“Exxon Valdez 11 Million Gallon Oil Spill” - This Day in History – Mar 24th

Supertanker Exxon Valdez Creates Environmental Disaster

Back in 1989, the Exxon Valdez became the most well known Supertanker due to the disastrous oil spill, which was the worst in U.S. history.  The event occurred when this ship an aground on a reef and spilled an estimated 11 million gallons of oil within the water of the territory of Prince William Sound in southern Alaska.  The weather conditions of wind and currents helped to spread this oil more than 100 miles from the original source and thus diminished attempts to contain this oil spill.  Sadly, wildlife such as birds and other animals suffered along with the 700 miles of Prince William Sound coastline. 

The person responsible for this oil spill was the intoxicated captain of the Valdez, Joseph Hazelwood, whom had assigned an uncertified officer steer the massive vessel. This captain was convicted and fined $50,000 for negligence and ordered to perform 1,000 hours of community service.  However, he would later have this decision overturned in Alaska court due to a federal statue that guarantees freedom for individuals who report an oil spill. 

According to history.com, “Exxon itself was condemned by the National Transportation Safety Board and in early 1991 agreed under pressure from environmental groups to pay a penalty of $100 million and provide $1 billion over a 10-year period for the cost of the cleanup. However, later in the year, both Alaska and Exxon rejected the agreement, and in October 1991 the oil giant settled the matter by paying $25 million, less than 4 percent of the cleanup aid promised by Exxon earlier that year.”

All History facts provided from the link below:

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/halle-berry-denzel-washington-triumph-at-oscars?catId=12