The Nation : Alaska Approves Exxon Disposal Plan

Exxon’s plan to dispose of the wastes from its oil spill cleanup won guarded state approval, but the oil company was told it should not expect exemptions from air-quality laws. The Alaska state Department of Environmental Conservation agreed with the company’s intention to process polluted water at the oil industry’s jointly owned Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. ballast treatment plant in Valdez. But the state, while also approving Exxon’s proposal to burn solid oil-fouled wastes, said the company must use special incinerators in order to meet air quality standards. The state suggested that the wastes be burned in barges off the coast. Exxon expects to pick up about 55,000 tons of waste by Sept. 15. The waste includes oily water skimmed up by vessels, tar-covered sea debris, oil-soaked absorbent pads and wipes, damaged clothing and dead animals.