ALYESKA BEEFS UP SECURITY AHEAD OF PERSIAN GULF WAR

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. has stepped up security on the trans-Alaska pipeline system ahead of hostilities in the Middle East. Alyeska stressed that the added measures are precautionary and not responses to a specific threat. The action came last week shortly before a U.S. led allied force launched a massive air attack on Iraqi military installations in Iraq and Kuwait Jan. 16. For the week ending Jan. 11, the Alaskan pipeline was moving about 1.93 million b/d of Alaskan crude oil, almost

Jan. 21, 1991

2 min read

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. has stepped up security on the trans-Alaska pipeline system ahead of hostilities in the Middle East.

Alyeska stressed that the added measures are precautionary and not responses to a specific threat. The action came last week shortly before a U.S. led allied force launched a massive air attack on Iraqi military installations in Iraq and Kuwait Jan. 16.

For the week ending Jan. 11, the Alaskan pipeline was moving about 1.93 million b/d of Alaskan crude oil, almost 12% of U.S. oil supplies.

ALYESKA PRECAUTIONS

Beefed up measures throughout the 800 mile TAPS system included:

Added security personnel for access control, electronic monitoring, and area patrols.
Increased perimeter security restrictions for access to pipeline facilities.
Tightened personnel inspections in pump stations and the Valdez marine terminal.
Increased use of air and ground surveillance.

OTHER MEASURES

In addition to its program to prevent sabotage, Alyeska's contingency plan includes provision for rapid repair of the system in the event of damage. Equipment, manpower, and logistic requirements for repairs were reviewed for emergency mobilization to any part of the line.

Alyeska's full contingency plan for responding to threats against the crude oil pipeline has been reviewed with state and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Army and Coast Guard, Alaska National Guard, and Alaska state police.

The company remained in daily contact with law enforcement and intelligence agencies and had access to national and overseas advisories. But it had not sought participation by military units or law enforcements agencies to help provide security.