The Council works to reduce pollution from crude oil transportation in Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. We monitor, review, and provide advice on the oil spill prevention and response plans prepared by Alyeska and oil shipping companies, their environmental protection capabilities, and the environmental, social, and economic impacts of their activities. We also review and make recommendations on government policies, permits, and regulations relating to the oil terminal and tankers.
Advice based on quality, independent research
The Council’s influence depends on quality, accurate research. The Council regularly retains experts to conduct independent research on oil transportation safety and the environmental impacts of the Valdez Marine Terminal and tankers.
Five programs address these responsibilities:
- Environmental Monitoring
- Oil Spill Prevention Planning
- Oil Spill Response Operations
- Terminal Operations
- Maritime Operations
Our annual report is a synopsis of the Council’s work during the previous year:
Our Reports Compendium is a list of selected reports that highlight the work of the Council:
Long Range Plan
Every year, the Council updates its long-range strategic plan. The plan outlines projects for the next five years, with a special focus on the upcoming fiscal year. This document serves as a guide to achieve our mission of promoting environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska terminal and associated tankers.
Working together for a safer sound
One of the objectives of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was to foster partnerships among the oil industry, government agencies, and local citizens. We have learned over the years that partnerships among stakeholders can lead to good policies, safer transportation of oil, better oil spill response capabilities, and improved environmental protection. Ex-officio members and other organizations routinely participate in the technical committee meetings, contributing expertise and other assistance with Council projects. Many of the Council’s major successes have been jointly achieved through technical and regulatory working groups and funding partnerships among government, industry, and citizen representatives.