1990 - JPO "Starts Up"

·        Governor Cowper and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Gorsuch charged Jerry Brossia with the task of establishing and running coordinated pipeline oversight for TAPS and gas pipeline construction.  John Santora was selected to be the Federal Point of Contact to set up the office.  Mike Menge was appointed the Federal Authorized Officer for the Federal government. 

·        One-stop permitting and coordinated oversight of common carrier oil and gas pipelines in Alaska was provided.  The Bureau of Land Management and State Department of Natural Resources were the core agencies of the joint office.  Other State and Federal agencies with similar management or regulatory authority for pipeline systems were invited to become members in the office: the State Departments of Fish and Game, Environmental Conservation, and Division of Governmental Coordination and Federal Departments of Transportation, Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Environmental Protection Agency. 

·        The State of Alaska and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) carriers entered into an Alternate Dispute Resolution regarding corrosion on TAPS.  The State Pipeline Coordinator's Office (SPCO) acted as liaison between the State and Alyeska on the corrosion tariff settlement.  The State Cooperative Corrosion Agreement resulted. 

·        Yukon Pacific Corporation steadily increased their activity levels associated with the planning and development of a liquefied natural gas export project.

1991 - "Gets Down to Business"

·        Oversaw the Atigun Reroute Project to replace 8.5 miles of mainline pipe to remedy corrosion. 

·        Eliminated individual permits for projects that were similar.  General permits were developed that resulted in considerable savings for Alyeska on the Atigun project and streamlined the permitting process.

·        Released a report on the Thorpe Technical Services investigation concluding that the corrosion contractor did perform satisfactorily.  Program improvements were recommended.

·        A technical resource library was established to house all pipeline-related documents and files submitted to the State.

·        After the Exxon Valdez disaster, the office participated in the development of new oil spill contingency plans for the pipeline and terminal and coordinated multiple agency review and approval of the plans. 

·        The Incident Command System was adopted for oil spill responses, providing a unified organizational structure for government oil spill response.

·        The General Accounting Office (GAO) issued a report entitled "Regulators Have Not Ensured That Government Requirements Are Being Met."

·        Responded to GAO's recommendation to develop a multi-disciplinary monitoring plan to address three major areas of JPO responsibility: safety, pipeline integrity, and environmental issues.

1992 - "A Challenging Year"

·        A Corrosion Task Force evaluated the various corrosion causes, effects, and mitigation and prevention on TAPS.  The task force studied Alyeska's pipeline corrosion control program for over two years, ultimately releasing a report requiring Alyeska to comply with several requirements.

·        The Cooperative Corrosion Agreement was expanded and the TAPS Carriers dedicated $23 million for enhanced cathodic protection and other corrosion remediation projects.

·        Recommendations were submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for completion of an Environmental Impact Statement for Yukon Pacific Corporation's proposed gas pipeline.

·        Over 1,000 permits and authorizations were issued to Alyeska for their revised Oil Spill Contingency Plan.

·        A monitoring plan for TAPS to ensure compliance with Grant and Lease Stipulations, regulations, and permit conditions was developed.

·        Numerous reviews of projects necessary for the continued safe operation of TAPS were conducted including: slope stability at the Valdez Marine Terminal, ballast water treatment plant at the Terminal, and construction of 70 new roads for improved oil spill response.

·        Several complaints related to Alyeska employee concerns, environmental issues, and pipeline safety were filed with the office. 

·        Nolan Heath became the new Authorized Officer.

1993 - "A Year of Reinvention"

·        Energy and Commerce Sub-Committee hearings were conducted in July to examine safety-related issues on TAPS.  Alyeska whistleblowers testified at the Congressional hearings.  Pipeline oversight was expanded. 

·        BLM/JPO contracted Quality Technology Corporation (QTC) to conduct an audit of TAPS to investigate reported safety allegations and problems.  Findings were presented at Congressional hearings in November.  QTC was additionally contracted to conduct a Phase II to produce recommendations designed to provide solutions to problem areas identified in the initial audit.

