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Concerns With ADEC Proposed Changes For Oil Spill Prevention And Response Regulations

Summary of the Council's concerns about ADEC's proposed changes to the oil spill regulations.
View: Concerns With ADEC Proposed Changes For Oil Spill Prevention And Response Regulations
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: January 11, 2022
File size: 0.1 MB

PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Compendium Of Event Summaries 1995-2020

This compendium documents the history of the oil spill prevention and response plan for the tankers that carry crude oil through Prince William Sound. The compendium includes summaries of all changes, amendments, and updates to the plan, beginning with the first major changes post-Exxon Valdez oil spill, through amendments made in 2020.

This compendium is an appendices for the report: PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Summary 1995-2020 The reader may find the associated graphic timeline helpful when navigating this document: PWS Tanker plan history
View: PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Compendium Of Event Summaries 1995-2020
Author: Nuka Research and Planning Group
Date: September 16, 2021
File size: 0.9 MB

PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Summary 1995-2020

This report documents the history of the oil spill prevention and response plan for the tankers that carry crude oil through Prince William Sound from 1995-2020. Included in the report:

- Background history
- A description of the plan and associated documents
- A description of how and why changes are made to the plan
- A summary of key topics over the years
- Appendices that document Conditions of Approval and Findings documents

Associated with this report are two documents, a summary of each of the events that were researched for this report (Compendium Of Event Summaries 1995-2020) and a graphic timeline to help visualize important events (Prince William Sound Tanker Plan History).

The main summary report can be viewed below:
View: PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Summary 1995-2020
Author: Nuka Research and Planning Group
Date: September 16, 2021
File size: 1.3 MB

Timeline of major events and changes to the PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan

This timeline shows the major events that affected the oil spill contingency plan for the tankers that ship crude oil through Prince William Sound.

This timeline is an appendices for the report PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Summary 1995-2020. This timeline is also helpful for finding information in the associated compendium: PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan, Compendium Of Event Summaries 1995-2020
View: Timeline of major events and changes to the PWS Tanker Oil Spill Prevention & Contingency Plan
Author: Nuka Research and Planning Group
Date: September 16, 2021
File size: 0.8 MB

Remote Control Of Valdez Marine Terminal - 2014

This report describes the history and development of the project and discusses the policies, practices, and procedures Alyeska made available for review relating to the remote control of the VMT. It presents a synopsis of the applicable regulations and recognized industry standards and best practices related to control system operation and management.

PLEASE NOTE: This report is not available online. Please contact staff for more information.

View: Remote Control Of Valdez Marine Terminal - 2014
Author: Hisey and Associates, LLC
Date: February 4, 2014
File size: 30 KB

Winter 2021 Observer

View: Winter 2021 Observer
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: November 19, 2021
File size: 0.9 MB

Year in Review: 2020-2021

This report covers the Council's activities from July 2020 to June 2021.
View: Year in Review: 2020-2021
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: November 19, 2021
File size: 27.5 MB

Vessel Traffic Services, Use of Automatic Identification System and Radar

This report discusses the capabilities, limitations, and synergies of radar and Automatic Identification System (AIS) information in Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operations based on published literature and on relevant documentation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Specific context of the Prince William Sound (PWS) VTS issues that affect local marine users is presented through summaries of PWS stakeholder consultations.
View: Vessel Traffic Services, Use of Automatic Identification System and Radar
Author: C-Core
Date: July 1, 2021
File size: 2.1 MB

2021 Financial Statement

View: 2021 Financial Statement
Author: BDO USA, LLP
Date: October 28, 2021
File size: 0.2 MB

PWSRCAC Emergency Towline Deployment Practical Trial Summary Report

This report is on the results of field trials to evaluate the effectiveness of messenger line throwing devices.
Passing a messenger line is the first step in setting up a tow line between a tug and a tanker in distress. The lighter weight messenger line helps responders connect the heavy tow lines. This can be a difficult and dangerous task. Last year the Council studied these devices. One of the recommendations from that study was to conduct a trial to evaluate the devices for ease of use, effectiveness, reliability, and safety. Results will be used to develop a set of recommended practices that will be shared with industry.
View: PWSRCAC Emergency Towline Deployment Practical Trial Summary Report
Author: Glosten
Date: September 27, 2021
File size: 1.7 MB

