# ALYESKA PIPELINE SERVICE CO — Safety Order **Citation:** CPF 520145003S **Type / status:** enforcement / historical **Agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration **Effective:** Not stated **Published:** 2014-03-13 CLOSED safety order. ## Document text Safety Order involving ALYESKA PIPELINE SERVICE CO. The dataset does not identify a cited regulation for this case. The case was opened on 2014-03-13 and is reported as closed as of 2015-06-09. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status. Official case documents: 520145003S_Closure Letter_06092015.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Closure%20Letter_06092015.pdf 520145003S_Closure Letter_06092015_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Closure%20Letter_06092015_text.pdf 520145003S_Consent Agreement_06272014.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Agreement_06272014.pdf 520145003S_Consent Agreement_06272014_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Agreement_06272014_text.pdf 520145003S_Consent Order_06272014.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Order_06272014.pdf 520145003S_Consent Order_06272014_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Order_06272014_text.pdf 520145003S_Notice of Proposed Safety Order_03132014.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Notice%20of%20Proposed%20Safety%20Order_03132014.pdf 520145003S_Notice of Proposed Safety Order_03132014_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Notice%20of%20Proposed%20Safety%20Order_03132014_text.pdf 520145003S_Notice of Proposed Safety Order_03132014_text.pdf TRANSMITTED VIA EMAIL & CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED March 13, 2014 Mr. Tom Barrett President Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 3700 Center Point Drive Anchorage, AK 99503 CPF 5-2014-5003S Dear Mr. Barrett: Enclosed is a Notice of Proposed Safety Order (Notice) issued in the above-referenced case. The Notice proposes that you take certain measures with respect to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) operated by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska) to ensure pipeline safety. Options for responding are set forth in this Notice. Your receipt of the Notice constitutes service of this document under 49 C.F.R. §190.5. We look forward to a successful resolution of this matter to ensure pipeline safety. Please direct any questions on this matter to me at 720-963-3160. Sincerely, Chris Hoidal Director, Western Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Enclosure: Notice of Proposed Safety Order Copy of 49 CFR § 190.239 cc: Mr. Mike Joynor, Vice President, Operations, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY WESTERN REGION LAKEWOOD, COLORADO ____________________________________ In the Matter of ) Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, ) CPF 5-2014-5003S ) ) ) Respondent ) ___________________________________ ) NOTICE OF PROPOSED SAFETY ORDER Background and Purpose Pursuant to Chapter 601 of title 49, United States Code, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has initiated an investigation into the safety of the Trans- Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) operated by Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska) as a result of a situation that was discovered on September 8, 2013. On that day, during scheduled valve maintenance, Alyeska discovered a large piece of metal in one of the mainline backpressure control valves at the Valdez Marine Terminal (VMT). The piece of metal was identified as a 10” diameter section of the mainline pipe wall (coupon). The coupon had a 2” vent pipe and Thread-O-Ring (TOR) attached to it. The coupon was traced back to its point of origin at Mile Post (MP) 385.77 using physical identifiers and recent in- line inspection (ILI) results. A high point vent encapsulation had been installed at this location on August 13, 2012. PHMSA and other members of the Joint Pipeline Office (JPO) observed and/or evaluated the actions taken by Alyeska to restore the integrity at MP 385.77, investigate the cause of the pipe wall failure, simulate the failure, and assess the condition of the other encapsulations that utilized epoxy filler (approximately 90) on TAPS. The encapsulations were installed between 2010 and 2013. Despite significant field testing to date, PHMSA believes Alyeska still has not fully addressed the integrity conditions at all of the other encapsulation sites. Alyeska proposed a plan to address many of our remaining integrity concerns through additional field testing on January 31, 2014, but that testing cannot be accomplished until weather and site conditions improve. As a result of the investigations to date, it appears that a condition or conditions exist on your pipeline facilities that pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property or the environment. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117(l), PHMSA issues this Notice of 2 Proposed Safety Order, notifying you of the preliminary findings of the investigation, and proposing that you take measures to ensure that the public, property, and the environment are protected from the potential risk. Preliminary Findings • Alyeska owns and operates the TAPS, which consists of approximately 800 miles of pipeline. The pipeline transports crude oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the VMT. The pipeline is constructed with approximately 400 miles of above- ground (supported/insulated) pipe and 400 miles of buried pipe. The failure location is approximately 70 pipeline miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska, and was in an above-ground segment of the pipeline. • The coupon was discovered on September 8, 2013. There was no discharge of