·        4,920 deficiencies on TAPS were identified from the QTC and other audits.

·        A review of TAPS facilities shut down due to declining throughput was conducted.  Major impacts associated with pump station closure were engineering concerns, environmental concerns, impacts on the Grant and Lease, and oil spill contingency plans.

·        A toll-free hot line was established for the reporting of safety, environmental, and pipeline integrity issues as part of the new Employee Concerns Program.  Alyeska was urged to do likewise.

·        The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Yukon Pacific Corporation's proposed gas pipeline was reviewed.  Yukon Pacific was issued a Conditional Right-of-Way Lease.

·        Mid-America Pipeline Company (MAPCO) notified the State Pipeline Coordinator's Office/JPO of their intent to study the feasibility of constructing a pipeline from their existing North Pole Refinery to the Port of Anchorage.  MAPCO decided not to construct a pipeline.

·        Staff participated in 40 oil spill drills. 

1994 - "Tackling Problems Head On"

·        Reports to Congress alleging serious safety-related problems on TAPS; GAO, public, and media criticism; and several audits that substantiated problems prompted expanded oversight.

·        Oversight focus shifted from reacting to current problems to working with Alyeska in an early, proactive way. 

·        World-class consultants were retained to help re-shape and train staff and provide technical back up.

·        A National Electric Code consultant, Jay Stewart Associates, was contracted to oversee the correction of electrical problems on TAPS.

·        The Comprehensive Monitoring Program (CMP) was developed.  This was a three-tier system starting with quick "snapshots" of items that were combined with similar observations into an assessment, ultimately leading to a stakeholder or CMP Report.

·        The JPO Quality Group was formed to focus on configuration management wherein hardware, design, and documentation are all in agreement.

·        Oversaw Alyeska's efforts to correct the 4,920 deficiencies identified in 1993 through the Audit Action Item (AAI) resolution program.

·        The JPO Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Coordination Team was formed.

·        JPO was one of the first recipients of Vice President Al Gore's "Hammer Award" for reinventing government.

·        The heads of 11 participating agencies signed the "Agreement to Support the State-Federal Joint Pipeline Office," thus forming the JPO Executive Council.

·        British Petroleum Exploration (BP) proposed the Badami Project to the SPCO.

·        In response to the passage of the 1990 Clean Air Act, Alyeska proposed their plan to install a vapor recovery system at the Valdez Marine Terminal to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

·        John Santora was named Authorized Officer.

1995 - JPO "On the Right Track"

·        GAO released its report "Actions to Improve Safety are Under Way."  They concluded that JPO was on the right path to improve oversight.

·        Alyeska was granted conditional approval of its Quality Assurance Program contingent upon satisfactory implementation of the program by March 31, 1996.

·        The Department of Interior and Alyeska signed an agreement for a comprehensive program of training and employment for Alaska Natives.

·        External Affairs was proactively working to reestablish public trust and improve lines of communication with all stakeholders.

·        Oversight of Audit Action Item resolution continued. 

·        BP proposed the Northstar Project.

·        An application was submitted to the SPCO to recommission and convert the Oliktok Pipeline to transport natural gas liquids. 

·        ARCO proposed the Alpine project to the SPCO.

·        The Prince William Sound Tanker Oil Spill Contingency Plan was approved.

·        Reports from concerned citizens were received that maintenance on the Valdez Marine Terminal vapor recovery system piping was inadequate.  An investigation was initiated.

·        John Santora retired as Authorized Officer.

1996 - "Bringing the Pieces Together"

·        Gary Reimer was acting Authorized Officer throughout 1996.

·        Alyeska's Quality Assurance Program was approved.  Alyeska and JPO implemented similar Incident Command Systems to complete project implementation.

·        Pump Stations 8 and 10 were "ramped down" due to reduced throughput.

