Alyeska Pipeline Service company reported a spill during a power failure at pump station nine this morning. The power failure resulted in the tank relief valves opening. Subsequently, Tank 190 overflowed and crude oil was released to secondary containment. This occurred as Alyeska was conducting fire command and valve leak testing at the pump station, located near Delta Junction, during a planned pipeline shutdown.
Alyeska estimates that the potential spill volume to containment is up to several thousand barrels. The containment area has a capacity of 104,500 barrels.
There were no injuries and personnel have been evacuated. The pipeline is currently shut down. An Incident Management Team has been activated to manage the situation. Additional spill response crews and equipment are en route.
Lori Townsend, APRN – Anchorage
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