ANCHORAGE, AK -- May 8, 1996 -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today the trans-Alaska pipeline experienced an additional shutdown to complete repairs on a mainline pump at Pump Station 8. The line was originally shut down on May 6 for planned maintenance. Yesterday during the restart process at Pump Station 8, two mechanical seals failed on a mainline pump. A small amount of oil leaked from the pump during the restart and was contained within the pump's drainage system.

The pipeline remained in operation with Pump Station 8 bypassed while repair work to the pump was done. During this time, another leak was discovered on the Pump Station 4 discharge valve inside the pump house. It was determined that a line shutdown would be required to complete the repairs at both Pump Stations 8 and 4. At 2:55 p.m. yesterday, the pipeline was shut down. The repairs were made and the pipeline was restarted at 11:20 p.m.

As a result of the two shutdowns, tanker loading operations at the Valdez Marine Terminal will be slightly delayed.

The Joint Pipeline Office has been notified of the incident.