The trans-Alaskan pipeline has been deemed unsafe by federal regulators. The report says the pipeline could "pose a risk to public safety, property, or the environment."
From ProPublica:
As we noted last month, a leak had been discovered on the pipeline along a segment that had been flagged for replacement in 2008 by the pipeline operator, the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
Earlier this month, Alyeska received a letter from regulators at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration warning that the pipeline had “a history … of corrosion problems” and urging safety repairs and upgrades, according to the Journal. Reuters details more from the letter, which we've posted:
Probes as far back as 2008 found issues including internal corrosion that had thinned pipeline walls by up to 80 percent in some spots, the letter said. While some measures have been taken since to mitigate corrosion risks, closer monitoring is required, it added.
Among other areas of concern is TAPS' ability to withstand a prolonged shutdown during Alaska's frigid winter months, when the risk of ice plugs and wax deposits in the line could make operations hazardous, according to the letter.
Submitted by Andrew Fatato