New Bedford City Council Supports Oil Spill Prevention Efforts

March 26, 2004

CONTACT:

Michelle Frey, Communications and Outreach Coordinator

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay

508-999-6363, ext. 208

NEW BEDFORD, MA—New Bedford is the latest in a string of local towns and cities to support a statement of principles aimed at preventing future oil spills like the Bouchard-120 spill that occurred in Buzzards Bay last year.   The statement of principles, drafted by The Coalition for Buzzards Bay,  endorses important measures that are included in oil spill prevention legislation currently under consideration in the state of Massachusetts. 

With this latest endorsement by the New Bedford City Council , all coastal cities and towns in the Buzzards Bay watershed are unified in supporting regulatory changes to reduce the chance of oil spills occurring once again along our coastline.

“The New Bedford City Council stands firmly with The Coalition for Buzzards Bay and its efforts to protect one of our state’s most valuable resources,” said City Councilman Joe DeMedeiros. 

The statement of principles include the following important measures:

1. Improvements to navigational safety such as establishment of a Vessel Traffic Service System;
   
2. Protection from aging, dangerous single-hulled barges through requirements for escort tugs and additional crew;
   
3. Expanded penalties and fines tied to the size and impact of an oil spill and;
   
4. Establishment of an Oil Spill Prevention and Response Fund.
   
   

The devastating Bouchard-120 oil spill on April 27, 2003 seriously impacted the economy and environment of Buzzards Bay.  This oil spill, the second largest in the Bay’s history, took the lives of more than 450 sea birds, fouled miles of beaches, and contaminated shellfish beds.  The clean up and restoration continue to this day. 

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The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. The organization works to improve the health of the Bay ecosystem for all through education, conservation, research and advocacy and is supported by more than 4,700 members.