What happens if there is a spill?
It is against the law to spill oil in Alaska, and every person who spills oil is responsible for cleaning up the spill and for any public and private pollution damages that may result. Claims for damages may be settled directly by the responsible party or may proceed to litigation through the court system. In the case of regulated operators who must have approved proof of financial responsibility before they can legally operate, their “proof” may be encumbered until claims have been settled or adjudicated. These regulated operators may then be required to post additional proof before they can legally operate other facilities or vessels. (Legal references: Alaska Statutes Title 46, Chapter 3, sections 758, 759, 760, and 822, and Chapter 4, sections 030 and 040.
