LPC-LO3 Pipeline Spill
Unified Command
Whenever there is an incident involving more than one agency with jurisdiction, a joint command arrangement, called the Unified Command is implemented. This webpage provides a compilation of general information, reports, press releases, maps and relevant links meant to aid members of the Unified Command and inform the public during a response. Not all information provided here has been jointly approved or endorsed by every member of the Unified Command.
- Location
- Approximately 1.5 miles from the Lisburne Production Center (LPC) heading east along the Drill Site Line 3 (L03) and west of T3C, Prudhoe Bay, North Slope, Alaska.
- Time/Date
- 3:05 AM, November 29, 2009
- Spill Id
- 09399933301
- Product/ Quantity
- The spill was from an 18-inch three-phase common line carrying a mixture of crude oil, produced water, and natural gas. Total estimated volume of oily material released is 45,828 gallons (1,091 barrels); this is a preliminary figure only.
- Cause
- A visual inspection of the pipe on Monday, December 7, identified a rupture as the source of the leak. According to cleanup officials, the rupture is approximately 24 inches lengthwise, located on the bottom of the pipe. The rupture is consistent with an overpressure scenario, linked to ice plugs forming inside the pipe. However, separate investigations by BP and the State of Alaska into the cause are ongoing.
ADEC Situation Reports
- 01/13/2010 (PDF 44K)
- 12/17/2009 (PDF 64K)
- 12/16/2009 (PDF 2.5M)
- 12/14/2009 (PDF931K)
- 12/11/2009 (PDF 834K)
- 12/10/2009 (PDF 834K)
- 12/09/2009 (PDF 296K)
- 12/08/2009 (PDF 921K)
- 12/07/2009 (PDF 703K)
- 12/06/2009 (PDF 880K)
- 12/05/2009 (PDF 633K)
- 12/04/2009 (PDF 878K)
- 12/03/2009 (PDF 535K)
- 12/02/2009 (PDF 664K)
- 12/01/2009 (PDF 701K)
- 11/30/2009 (PDF 157K)
- 11/29/2009 (PDF 392K)
Unified Command Press Releases
- 12/08/2009 - Source of pipeline leak identified (PDF 80K)
- 12/05/2009 - Update: Unified command calculates gross volume of spill for cleanup purposes (PDF)
- 12/02/2009 6:00PM - Media Alert (PDF 96K)
- 12/02/2009 2:00PM - Oil misted snow removed from two-thirds of site (PDF 95K)
- 12/01/2009 12:00PM (PDF 83K)
- 11/30/2009 7:00PM - Initial Press Release (PDF 90K)
Fact Sheets
Response Updates
Videos
Videos are hosted externally on Vimeo.com
- 12/14/2009. Alaska Clean Seas (ACS) staff sampling the steam coming off of the Dragon snow melter for LEL, and other gases at the East Dock. Video clip by Greg lippmann, ADEC.
- 12/14/2009. ACS staff loading the Dragon with contaminated snow to be melted at East Dock. First load to go in. Video clip by Greg lippmann, ADEC.
- 12/14/2009. The Dragon that was used to start the ice melting at East Dock. Video clip by Greg lippmann, ADEC.
- 12/22/2009. ACS staff hand cleaning the contaminated snow off of the pipes at the spill site. Video clip by Greg lippmann, ADEC.
- 12/22/2009. ACS staff trimming the contaminated road next to the pipe line. Video clip by Greg lippmann, ADEC.
- 12/13/2009 -- Trimming operations.
- 12/11/2009 -- Cleanup workers investigate the softened ice berm around the water-flushing and vacuum removal operations. Videotaped by ADEC field monitor Greg lippmann.
- 12/08/2009 -- A rollagon carrying contaminated soil from the spill site arrives at the Lisburne Production Center (LPC). Rollagons have large oversized tires which allow them to drive on tundra without causing damage. Videotaped by ADEC field monitor Brian Jackson.
- 12/05/2009 6:00pm -- A view of the workers building the ice berm. Videotaped by ADEC field monitor Brian Jackson.
Photos
Images may be downloaded for free and used in publications provided credit is given to the source.
November, 2009 Cleanup Operations
December 4, 2009 Cleanup Operations
December 7, 2009 Cleanup Operations
December 8, 2009 Cleanup Operations
December 10, 2009 Ruptured Pipe
December 12, 2009 Trimming Operations
December 13, 2009 Trimming Operations
December 22, 2009 Cleanup Operations
Indicates an external site.
