BLM OKs TAPS plans with requirements

The Joint Pipeline Office said Jan. 4 that the Bureau of Land Management has given its annual approval for the trans-Alaska pipeline system oil spill contingency plan, but with approval requirements.

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., the trans-Alaska oil pipeline operator, was told to prepare a summary report upon completion of improvements at the Gulkana and Copper rivers, and to work through the response planning group (Alyeska and agency representatives) to develop a maintenance program addressing periodic vegetation clearing at culverts. Alyeska is also to develop and adopt a method for documenting hands-on training through the response planning group, establish minimum training requirements and standardize duty rosters by June 30.

Alyeska is also required to develop and conduct oil spill exercises using terrorist attack scenarios along the pipeline right of way or at the pump stations, involving appropriate security agencies.

—Petroleum News