oil as a result of the failure. Alyeska continued to operate TAPS and maintained steady operating pressure at the failure site throughout the entire incident. • An in-line inspection (ILI) of TAPS between Pump Station 4 (PS4) and the VMT was conducted in the spring of 2013. • Using physical identifiers and ILI data from the Spring 2013 pig run, Alyeska traced the origin of the 10” coupon to a construction-era high point vent at MP 385.77, approximately 70 miles north of Fairbanks. The vent had been encapsulated on August 13, 2012, to mitigate a potential integrity risk. The encapsulation was a 10” cap filled with epoxy. • Alyeska performed visual monitoring and ultrasonic testing (UT) at MP 385.77. No abnormal conditions were observed at the site. A UT survey of the area of the 10” encapsulation was conducted to determine the remaining mainline material under the encapsulation and to examine the welds that bond the encapsulation to the mainline pipe. • The circumference of the hole in the mainline pipe wall extended under the wall of the encapsulation, and potentially under the fillet weld that held the encapsulation to the carrier pipe. In one area the circumference of the hole was approximately 0.140 inches from the toe of the fillet weld. After evaluating the available information, Alyeska stated that there was no imminent threat of leakage or rupture while continuing to run in a steady state condition. Nevertheless, PHMSA considered the long term integrity of the existing encapsulation to be at risk. • Alyeska completed installation of a full-encirclement, pressure-containing sleeve (a 48” split tee and 24” cap and flange) at MP 385.77 on September 14, 2013. The sleeve was installed according to Alyeska’s sleeve installation procedures. PHMSA and the Joint Pipeline Office (JPO) required Alyeska to take extensive 3 precautions during installation in order to avoid imposing lateral loads to the damaged encapsulation. • In 2009, Alyeska identified a number of high-point vents and low-point drains on TAPS for risk remediation by encapsulation. In 2010, Alyeska completed the first five encapsulations. From 2011 to 2013, Alyeska continued to encapsulate the remaining vents and drains, and used a procedure that included filling the encapsulation with epoxy to mitigate the potential for deadleg piping. The five encapsulations that were completed in 2010 did not include the use of epoxy. The encapsulation diameter sizes are 6 inches (at approximately 85 locations), 10 inches (at 4 locations, including the failure site at MP 385), and 12 inches (at 1 location). • After the discovery of the coupon at VMT, Alyeska conducted onsite radiographic and magnetic particle examinations on three (3) 10”, one (1) 12”, and eleven (11) 6” diameter encapsulations. Of the eleven (11) 6” encapsulations examined, six (6) encapsulations were installed after the Spring 2013 ILI run, one encapsulation was installed prior to the Spring 2013 ILI run, and four (4) encapsulations were installed on a pipeline sleeve, near the Steele Creek area. Initially, no UT (straight beam, shear wave, or phased array) of these sites was done to assess the weld or carrier pipe where the encapsulations were mounted. • PHMSA staff verbally expressed concern to Alyeska’s compliance staff regarding the need to evaluate the condition of other encapsulations on September 10, 2013. Following receipt of Alyeska’s DRAFT: Prioritization and Possible Non- Destructive Testing Techniques of Epoxy-Filled Encapsulations (prepared by Kiefner & Associates) on October 11, 2013, PHMSA requested that Alyeska perform UT on the four remaining exposed (at the time) 10” and 12” encapsulations, and a sampling of the other encapsulations, to determine whether or not cracks existed within the encapsulations. Alyeska agreed to conduct phased array and shear wave UT of one (1) 10” encapsulation at MP 361.45 on October 17, 2013 and completed that testing on October 19, 2013. The other 10” and 12” encapsulations were not tested and the below ground encapsulations were reburied. • On September 19, 2013, Alyeska conducted a mock-up demonstration of the methods used to install epoxy filled encapsulations covering high-point vents. The purpose of the mock-up was two-fold: (1) to screen for field investigation prioritization of which encapsulations to examine, and (2) to validate the nondestructive testing procedure. The mock-up consisted of an open-ended segment of 48” pipe with two 2” piping attachments welded to the pipe segment. The 2” attachments simulated the existing vents on TAPS. Two sizes of encapsulations were welded over the top of the 2” attachments: a 6” cap and a 10” cap. The mock-up was constructed using piping components designed, fabricated, and tested similarly to those used to install the encapsulations on the mainline from 2011 through 2013. The procedure used on the mock-ups was not identical to the procedure used in the original mainline pipeline encapsulations. Approximately 4 3½ hours after the initial epoxy pour into the 10” encapsulation, the 48” pipe wall contained within the internal circumference of the 10”encapsulation bulged and then failed during the curing process. The failure resulted in the pipe wall material (approximately 10” in diameter) and epoxy being injected into the 48” pipe. The explosion of the mainline failure within the mock-up’s 10” encapsulation resulted in a safety incident at the lab where the test was performed, which Alyeska investigated. Alyeska provided a report of the safety incident to PHMSA. • The 10” coupon found at the VMT was sent to Kiefner and Associates for analysis. On November 22, 2013, Kiefner and Associates submitted their report to Alyeska titled “Examination of a Failed Pipe Coupon from an Epoxy-filled Encapsulation at MP-385 