Drift River Terminal cleanup continues

Cleanup is continuing at Cook Inlet Pipeline Co.’s Drift River Terminal Facility on the west side of Cook Inlet following spills discovered in July.

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Spill Prevention and Response said Oct. 7 in a situation report that CIPL operator Harvest reported an additional release of crude oil at dig site 1 from penetration of an abandoned 10-inch diameter pressure relief line during installation of sheet piling to support excavation walls.

The spills discovered in July were associated with over pressurization of the 20-inch fill line at the facility. The first spill was discovered July 2 by a CIPL operator during a facility inspection. The second discovery was made when an inspection was conducted of areas above the 20-inch fill line.

In addition to spills at the two initial areas, free product was discovered in early August during excavation of a buried flange. DEC said total spill volume is unknown but that CIPL will submit a volume estimate based on waste generated as part of its final report.

The agency said it received CIPL’s soil sampling plan Sept. 10 and approved it Sept. 15. On Sept. 20, Harvest reported an additional release of crude oil at dig site 1 from penetration of an abandoned 10-inch pressure relief line.

“Harvest reported the pressure relief line did not appear to leak oil until the line was unearthed,” DEC said. Crude oil and standing water at the excavation was immediately recovered using a vacuum truck. The agency said Harvest determined there were 18 barrels of a crude oil and water mixture, with 1.5 barrels of oil and 16.5 barrels of water.

Additional excavation associated with the pressure relief line and plugging of that line were completed Sept. 25, with excavation at dig site 1 completed Sept. 29 and at dig site 3 Oct. 3.

DEC said additional materials and equipment needed to commence work at dig site 2 where the stain was discovered in late July was scheduled arrive the week of Oct. 10 by barge.

The agency said it will continue to assess and discuss with CIPL the future of the 20-inch fill line system and testing required for that system.

- Petroleum News