MAY 26, 2017--On May 24, 2017, the Alaska Regional Response Team (ARRT) met in Sitka, AK, to discuss policies for preparedness and response to discharges of oil and releases of other hazardous substances in Alaska and surrounding waters.

The ARRT is an interagency, intergovernmental coordinating group consisting of representatives of 14 federal agencies, the State of Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and federally-recognized tribes responsible for developing and maintaining policies for preparedness and response to discharges of oil and releases of other hazardous substances in Alaska and surrounding waters. The agenda included updates on recent responses in Alaska and on-going contingency planning efforts. The ARRT meetings rotate around the state to allow input from communities and provide RRT members a chance to meet local responders.

Sitka, in southeast Alaska, is a busy fishing port and cruise destination, and ship traffic is a concern for responders. Sitka is celebrating its 150th year as a U.S. city, but was founded as New Archangel under Russian rule in 1804.

For further information, contact Doug Helton.

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