on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.” Kiefner’s report concluded that, “The coupon of carrier pipe was separated within the base of the encapsulation due to high pressure condition inside the encapsulation….” and “… High pressure within the encapsulation is plausible given that the ventilation fitting in the top of the encapsulation was plugged with cured epoxy.” • Alyeska sent its Pipeline MP 385.77 Incident Investigation Report to PHMSA on November 22, 2013. Alyeska’s Investigation Report (Page 3 of 29) concluded that the epoxy created a mechanism which caused the “punch-out” of the pipe coupon. The report also stated that a small amount of oil leaked from the encapsulation during the installation.1 • Alyeska conducted an analysis of the Spring 2013 ILI data at each of the high point vent and low point drain locations. This analysis is described in a report titled “ILI Encapsulation Analysis Report Regarding PLMP 385.77 Incident” dated November 6, 2013. The report concluded that the ILI data “confirmed that no locations other than PLMP 385.77 showed indications of a loss of pipe wall material.” • Six (6) encapsulations (one (1) each at MP 548.59, 586.68, 585.84, and 585.87, and two (2) at MP 548.80) were installed after the Spring 2013 ILI was conducted. Therefore, no current ILI information is available for these six vent/drain locations after installation. • Alyeska concluded that the 10” coupon dislodgement at MP 385.77 was due to a high pressure condition inside of the encapsulation and that the epoxy injected into the encapsulation created a mechanism for generating the high pressure. There are 1 Alyeska’s crew welded the encapsulation over the TOR high-point vent, injected epoxy, and then: “The crew inserted clear vinyl tubing into the pipe with a plastic bag attached at the lower end to catch any epoxy that might escape the spool due to expansion as the epoxy cured. When the crews returned to MP-385.77 on the morning of 08/14/12, they found crude oil had leaked from the ½” Thread-O-Let (TOL) fitting at the top of the encapsulation, entered the vinyl tubing with about ½ cup in the plastic bag, and some oil had escaped to run down the pipe with a few drops to the ground below. They immediately notified the Alyeska construction manager, HCC management, and filed a spill report (Ll#21563). The threaded pipe used to catch expanding epoxy was removed and the ½” plug was installed.” 5 a number of other vent/drain locations (approximately 90) that were installed in the 2011-2013 timeframe using epoxy to fill the encapsulation. The conditions of the other encapsulations are unknown in the following areas: 1) cracking of the carrier pipe below the encapsulation, 2) internal pressure in the encapsulation either as a result of the epoxy curing process or crude oil leakage, and 3) integrity of encapsulation body and weld integrity. Occurrence of any or all of these items may pose a risk of a leak or carrier pipe failure. • PHMSA sent a Request for Specific Information (RFSI) to Alyeska on September 19, 2013. Alyeska responded on November 7, 2013, and provided most of the requested items. PHMSA reviewed the information and sent an email on December 16, 2013, documenting items that had been requested in the RFSI that Alyeska had not yet provided. Alyeska and PHMSA met on January 23, 2013 to discuss the outstanding items. The outstanding items have not been provided to PHMSA. • On December 16, 2013, the JPO provided Alyeska with a list of 37 key issues requiring further explanation or analysis, Letter No. 13-544-AAS. On January 31, 2014, Alyeska responded to the JPO request by Government Letter No. 29695. On February 7, 2014 Alyeska submitted supplemental information by Government Letter 29798. The JPO responded to Alyeska on February 14, 2014 by Letter No. 14-032-AS. Alyeska submitted supplemental information in response to JPO Letter No. 13-544-AS by Government Letter 29855 on February 28, 2014. Proposed Issuance of Safety Order Section 60117(l) of Title 49, United States Code, provides for the issuance of a safety order, after reasonable notice and the opportunity for a hearing, requiring corrective measures, which may include physical inspection, testing, repair, or other action, as appropriate. The basis for making the determination that a pipeline facility has a condition or conditions that pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment is set forth both in the above-referenced statute and 49 C.F.R. § 190.239, a copy of which is enclosed. After evaluating the foregoing preliminary findings of fact and considering the age of the pipe involved, the manufacturer, the hazardous nature of the product transported and the pressure required for transporting such product, the characteristics of the geographical areas where the pipeline facility is located, the uncertainty regarding the integrity of the other encapsulations, and the likelihood that the conditions could worsen or develop on other areas of the pipeline and potentially impact its serviceability, it appears that the continued operation of the affected pipeline without corrective measures would pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment. Accordingly, PHMSA issues this Notice of Proposed Safety Order to notify Alyeska of the proposed issuance of a safety order and to propose that it take the measures specified herein to address the potential risk. 6 Response to this Notice In accordance with § 190.239, you have 30 days following receipt of this Notice to submit a written response to the official who issued the Notice. If you do not respond within 30 days, this constitutes a waiver of your right to contest this Notice and authorizes the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety to find facts as