marine Terminal

A recent council study looked at issues associated with the remote control operations of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s Valdez Marine ... Read More

Homer students present program on effects of oil spills

By JESSICA RYAN Kachemak Bay Research Reserve Fifth and sixth grade students from Fireweed Academy, a charter school in Homer, ... Read More

Students design remotely operated oil spill response vehicles in Seward ocean science competition

By MARITA KLEISSLER, Education Specialist at Prince William Sound Science Center, and WIL TUSHAUS, AmeriCorps Member at Prince William Sound ... Read More

Taking the long view – why do we involve youth in our programs?

Community Corner By LISA MATLOCK Outreach Coordinator Since coming on board last year, I have been regularly asked by community ... Read More

25 years after Exxon Valdez oil spill

How has oil transportation changed in Prince William Sound? Although the immediate cause of the spill was a navigational error ... Read More

Real storm plays role in October spill drill

By ROY ROBERTSON Council Project Manager Polar Tankers, Inc. conducted the annual Prince William Sound shipper’s drill for 2013 on ... Read More

New guidelines for using dispersants proposed

By STEVE ROTHCHILD Council Administrative Deputy Director The Alaska Regional Response Team has proposed new guidelines for how chemical dispersants ... Read More

Sound loses tireless environmental defender

Prince William Sound lost a passionate and dedicated defender on September 21, when Stan Stephens, Valdez resident and council board ... Read More

Council study reviews escort tug technology

By ALAN SORUM Council Project Manager A recent council study found that the escort tugs being used in Prince William ... Read More

Sarah Allen: Oil spills have been a major influence on new volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight Sarah Allan, newest member of the council’s Scientific Advisory Committee, known as SAC, has been fascinated by science ... Read More

Workshop helps citizens understand incident command system

This fall, the council sponsored a series of community workshops to teach citizens how an oil spill response is organized ... Read More

Firefighting symposium held in Seward; includes live fire training for first time

The 2013 Marine Firefighting Symposium was held October 8-10 in Seward. Through partnerships with the Seward Fire Department and AVTEC ... Read More

From the Executive Director: Value of regional stakeholder input process deserves to be preserved

Potential changes to the Regional Stakeholders Committee, a lesson learned during Exxon Valdez, on the horizon By MARK SWANSON Executive ... Read More

From Alyeska: Remembering Stan Stephens: Never an adversary, always an advocate

By TOM BARRETT President of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Alaska lost a true champion in September with the passing of ... Read More

Valdez resident takes over committee support for council

The council recently hired Valdez resident Nelli Vanderburg to fill the vacant project manager assistant position. Vanderburg began working for ... Read More

Council tours tanker Overseas Martinez at the Valdez Marine Terminal

By ALAN SORUM Council Project Manager On October 27, Board President Amanda Bauer, Executive Director Mark Swanson, Director of Programs ... Read More

Why commemorate the Exxon Valdez oil spill 25 years later?

By LISA MATLOCK Outreach Coordinator In 2013, Alaska and Alaskans lost Prince William Sound advocate, Stan Stephens, a constant voice ... Read More

Recent inspections for potential pipe corrosion at terminal show encouraging results

By TOM KUCKERTZ Project Manager for Terminal Operations Some of the council’s concerns regarding the unknown condition of the crude ... Read More

New outreach coordinator joins council staff

Lisa Matlock joined the council’s staff on August 12. Matlock brings almost twenty years of experience in coastal Alaska education ... Read More

Long time volunteer retires from board

Marilyn Heddell has announced her resignation from the council’s board of directors. Heddell represented Whittier on the board since 1996 ... Read More

John Kennish: Chair of science committee long interested in effects of toxins on environment and health

Volunteer Spotlight: John Kennish, chair of the council’s Scientific Advisory Committee, also known as SAC, found his life’s calling early ... Read More

Council staff witness lingering Exxon Valdez oil

Council staff visited Eleanor Island in central Prince William Sound this past August to look for residual oil from 1989’s ... Read More

Carey takes industry preparedness position with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Anna Carey, project manager assistant for the council, has taken a position with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. She ... Read More

Drones to be used for oil spill monitoring in Arctic

Remote controlled unmanned aircraft, commonly known as “drones,” have been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration for use in Alaska ... Read More

Working together effectively is a matter of balance and finding the middle road

By MARK SWANSON Council Executive Director Almost every issue of significance comes to us with strongly divergent viewpoints. In the ... Read More

Alyeska intern impressed by safe work environment

Every summer Alyeska Pipeline Service Company offers internships to college students around Alaska. This year, we asked them to share ... Read More

Oil spill response in Sound depends on trained fishing vessel crews

In Prince William Sound, fishing vessel crews are trained to help clean up oil spills. These trained responders are familiar ... Read More

Annual science event to be held in December

Every December, the council sponsors an evening of presentations by scientists conducting research in areas of council interest. The event ... Read More

Community Corner – Conferences help keep the council on the cutting edge

By LISA MATLOCK Outreach Coordinator Each year the council exhibits its booth and presents its citizen-driven research and information on ... Read More

Industry and council test spill response plans during drill

On June 12 and 13, an oil spill drill conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and hosted by Alyeska tested ... Read More

Citizens’ advisory council for Gulf of Mexico holds first meeting

Representatives from U.S. states bordering the Gulf of Mexico met May 30 in New Orleans to “move forward with the ... Read More

Community Corner: Looking back at a productive 23 years at the council

By LINDA ROBINSON Former Outreach Coordinator In August of 1990, shortly after moving to Anchorage from Dillingham in the Bristol ... Read More

