DNR Spill Prevention & Response

The Statewide Abatement of Impaired Land Section (SAIL) prevents, prepares for, and responds to spills of oil and other hazardous substances on the land and water DNR manages throughout Alaska, in collaboration with other state, federal, and local agencies.

SAIL regularly works with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Prevention Preparedness and Response Program to review and provide input on Oil Discharge and Contingency Plans, and to ensure that SAIL staff are trained and ready to represent DNR landowner interests.

When spills occur, SAIL coordinates with various DNR Divisions and Sections that may have impacted resources and issues authorizations for response activities that go beyond DNR's generally allowed uses . When large spills requiring an Incident Command (IC) occur on DNR managed lands, SAIL staff participate in the IC to represent landowner interests. For spills impacting DNR managed coastline, SAIL participates in shoreline assessments to ensure Alaskans have land management representation in the cleanup of those lands.

SAIL currently serves as the DNR Trustee Representative for Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) actions. The Governor of the State of Alaska has designated the Attorney General and the Commissioners of the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Fish and Game as natural resource trustees pursuant to federal law.

SAIL also collaborates across Divisions and Departments to ensure consistent application of fuel storage best management practices and spill reporting requirements for DNR land use authorizations. This approach not only helps to limit spills but also reduces the state's long-term pollution liability. Additionally, it creates a predictable business model that allows industries and other stakeholders to operate productively and safely.