Backhoes would cultivate the beaches to bring out the oil from underneath so that it could be washed out. Some beaches were fertilized for growth of microscopic bacteria that eat the hydrocarbons. This technique did not work if the oil was too thick. Today, the western area of Prince William Sound still has oil on its surfaces. Some residents of Prince William Sound are concerned of the oil that is still on some beaches.
Some villagers go to the beaches to help clean up the oil that remains.
It holds the oil together and floats which is collected in oil-absorbent pads. The beaches that still have oil are avoided. The settlement had a Criminal Plea Agreement, Criminal Restitution, and a Civil Settlement. The Criminal Restitution Fund was for the damage done to the fish, animals, and the surrounding lands. Improvements have been made to prevent another oil spill.