GRS Site Selection Process

The Geographic Response Strategy (GRS) site selection process begins by identifying candidate sites. At a minimum, this involves consultation with: residents of nearby communities, natural resource managers, oil spill response professionals, industry representatives, and regional citizens’ advisory council members, where appropriate.

3 major criteria

Candidate sites are identified based on the following three criteria.

environmental sensitivity;
risk of being impacted from waterborne spills; and
feasibility of successfully protecting the site with existing technology.

Site Selection Matrix

Potential GRS locations are placed into a Site Selection Matrix and ranked based on the following criteria, which are described in the applicable Area Plan.

Example GRS Site Map

Proximity to threatened or Endangered Species/Habitats
Subsistence Harvest Areas
Marshes
Eelgrass beds
Sheltered Tidal Flats
Sheltered Rocky Shores
Seal Haulouts
Sea Lion Rookeries and Haulouts
Walrus Rookeries and Haulouts
Large Seabird Colonies
Waterfowl and Shorebird Spring, Fall, or Winter Concentration Areas
Large Anadromous Fish Streams
Intertidal Salmon Spawning Areas
Herring Spawning Areas
Federal Wilderness Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Natural Landmarks
State Refuges, Sanctuaries, and Critical Habitat Areas
Cultural Resources/Archaeological Sites
Intertidal Sites
High Use Commercial Fishing Areas
High Use Recreational Areas

When funding becomes available after site selection ranking is complete, a tactics and operations group is formed to develop protective strategies for each site. After draft strategies are developed, they are available on the Draft GRS webpage for public review.

Feedback is always welcome and is actively sought. Public involvement is essential to ensure sites and strategies reflect the environmental protection priorities of local communities, stakeholders, and resource users, who are encouraged to participate in the selection and development process. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved, please contact us at dec.spar.grs@alaska.gov.