Exxon Valdez Oil Spill of 1989

By: Ramsey Diven

Introduction-Occurred in March of 1989

-Exxon Valdez Supertanker ran aground on Bligh Reef

-11 million gallons of oil spilled into Prince William Sound, Alaska

Intro Continued-The Ship’s Captain, Joseph J. Hazelwood impaired by alcohol

-He gave Gregory Cousins (third mate) instruction to leave shipping lanes to avoid icebergs.

-Robert Kagan replaced Cousins, failed to make the turn back into shipping lanes.

-Ran aground Bligh Reef around midnight March 24, 1989

Effects of The Spill-1,300 miles of shoreline impacted- Oil can still be found in virtually every cove or beach, just under the surface (Rj Kopchak)

-Many people lost source of income due to decrease in fish population

-A countless number of animals died; estimates are: 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, 300 harbor seals, 250 bald eagles, up to 22 killer whales, and billions of salmon and herring eggs.

Human Aspect-Captain impaired by alcohol

-Crew member’s suffered from fatigue

-Exxon had not properly prepared the ship

-Exxon was not prepared for an accident of such extremes

Animals Affected- Seabirds-Sea otters-Harbor seals-Bald eagles-Killer Whales-Salmon & Herring eggs

Clean Up- 3 methods: burning, mechanical cleanup, chemical dispersants

New Rules and Regulations- US Coast guard now closely monitors tankers via satellite

-Two escort vessels accompany tanker through the sound

-Congress established legislation requiring tankers to be double-hulled by 2015

-Contingency planning for oil spills up to 12.6 million gallons

- skimming systems now recover over 300,000 barrels in 72 hours

New Rules and Regulations Continued

- seven barges available to put oil/water mix into, can hold over 800,000 barrels

- 40 miles of containment boom in PW Sound

-Dispersants are plenty, systems in place to apply from helicopters, airplanes, and boats

Works Citedhttp://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/e/exxon_valdez_oil_spill_1989/http://www.evostc.state.ak.us/index.cfm?FA=facts.QA

http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/other-resources/lingering-oil-the-lasting-effects-of-exxon-valdez-329127

http://www.valdezrca.com/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exxon_Valdez_oil_spill#Identified_causes