ANCHORAGE, AK July 1, 1996. -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today that Pump Stations 8 and 10 have been placed in indefinite “stand by' mode due to continuing decline in North Slope oil production. The closing of the stations is part of a ramp-down plan that was developed in 1995 to deal with the pipeline throughput decline. Work will continue at both stations for the next three to four months to isolate the stations and preserve them for possible future use. Alyeska will be maintaining the facilities to enable restart of the standby pump stations within six months of notice.

The mainline pumps at Pump Station 8 were shut down at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 30. Pump Station 8 is approximately one-hour south of Fairbanks. The mainline pumps at Pump Station 10 were shut down at 7:00 a.m. Monday, July 1. Pump Stations 10 is located 90 miles north of Glennallen.