Marine Winter Bird Surveys In Prince William Sound

This report is on the first year of a proposed three-year project to document marine species in Prince William Sound during the winter months. The survey is concentrating on under-surveyed areas near the tanker escort zone.
The Council partnered with the Prince William Sound Science Center who conducted this survey. They spotted 21 bird species and 6 marine mammal species. This year’s data showed that birds do congregate in Prince William Sound in winter and seem to prefer areas near the shore. The surveys to be conducted over the next two years of the project are necessary to confirm these conclusions.
This information helps us understand the potential environmental impacts of the terminal and tankers on marine bird species by identifying their overwintering habitat. The data will help prioritize these habitats to be protected in the event of an oil spill.
View: Marine Winter Bird Surveys In Prince William Sound
Author: A. Schaefer and M.A. Bishop, Prince William Sound Science Center
Date: September 27, 2021
File size: 9.0 MB

Port Valdez Weather Buoy Data Analysis

The Council sponsors two weather buoys in Prince William Sound. These two buoys, one near the Valdez Marine Terminal and the other near a sensitive bird habitat called the Valdez Duck Flats, have been collecting data for two years. While it is still too early to confirm weather patterns, there is enough data available to start to analyze trends. These buoys are expected to collect weather data for at least five years. Dr. Rob Campbell analyzed the data for the Council and submitted this report.
View: Port Valdez Weather Buoy Data Analysis
Author: Robert W. Campbell, Ph.D.
Date: September 27, 2021
File size: 2.1 MB

A Summary Of Dispersants Research 2017-2021

This is an update report on dispersants and dispersant research. Detailed reviews were carried out for Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2017. This summary review briefly covers published literature since the last review in 2017. The report identifies recent advances in all topics of dispersion and focuses on dispersant effectiveness, toxicity, and biodegradation. Emphasis in this report is placed on aspects that relate to Alaska and Prince William Sound specifically. The report does not cover all aspects of dispersant knowledge but rather focuses on newly published developments.
View: A Summary Of Dispersants Research 2017-2021
Author: Merv Fingas
Date: September 27, 2021
File size: 0.2 MB

September 2021 Board Meeting Will Be Virtual

News release on the September 2021 Board of Directors meeting.
View: September 2021 Board Meeting Will Be Virtual
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: September 9, 2021
File size: 0.5 MB

Summer 2021 Observer

Newsletter from the Council in PDF format.

Article titles:

Council publishes updated guide for technological disasters

New tool to support Regional Stakeholder Committee

Council announces election of Board officers

Schantz: Safe transportation of oil requires local knowledge

Alyeska: Annual health fair held online

Review of maintenance records finds improvements needed for oil storage tank

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

Community Corner: Prince William Sound Natural History Symposium goes virtual

New staff member brings valuable expertise to Council

View: Summer 2021 Observer
Date: July 1, 2021
File size: 1.7 MB

Review of Cathodic Protection Systems at the Valdez Marine Terminal

This final report summarizes a review of cathodic protection (CP) of the crude oil piping at the Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT). The report summarizes the types of CP systems used at the VMT, as well as Alyeska's methods for monitoring and testing the systems. The report found that overall, it appears Alyeska has a very good corrosion and cathodic protection program, but there were some important discrepancies that need to be addressed, including:

- Re-evaluate and improve testing procedures to more accurately measure polarized potentials along the crude piping system.
- Re-evaluate utilization and measurement of 100 mV CP system testing criteria.
- Update procedures to reflect changes to testing, analysis, and utilization of alternative measurement tools.

View: Review of Cathodic Protection Systems at the Valdez Marine Terminal
Author: Keith Boswell
Date: April 14, 2021
File size: 1.9 MB

Long Term Environmental Monitoring Program: 2020 Sampling Results and Interpretations

This annual report summarizes and interprets the Council’s oil pollution monitoring work for the year. Mussels, sediments, and special sampling devices are collected and analyzed in order to monitor oil contamination associated with the operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and associated tankers.
View: Long Term Environmental Monitoring Program: 2020 Sampling Results and Interpretations
Author: James R. Payne, William B. Driskell
Date: April 1, 2021
File size: 5.2 MB

Using Mussel Transcriptomics For Environmental Monitoring In Port Valdez Alaska - 2019 And 2020 Pilot Study Results

The goal of this pilot study was to determine if transcriptomic analysis of mussel tissue would be useful as a part of the Council’s Long-Term Environmental Monitoring Program (LTEMP).
View: Using Mussel Transcriptomics For Environmental Monitoring In Port Valdez Alaska - 2019 And 2020 Pilot Study Results
Author: Lizabeth Bowen, Austin Love, Shannon Waters, Katrina Counihan, Brenda Ballachey, Heather Coletti, William B. Driskell, and James R. Payne
Date: February 17, 2021
File size: 2.9 MB

Council Elects Officers For May 2021 To May 2022

News release with results of elections for Board officers to serve from May 2021 to May 2022.
View: Council Elects Officers For May 2021 To May 2022
Date: May 6, 2021
File size: 0.1 MB

