Prince William Sound Regional Citizens` Advisory Council services

The Oil Spill Response Operations program encompasses monitoring and reporting activities related to the operational readiness of oil spill response personnel, equipment, and organization of the trans-Alaskan pipeline shipping industry. This program monitors oil spill incidents within Prince William Sound and evaluates response readiness. It is also responsible for writing and implementing the PWSRCAC Emergency Response Plan.

Through the oil spill prevention planning program, PWSRCAC develops positions and recommendations on oil spill response technologies; reviews state and federal contingency plans and plan-related issues; promotes compliance with and enforcement and funding of existing environmental regulations; supports maintenance and improvement of the Alaska Coastal Management Program process; and promotes the incorporation of local knowledge of sensitive areas in contingency planning.

The Maritime Operations program reviews port organization, operations, incidents, and the adequacy and maintenance of the vessel traffic system. Major program components include participation with the Valdez Marine Safety Committee, monitoring changes to the escort system, reviewing Best Available Technology documents for the escort system and the Vessel Emergency Response Plan, and supporting the maintenance of the NOAA weather stations.

The Environmental Monitoring program encompasses site-specific and region-wide monitoring activities.

The Terminal Operations program monitors actual and potential environmental impacts from the operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT) and reviews operational and maintenance practices at the facility.