·        A crude oil leak near Check Valve 92 occurred.  The source of the leak was a plug or "thredolet" on a six-inch bypass line.  Approximately 38,750 gallons were discharged.  A Memorandum of Agreement with Alyeska was developed to specify the processes and schedule to be followed in testing mainline valves for internal leak through and in assessing the risk of any valves that are found to not provide a proper internal seal and necessary repairs.

·        Alyeska agreed to accelerate replacement of the carbon steel piping with stainless steel piping in the vapor recovery system at the Valdez Marine Terminal.

·        JPO staff were awarded the "Excellence in Government Service Award" from Governor Tony Knowles for their unique contributions by achieving efficiency in government through interagency partnership.

·        Cathodic protection (CP) "coupons" were introduced to monitor whether the cathodic protection system is providing acceptable corrosion protection on TAPS.  JPO participated in the design of the enhanced cathodic protection systems and research projects to develop more effective means of corrosion control.  A Coupon Monitoring Agreement to measure cathodic protection on TAPS was signed by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of Transportation, and Alyeska.  Under the State Cooperative Agreement, Alyeska committed to a $23 million dollar plan to install active, impressed current cathodic protection to troublesome areas.

·        Pipe vibrations were detected at Thompson Pass near Valdez.  The problem was compounded by the presence of a pig-detected dent at the location of maximum vibration.  False soil gas alarms of spills heightened concern.  Alyeska excavated the location and sleeved the pipe.  A backpressure control system to mitigate the vibrations was constructed at the Valdez Marine Terminal.  Battelle Labs was commissioned to independently review vibration effects.

1997 - "Hard Work Pays Off"

·        The SPCO issued a right-of-way lease to BP for the Badami Pipeline.  (The first North Slope crude oil pipeline right-of-way lease since 1986).

·        The Liberty Pipeline project was introduced to the SPCO.

·        Approximately 125 miles or one-third of the below ground pipe was placed under impressed current cathodic protection under the State Cooperative Agreement.

·        TAPS acquired a new communication system, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA).

·        Internal leak-through in some TAPS valves led to examining the valve sealing performance in both open and closed positions.  Acceptable criteria for rate performance was discussed as no industry standards existed.  A Memorandum of Agreement for testing was signed with Alyeska.

·        Over 130 surveillance reports and eight assessments were completed under JPO's Comprehensive Monitoring Program.

·        A questionnaire was distributed to Alyeska and contractors to develop a base line for the employee concerns program.  A Comprehensive Monitoring Report with results was issued.

·        Department of Transportation regulations require valves to be in good working order.  BLM's Authorized Officer recommended full closure operation during a 1994 TAPS maintenance shut down.  Valve sealing problems were noticed at Remote Gate Valve 60.  After several Alyeska efforts failed to fix the problem, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed to test sealing performance of mainline valves - an industry first.

·        The Environmental Protection Agency air quality regulations required construction of a vapor recovery system at the Valdez Marine Terminal on tanker loading Berths 4 and 5.  Monitoring revealed several quality assurance shortcomings and many National Electric Code violations that have since been corrected.

·        A corrosion excavation was conducted at Wilber Creek.  This was a challenging excavation to deep pipe burial and steep slopes.  Deficiencies were identified in quality controls/inspections and JPO inspectors were harassed at the site.  The Department of Transportation/Office of Pipeline Safety levied a civil penalty and compliance order for a violation.  Alyeska sleeved the pipe, stopped work due to quality problems, and instituted additional Alyeska controls over the contractor after the stop work.  Occupational Safety and Health experts reviewed the excavation for safety.

·        Alyeska's compliance with Section 29 of the Grant was audited.  A Comprehensive Monitoring Report resulted. 

·        TAPS throughput fell below 1.3 million barrels per day.  Pump Stations 2 and 6 were taken off line and all three "topping unit" refineries were shut down eliminating significant operational risk on TAPS.   The shut down pump stations were required to be maintained for pipeline restart within a 180- day window to maintain throughput of 2.1 million barrels per day. 

