The Council’s Board of Directors will meet in-person in Anchorage, January 22-23, 2026
The meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites (600 East Benson Blvd) and will also be available virtually and telephonically for those unable to travel. Information to join the meeting will be available here prior to the meeting.
Board meetings are open to the public, and an opportunity for the public to provide comments is provided at the beginning of each meeting.
Tuesday, September 16, 5:30 P.M. – “Tuesday Night Talk” with the PWSRCAC & the Prince William Sound Science Center – Dr. Danielle Verna gave a talk titled Policy in Practice: How OPA 90 Shapes Science in the Sound, about the Council’s latest research, long-term monitoring, and how the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90) continues to shape science in the Sound 35 years after it was signed into law.
Wednesday, September 17, 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. – Master of Disaster educational event at Mt. Eccles Elementary School –
Thursday, September 18, 5:30 – 7:30 P.M. – Public reception at the Reluctant Fisherman. The Council co-hosted a public reception with Repsol.
On the agenda
The Council conducted regular business during the meeting, including updates from Council ex officio members, staff and committees. Other topics included on the agenda were:
An activity report by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company on the Valdez Marine Terminal and Ship Escort Response Vessel System operations.
A presentation by representatives from Alaska Tanker Company on recent tanker engine upgrades.
Update on a project to develop updated geographic response strategies for the Copper River Delta and Flats area.
A presentation from representatives from Teekay Shipping on their training programs for their foreign flagged fleet.
A report summarizing the recent Subsistence Memorial Gathering Workshop and resulting recommendations.
A summary of a recent analysis of Alaska North Slope crude oil properties commissioned by the council.
An update on recent changes to dispersants regulations and stockpiles in Alaska.
A technical review of the maintenance of Ballast Water Storage Tank 93 at the Valdez Marine Terminal.
An update on integrity testing methods for the terminal’s secondary containment system liner.
Area recreation enthusiasts now have permanent, dedicated representation on the Council’s Board of Directors.
Jim Herbert
The newly-formed Oil Spill Region Recreational Coalition was added to the Council’s roster of member entities at the January meeting. Jim Herbert was chosen by the coalition as its representative.
Herbert had been serving as a temporary recreation representative for the past year while the while the council solicited interest from recreational organizations to potentially fill the seat. Herbert previously represented the City of Seward from 2013 to 2015. He is also the current chair of the Council’s Oil Spill Prevention and Response Committee.
The new coalition’s mission is to assist the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council in promoting environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska Pipeline Terminal and associated tankers in a manner that will protect the natural recreational resources of Prince William Sound and other areas affected by the Exxon Valdez oil spill.
The three founding members of the coalition are the Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation, the Valdez Adventure Alliance, and the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park. The group welcomes other organizations who promote recreation in the Exxon Valdez oil spill region.
The Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping Prince William Sound healthy, clean and wild, for all to enjoy. Visit them online at: www.princewilliamsound.org
The Valdez Adventure Alliance seeks to improve quality of life through equitable access to outdoor recreation resources, education, and events. Visit them online at: www.valdezadventurealliance.com
The Friends of Kachemak Bay State Park promotes the enhancement, preservation and protection of the natural recreational, scientific and historical resources of Kachemak Bay State Park. Visit them online at: www.friendsofkachemakbay.org
This article has been edited to correct the mission of the coalition.
