Response to bullet hole in pipeline called success

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Petroleum News Alaska Staff

The response to the trans-Alaska pipeline bullet hole oil spill was efficient and successful, according to a joint report released Feb. 27.

Application of the hydraulic clamp was a successful means of controlling the oil spill, but the report said ideas to reduce pressure and/or stop the leak at the site should be investigated for effectiveness.

While safety controls are in place to reduce exposures to hazards and prevent serious explosions, injuries, fires or similar disasters, future exercises should include community fire departments. Both in-state and out-of-state expertise and resources that could enhance fire prevention and fire suppression should be identified.

Revisions will be required to the contingency plan to better describe existing systems such as leak detection and source control. The contingency plan could also be enhanced to include containment tactics as well as more information on permits needed for portions of the response.

The joint work group included Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.; the Alaska departments of Environmental Conservation, Fish and Game, Labor and Workforce Development, Natural Resources and Public Safety; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the Joint Pipeline Office; the U.S. Department of Transportation-Office of Pipeline Safety; and U.S. Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management.