ANCHORAGE, AK -- November 29, 1996 -- Alyeska reported today that active measures are underway to ensure that its Thompson Pass investigation work does not impact recreational users of the Thompson Pass area. Alyeska is working in the area to determine the source of hydrocarbon evidence found near the trans-Alaska pipeline.

Alyeska is talking to members of the local skiing, snowboarding and snow machining community to learn where users are likely to be active for the next several days. Alyeska is examining the access route between Blueberry Lake and the pipeline worksite for potential conflicts with recreational users and making any crossings that are identified as safe as possible for users. Alyeska personnel are providing information on the status of the investigation to users at commonly used access sites along the Richardson Highway.

Alyeska expects very little equipment traffic along the access route. Only equipment required to move the tractor-mounted drill rig to the pipeline worksite and to keep the access route in usable condition will be allowed. Personnel and equipment traffic involved in this investigation is being closely monitored.

The drill rig is expected to arrive at the site today. Once on site the drill will bore holes to extract soil samples and install underground monitoring instruments. Hydrocarbon evidence from soil gas probes remains inconclusive regarding the source or type of the substances initially detected Tuesday.

The temperature in Thompson Pass is currently 20 degrees. Winds are 20 knots and it is snowing lightly. 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 1.43 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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