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Exxon Oil Spill
 Valdez Alaska
Valdez Environment
Valdez Oil Spill Recovery
WHAT ABOUT THE EXXON OIL SPILL?
In 1989, on March 24th, the Exxon Valdez ran
aground on Bligh Reef, spilling millions of gallons into Prince William Sound, and
affecting the environment for decades to come.
Because of the wind direction, the
oil was blown southwest, away from Valdez. However, miles of coastline were marred and
untold numbers of sea life and mammals that suffered and died.
The Valdez Exxon oil spill
accident, the largest of its kind, has received huge amounts of attention and has been the
subject of a number of books. The oil spill brought to the attention of the world just how
fragile the environment is, and also how it has the power to heal itself. Which is what it
has done. Since the Exxon oil spill, the Sound has come back and all
visible evidence of the oil spill is gone. Now in place are strict rules and procedures
for the transport of oil. Also in place is safety equipment and teams, whose sole purpose
is to protect against another oil spill disaster.
Several Glacier tours visit the site of the disaster and
Valdez Tours gives a first hand look at the pipeline terminal. The oil spill still remains
a controversy as does the pipeline itself. It remains to be seen exactly what the
long-term effects will be from the "Black Gold" on Prince William Sound and
development of the surrounding area.
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