BP Combats Another North Slope Spill

Fri, December 4, 2009
Posted in Alaska News, Top Stories

There’s been another spill from a BP pipeline on the North Slope. The State Department of Environmental Conservation reports that more than 7,000 gallons of oily water was released from a 34-inch pipeline at Prudhoe Bay. The DEC report says most of the fluid was contained within a manifold building, but that about 2,000 gallons spread to a gravel pad, effecting about 3,000-square feet outside. BP used a vacuum truck to pick up the oil and water mixture. The company plans to employ jackhammers to break up and remove frozen product from the ground. The produced water system and affected well have been isolated. The cause of the spill is under investigation.

Dan Bross, KUAC – Fairbanks

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Comments

Otter

Just how did this spill "effect" 3000 square feet of gravel pad? It brought the pad into being?
Kongukuk

There are two sides to just about every arguement. In this case, we all have to keep our eyes on companies that deal in high risk business like oil producers. Setting strict environmental rules helps assure that our land is kept as pristine as possible. On the side of economics and business, we need to make a living. This calls for extracting natures products. Our big problem continues to be that we, for the most part, think short term. It is difficult to "turn the ship", in this case toward alternative energy sources.
AKSean

Judy,

What does your Subaru run on? How is your home lit and heated? Don't drive your car, dont turn on your lights or heat. Reduce YOUR carbon footprint to zero before throwing stones.
concernedalaskan

Having worked as the Safety Person on the BP side of Prudhoe Bay for a many years, I had first hand knowledge of just how strict BP was concerning Safety and environmental issues. Now after many fluid spills on the slope due to PB management cutting funds and not running spill preventive procedures, it is coming back to bite them. Alyaska Pipeline is doing the same. They are cutting back on the human factor on a system that is over 30 years old. This i snot a major issue during the summer time. But in darkness and the cold of winter when "man" had to respond to an issue, major problems will happen. The Oil Companies working in my State of Alaska need to have their head on the chopping block and personally be heald accountable for their companies screw ups.
Judy Kwetcipenes-Armstrong

And they want to drill for natural gas????????? Now you all who live in the Lower 48 see why we up here aren't thrilled; you can call us tree huggers' if you wish, it's that we moved up here to get away for those who rape our Mother? You all move up here and turn your neighbor hoods into mini version of what you want to move away from!
chrisb22

Get a grip Lady!!! If not for the Oil and Gas in this state there would not be able to suck up our states yearly check that I am sure you can't wait to get each year...
kevinbrew

There is no power, no heat, no metals without risk. It was oily water and it is being cleaned up.