Prince William Sound RCAC Board to Meet
By Brooke Taylor
Prince William Sound Regional Citizen’s Advisory Council
The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council will hold a board meeting in Anchorage on Thursday and Friday, Jan 25 to 26.
The meeting will be located in the Imagine Ballroom of the Embassy Suites, at 600 E. Benson Blvd. Those interested in attending the board meeting can do so in person, by teleconference (1-888-788-0099, Meeting ID: 846 6601 3879) or videoconference (https://pwsrcac.zoom.us/j/84666013879). Visual presentations given during the meeting can be streamed live through the Zoom link or accessed by download on the council’s website when available.
The tentative schedule for the Thursday session is from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. On Friday, the meeting is scheduled from 8:15 am to noon. The meeting is open to the public, except for executive sessions. Public comments are scheduled to be taken on Thursday starting at on Thursday starting at 9 a.m. Those wishing to speak during public comments are highly encouraged to sign up ahead of time by emailing Jennifer Fleming: fleming@pwsrcac.org.
The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council. (Photo courtesy of PWS RCAC)
The council will be conducting regular business during the meeting, including updates from council ex officio members, staff and committees. Other topics included on the agenda are:
An activity report by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company on the Valdez Marine Terminal and Ship Escort Response Vessel System operations, including an update on Alyeska’s efforts to address concerns identified in the council’s report “Assessment of Risks and Safety Culture at the Valdez Marine Terminal.”
A presentation from Alaska Tanker Company on upgrades and changes to their Alaska fleet.
Introduction and discussions with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Designee, Emma Pokon.
A report on the results from the council’s Long-Term Environmental Monitoring Program, now in its 30th year, analyzing mussels, marine sediment and passive sampling devices to monitor oil contamination associated with operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal and associated tankers.
A briefing from council staff on the renewal of Alyeska’s Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan, including comments submitted by the council to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in December 2023.
A presentation on the recent Hope Spot designation for Prince William Sound by the Prince William Sound Stewardship Foundation.
A presentation on the Shepard Point Marine Tribal Transportation Oil Spill and Marine Casualty Response Facility by the Native Village of Eyak.
Consideration by the council to create a designated recreation seat on the board and appointment of a new director to fill the seat, should it be approved.