March 24, 1989:

Oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling more than 11 million gallons of crude oil. Due to the remote location of the spill–it was accessible only by boat or helicopter–cleanup efforts were challenging, and it put current preparedness plans to the test. In the aftermath of the Exxon Valdez incident, Congress passed the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which required the Coast Guard to strengthen its regulations on oil tank vessels and oil tank owners and operators.—FEMA

Impact:

• Roughly 11,000 square miles of water and 1,300 miles of shoreline were effected.
• 28 years later, oil is still contaminating areas of the sound.

Related Resources:

• HSDL In Focus: Maritime Domain
• Long-Term Consequences of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill for Coastal Communities of Southcentral Alaska
• Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Restoration Plan
• HSDL search results for: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill

Photo: (Credit: NARA) Navy and civilian personnel position hoses during oil clean-up efforts on Smith island.