ANCHORAGE, AK -- May 20, 1996. -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today that the northern end of the trans-Alaska pipeline was idled for approximately 45 minutes yesterday after twenty-nine bottles of Halon were accidentally discharged in the main turbine building at Pump Station 4. As a safety precaution when Halon is released, the Station pump house is automatically isolated. The northern end of the pipeline was idled because oil cannot be pumped over Atigun Pass while Pump Station 4’s pumps are shut down.

Crews were performing planned maintenance on the Station’s fire system when the Halon was accidentally released into the main turbine building. Crews are investigating the exact cause of the release. No injuries occurred and the Station’s fire protection and suppression systems remain active.

The Joint Pipeline Office has been notified of the incident.