tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1951299433426567611.post-87051274348028526192008-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:002008-02-06T12:36:32.295-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.cascwild.org/uploaded_images/Copper-River-Breakup-773024.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://www.cascwild.org/uploaded_images/Copper-River-Breakup-773019.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />CORDOVA— Alyeska's survey of the Copper River for oil spill contingency planning is out for public review and comment. <div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>The report  is a result of a Condition of Approval imposed by the state requiring a survey of the main stem of the Copper River. The Condition was imposed in response to public outcry from Copper River stakeholders, who noted the existing plans say nothing about the Copper. The fear is that a spill into the river would destroy the priceless Copper River salmon fisheries. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Alyeska's survey notes several "Areas of Opportunity," or containment sites, along the main stem of the Copper river. These are places where they think that spilled oil flowing downriver could theoretically be captured by boom and skimmer gear. The survey is an amendment to the larger contingency plan, and is subject to public review.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>While certainly better than nothing, the proposed changes do more to highlight the insufficiency of existing plans than resolve concerns. The containment methods described in the survey would seem to have very limited ability to recover oil. An <a href="http://www.cascwild.org/2008/01/alaska-pipeline-threatens-downstream.html">expert opinion</a> recently commissioned by Cascadia, shows that these planned containment methods would recover only negligible oil. Even with a flawless execution, the swift river currents, quicksand, shifting gravel bars, and high silt loads would all make the response tragically ineffective.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Alyeska's response plan is way too slow. After oil has escaped into the river, it is already too late for effective spill response. The bottom line is: oil cannot be allowed to enter any river or stream in the Copper River Watershed. Period. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>That is why we will continue pursuing legal action against the State regulators and Alyeska, until they have fully recognized and protected the Copper River. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>To take action, download the pdf of the report below, and send comments by March 10 to:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Alaska Dep't of Environmental Conservation</div><div>ATTN: Rebecca Spiegel</div><div>411 W. 4th Ave.</div><div>Anchorage AK 99501</div><div>bspiegel@jpo.doi.gov</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>And send a copy to me, at gscott@cascwild.org. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><a href="http://www.cascwild.org//Copper%20River%20AOO%20Report.pdf">/Copper%20River%20AOO%20Report.pdf</a></div>Cascadia Wildlandsnoreply@blogger.com