ANCHORAGE, AK -- April 22, 1996, 7:00 pm -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, the State of Alaska and U.S. Government continue to work as a unified command team on the investigation, repair and clean-up of the oil leak at Milepost 594 of the trans-Alaska pipeline. Incident Commanders representing all three parties are at the command center located at Pump Station 10, seven miles from the Milepost 594 worksite. "We are focusing on pinpointing the source of the leak. We are also making advance preparations on the North Slope and along the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, if the need arises to shut down the line for repairs." Norman Ingram, Alyeska Pipeline Incident Commander.

Excavation of Check Valve (CV) 92 to identify the source of leaking oil, that was discovered in the vicinity of Milepost 594 on Saturday afternoon, has reached the top of the mainline pipe. The excavation will continue until the valve and the adjacent mainline pipeline are revealed. Soils contaminated with crude oil have been encountered. Work to completely excavate the valve and adjacent mainline pipe will continue around the clock. "Considering that excavations completed to date do not indicate wide-spread contamination, the cautious pace of excavation around the valve is prudent." Carl Lautenberger, Federal On-Scene Coordinator. "The Department of Environmental Conservation is satisfied with Alyeska's response effort to date. Appropriate resources are being provided." Dick McKean, Field State On-Scene Coordinator.

Contaminated soil recovered from the excavation is being temporarily stored at the worksite in accordance with Alyeska procedures and state and federal guidance. Treatment options for contaminated soil recovered in this operation are under evaluation.

The pipeline continues to operate at the level established yesterday of 860,000 barrels per day.

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