ANCHORAGE, AK -- November 28, 1996 -- Alyeska reported today that additional investigation work to determine the source of hydrocarbon evidence found near the trans-Alaska pipeline is underway. Four additional soil gas probes were installed yesterday evening within 50 feet of the probe that detected evidence of hydrocarbons Tuesday and Wednesday. All four indicated some evidence of hydrocarbons, although there was a variation in the readings and they are not considered conclusive. Neither the type of hydrocarbons nor their source could be determined from these readings. Additional soil gas probes will be installed today.

A tractor-mounted drill rig is enroute to the Thompson Pass area from Anchorage today to further investigate the site where hydrocarbon evidence has been detected. Using this equipment, Alyeska can obtain soil samples and install monitoring instruments. The drilling equipment will reach the site using a two-mile access from Blueberry Lake on the Richardson Highway. The drill is expected to be on site this afternoon.

Alyeska and the state and federal government agencies have established a unified command team to manage this investigation and any cleanup necessary. State and federal officials are working closely with Alyeska’s Incident Command Leadership at the investigation headquarters at Alyeska’s Valdez Emergency Operations Center.

The temperature in Thompson Pass is currently 30 degrees. Winds are 15-20 knots and it is not snowing. Avalanche risk is currently low, but avalanche evaluation will continue. Safety of personnel continues to be Alyeska’s top priority.

Pipeline throughput continues to be 1.41 million barrels per day. At this flow rate, unusual pipeline pulsations or vibrations in the Thompson Pass area are at a minimum.

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