Environmental Monitoring News Archives | Page 7 of 9 | Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council

Report shows air pollutants in Prince William Sound reduced by hundreds of tons per year

January 9, 2024January 29, 2016 by Amanda Johnson

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 pollutants are produced by internal combustion engines and released in a vessel’s exhaust. Each of the pollutants can have negative impacts on human health, contributing to heart and lung disease. Researchers calculated the amount of each of these pollutants that would have been released if the tankers had been using fuel with a sulfur content of 2.7, 1.0, or 0.1 percent. The results were then compared to determine the amount reduced.

Science Night LIVE!

December 10, 2015October 27, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

UPDATED (Dec 8): All presentations are now available for download. Please see the links below.

Original post:

Science it up with us! On Thursday, December 3, the council is hosting our annual Science Night at The Lakefront Anchorage (formerly The Millenium). Hear about the latest research that affects the safe transportation of oil through Prince William Sound.

This event is an initiative of the council’s Scientific Advisory Committee. SAC, as it’s known, ensures council projects are based on the best science.

Resolution in support of Exxon Valdez “Reopener for Unknown Injury”

July 24, 2023September 21, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

The council's directors in Kodiak at the September 2015 board meeting. — The council’s directors in Kodiak at the September 2015 board meeting.

On Friday, September 18, 2015, the council’s board of directors unanimously passed a resolution in support of the “Reopener for Unknown Injury” from the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Multiple citizens called in during the public comment period to voice their opinions about this important issue.

Media release: Citizens’ Oversight Council calls for Agreement on Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration

Resolution 15-07 – “Supporting Habitat Restoration Pursuant to Damages Caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill – in support of a meeting between the United States, the State of Alaska, Exxon, Inc., and the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustees Council.”

Full text of Resolution 15-07

Supporting Habitat Restoration Pursuant to Damages
Caused by the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

WHEREAS, the Exxon Valdez Settlement Agreement contains a reopener clause allowing the federal or state government to request additional funds from Exxon due to unanticipated remaining oil in the environment and subsequent failure of species to recover within Prince William Sound;

WHEREAS, in 2006, the United States and the State of Alaska presented to Exxon a comprehensive project plan for the cleanup of lingering oil at an estimated cost of $92 million;

New council report: Port of Valdez shrimp found generally safe for consumption

January 9, 2024July 22, 2015 by Amanda Johnson

A new report on the effects of small amounts of hydrocarbons on Port Valdez shrimp is now available. The report was approved by the board of directors during the May board meeting.

News release:

Are shrimp caught in Port Valdez contaminated by Alaska North Slope crude oil? The council recently worked with scientists at the National Auke Bay Lab in Juneau to answer that question.