Unalaska, AK – A new study is looking at what quantity of hydrocarbon pollutants, like oil, is entering Unalaska Bay and from where. The state has already deemed part of Unalaska Bay to be impaired by pollution from heavy end hydrocarbons. There are not enough of them to cause any health or environmental problems yet, but they could cause problems if they reach a certain level. OASIS senior water scientist Kent Patrick-Reily says they want to evaluate the problem and fix it before it gets worse.

"The levels that there at are ones where there is cause for concern. And one of the things we want to look at is, are there ways we can reduce the levels that they are going" into the ocean," said Patrick-Reily.

They also want to remediate the damage done by the M/V Selendang Ayu grounding and oil spill in 2004.

OASIS Environmental is conducting interviews with people in Unalaska later this week to try to get a more accurate picture of what is entering the water from all types of vessels and from normal vessel and servicing operations. They want to know how much pollution may be coming from things like bilge water discharge, storm water discharge, old military sites, fueling operations, and other activities. Patrick-Reily said they do not want to institute new regulations; they want to develop new voluntary programs.

"The whole purpose of this is to say, what is the quantity of oil coming from there? Are there some programs that may work there? And if that's the case, then we'll come back to the community to say which may work and which wouldn't work there and what are the costs and the benefits. So this is just the first step in examining whether or not such a program would be feasible or not. It may turn out that such a program is not feasible."

Once the quantity data is gathered they will also talk to community members about potential solutions and look at other environmental mitigation programs around the country to see how effective they are. An eventual plan will be put before the public for comments. If you would like to be involved in the process, contact Kent Patrick-Riley at OASIS Environmental at (907) 264-4484.