The recent oil rig disaster and subsequent endless flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico have once again raised the horrifying specter of a really big oil spill here in our own precious part of the world. Sitting as we do right in the middle of major shipping lanes, islanders pay close attention when a spill such as the Exxon-Valdez occurs, or the recent Gulf tragedy.

Many islanders are discovering that, thanks to community awareness and an incredible spirit of commitment to protect this place, our own local oil spill response organization already exists. The only spill response group in the San Juans, the non-profit and community-based Islands’ Oil Spill Association has provided free training to over 300 island residents throughout the years.

IOSA owns 9,400 feet of containment boom (and manages another 4,000 feet), ready for immediate use in the event of a spill. The boom is spread between 11 locations, all within five minutes of a launch site, which allows quick access to boom in all corners of the islands. IOSA has six dedicated spill response vessels and works with many trained responders who have their own workboats. Equipment trailers containing anchor systems, sorbents, pumps, skimmers and other gear are stationed at strategic locations throughout the islands, including the outlying islands of Stuart and Sucia.

Nearly 130 IOSA responders are also trained and have their state-required 8-hour certification for Oiled Bird Search & Rescue, Basic Care and Stabilization. At least 20 of these responders have put their name on the list to work down along the Gulf Coast if needed. As of this date, May 13, oiled wildlife responders from outside the region are not yet being asked to help in the Gulf, but the situation is ever-changing.

In addition to classroom training, IOSA holds five or six on-the-water boom deployment/containment drills a year. IOSA crews have completed 68 site-specific field tests of protective booming strategies for sensitive areas/bays in the San Juan Islands and installed rock anchors in many locations where no other suitable shore attachment exists. Ongoing training keeps us prepared and allows responders to update their certification on a regular basis. It also allows new people to get involved in local oil spill response.

“Watching the ongoing tragedy in the Gulf, one of the many things I feel is a strong sense of gratitude for IOSA and all the people in the San Juans who make IOSA the wonderful organization that it is,” said Jackie Wolf, IOSA coordinator.

There are many ways community members can help. For more information on our community’s preparedness for a major oil spill, as well as the smaller spills that frequently happen and have required a full IOSA response over 100 times.