Overview
This lecture covers the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989, its causes, cleanup response, consequences for local communities and wildlife, legislative aftermath, and the lessons learned (and sometimes forgotten) for oil spill prevention and response.
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: Incident and Immediate Response
- On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez tanker struck Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling 11 million gallons of crude oil.
- Cleanup equipment promised within 6 hours was absent after 9 hours; Aleska's response team arrived 13 hours late.
- Initial attempts to use chemical dispersants were largely ineffective and increased toxicity.
- Early response was disorganized and unprepared for the scale of the spill.
Environmental Impact and Community Effects
- The spill contaminated over 1,600 square miles and 800 miles of coastline.
- 500,000 seabirds, 3,000 otters, and many other animals perished; some species, like herring and killer whales, never fully recovered.
- The disaster devastated the fishing industry, causing long-term economic damage to local communities.
- Community-led rescue efforts saved some salmon fry, highlighting local initiative amid official failure.
Cleanup Efforts and Controversy
- Exxon spent over $2 billion, deploying thousands of workers, but only about 5% of oil was recovered.
- High-pressure washing methods killed remaining beach life; much cleanup was more for public relations than effectiveness.
- Some local fishermen profited by hiring out their boats, causing social rifts.
- Wildlife rescue was hampered by regulation and lack of coordination.
Legal, Regulatory, and Policy Aftermath
- Captain Hazelwood was found criminally negligent but acquitted of drunkenness charges.
- Exxon was ordered to pay $300 million in compensation and $5 billion in punitive damages, later reduced by the Supreme Court.
- The Oil Pollution Act (1990) mandated double-hulled tankers, better contingency planning, and tug escorts in sensitive areas.
- Despite improvements, future disasters like Deepwater Horizon revealed ongoing deficiencies in preparedness and response.
Lessons Learned and Unlearned
- After initial reforms, industry and government investment in spill response technology waned.
- The Deepwater Horizon spill showed prevention and response systems still inadequate decades later.
- There is recurring tension between profit motives and investment in safety/environmental protection.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Exxon Valdez — Oil tanker that caused the 1989 spill in Prince William Sound.
- Bligh Reef — Reef where the Exxon Valdez ran aground.
- Chemical Dispersants — Chemicals used to break up oil slicks, often increasing toxicity.
- Double-hulled Tankers — Ships with two hull layers, required after 1990 to prevent spills.
- Oil Pollution Act (1990) — U.S. law requiring better oil spill prevention and cleanup measures.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key oil spill legislation including the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
- Understand the long-term ecological impacts of oil spills on marine environments.
- Prepare to discuss how regulatory and corporate failures contributed to the disaster.