ITEM TITLE:
#22-06 - Requesting Improvements to Proposed Regulations Related to Oil Spill Response and Contingency Planning
SUBMITTED BY: Jake Staser, City Attorney
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: NA
Unencumbered Balance: NA
Funding Source: NA
RECOMMENDATION:
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SUMMARY STATEMENT:
On October 15, 2019, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation opened a public scoping process to solicit comments and input from stakeholders, the public, and industry on areas where Alaska’s Oil Spill Regulations 18 AAC75 - Article 4 and Alaska State Statute 46.04, Oil and Hazardous Substance Pollution Control, could be streamlined. On February 18, 2020, Valdez adopted a resolution supporting opposing any legislative or regulatory changes that erode oil spill prevention and response standards, reduce opportunities for public input and review, increase the risk of a catastrophic oil spill, or demonstrate complacency on the part of the oil industry and regulators. On March 16, 2020, Valdez submitted detailed comments regarding the importance maintaining robust oil discharge prevention and contingency plan regulations.
On November 1, 2021, ADEC revealed proposed regulatory revisions. While many of the revisions are helpful for clarification of regulations and improving the organization of the regulations, some specific improvements have been identified in collaboration with PWSRCAC. PWSRCAC has provided draft comments for the City’s review, which it will subsequently adopt at its meeting on January 28, 2021. The City of Valdez has been active in advocating for robust oil spill response and prevention regulations. This resolution is in furtherance of that goal.