·        Vapor leaks were detected on the vapor recovery piping between the Valdez Marine Terminal powerhouse and the storage tanks.  An extensive engineering evaluation was conducted of Alyeska's proposed pipe replacement program.  Much of the system was replaced with stainless steel pipe and the problem was corrected.

·        Field offices were established in Fairbanks and Valdez.

·        Long-time State Pipeline Coordinator Jerry Brossia was selected as the new Authorized Officer.  Bill Britt was selected as State Pipeline Coordinator.

·        The JPO Executive Council renewed the Agreement to Support the State-Federal JPO for another three years.

·        TAPS turned 20.

1998 - "Challenges Abound"

·        The SPCO issued a right-of-way lease to ARCO for the Alpine Pipeline.  Horizontal Directional Drilling was used in the Arctic for the first time to lay the pipe under the Colville River.  Vertical loops were installed instead of valves for oil spill prevention.

·        A new work plan was implemented outlining and scheduling commitments for the year. 

·        As a result of the Valve Agreement with Alyeska, Remote Gate Valve 80 was replaced and Check Valve 122 was repaired during a planned maintenance shut down.  The exercises were monitored to ensure safety and quality program compliance.  Replacement/repairs were conducted without a single unsatisfactory determination.

·        The Tanker Vapor Control System project at the VMT was closely monitored surfacing operations, training, and procedural problems that resulted in corrective actions.  The Department of Labor identified numerous National Electric Code violations.  Repeated reviews confirmed that qualified "certificate of fitness" holders were performing electrical work, contrary to allegations.  Two assessments and a report describing concerns and deficiencies were issued.  JPO, Coast Guard, Regional Citizens Advisory Council, and Alyeska participated in a system-wide function and risk review.

·        Oversight of Alyeska's Employee Concerns Program was expanded.

·        An agreement was entered into with Alyeska to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS).  A GIS will greatly enhance oil spill contingency review and issue management.  Additional improvements will be added over time.

·        Comprehensive Monitoring Reports were issued on Alyeska's Environmental Protection Program; Safety; Project Performance; Operations; and Maintenance.

·        Using the results of the 1997 JPO Comprehensive Monitoring Program evaluation, the Department of Interior and Alyeska renegotiated the 1995 Alaska Native Utilization Agreement.  A process to review and add additional contractors under the agreement was included. 

·        The Mainline Oil Spill Response Plan was reviewed and approved.  This was the first comprehensive interagency review of the plan after 1991. 

·        Oversight of North Slope existing and new pipelines expanded.  SPCO oversees the construction process then shifts to operational oversight. 

·        Alyeska's Y2K plans were monitored.

·        SPCO renewed Yukon Pacific Corporation's Conditional Right-of-Way Lease for the Trans-Alaska Gas System.

·        New technology was evaluated for improved leak detection on TAPS.  Existing TAPS leak detection is the best available technology but cannot detect small leaks.  This issue was worked with NASA, Argonne Labs, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to assess leak detection possibilities. 

1999 - "Setting the Stage for the Future"

·        The State and Federal rights-of-way expire in 2004 and must be renewed. 

·        Of the 4,920 Audit Action Items, five remained at the beginning of 1999.

·        A compliance database was developed and tested.

·        The natural gas pipeline right-of-way lease was signed for the 14-mile pipeline linking the village of Nuiqsut with ARCO's planned Central Processing Facility.

·        The Alpine Utility (gas) Pipeline Grant of Right-of-Way was executed.

·        A surprise drill called at the Valdez Marine Terminal identified some deficiencies.

·        Comprehensive Monitoring Reports were released evaluating Alyeska operation of TAPS and selected portions of the TAPS Maintenance Program.

·        The first phase of the Geographical Information System was completed.

·        Shortcomings in the Valdez Tanker Vapor Control System were identified.  Alyeska, the Coast Guard, and JPO initiated a comprehensive review of the system.  Two assessments were released.

·        Alyeska's Corrosion Control Management Plan was approved.