alleged in this Notice without further notice to you and to issue a Safety Order. In your response, you may notify that official that you intend to comply with the terms of the Notice as proposed, or you may request that an informal consultation be scheduled (you will also have the opportunity to request an administrative hearing before a safety order is issued). Informal consultation provides you with the opportunity to explain the circumstances associated with the risk conditions alleged in the notice and, as appropriate, to present a proposal for a work plan or other remedial measures, without prejudice to your position in any subsequent hearing. If you and PHMSA agree within 30 days of informal consultation on a plan and schedule for you to address each identified risk condition, we may enter into a written consent agreement (PHMSA would then issue an administrative consent order incorporating the terms of the agreement). If a consent agreement is not reached, or if you have elected not to request informal consultation, you may request an administrative hearing in writing within 30 days following receipt of the Notice or within 10 days following the conclusion of an informal consultation that did not result in a consent agreement, as applicable. Following a hearing, if the Associate Administrator finds the facility to have a condition that poses a pipeline integrity risk to the public, property, or the environment in accordance with §190.239, the Associate Administrator may issue a safety order. Be advised that all material you submit in response to this enforcement action is subject to being made publicly available. If you believe that any portion of your responsive material qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b), along with the complete original document you must provide a second copy of the document with the portions you believe qualify for confidential treatment redacted and an explanation of why you believe the redacted information qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b). In your correspondence on this matter, please refer to CPF 5-2014-5003S and for each document you submit, please provide a copy in electronic format whenever possible. Proposed Corrective Measures Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117(l) and 49 C.F.R. § 190.239, PHMSA proposes to issue to Alyeska a Safety Order incorporating the following requirements with respect to the affected pipeline: 1. Develop a protocol and schedule for increased monitoring of the encapsulations. Possible monitoring methods could include installing soil gas probes at all locations 7 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. and leaving certain locations exposed. Submit monitoring protocol and implementation schedule to PHMSA for approval within 30 days of receiving this order. Complete a phased array and shear wave ultrasonic testing of the three (3) remaining 10” and 12” encapsulations, and all 6” encapsulations that were installed after the Spring 2013 ILI run. Complete the field testing by July 15, 2014. If field testing at individual locations cannot be completed by July 15, 2014 due to site safety concerns, Alyeska may propose an alternate completion date with supporting justification to PHMSA. Submit the testing report (test results, analysis of the results, conclusions reached, etc.) for each individual location to PHMSA no later than 30 days after testing is completed at each location. Complete a phased array and shear wave ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle examination, and radiographic examination of at least 10% of the remaining 6” encapsulations. The specific locations to be evaluated should be chosen based on specific site risk factors such as: atmospheric temperature during encapsulation installation, pipeline pressure during encapsulation installation, condition of TOR at time of encapsulation, and ILI data. Submit the list of 6” encapsulations to be examined to PHMSA for approval, including the justification of why each location was selected, within 30 days of receiving this order. Complete field testing of the encapsulations identified in Item 3 and approved by PHMSA by August 15, 2014. If field testing at individual locations cannot be completed by August 15, 2014, due to safety concerns, propose an alternate completion date with supporting justification. Submit the testing report (test results, analysis of the results, conclusions reached, etc.) for each individual location to PHMSA no later than 30 days after testing is completed at each location. Remediate all integrity threats identified by the testing required by items 2 and 4 above by September 30, 2014. Develop a protocol and schedule to test the pressure in the encapsulations and a plan for relieving the pressure as necessary. Submit protocol and schedule to PHMSA within 30 days of receiving this order. Complete the testing and relieve the pressure, as necessary, within 1 year of receiving the order. The above actions proposed to be required by this Notice of Proposed Safety Order are in addition to and do not waive any requirements that apply to Alyeska’s pipeline system under 49 C.F.R. Parts 190 through 199, under any other order issued to Alyeska under authority of 49 U.S.C. Chapter 601, or under any other provision of Federal or State law. After receiving and analyzing additional data in the course of this proceeding and implementation of the corrective measures, PHMSA may identify other safety measures that 8 need to be taken. In that event, Alyeska will be notified of any proposed additional measures and any amendments to the work plan or Safety Order. ___________________________________ __________________ Chris Hoidal Date issued Director, Western Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration cc: PHP-60 Compliance Registry PHP-500 T. Johnson (#144579) 520145003S_Closure Letter_06092015_text.pdf CERTIFIED MAIL—RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED June 9, 2015 Mr. Tom Barrett President Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 3700 Centerpoint Drive Anchorage, AK 99503 RE: CPF 5-2014-5003S Consent Agreement Closure Dear Mr. Barrett: The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued the above referenced Consent Agreement (CA) to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska) by Consent Order, dated June 27, 2014. Since issuance of the Consent Agreement, Alyeska has worked toward completing the requirements of the Consent Agreement. PHMSA has also been closely monitoring and conducting field validation of Alyeska’s progress. This letter acknowledges PHMSA’s receipt of two recent Alyeska Government Letters, provides an update regarding the status of the CA, and closes the CA. The two recent letters (both Subject: CPF No. 5-2014-5003S, Encapsulation Consent Agreement) are Alyeska Government Letter Nos. 32503 and 32886, dated April 13, 2015 and June 4, 2015, respectively. PHMSA’s review of the information submitted by Alyeska to date indicates that Alyeska has completed all of the corrective measures required by the CA. PHMSA bases this determination on the following: a. Per PHMSA letter dated December 5, 2014, PHMSA considers corrective measure CA Items 11-15 completed. The corrective measure remaining open at the time (December 2014) was corrective measure CA Item 16. b. Regarding corrective measure CA Item 16, the consulting firm Alyeska engaged to evaluate pipeline structural integrity and long term integrity risks associated with the encapsulations has completed their evaluation. The evaluation findings and conclusions are documented in five previously transmitted reports as acknowledged by PHMSA letter date February 12, 2015. Alyeska’s position is that the remaining pressure within the installed encapsulations is either zero or a small vacuum and, as such, testing and relieving the pressure within the installed encapsulations is not necessary. Alyeska bases this position on all available information, including the consulting firm’s findings and conclusions. This completes corrective measure CA Item 16. PHMSA considers that all corrective measures of the Consent Agreement have been completed. Therefore, I am closing the above referenced Consent Agreement. I thank Alyeska for their assistance in bringing this effort to an acceptable conclusion. Sincerely, Chris Hoidal Director, Western Region Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration cc: PHP-60 Compliance Registry PHP-500 T. Johnson (#144663) 520145003S_Consent Order_06272014_text.pdf Mr. Thomas J. Barrett President Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 3700 Center Point Drive Anchorage, AK 99503 Re: CPF No. 5-2014-5003S Dear Mr. Barrett: Enclosed please find a Consent Order incorporating the terms of the Consent Agreement that you signed on June 17, 2014. Service of the Consent Order and Consent Agreement by certified mail is deemed effective upon the date of mailing, or as otherwise provided under 49 C.F.R. § 190.5. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely, Jeffrey D. Wiese Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety Enclosure cc: Mr. Chris Hoidal, Director, Western Region, PHMSA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 ____________________________________ ) In the Matter of ) ) Alyeska Pipeline Service Company ) CPF No. 5-2014-5003S ) Respondent. ) ____________________________________) CONSENT ORDER By letter dated March 13, 2014, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Office of Pipeline Safety issued a Notice of Proposed Safety Order (Notice) to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Respondent) in this case. In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.239, the Notice alleged that Respondent’s Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) has an apparent condition that, without corrective measures, would pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment and proposed that Respondent take certain actions to address the condition. Specifically, the Notice alleged that there are a number of vent and drain encapsulations on TAPS which may pose a risk of a leak or carrier pipe failure. In response to the Notice, Respondent requested an informal consultation and Respondent and PHMSA engaged in good faith settlement discussions resulting in the Consent Agreement attached to this Order that settles all of the allegations in the Notice. Accordingly, the Consent Agreement is hereby approved and incorporated by reference into this Order. The Respondent is hereby ordered to comply with the terms of the Consent Agreement, effective immediately. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60101, et seq., failure to comply with this Consent Order may result in the assessment of civil penalties of up to $200,000 per violation per day, or in the referral of the case for judicial enforcement. The terms and conditions of this Consent Order are effective upon service in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 190.5. ___________________________________ __________________________ Jeffrey D. Wiese Date Issued Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety 520145003S_Consent Agreement_06272014_text.pdf U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY ____________________________________ In the Matter of ) ) ) Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, ) Respondent. ) ____________________________________) ) CPF 5-2014-5003S CONSENT AGREEMENT On March 13, 2013, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), U.S. Department of