Month: March 2019

Take a peek at the work we’ve been doing!

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Every year, the Council updates its compendium of scientific research and technical reports. The compendium is an excellent overview of the work we do. It includes summaries and links to our scientific research and technical projects. The compendium includes Council reports from the start of our research efforts in the early 1990s through 2018.  Researchers, educators, media, and anyone wanting to know about oil spill science will find information on topics such as dispersants, hydrocarbon toxicity, invasive species, oil spill prevention and response technologies, and much more. 

The Council conducts these studies in an effort to close the gaps in knowledge in critical areas of oil spill science. This information is important to the health of the waters and resources and the well-being and livelihoods of the citizens in our region.

Download the compendium:

Reports Compendium – Revised through 2018

Council hiring manager for science projects

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We are hiring!

The Council is seeking a Scientific and Environmental Monitoring Program Manager. This science project manager position coordinates a variety of science and environmental monitoring research projects that are consistent with the Council’s mission. This position is responsible for:

  • Coordinating the work of a team of scientists on the Scientific Advisory Committee,
  • Managing the contracts and activities of research consultants and scientists
  • Developing research programs and projects
  • Applying research results to oil spill contingency planning, policy positions, and scientific reviews
  • Disseminating research information to the public, industry, and regulators

The Council is seeking a candidate who works effectively with other team members; has strong organizational, research, and communication skills; works well under pressure; and is committed to its mission.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree or relevant job experience. A Master’s degree in an appropriate field is preferred.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Three years of project management experience
  • Demonstrated contract management
  • Budget administration
  • Public speaking skills
  • Knowledge of the petroleum industry
  • Experience or education in environmental science, another relevant scientific field, or an engineering discipline.
  • Competency with Microsoft Office and Adobe products and document management software such as Filemaker Pro, is desirable.
  • Experience working with volunteers, the Exxon Valdez oil spill impacted region, cross cultural communication, and the Alyeska marine terminal and oil shipping in Prince William Sound are a plus.

The minimum base salary is $75,000 and may be adjusted depending on experience. An additional 25 percent of base salary is added after 60 days for benefits. This position is located in Anchorage, Alaska.

How to apply:

To apply, please submit:

  1. A cover letter detailing your qualifications
  2. A resume
  3. At least three professional references

Candidates can apply via email at jobs@pwsrcac.org, or by mail addressed to 3709 Spenard Rd., Anchorage, AK 99503, Attn: Director of Administration.

For more information please download the full job description:

The position will remain open until filled with the first review of applicants taking place on April 12 , 2019.

New study analyzes weather at Hinchinbrook Entrance

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A recent Council-sponsored report found that wind and waves at Hinchinbrook Entrance may be under reported as observed by the Seal Rocks weather buoy.

Researchers from Tetra Tech analyzed wind and wave data to better define weather conditions at the Entrance, as well as how these conditions might affect rescue operations by the escort tugs. To do this, researchers looked at the frequency and duration of weather events when the Entrance was closed to laden tankers.

Average closure conditions

A "wind rose" graphic that shows the speed and direction of wind as recorded at Seal Rocks.
This “wind rose” graphic shows the speed and direction of wind as recorded at Seal Rocks.

Wave height alone was found to be the cause of most of the closures, occurring 10 to 26 times a year on average. Average wave height during closures was over 17 feet and the highest recorded wave was over 26 feet. Wind speed closes the Entrance one to three times annually, as do closures for both wind and waves. Winds average just over 54 miles per hour during closure and the highest recorded wind speed was over 61 miles per hour.

Closures for winds typically last less than two hours, while waves close the Entrance for an average of just over six hours.

Seal Rocks buoy’s data may not be precise

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Out-of-service buoy and winter storms raise concerns

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An out-of-service buoy and a series of recent storms have combined to raise concern at the Council about tanker transit procedures during period with the high wind speeds and wave heights in which tankers are allowed to travel through Prince William Sound.

Seal Rocks buoy out of service


From May until December of 2018, a critical buoy located near Hinchinbrook Entrance was out-of-service. This buoy, referred to as “Seal Rocks buoy,” collects wind speed and wave height data. That information is used by the U.S. Coast Guard to make decisions as to whether Hinchinbrook Entrance is open or closed to outbound laden oil tanker traffic. When this buoy is inoperable, the U.S. Coast Guard uses data from two nearby buoys, Cape Cleare and Cape Suckling, along with reports from Edison Chouest Offshore, or ECO, tug crews that are sent out to observe wind and waves to make Hinchinbrook Entrance open and closure decisions.

In November and December, several winter storms came through Prince William Sound that raised concern about these alternate methods for reporting weather conditions at the Entrance.

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