Observations, Questions, and Recommendations Regarding Use of Dispersants on the BP Deepwater Horizon Spill

The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council has studied chemical dispersants for many years. We have observed dispersants trials, monitored dispersants effectiveness testing, and advised on and sponsored independent research on dispersants. After these many years of study, it is our position that dispersants should not be used on Alaska North Slope crude oil spills in the waters of our region. Until such time as dispersants…

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 of best available technology in certain areas of state-approved spill prevention and response plans, also known as contingency plans. Theoretically, these requirements should help us keep abreast of advances in technology. In reality, this provision of Alaska law is difficult to enforce and is achieved only…

Microbial Efficiency of Biological Activity at the Ballast Water Treatment Facility

The final stage in the process that reduces the oil concentration in ballast water at the Valdez Marine Terminal’s Ballast Water Treatment Facility (BWTF) removes monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) by means of microbial degradation and aeration. Microbial degradation is the preferred method of eliminating BTEX because it is environmentally benign; conversely, aeration converts water…

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 resulted in far less air pollution from crude oil tankers than just a few years ago. The study, by Starcrest Consulting Group, evaluated the air pollution from tankers that traveled through Prince William Sound during 2014. The study looked at three air pollutants: nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides. These…

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