Dave Donaldson, APRN – Juneau
Fairbanks Democrat David Guttenberg has monitored Alyeska and safety issues surrounding the pipeline his entire legislative career. He says the federal findings are not necessarily new events – but it is the first time they have been brought to the public’s attention.
Guttenberg says there have been many problems and orders over the years, but many of them have been delayed and never properly addressed. He says previous delays are now, “coming home to bite them.”
He does not now see the need for a system-wide, long-term shut down of the line for the required maintenance.
Guttenberg says the recent choice of Thomas Barrett as president of Alyeska will fit in well with any improvements the pipeline needs. He says Barrett’s experience as a former Coast Guard official will serve the company well in dealing with the regulatory process and in understanding the need for safety in pipeline operations.
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