§ 2735. Equipment and personnel requirements under tank vessel and facility response plans

• (a) In addition to the requirements for response plans for vessels established by section 1321(j) of this title , a response plan for a tanker loading cargo at a facility permitted under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act ( 43 U.S.C. 1651 et seq.), and a response plan for such a facility, shall provide for—
  • (1) prepositioned oil spill containment and removal equipment in communities and other strategic locations within the geographic boundaries of Prince William Sound, including escort vessels with skimming capability; barges to receive recovered oil; heavy duty sea boom, pumping, transferring, and lightering equipment; and other appropriate removal equipment for the protection of the environment, including fish hatcheries;
  • (2) the establishment of an oil spill removal organization at appropriate locations in Prince William Sound, consisting of trained personnel in sufficient numbers to immediately remove, to the maximum extent practicable, a worst case discharge or a discharge of 200,000 barrels of oil, whichever is greater;
  • (3) training in oil removal techniques for local residents and individuals engaged in the cultivation or production of fish or fish products in Prince William Sound;
  • (4) practice exercises not less than 2 times per year which test the capacity of the equipment and personnel required under this paragraph; and
  • (5) periodic testing and certification of equipment required under this paragraph, as required by the Secretary.
• (b) In this section—
  • (1) the term “Prince William Sound” means all State and Federal waters within Prince William Sound, Alaska, including the approach to Hinchenbrook Entrance out to and encompassing Seal Rocks; and
  • (2) the term “worst case discharge” means—
    • (A) in the case of a vessel, a discharge in adverse weather conditions of its entire cargo; and
    • (B) in the case of a facility, the largest foreseeable discharge in adverse weather conditions.