Citizen network monitors for aquatic invasive species

With support from the council, a network of citizens monitor our region for invasive species, particularly European green crab and ... Read More

Council representatives head to Washington

By Steve Rothchild, Assistant Deputy Director For two days in May, council board members Dorothy Moore and Patience Andersen Faulkner, accompanied ... Read More

From the Executive Director: Dispersant use in spill response a concern for many

By Mark Swanson Executive Director Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. The council has long been skeptical about the ... Read More

Orson Smith: Engineering expert motivated by intellectual challenges

Orson Smith, the newest member of the council’s Port Operations and Vessel Traffic System committee, loves a good mental challenge ... Read More

Citizens’ council board elects new officers, seats new members

The council’s board of directors elected its seven-member executive committee May 2 and 3 during a meeting in Valdez. Amanda ... Read More

Traveling fair brings health and wellness services to Prince William Sound communities

By KATE DUGAN Valdez Communications Manager Alyeska Pipeline Service Company On Sunday, April 28, I stood on the deck of ... Read More

Terminal spill contingency plan review extended

By LINDA SWISS Council Project Manager The current Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan, set to expire ... Read More

Council and partners work to permit oil spill simulant for response training

By JEREMY ROBIDA Council project manager Because evaluating the effectiveness of oil recovery efforts during trainings and drills can be ... Read More

Review of proposed contingency plan shows some areas improved, others need more detail

By LINDA SWISS Council project manager The council has been analyzing proposed changes to the Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge ... Read More

Colder and saltier water increases toxic effects of dispersed oil

Temperature and salinity of water can have an effect on how toxic dispersed oil is to organisms in the environment, ... Read More

Council studies effects of low level exposure to chemically dispersed crude oil on zooplankton

The long and short term effects of low level exposure to chemically dispersed crude oil on zooplankton needs more research, ... Read More

Harold Blehm: New council committee member has long history of volunteering in Prince William Sound communities

Volunteer Spotlight Harold Blehm, newest member of the council’s Terminal Operations and Vessel Traffic System committee is passionate about using ... Read More

Sustaining our resolve to push for improvements in the face of lingering complacency

From the Executive Director By MARK SWANSON Another year has passed marking yet another anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil ... Read More

Trans Alaska pipeline important to Alaska’s economy

From Alyeska Pipeline By THOMAS BARRETT A central topic of this year’s Legislative session in Juneau is what to do ... Read More

Citizens’ council calls for increased oil spill funding

Guest Opinion By RICK STEINER A universal truth in all major oil spills is that once the oil is spilled, ... Read More

New deputy director for administration to lead council staff in Anchorage

Former Coast Guard commander Stephen Rothchild has been hired as administrative deputy director for the council. Rothchild began work in ... Read More

Possible funding shortfall for state spill prevention and response on the horizon

Funding for the state agency in charge of oil spill prevention and response is projected to go into the red ... Read More

Invasive species bill introduced to Alaska legislature

In February, Representative Paul Seaton of Homer introduced House Bill 89 to the Alaska legislature. This bill, if passed, would ... Read More

New website technology helps keep public better informed about council issues and activities

The council’s home on the web has recently undergone a major redesign. The new site is designed to help us ... Read More

Kodiak and Valdez students build remotely controlled vehicles to respond to mock oil spill

Youth Involvement By MEGAN MILLIGAN Education Assistant, Prince William Sound Science Center In March, educators from the Prince William Sound ... Read More

Valdez graduate chosen to sail with Polar Tankers’ cadet program

A 2010 graduate of Valdez High School, Kathryn “Katie” Miller, was chosen to sail with Polar Tankers, Inc. as a ... Read More

Staff attends Coast Guard training on incident command system

By ALICIA ZORZETTO Council Digital Collections Librarian Five council staff members participated in U.S. Coast Guard sponsored training on how ... Read More

Group plans update for oil spill educational curriculum

By LINDA ROBINSON Council Outreach Coordinator A group interested in creating new educational materials about oil spills met in the ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

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 ... Read More

Fall drills and exercises test industry spill response plans

By ROY ROBERTSON Council Project Manager This past October 3 and 4, Tesoro conducted the annual large-scale oil spill response ... Read More

Bob Jaynes works hard to protect beloved Sound

In a conversation with Robert "Bob" Jaynes, his dedication to and love of Prince William Sound is immediately apparent. Jaynes ... Read More

From our Executive Director: What will it take to get the best available escort and towing technology for Prince William Sound?

• Mark Swanson is executive director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council. Alaska law requires the use ... Read More

From Alyeska: Alyeska fire brigade wins top awards at state event

• Submitted by Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. Communications Alyeska Pipeline Service Company's Fire/Rescue Brigade won the overall skills competition at ... Read More

Ocean science festival held in Cordova, coming to Valdez

By KARA JOHNSON Education Director, Prince William Sound Science Center This past September, on a rainy, windblown Saturday, 215 diehard ... Read More

Council hires librarian to manage document collection

The council welcomed a new staff member, Alicia Zorzetto, to the Anchorage office on January 10. Zorzetto accepted the position ... Read More

Highlights of recent council activities and news, January 2013

Small leak in loading arm at Valdez Marine Terminal On November 8, Alyeska informed the council that one of four ... Read More

Community Corner – Outreach activities help us connect with others in our region

By LINDA ROBINSON Council Outreach Coordinator On September 29, we participated in the Chugach Regional Education Forum. The goal of ... Read More
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