Prince William Sound RCAC board meeting will be virtual, May 6-7 (2021)

News release for May 2021 Board of Directors meeting.
View: Prince William Sound RCAC board meeting will be virtual, May 6-7 (2021)
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: April 28, 2021
File size: 0.5 MB

PWSRCAC May 2021 Board Meeting Press Release FINAL

View: PWSRCAC May 2021 Board Meeting Press Release FINAL
Date: April 28, 2021
File size: 0.5 MB

Hinchinbrook Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Best Available Technology (BAT) Assessment

This final report summarizes Glosten's review of relevant literature, an analysis of the design and equipment parameters needed for a tug to operate in this particular role, and a comparison between that analysis and the tugs currently used for that role. Additional details and Glosten's conclusions can be found in the report.
View: Hinchinbrook Emergency Towing Vessel (ETV) Best Available Technology (BAT) Assessment
Author: Glosten
Date: April 21, 2021
File size: 20.4 MB

Head of citizens’ group lauds U.S. House passage of Coast Guard bill that will preserve Prince William Sound tanker escorts

View: Head of citizens’ group lauds U.S. House passage of Coast Guard bill that will preserve Prince William Sound tanker escorts
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: November 5, 2009
File size: 0.2 MB

2020 Drill Monitoring Report

This yearly report summarizes the drills and exercises that were attended, observed, and evaluated by Council staff and contractors in 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, many exercises were postponed or reduced in number and scale.

These reports have great value in tracking the history of spill preparedness and response by Alyeska/SERVS and the associated shippers. They are instrumental in identifying operational issues and tracking the lessons learned during these events. These reports have proven to be valuable tools in addressing recurring problems, improving the prevention and response system, assisting contingency plan workgroups, and in planning large unannounced drills.
View: 2020 Drill Monitoring Report
Author: Roy Robertson
Date: January 28, 2021
File size: 0.1 MB

2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations

This report by Dr. Scott Pegau of the Prince William Sound Science Center summarizes the results of the surveys for forage fish he conducted in Prince William Sound last summer. “Forage fish” are species that are preyed on by larger predators, and include Pacific herring, Pacific sand lance, capelin, and candlefish.

Dr. Pegau conducted the survey of the entire coastline of Prince William Sound via airplane in 2019 and 2020. Surveying from the air allows for identifying areas in water too shallow for a vessel. The primary objectives are to map and count schools of these fish in Prince William Sound to help protect these important species during a spill response. This work is expected to continue until 2022.
View: 2020 Prince William Sound Forage Fish Observations
Author: W. Scott Pegau, Prince William Sound Science Center
Date: January 28, 2021
File size: 1.9 MB

Long Range Plan - July 2021 Through June 2025

Since 2001, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) has annually reviewed and updated its long term plan and planning process. The document is focused on new and continuing projects for the next five years, with a special focus on projects proposed for the upcoming fiscal year (FY2022). This document is intended to serve as a guide
for the organization to achieve its mission of promoting environmentally safe operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and associated tankers.
View: Long Range Plan - July 2021 Through June 2025
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: January 28, 2021
File size: 2.9 MB

Study Overview - Recovery Of A Subsistence Way Of Life

This joint project with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) assessed how the subsistence harvest of natural resources has changed over time in Exxon Valdez oil spill impacted communities. Researchers analyzed subsistence harvest data collected from 1984 through 2014 in the communities of Cordova, Chenega, Tatitlek, Port Graham, and Nanwalek. This document is a summary of the full report (PDF).

This report was presented to the Council during the September 2020 Board of Directors meeting. Watch the presentation on the Council's YouTube channel: "Subsistence Way of Life" Presentation by the Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game to the PWSRCAC, 9/18/2020

View: Study Overview - Recovery Of A Subsistence Way Of Life
Author: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence
Date: January 28, 2021
File size: 1.0 MB

Recovery Of A Subsistence Way Of Life

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill (EVOS) significantly altered wild food harvest practices and ways of life in the coastal communities of Cordova, Chenega, Tatitlek, Nanwalek, and Port Graham. In this project, researchers studied data from surveys collected over 40 years to assess changes and trends in subsistence resource use. See also: Study overview

View: Recovery Of A Subsistence Way Of Life
Author: Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Subsistence
Date: January 28, 2021
File size: 2.9 MB

Winter 2020 (December) Observer

View: Winter 2020 (December) Observer
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: December 24, 2020
File size: 1.1 MB

Prince William Sound RCAC Board Meeting Will Be Virtual, January 28-29

View: Prince William Sound RCAC Board Meeting Will Be Virtual, January 28-29
Author: PWSRCAC
Date: January 21, 2021
File size: 0.2 MB