Transportation, issued to Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (Alyeska or Respondent) a Notice of Proposed Safety Order (NOPSO). The Notice alleged that conditions exist on Alyeska's pipeline facilities that pose a pipeline integrity risk to public safety, property, or the environment. The Notice also proposed that Respondent take certain corrective measures to correct the alleged conditions and ensure that the public, property, and the environment are protected from the potential risk. Alyeska responded to the Notice by letter dated April 11, 2014 (Response). Alyeska acknowledged receipt of the proposed safety order and requested an informal consultation, which was held April 23 and May 8, 2014. During the informal consultation, PHMSA and Alyeska agreed that settlement of this proceeding will avoid further administrative proceedings or litigation and that entry into this Consent Agreement is the most appropriate means of resolving the Notice; therefore, pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Part 190, without adjudication of any issue of fact or law, and upon consent and agreement of Respondent and PHMSA (the Parties), the Parties agree as follows: I. General Provisions 1. Respondent acknowledges that as operator of the pipeline, Respondent and its pipeline system are subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal pipeline safety laws, 49 U.S.C. § 60101 et seq., and the regulations and administrative orders issued thereunder. For purposes of this Consent Agreement, Respondent acknowledges that it received proper notice of PHMSA's action in this proceeding and that the Notice states claims upon which relief may be granted pursuant to 49 U.S.C. 60101 et seq., and the regulations and orders issued thereunder. 2. Respondent does not admit or deny any allegation or conclusion in the Notice but agrees, for purposes of this Consent Agreement, that the condition identified in the Notice exists and agrees to address it by completing the actions specified in Section II of this agreement (Corrective Measures). These actions, including any work plans and schedules, shall 2 automatically be incorporated into this agreement. This Consent Agreement does not constitute a finding of violation of any Federal law or regulation and therefore may not be used in any civil proceeding of any kind as evidence or proof of any fact, fault or liability, or as evidence of the violation of any law, rule, regulation or requirement, except in a proceeding to enforce the provisions of this agreement or in future PHMSA enforcement actions. 3. After Respondent returns this signed agreement, PHMSA's representative will present it to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety recommending that the Associate Administrator adopt the terms of this agreement by issuing an administrative order (Consent Order) incorporating the terms of this Consent Agreement. The terms of this agreement constitute an offer of settlement until accepted by the Associate Administrator. 4. Respondent consents to the issuance of the Consent Order, and hereby waives any further procedural requirements with respect to its issuance. Respondent waives all rights to contest the adequacy of notice, or the validity of the Consent Order or this Consent Agreement, including all rights to administrative or judicial hearings or appeals. 5. This Consent Agreement shall apply to and be binding upon PHMSA, and upon Respondent, its officers, directors, and employees, and its successors, assigns, or other entities or persons otherwise bound by law. Respondent agrees to provide a copy of this agreement and any incorporated work plans and schedules to all of Respondent's officers, employees, and agents whose duties might reasonably include compliance with this agreement. 6. For all transfers of ownership or operating responsibility of Respondent’s pipeline, Respondent must provide a copy of this Consent Agreement to the prospective transferee at least 30 days prior to such transfer and simultaneously provide written notice of the prospective transfer to the PHMSA Region Director who issued the Notice. 7. This Consent Agreement constitutes the final, complete and exclusive agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the settlement embodied in this agreement, and the Parties acknowledge that there are no representations, agreements or understandings relating to the settlement other than those expressly contained in this agreement, except that the terms of this agreement may be construed by reference to the Notice. 8. Nothing in this Consent Agreement affects or relieves Respondent of its responsibility to comply with all applicable requirements of the Federal pipeline safety laws, 49 U.S.C. § 60101 et seq., and the regulations and orders issued thereunder. Nothing in this agreement alters PHMSA's right of access, entry, inspection, and information gathering or PHMSA's authority to bring enforcement actions against Respondent pursuant to the Federal pipeline safety laws, the regulations and orders issued thereunder, or any other provision of Federal or State law. 9. This Consent Agreement does not waive or modify any Federal, State, or local laws or regulations that are applicable to Respondent's pipeline systems. This agreement is not a permit, or a modification of any permit, under any Federal, State, or local laws or regulations. Respondent remains responsible for achieving and maintaining compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations and permits. 