·        A group of six anonymous Alyeska whistleblowers alleged continued safety concerns on TAPS.  Research revealed most issues were old, well known, often reported, and long resolved.  A matrix and statement of findings for the allegations was prepared to provide a historical account and status of each allegation.

·        The State Pipeline Coordinator's Office developed a Comprehensive Monitoring Program for North Slope pipelines: Endicott, Milne, Oliktok, Kuparuk, and Kuparuk Extension.

·        Alyeska's Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Spill Contingency Plan came under review by the agencies.  The Plan is up for renewal in 2000.

·        The Right-of-Way Leases for the Northstar project were issued.  BP proposed a subsea 10-inch crude oil pipeline and a 10-inch gas pipeline.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska to conduct a functional test of all crude oil storage tanks at the Valdez Marine Terminal with a subsurface foam dispensing piping system.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska to replace all non-plenum (ventilation air duct) rated cables in the Operations Control Center at the Valdez Marine Terminal.

·        An assessment of the Valdez Marine Terminal Fire Suppression System was released. 

·        A second Order was issued to Alyeska on the Valdez Marine Terminal Fire Suppression System establishing priorities and time frames for work accomplishment.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska to develop a corrective action plan for slope stability and aboveground pipeline maintenance on Squirrel Creek slopes.

·        A Notice was issued to Alyeska regarding closure of the five remaining Audit Action Items.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska on oil spill response plans related to workpad bridges.

·        A Notice was issued to Alyeska regarding compulsory redesign of the Valdez Marine Terminal Tanker Vapor Control System.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska to implement corrective action at Grey Stream.  Grey Stream abandoned its original channel and formed a new channel upstream and across the pipeline right-of-way blocking fish passage.

·        An Order was issued to Alyeska to provide a final schedule for development and implementation of the cold restart procedure for TAPS.

·        A six-foot section of the Badami crude oil pipeline was replaced after a crack was discovered that had been caused by wind induced vibration.

·        A Y2K crossover plan was developed to monitor Alyeska's status.  The transition went smoothly with no major glitches.

·        The agreement to inspect and test all valves led to the replacement of Remote Gate Valve 60 near the Yukon River during a planned maintenance shutdown.  Previous valve testing identified that this valve had unacceptable internal leak through preventing it from tightly sealing.  During the 1998 planned maintenance shutdown Remote Gate Valve 80, north of Delta Junction, was replaced and check valve 122, north of Valdez was repaired in place. 

·        Auditors from the Department of Interior initiated an audit to evaluate oversight effectiveness and to determine if there has been adequate resolution of deficiencies.  Three recommendations were made. 

2000 - "Turning the Clock"

·        Of the 4,920 Audit Action Items, two remained at the end of 2000.

·        An agreement was signed with the State Department of Public Safety, Division of Fire Prevention to provide assistance in the oversight of the TAPS.

·        The Orders issued in 1999 on Squirrel Creek, non-plenum cables, Pung's Crossing Bridge, and Grey Stream were closed.

·        Allegations regarding code and regulatory violations were received on the North Pole Metering Facility.  An inter-agency team was formed to investigate and a report resulted.

·        An assessment of Alyeska's suppliers was released. 

·        Eighteen JPO personnel participated in a spill drill exercise at Minton Creek.

·        The second assessment of Alyeska's Risk Management Program was released. 

·        An assessment of Operations Material Sites was released.

·        An assessment entitled Alyeska 1999 Flood Damage Report Project (F075) was issued.

·        New State regulations were adopted to provide a process for the renewal of pipeline rights-of-way, including the TAPS, on State-owned land.

·        The US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management and Alaska Department of Natural Resources signed a Memorandum of Understanding describing responsibilities and procedures for renewal of Federal and State rights-of-way for TAPS and related facilities.

·        The Federal Authorized Officer granted approval of the Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan.

·        A fatality was investigated at the Valdez Marine Terminal when a technician driving a dump truck rolled over an embankment.

·        The JPO office in Valdez was relocated to offices located in the airport terminal.

