DEC Seeks Input on Current Spill Prevention and Response Regulations

• For immediate release — October 15, 2019
• Contact: Laura Achee, 907-465-5009

Juneau, AK — The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is seeking input on its oil discharge prevention and contingency plan requirements. Contingency plans are required for facilities and vessels that store and transport oil. Based on the feedback from this scoping process, DEC may consider amending contingency plan regulations (18 AAC 75, Article 4). DEC is also accepting comments on the related statutes that authorize the Article 4 regulations.

"I've heard from many Alaskans that contingency plans are unnecessarily burdensome while lacking corresponding environmental benefits. To achieve Governor Dunleavy's goal of being open for business, today we are beginning a fully transparent scoping process seeking the public's input."

Jason Brune, DEC Commissioner

Scoping comments may be submitted online at http://alaskadec.commentinput.com and must be received by DEC no later than 11:59 p.m. on January 15, 2020. No specific regulation revisions are proposed at this time, and there are no draft regulations to review.  Public submissions will be visible on the comment website as they are submitted to enhance transparency of the process. More information is posted on the SPAR regulations projects website.