Pacific Shellfish Institute
Shellfish Research & Services for the U.S. West Coast
Oil Spill Information
Oil Spill Prevention:
Oil Spills are a tricky business to keep up on. It is best to keep prepared and trained for large spills and to use preventative measures to lessen the likely hood and impact of any type of spill. Here you will find links to free training, preventative supplies, small spill supplies, large spill supplies, and geographical response plans for each state on the west coast. Also, contact information is supplied for various state agencies and cleanup companies.
Free HAZWOPER training is available upon request. HAZWOPER ( Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Standard) training is an OSHA requirement for anyone who wants to be on the ground during oil spill control/containment operations. This includes anyone seeking access to lands (private or public) that have been oiled and not yet cleaned. This certification needs to be renewed every year. To register for this shellfish oriented training please contact Andy Suhrbier at PSI: suhrbier@pacshell.org or 360-754-2741.
To understand how each state responds to oil spills and what are priority areas in their initial response please visit the following links:
How to Respond to an Oil Spill :
The most important action one can take in responding to an oil spill is to report it to the proper federal and local agencies. This ensures a rapid response by qualified and seasoned oil spill professionals. Below are a list of numbers varying by region that you must dial to report oil spills:
- General: If you live on the west coast from British Columbia to California, the first number you must dial is the West Coast Oil Spill hot-line 1-800-OILS-911. However, in Alaska you must dial a different number (see below).
- Alaska: In Alaska the required number to dial depends on your region and if you call during normal business hours. If you do call during normal business hours:
- Central Area (Anchorage) phone - 269-3063,
- Northern Area (Fairbanks) - 451-2121, or
- Southeast Area (Juneau) - 465-2237.
- British Columbia: If the spill occurs in British Columbia, one must dial the West Coast Oil Spill hot-line 1-800-OILS-911 or the 24 HOUR SPILL REPORTING hotline @ 1-800-663-3456. More information on British Columbia Oil spill reporting requirements.
- California: If the spill occurs in California, one must dial the West Coast Oil Spill hot-line 1-800-OILS-911, or the Department of Fish and Game CalTIP number at 1-888-DFG-CALTip (1-888-334-2258), and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. M ore information on California's requirements.
- Oregon: If the spill occurs in Oregon, one must dial the West Coast Oil Spill hot-line 1-800-OILS-911 and the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. An Oregon State oil spill reporting web page has yet to be developed.
- Washington: Washington state also has plethora of numbers that one must use to thoroughly report a spill. State numbers include: 1-800-OILS-911 for the West Coast Oil Spill hot-line and a regional Department of Ecology number: Northwest Region: 1-425-649-7000 (Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties) or Southwest Region: 1-360-407-6300 (Clallum, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Mason, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties). You must dial the National Response Center number as well: (800) 424-8802. More information on Washington state.
- National: If a spill is large enough to set off Federal triggers, it must be reported to the National Response Center dial: (800) 424-8802. This number will lead you to the federal governments 24hour call center that is manned by U.S. Coast Guard officers and marine science technicians. More information on national oil spill regulations.