Project Manager
Linda Swiss
907.273.6226
3709 Spenard Rd., Ste. 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
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> Guiding Principles for GRS
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Site Selection
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Public Input for GRS Plans
GRS Criteria for Environmental Sensitivity
In Prince William Sound, the workgroups for each sub zone consider potential GRS locations based on the following criteria of environmental sensitivity, which are set forth in the Prince William Sound Subarea Plan:
-threatened and endangered -species/habitats
-marshes
-eel grass beds
-sheltered tidal flats
-sheltered rocky shores
-sea otter concentration areas
-harbor seal haulouts
-sea lion rookeries and haulouts
-large seabird colonies
-waterfowl and shorebird spring, -fall, or winter concentration areas
-eagle nest sites
-large anadromous fish streams
-intertidal salmon spawning areas
-hatcheries & aquaculture sites
-herring spawning areas
-federal wilderness areas, wild and scenic rivers, and national natural landmarks
-state refuges, sanctuaries, and critical habitat areas
-cultural resources and archaeological sites
-intertidal sites
-subsistence harvest areas
-high use commercial fishing areas
-high use recreational areas
Joe Banta, council project manager, contributed to this National Wildlife Federation report titled Special Ecological Sites in Alaska's Eastern Prince William Sound and Copper River Delta. (pdf/619KB) Republished with permission.
Geographic Response Strategies (GRS) are map-based oil spill response plans tailored to protect specific environmentally sensitive areas. By selecting and mapping these areas in advance, a GRS can save time during the critical first few hours of oil spill response. The GRS informs oil spill responders where sensitive areas are located and where oil spill protections resources should be placed.