Case study of longterm human impacts and vulnerabilities from the Exxon Valdez spill: Social and Environmental Research Institute (SERI)

Project funded by the The Oil Spill Recovery Institute

1 June 2008 – 31 May 2010.

Tom Webler (PI) and Seth Tuler (Social and Environmental Research Institute)

The objective of this project is to complete a case study to document the longterm human impacts from the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 and to characterize the qualities of the Cordova community that have shaped the vulnerability and resilience of the community to the stresses associated with the spill and the response activities.

This case study is intended to supplement a larger research project whose purpose is to design a process to help Area Committee planners anticipate and plan for the socially disruptive impacts, or "human dimensions," of spills (more information). This will be a procedure in which planners and other stakeholders are led through a systematic exploration of the possible human impacts.

The Cordova Case Study is meant to inform this effort. We will mine the existing literature on the Exxon Valdez spill and will visit the Cordova community in Fall 2009 to interview community leaders in order to learn about the particular qualities of the communities around the Sound that shape their vulnerability and resilience to the stresses of the spill and its response activities.

Anticipated Benefits

This project will provide a base of knowledge to understand how oil spills impact human communities and will assist planners to evaluate trade-offs and synergies between protecting environmental resources and protecting or mitigating impacts to human communities. Results will be transferable to Area Committees across the nation. The project will improve contingency planning by enabling plans to better incorporate information about human impacts.

The Cordova community will receive a report that summarizes the key factors that shape the vulnerability and resilience of the community to the spill.

Funder Information

Funding is provided by (The Oil Spill Recovery Institute).. The Oil Spill Recovery Institute was established by Congress in response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Its purpose is to identify and develop the best available techniques, equipment and materials for dealing with oil spills in the Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environment and to complement federal and state damage assessment efforts and determine, document, assess and understand the long-range effects of Arctic and sub-Arctic oil spills on the natural resources of Prince William Sound, and the environment, the economy and the lifestyle and well-being of the people who are dependent on those resources.

			Case study of longterm human impacts and vulnerabilities from the Exxon Valdez oil spill 278 Main Street, Suite 404, Greenfield, MA 01301 phone: 413-773-9955, e-mail:


All material © SERI unless otherwise noted.			Project funded by the The Oil Spill Recovery Institute 1 June 2008 – 31 May 2010. Project Team Tom Webler (PI) and Seth Tuler (Social and Environmental Research Institute) Project Overview The objective of this project is to complete a case study to document the longterm human impacts from the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 and to characterize the qualities of the Cordova community that have shaped the vulnerability and resilience of the community to the stresses associated with the spill and the response activities. This case study is intended to supplement a larger research project whose purpose is to design a process to help Area Committee planners anticipate and plan for the socially disruptive impacts, or "human dimensions," of spills (more information). This will be a procedure in which planners and other stakeholders are led through a systematic exploration of the possible human impacts. The Cordova Case Study is meant to inform this effort. We will mine the existing literature on the Exxon Valdez spill and will visit the Cordova community in Fall 2009 to interview community leaders in order to learn about the particular qualities of the communities around the Sound that shape their vulnerability and resilience to the stresses of the spill and its response activities. Anticipated Benefits This project will provide a base of knowledge to understand how oil spills impact human communities and will assist planners to evaluate trade-offs and synergies between protecting environmental resources and protecting or mitigating impacts to human communities. Results will be transferable to Area Committees across the nation. The project will improve contingency planning by enabling plans to better incorporate information about human impacts. The Cordova community will receive a report that summarizes the key factors that shape the vulnerability and resilience of the community to the spill. Funder Information Funding is provided by (The Oil Spill Recovery Institute).. The Oil Spill Recovery Institute was established by Congress in response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. Its purpose is to identify and develop the best available techniques, equipment and materials for dealing with oil spills in the Arctic and sub-Arctic marine environment and to complement federal and state damage assessment efforts and determine, document, assess and understand the long-range effects of Arctic and sub-Arctic oil spills on the natural resources of Prince William Sound, and the environment, the economy and the lifestyle and well-being of the people who are dependent on those resources.