Pipeline Spill Drill at Valve 109

These photos of a pipeline oil spill response drill were taken on Sept. 22, 2005, near Alyeska's Valve 109 at the Klutina River, upstream of the Copper River Delta. Photos courtesy of Dan Lawn.

The drill was conducted to demonstrate Alyeska’s ability to respond to a pipeline spill below valve 109, which is rumored to be faulty. Of concern to the council, however, is the fact that if there was a pipeline break the oil would be past the areas where this equipment is setup before Alyeska could get people and equipment there and deployed. Also, the oil would entrain under the boom because the current is so swift.

In the second photo the current has pulled the boom vain under the water. The other photos show a very narrow swath (opening of the boom into the skimmer) for the skimmer to recover much especially since the bend of the river (shown in the second photo) likely would push oil to the other side of the river.

More information on Valve 109: Letter to JPO regarding problems with Valve 109

Spill deflection boom and skimmer in Klutina River looking downstream from bridge.

Spill deflection boom in Klutina River looking upstream from Bridge.

Klutina River spill drill close up of skimmer.