ANCHORAGE, AK -- February 16, 1997 -- Alyeska Pipeline Service Company issued a Stop Work Order Saturday morning, February 15, at the Wilber Creek pipe excavation site near Pump Station 7. Stop Work Orders are issued when conditions adverse to quality are found which, if left unaddressed, could result in the project not meeting quality commitments.

The Stop Work Order was requested by Alyeska Pipeline and the area pipeline maintenance contractor, Price/Ahtna, to address Quality Program concerns and technical issues associated with the project. In addition, the company has become aware of communication breakdowns between organizations whose interactions are important to the project's success.

This Stop Work Order will stay in affect until the issues are addressed and resolved satisfactorily. Approximately 40 people have been working at the site since early January 1997. After safely securing the worksite, most workers were released until further notice.

The Wilber Creek pipe excavation began late last year to investigate pipe anomalies identified by the corrosion pig. Three specific sites have been excavated and inspected. Two sites which required no repair were recoated with an epoxy coating. A structural sleeve was installed at the third site.

A team of Alyeska, Contractor and Joint Pipeline Office personnel are working together to resolve the issues. It is anticipated that resolution will be reached and work will resume early this week.

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