ANCHORAGE, AK -- October 1, 1996 -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company reported today that 21 workers at the Valdez Marine Terminal were tested for possible over-exposure to hydrocarbon vapors vented during repairs to the Vapor Recovery System in the East Crude Oil Storage Tank Farm on September 28.

The venting occurred while purging existing pipe prior to replacing an 80-foot section of the vapor piping. Workers in the immediate area were wearing protective safety equipment. Several workers working in an adjacent area on an unrelated project reported smelling vapors. A gas analyzer determined that the vapors contained hydrocarbons. Following Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) regulations, everyone in the area was asked to participate in the precautionary screening program to determine if they were over-exposed to hydrocarbon vapors. Workers will be notified of the results on Thursday, October 3.

A team is being formed to investigate the incident.

The Joint Pipeline Office has been notified of the event.