·        Two contracts were let to study the condition of maintenance and long-term reliability of TAPS. 

·        Results of a third survey to assess TAPS workers' attitudes about their work environment and effectiveness of Alyeska and contractor employee concerns programs was released.

·        Alpine production began in November.  Recoverable reserves were estimated to be 429 million barrels.

2001 - "Reviews for Renewal"

·        Just like 2000 - of the 4,920 Audit Action Items (AAIs), two remained at the end of 2001.  AAI 1955, Change Management was being reviewed for closure in 2002.  A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for AAI 2076, Remote Gate Valve Upgrade was being developed. 

·        Minerals Management Service (MMS) requested membership in the JPO.

·         MMS released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Liberty.

·        The TAPS ROW Brushing Policy was jointly modified with Alyeska.

·        Governor Knowles announced the establishment of a Gas Pipeline Cabinet and the State Pipeline Coordinator as the lead official for permitting, authorization, and oversight of gas pipelines.  State Pipeline Coordinator, Bill Britt, became the Gas Pipeline Coordinator and established a Gas Pipeline Office apart from the JPO.

·        John Kerrigan became the State Pipeline Director. 

·        Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. requested that their ROW application be completed and a lease issued.  Foothills shelved the project in 2002.

·        The SPCO approved the construction plan for the buried phase of the Nuiqsut gas line project.

·        JPO closed an Order to clean and inspect tanks and develop interim contingency measures at the VMT.

·        The eighth, ninth, and tenth CMP reports were released.  For the first time functional areas covered in prior CMP report were re-examined for operations, construction, and maintenance.

·        The TAPS owners submitted applications to renew the Federal Grant and State Lease.  A joint team was assembled to conduct the various processes for renewal. 

·        Argonne National Lab was contracted to prepare the EIS for the TAPS right-of-way renewal.

·        A 60-day scoping period was provided in preparation of the EIS for renewal.

·        Government to government meetings/briefings were conducted for renewal.

·        JPO requested Alyeska to test their Earthquake Monitoring System.

·        In 1996/97, JPO and Alyeska agreed to a schedule to test mainline valves for internal leak through.  A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) resulted.  Several valves have been repaired or replaced as a direct result.  The goals were met and the MOA closed.  A plan for future testing and repairs is in place.

·        Applications were submitted for renewal of the Pipeline ROW Leases for Kuparuk, Kuparuk Extension, Oliktok, Endicott, and Milne Point. 

·        JPO participated in Alyeska's large-scale contingency plan exercise June 27, 2001 (Lowe River Oil Spill Drill) in Valdez.  Federal and state agencies, Alyeska staff from the interior of Alaska, Ship Escort and Response Vessel Service, Coast Guard, and City of Valdez representatives also participated. 

·        The oil spill contingency plan for TAPS was renewed for three years by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and one year by the Bureau of Land Management. 

·        Discussions for the proposed Kenai Kachemak gas pipeline began.

·        A bullet pierced TAPS Thursday, October 4 near Milepost 400.  The pipeline was quickly and safety shut down and repaired.  A joint agency and Alyeska "After Action Report" resulted with several recommendations for future improvements.

·        In light of the September 11 terrorist attacks, additional safeguards were put in place for pipeline and energy facilities.

·        Increased Grant and Lease Section and Stipulation compliance oversight activities were laid out in the 2001 Work Plan.  Two major reports were to result:  Compliance and Sustained Useful Life of TAPS.  The Compliance report was issued in May 2002. 

2002 - "Historical TAPS Right-of-Way Renewal Major Effort"

·        The renewal effort dominated the office.     

·        The Milepost 400 After Action Report was released in February.  The jointly prepared report documented actions taken and recommendations for improvement.

·        The Kenai-Kachemak Pipeline project was public noticed in April.  The proposed pipeline was to extend 62 miles in length from Kenai to Anchor Point.  Test well drilling later failed to locate adequate quantities of commercial gas in the Anchor Point area and the project was reduced to 32 miles extending only to Ninilchik.