10. This Consent Agreement does not create rights in, or grant any cause of action to, any third party not party to this agreement. The U.S. Department of Transportation is not liable for 3 any injuries or damages to persons or property arising from acts or omissions of Respondent or its officers, employees, or agents carrying out the work required by this agreement. The U.S. Department of Transportation, its officers, employees, agents, and representatives are not liable for any cause of action arising from any acts or omissions of Respondent or its contractors in carrying out any work required by this agreement. II. Corrective Measures 11. In addition to its regular pipeline system ground and aerial surveillance, Alyeska will perform weekly ground surveillance of all encapsulation sites along the pipeline with hand-held gas detectors until completion of the below Items 12, 13, 14, and 15. In the event a specific site cannot be accessed by ground due to personnel safety concerns for two consecutive weeks, the site will be accessed by air. Ground surveillances will be documented and when locations cannot be accessed it will be documented by recording the date and reason for non-access. The Encapsulation Surveillance Plan is attached to this document as Attachment A. 12. Alyeska will complete a phased array and shear wave ultrasonic testing of the three (3) remaining 10-inch and 12-inch encapsulations by July 31, 2014. If field testing at all three of these locations cannot be completed by July 31, 2014 due to site safety concerns, Alyeska will immediately provide specific reasoning and a new planned completion date in writing for PHMSA’s review and approval. Alyeska will submit the testing report (test results, analysis of the results, conclusions reached, etc.) for each individual location to PHMSA no later than 30 days after testing is completed at each location. 13. Alyeska will complete a phased array and shear wave ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle examination, and radiographic examination of all 6-inch encapsulations listed on Attachment B to this order. Attachment B contains all encapsulation locations that both Alyeska and PHMSA agreed would provide a broad representation of 6-inch encapsulations throughout the system. The specific locations to be evaluated were chosen based on specific site risk factors such as: atmospheric temperature during encapsulation installation, pipeline pressure during encapsulation installation, condition of the thread-o-ring (TOR) at time of encapsulation, and in- line-inspection (ILI) data. 14. Alyeska will complete field testing of the listed 6” encapsulations identified in Attachment B by September 1, 2014. If field testing at individual locations cannot be completed by September 1, 2014, due to safety concerns, Alyeska will provide specific reasoning and a new planned completion date in writing by for PHMSA’s review and approval. Alyeska will submit the testing report (test results, analysis of the results, conclusions reached, etc.) for each individual location to PHMSA no later than 30 days after testing is completed at each location. 15. Alyeska will remediate all integrity threats identified by the testing required by Items 12, 13, and 14 in accordance with 49 CFR § 195.452(h), regardless of whether the location of the threat is within a high consequence area (HCA). 16. Alyeska has engaged a consulting firm to evaluate pipeline structural integrity associated with the encapsulations and long term integrity risks related to epoxy within the encapsulations. The consulting firm will provide computational analysis, physical large scale model testing, and epoxy laboratory testing. Alyeska shall utilize all available information, including the findings 4 and recommendations from the consulting firm’s engineering analysis and laboratory work, to develop an informed position regarding the remaining pressure within the installed encapsulations and plan for testing and relieving the pressure as necessary. Alyeska’s position and plan for testing and relieving pressure, if necessary, shall be documented in a written report, including supporting information, and provided to PHMSA. Alyeska will provide a schedule for completing the components of this item within 30 days of receiving this order. 17. The Region Director may grant an extension of time for Respondent to complete any of the work to be performed if Respondent submits a timely written request demonstrating good cause for an extension. III. Review and Approval Process 18. With respect to any submission under Section II of this Consent Agreement that requires the approval of the Region Director, the Director may: (a) approve, in whole or in part, the submission, (b) approve the submission on specified conditions, (c) disapprove, in whole or in part, the submission, or (d) any combination of the foregoing. If the Region Director approves, approves in part, or approves with conditions, Respondent will take all action as approved by the Director, subject to Respondent's right to invoke the dispute resolution procedures in Section IV with respect to any conditions the Director identifies. If the Director disapproves all or any portion of the submission, the Director will provide Respondent with a written notice of the deficiencies. Respondent will correct all deficiencies within the time specified by the Director and resubmit it for approval. IV. Dispute Resolution 19. The Region Director and Respondent will informally attempt to resolve any disputes arising under this Consent Agreement. If Respondent and the Region Director are unable to informally resolve the dispute within 15 days, Respondent may request in writing, within 10 days, a written determination resolving the dispute from the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety providing all information that Respondent believes is relevant to the dispute. If the request is submitted as provided herein, the Associate Administrator will issue a final determination in writing. The existence of a dispute and