Exxon's Oil Tanker Valdez Ran Term Paper

The workforce should be clear about the implementation of technologies for protecting natural resources, through formulating strategies.

Ratification of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 1984 Protocols

Domestic legislation on compensation and liability is needed to implement two IMO protocols related to compensation and liability. The United States should ratify the 1984 Protocols to the 1969 Civil Liability and the 1971 Fund Conventions. Expeditious ratification is essential to ensure international agreement on responsibilities associated with oil spills around the world' (A Report to the President: Executive Summary).

Introduction of Safeguards

It is imperative to establish such environmental safeguards so as to minimize the possibility of oil spillage, by improving transportation, production, storing facilities. 'The infrequency of major oil spills in recent years contributed to the complacency that exacerbated the effect of the Exxon Valdez spill' (CNN: Exxon found guilty).

Legislation on liability and compensation is needed

The Exxon Valdez incident has highlighted many problems associated with liability and compensation when an oil spill occurs. Comprehensive U.S. oil spill liability and compensation legislation is necessary as soon as possible to address these concerns' (Secretary of Petroleum: Report to Congress).

EXXON: FULFILMENT OF MORAL OBLIGATIONS

Safeguarding the prospects of Prince William Sound

The Exxon Mobile has introduced tugs that escort the oil tankers; the tugs are equipped with radar system used for tracking both the ships and icebergs. The company created emergency response team, the recruits were trained for different level of conditions, and in this regard the company conducted series of exercises that included key personnel from industry, government agencies and local citizens' advisory groups.

Promotion of Safety on International Scale

The company has made public commitment towards taking concrete measures for prevention and mitigation of future accidents, during its operational activities. The company has untaken the responsibilities with reference to cleanup, compensation and scientific study. After the incident of Exxon Valdez, the company enhanced and improved its long-term commitment towards safeguarding the environment, employees, and operating communities.

Exxon has utilized the services of Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance Ltd. (LRQA), for measurement of Operation Integrity Management System against ISO 140001 environmental management standard of International Organization for Standardization.LRQA is a leading independent classification and inspecting authority.

Results

According to the Exxon's report following results have been achieved after the implementation of above mentioned measures,

The company achieved an 80% improvement worldwide in employee and contractor safety performance.

The company reduced 80% oil in refinery wastewater production, another pro-environment measure.

The company's average worldwide oil spillage reduced to 3 gallons per million gallons shipped.

The company successfully reduced the number of spills from approaching non-marine operations in United States by 60%.

Further more, 'Exxon's safety and environmental efforts have been recognized and commended by numerous outside agencies, The Campaign for Cleaner Corporations ranked Exxon's U.S. refineries second in overall environmental performance and first in environmental impact, and it recognized Exxon as exhibiting superior environmental performance. Chile's environmental agency recognized Exxon for having the most reliable and best-managed air quality-monitoring network in the country. The Texas Land Commission awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding contribution to the environmental protection of the state's coastal waters. Nicaragua's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment presented Exxon with a Special Mention Award for contributions to protecting the environment' (Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Cleanup, and Litigation: A Collection of Social-Impacts Information and Analysis).

References

Michael Baffrey, Contracting Officer's, Technical Representative U.S. Department of the Interior Minerals Management Service Environmental Studies Section., Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, Cleanup, and Litigation: A Collection of Social-Impacts Information and Analysis.

Science and Transportation United States. Congress Senate Committee on Commerce, United States Congress, Exxon Oil Spill: Hearing Before the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Phillip Margulies., The EXXON Valdez Oil Spill.

Peter G. Wells., EXXON Valdez Oil Spill: fate and effects in Alaskan waters.

Richard T. Carson, Michael B. Conaway, W. Michael Hanemann, Jon A. Krosnick, Robert Cameron Mitchell., Valuing Oil Spill Prevention: A Case Study of California's Central Coast.

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy….....