At Clean Rivers Cooperative, preparedness isn’t just a priority—it’s a core part of our mission. As environmental risks evolve and response expectations grow, our team continues to invest in the training, tools, and partnerships needed to meet the challenge head-on. This summer marked a significant milestone in that ongoing effort, as key Cooperative staff received advanced training in oil spill response management, strategies, and tactics. From hands-on field exercises at nationally recognized facilities to collaborative training alongside regulatory agencies and response partners, these efforts reflect our commitment to maintaining a highly skilled, responsive team—ready to support our members when it matters most.
Clean Rivers Cooperative is proud to announce that Polly Hyke, Business Manager, officially joined our rotation as an Oil Spill Response Manager in July. With years of experience supporting spill operations from the administrative side, Polly brings a wealth of industry knowledge and steady leadership to this vital role. Her advancement follows months of rigorous, hands-on training through our Response Manager program—coordinated by Operations Manager Carl Boelter—which equips our Response Managers with essential skills in incident management, oil cleanup tactics, river and GRP knowledge, equipment familiarity, and a working understanding of member facilities and their potential spill risks.
In August, Polly furthered her training by attending the Northwest Oil Spill School in Port Angeles, Washington. This immersive training is designed to refine skills in regional environmental protection and spill response. Participants engaged in practical exercises with specialized equipment and collaborated with peers from the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology, and regional/international OSROs to enhance coordinated response strategies.
Meanwhile, General Manager Vanessa Green and Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Ben Robinson completed the Texas A&M Oil Spill Strategies and Tactics course at the OHMSETT Facility in Leonardo, New Jersey. Over three days, they participated in field exercises—including operating skimmers in OHMSETT’s world-class test tank using real oil—to sharpen technical expertise in managing spill incidents.
The Clean Rivers team trains monthly alongside our response contractors Republic Services and GrayMar Environmental on a variety of equipment, ensuring seamless coordination and shared readiness across all response partners. In addition to our regular training with our response contractors, Clean Rivers has begun an internal monthly hands-on training series for Cooperative Staff that is designed to maintain operational proficiency, reinforce safety protocols, and close any gaps in technical knowledge—ensuring our team remains confident and capable in the field.
Clean Rivers Cooperative has been actively collaborating with local regulatory agencies to conduct pre-scouting of Geographic Response Plans (GRPs) along the Columbia River. This proactive effort is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of existing GRPs and provide feedback on proposed revisions. By assessing logistical feasibility, access points, and environmental sensitivities, the team is able to identify potential gaps and refine response tactics. These field assessments not only strengthen the plans themselves but also serve as invaluable hands-on training opportunities for responders—building familiarity with the terrain, equipment, and coordination protocols in a low-pressure setting. It’s a win-win for preparedness and environmental protection.
These training efforts reflect Clean Rivers Cooperative’s unwavering commitment to response readiness and ultimately, to our members. By investing in continuous education and interagency collaboration, we not only elevate our operational readiness but also strengthen relationships with key partners across the region.