PHMSA's consideration of matters placed in dispute will not excuse, toll, or suspend any term or timeframe for completion of any work to be performed under this agreement during the pendency of the dispute resolution process except as agreed by the Region Director or the Associate Administrator in writing. V. Enforcement 20. This Consent Agreement, as adopted by the Consent Order, is subject to all enforcement authorities available to PHMSA under 49 U.S.C. § 60101 et seq., and 49 C.F.R. Part 190, including administrative civil penalties under § 60122 of up to $200,000 per violation for each day the violation continues, if PHMSA determines that Respondent is not proceeding according to the terms of the agreement, determinations made by the Region Director, or if appealed, decisions of the Associate Administrator. All work plans and associated schedules set forth or referenced in Section II will be automatically incorporated into this Consent Agreement and are enforceable in the same manner. 5 VI. Record Keeping and Information Disclosure 21. Respondent agrees to maintain records demonstrating compliance with all requirements of this Consent Agreement for a period of at least five years following completion of all work to be performed. For any reports, plans, or other deliverables required to be submitted to PHMSA pursuant to this Consent Agreement, Respondent may assert a claim of business confidentiality or other protections applicable to the release of information by PHMSA, covering part or all of the information required to be submitted to PHMSA pursuant to this agreement in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 7. Respondent must mark the claim of confidentiality in writing on each page, and include a statement specifying the grounds for each claim of confidentially. PHMSA determines release of any information submitted pursuant to this Consent Agreement in accordance with 49 C.F.R. Part 7, the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, DOT and/or PHMSA policies, and other applicable regulations and Executive Orders. VII. Modification 22. The terms of this Consent Agreement may be modified by mutual agreement of the Parties. Such modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties. VIII. Termination 23. This Consent Agreement terminates upon completion of all terms set forth in Section II (Corrective Measures) as determined by the Director, Western Region. Respondent may request written confirmation from PHMSA when this agreement is terminated. To the extent ongoing monitoring is required, PHMSA may terminate this agreement with respect to all other requirements with the exception of such monitoring. Nothing in this agreement prevents Respondent from completing any of the obligations earlier than the deadlines provided for in this Agreement. IX. Ratification 24. The Parties’ undersigned representatives certify that they are fully authorized to enter into the terms and conditions of this Consent Agreement and to execute and legally bind such party to this document. 25. The Parties hereby agree to all conditions and terms of this Consent Agreement: For PHMSA: For Respondent: _______________________________ _________________________________ Chris Hoidal Date Thomas J. Barrett Date Director, Office of Pipeline Safety President PHMSA Western Region Alyeska Pipeline Service Company U.S. Department of Transportation ## Provenance - Official: Yes - Source: - Source ID: `phmsa-enforcement` - SHA-256: `dd792c4684d3f60b22f7efbae994e6d8c971cd4a55aa26797ac3c9f3af35dae5` - Retrieved: 2026-08-20T04:44:44.458Z - Exported: 2026-08-23T10:36:51.201Z - Document slug: `phmsa-enforcement-520145003s` ### Source metadata ```json { "cpf": "520145003S", "operator": "ALYESKA PIPELINE SERVICE CO", "region": "Western", "pipelineType": "INTERSTATE LIQUID ONSHORE", "caseStatus": "CLOSED", "citedSections": [], "dataAsOf": "08/04/2026 12PM", "caseDataAsOf": "2026-08-04", "attachmentCount": 8, "attachments": [ { "name": "520145003S_Closure Letter_06092015.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Closure%20Letter_06092015.pdf", "bytes": 46262, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Closure Letter_06092015_text.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Closure%20Letter_06092015_text.pdf", "bytes": 9266, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Consent Agreement_06272014.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Agreement_06272014.pdf", "bytes": 184898, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Consent Agreement_06272014_text.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Agreement_06272014_text.pdf", "bytes": 25023, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Consent Order_06272014.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Order_06272014.pdf", "bytes": 74290, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Consent Order_06272014_text.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Consent%20Order_06272014_text.pdf", "bytes": 7746, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Notice of Proposed Safety Order_03132014.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Notice%20of%20Proposed%20Safety%20Order_03132014.pdf", "bytes": 499815, "category": "agency_document" }, { "name": "520145003S_Notice of Proposed Safety Order_03132014_text.pdf", "url": "https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/520145003S/520145003S_Notice%20of%20Proposed%20Safety%20Order_03132014_text.pdf", "bytes": 43872, "category": "agency_document" } ], "extractedAgencyDocumentCount": 4, "attachmentPolicy": "Official attachment links are retained. Agency-issued documents may also include a verified local PDF and page-level text representation.", "jurisdiction": "US", "operatorName": "ALYESKA PIPELINE SERVICE CO" } ```