Secretary offers assistance getting pipeline up and running

ANCHORAGE -- Following a conversation between U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski and U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham, the U.S. Department of Energy has offered an assistance necessary to help get the trans-Alaska oil pipeline up and running following Sunday's major earthquake in Alaska.

Murkowski briefed both the White House and Secretary Abraham on the magnitude 7.9 earthquake that caused the trans-Alaska oil pipeline to shut down shortly after 2 p.m. AST Sunday. According to Alyeska officials, the pipeline worked flawlessly, automatically starting a shutdown by 2:12 p.m., according to a briefing to Murkowski by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., operator of the 800 mile line. Murkowski was told that there were no leaks and no oil spilled.

The line, however, suffered some damage as eight "shoes" and five crossbeams that support the 42-inch pipe were damaged at mile 588, south of Fairbanks. Alyeska told Murkowski and Sen. Ted Stevens that inspection crews were on site and repair crews would begin repair work on Monday.

Abraham offered all technical, engineering or physical assistance that Alyeska might need to speed repair on the line that carries more than 15 percent of all domestically produced oil daily.

"The administration was very helpful," Murkowski said. "The energy secretary understands how important the line is for America and Alaska. From what Alyeska has confirmed to me, the pipeline worked exactly as designed. It faced a major earthquake without any apparent leaks. It's a reminder of how important the pipeline is to America's energy security."

Sen. Ted Stevens also welcomed the federal assistance. "I'm pleased that the secretary offered all support and assistance that we might need and am pleased that the pipeline appears to have worked as intended. It is proof that the pipeline is capable of handling even more oil in the future," Stevens said.

As of early Sunday evening, Alyeska was still attempting to determine how long the line may be closed for inspections and repairs.