An application package for an Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan, under Alaska Statute 46.04.030 and in accordance with 18 AAC 75, has been received by the Department of Environmental Conservation.  The details are as follow:

Applicant:     
Vitus Energy, LLC dba Vitus Marine
113 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Ste 200
Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Proposed Activity:
Review of a major amendment application package for an Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan that is required to commit adequate resources to meet all planning requirements for prevention and response for a realistic maximum discharge from the operations of Vitus Energy LLC dba Vitus Marine. Vitus Marine tank barge operations involves transportation of only non-persistent refined cargo products; gasoline, aviation gas, jet fuels, and diesel fuels.  Vitus Energy LLC is amending their Vitus Marine Alaska Tank Barge Operations Contingency Plan to increase the largest capacity tank barge intended for use under the plan to 100,000 barrels and expanding operations in navigable rivers and tributaries throughout the State of Alaska.  The corresponding response planning standard under the plan will increase from 1,500 to 15,000 barrels.

Location:                   
Southeast (1), Prince William Sound (2), Cook Inlet (3), Kodiak (4), Aleutian (5), Bristol Bay (6), Western Alaska (7), Northwest Arctic (8), North Slope (9), and Interior Alaska (10) Regions of Alaska.

Potential Results:     
A potential risk exists of oil spills entering the lands or waters of the state as a result of this operation.

Activity identified as:          
State Contingency Plan Number 16-CP-5186

Any person wishing to submit a request for additional information or provide comments regarding this application may do so in writing to Bernie Nowicki, Department of Environmental Conservation, SPAR/PPRP, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, 907-269-8149 (phone), 907-269-7687 (fax), or bernie.nowicki@alaska.gov. 

The public comment period for this application begins on March 10, 2017 and ends on April 10, 2017. Requests for additional information and comments must be received by 5:00 pm on April 10, 2017.  It is the responsibility of the commenter to verify that facsimile and email submissions are received by the deadline.  An additional comment period may be provided in accordance with 18 AAC 75.455(d). 

Copies of the application package are available for public review at the following locations: the department's office at 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501; and the department’s website at http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/SPAR/PublicMVC/IPP/CPlansUnderReview .

The department will hold a public hearing on the plan application if it determines that good cause exists.  Residents in the affected area or the governing body of an affected municipality may request a public hearing by writing to the Department of Environmental Conservation, at the above address prior to March 27, 2017.  The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need a special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact Natalie Wolfe at (907) 269-0291 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 prior to March 31, 2017 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.