Pipeline 101
Environmental Design

Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) engineers designed the 48-inch-diameter pipeline with the environment and wildlife in mind. One issue they addressed is the seasonal migration of caribou. More than 500 sections of pipeline are elevated at least ten feet so that migrating caribou can pass underneath and 25 other sections are buried to allow animals to cross without hindrance. Pipeline design and operations also takes into account the almost 500 rivers and streams that TAPS crosses. Hundreds of low-water stream crossings and 13 pipeline bridge crossings are constructed to maintain natural stream characteristics and allow fish migration.