ANCHORAGE, AK -- November 30, 1996 -- Alyeska reported today that soil samples obtained from two initial holes drilled yesterday afternoon at the Thompson Pass investigation site near the trans-Alaska pipeline appeared clean and dry with no visual sign of crude oil. These samples are currently under additional analysis at an Anchorage laboratory. Alyeska plans on drilling four additional holes today at the pipeline worksite and one further downhill near where the pipeline crosses the Richardson Highway on Sunday.

The two holes drilled yesterday were immediately adjacent to the soil gas sample probes which indicated evidence of hydrocarbons since Tuesday. One hole was drilled on each side of the pipe approximately 10 feet from the pipe centerline. The hole on the west side was drilled to 19 feet below surface and the east side hole was drilled to 15 feet below surface. In this area the bottom of the pipeline is 12 feet below the surface. Soil samples were collected at two and a half feet to five feet intervals.

"I am pleased with the drilling results from yesterday. However we are waiting on today’s results to confirm that a spill has not occurred." stated Brad Hahn, State On-Scene Coordinator with Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.

"The lack of any visual contamination is encouraging and we are all hopeful that chemical analysis of soils sampled will confirm these findings." Carl Lautenberger, Federal On-Scene Coordinator with the Environmental Protection Agency.

"What has been accomplished in such a short amount of time in this difficult area has been tremendous and a credit to everyone involved. Our focus on safety of personnel as we obtain needed information continues to be Alyeska’s top priority." Norman Ingram, Incident Commander.

The temperature in Thompson Pass is currently 27 degrees. Winds are 5-15 mph and there are snow showers. Avalanche risk is currently low, but avalanche evaluation will continue.

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