Exxon Valdez oil spill March 24, 1989 - 25th anniversary

The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred when the tanker struck a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling over 11 million gallons of crude oil. This environmental disaster threatened local wildlife and prompted a complex cleanup effort. Alieska, representing several oil companies, initiated cleanup operations, but the remote location and size of the spill posed challenges. Cleanup methods included burning, mechanical skimming, and chemical dispersants, though the latter was controversial. Support from NOAA and other organizations helped coordinate efforts, and facilities were set up to clean affected wildlife. The Exxon Valdez was later renamed but banned from returning to the spill site.

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