Principles of Environmental Health

Case Study Topic: Marine and Coastal Walter Pollution

Case: The Exxon Valdez March 1989

Prepared by: Angella Blake

ID# - 11120714

Background
March 24, 1918, the supertanker Exxon Valdez, ran aground on a
reef in Prince William Sound in southern Alaska.

An estimated 11 million gallons of oil spilled into the water.

Attempts to contain the massive spill were unsuccessful .

Wind and currents spread the oil more than 100 miles from its
source, polluting more than 700 miles of coastline.
Hundreds of thousands of birds and animals were adversely affected
by the environmental disaster.

The problem
The third mate failed to properly maneuver the vessel, possibly due
to fatigue and excessive workload.
The master failed to provide a proper navigation watch, possibly due
to impairment from alcohol.
Exxon Shipping Company failed to supervise the master and provide
a rested and sufficient crew for the Exxon Valdez.
The U.S. Coast Guard failed to provide an effective vessel traffic
system.
Effective pilot and escort services were lacking.

Public health significance od the spill

Approximately 1,990 square kilometers of shoreline was badly
polluted.

Millions of young fishes that hatched into the sea were all
killed because of the polluted environment.
Beaches and coastal lines were also greatly affected (Water
pollution)
Air Pollution

Risk Assessment
Study the movement of the floating oil
Identify the impact of the environment
Identify the impact on the people, animals and birds
Study the effects of the shoreline clean-up methods

Impact of the Spill

Loss of Tourism from the area
Cost of replacing the animals and birds

Loss of the fishing industry

ExxonMobil was ordered to pay $287 million in actual damages and
$5 billion in punitive damages.
The U.S. Supreme Court cut the punitive damages to $507.5 million.

Risk Management
The U.S. Coast Guard's Coordinator had authority for all activities
related to the cleanup effort.
U.S. Coast Guard and USCG investigator and representative from
the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, visited the
scene of the incident to assess the damage.
The Alaska Regional Response Team was brought together by
teleconference.
National Response Team was activated.

Risk Management
Specialists from the Hubbs Marine Institute in San Diego,
California, set up a facility to clean oil from sea otters.
The International Bird Research Center of Berkeley, California,
established a center to clean and rehabilitate oiled waterfowl.
Congress passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990

Vulnerable groups impacted

Alaska Natives
Fishermen
Land owners
Ocean dwelling mammals
Seabirds
Sea Otters
Harbor seals
Bald eagles
Killer whales
Fishes

Prevention Methods
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 was passed by Congress
The U.S. Coast Guard monitors fully laden tankers via satellite as they
pass through Valdez Narrows.
Two escort vessels accompany each tanker.

Congress enacted legislation requiring that all tankers in Prince William

Sound be double-hulled by the year 2015.
Weather criteria for safe navigation are firmly established.
Dispersants are now stockpiled for use and systems are in place to apply
them from helicopters, airplanes, and boats.
Specially trained marine pilots travels with in tankers