State seeks public comment on Bethel fuel terminal spill response plan

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments through May 14 on a spill prevention and response plan for a new fuel terminal in Bethel.

Vitus Terminals LLC has applied to renew its Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan for the Vitus Bethel Terminal, which will store and distribute diesel, ultra-low sulfur diesel, unleaded gasoline, aviation gasoline, and jet fuel. The terminal will have 34 storage tanks with a total capacity of 24,276 barrels.

The plan outlines how the company would prevent and respond to oil spills that could reach state lands or waters. The terminal is located on Noel Polty Boulevard in Bethel.

Residents can submit comments online at dec.alaska.gov/comment or in writing to Howard Minor at the Department of Environmental Conservation, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 14.

The full application is available for review at dec.alaska.gov/Applications/SPAR/PublicMVC/IPP/CPlansUnderReview.

Residents in the affected area or the Bethel governing body can request a public hearing by writing to the department before April 29. The state will hold a hearing if it determines good cause exists.

For more information, contact Howard Minor at 907-269-0336 or [email protected]. People with disabilities who need accommodations to participate should contact Kristin Mabry at 907-334-0884 by May 11.