Beyond Natural Resource Damage Assessment: A Navy/State of Washington Oil Spill Restoration Partnership

Abstract

ABSTRACT Money from oil spill natural resource damage claims in Washington State is used primarily to fund environmental restoration and enhancement projects, but all parties liable for oil spills in the state are invited to propose and perform resource restoration projects in lieu of monetary compensation. As a result of numerous oil spills from Naval vessels and facilities in Washington and the high probability of future spills, Naval Base Seattle developed a comprehensive restoration program that lists potential restoration projects for Navy facilities throughout Washington, and supports restoration opportunities for non-Navy trustee properties. The program has evolved into a collaborative restoration planning effort between the Navy and Washington natural resource agencies to identify and prioritize restoration opportunities to be applied in the event of future Navy spills. To date, three restoration projects have been approved as compensation for five spills into Puget Sound from Naval vessels, and are considered highly successful by both the Navy and the state. This approach results in substantial savings for state agencies, restoration projects that are implemented quickly and efficiently, and environmental education and awareness for Navy personnel.