ANCHORAGE, AK -- September 17, 1996 -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today that tests to investigate vibrations near pipeline milepost 776 were completed on Friday. The intermittent pipe vibrations were identified in early August and are believed to be caused by reduced crude oil flow through the pipe south of Thompson Pass. The vibrations appear to increase near milepost 776 when throughput is below 1.4 million barrels a day.

Several residences located near milepost 776 are being impacted. The homeowners are being informed of actions Alyeska is taking to analyze and mitigate the vibrations. Alyeska will resolve homeowners’ concerns that arise from this situation.

The vibration tests, run on September 5 and 6, and September 12 and 13, were designed to gather data on how the vibrations changed during various operating conditions, including different throughputs and different pressures. An evaluation of the test results is underway, with recommendations expected next week.

The Joint Pipeline Office has been notified.