·        ADNR proposed regulation changes to allow the Commissioner to extend the time before a pipeline renewal administrative decision becomes final.  This would provide an additional 90 days to fully consider comments if needed. 

·        The BLM office in Albuquerque office requested technical advice from the JPO on a pipeline ROW project.

·        BLM conducted their annual review of the TAPS Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan and approved subject to conditions imposed by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation in their triennial approval issued in November 2001.

·        JPO released the 11^th Comprehensive Monitoring Program report examining Grant and Lease compliance. 

·        The 12^th Comprehensive Monitoring Program report TAPS Maintenance and Sustained Useful Life, January 2001-May 2002 was released in July.

·        JPO monitored the annual maintenance shutdown including replacement of remote gate valve 39 in July.

·        The SPCO received an Application for Pipeline ROW Lease for the Point Thomson Gas Cycling Project Export Pipeline from ExxonMobil Pipeline Company.  A proposed 22-mile pipeline connecting to Badami.

·        The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner's Statement of Reasons and Proposed Written Determination were released July 5 for a 45-day review.  Both products are major "firsts" in the history of the State and Nation due to the significant and controversial nature of TAPS. 

·        A number of environmental and Alaska Native groups submitted requests to extend the 45-day DEIS review period.  The requests were reviewed but not granted.

·        The Department of Public Safety prepared a technical paper on Alyeska's Fire Protection/Fire Safety Program covering in-depth looks at Alyeska's fire prevention efforts from April 2000 to August 2002. 

·        The public comment period to provide input on the DEIS and Commissioner's Statement of Reasons and Proposed Written Determination for renewal of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System Right-of-Way ended August 20.  Seven public hearings were conducted with 158 people either giving testimony or providing written comments.  Approximately 300 additional submittals were received through the other means of providing comments.

·        The comment period for the Commissioner's Statement of Reasons and Proposed Written Determination for renewal of the Endicott, Kuparuk, Kuparuk Extension, Oliktok, and Milne Point Pipelines Right-of-Way Leases ended August 22. 

·        Public hearings were held in Valdez and Anchorage for the Valdez Marine Terminal Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan.

·        A technical report was released on Stipulation 3.8 Glacier Surges covering the Black Rapids Glacier, Canwell Glacier, Castner Glacier, Fels Glacier, and Worthington Glacier. 

·        An assessment of Stipulation 3.6: Stream and Floodplain Crossings and Erosion was produced.

·        The Division of Governmental Coordination (DGC) completed coordinating the State's review of existing Federal ROW Grant and State Lease renewal for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System for consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP) and developed a final consistency determination based on reviewers' comments.  The State found the project consistent with the ACMP. 

·        A 7.9 earthquake hit interior Alaska November 3, 2002.  Only minor damage occurred on TAPS - the system worked as intended and no oil spilled. 

·        The Department of Natural Resources Commissioner extended the administrative review period on TAPS renewal until November 29, 2002 to consider all the comments submitted.

·        The Commissioner also extended the administrative review period for the five North Slope pipeline right-of-way leases up for renewal (Kuparuk, Kuparuk Extension, Oliktok, Milne Point, and Endicott) until November 29, 2002. 

·        The SPCO coordinated the State's reviews of pipeline ROW lease renewals for the Kuparuk, Kuparuk Extension, Oliktok, Milne Point and Endicott Pipeline Systems for consistency with the Alaska Coastal Management Program (ACMP).  The SPCO developed final consistency determinations based on reviewers' comments and found the lease renewals consistent with the ACMP. 

·        Thirty-year ROW lease renewals were signed by the State for TAPS, Kuparuk, Kuparuk Extension, Oliktok, Milne Point and Endicott Pipeline Systems on November 25, 2002 at a ceremony in the Anchorage Museum. 

·        The Final Decision for the Kenai-Kachemak Pipeline ROW was signed November 25, 2002.  The ROW Lease was signed on November 26, 2002. 

·        BLM announced availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement November 29, 2002. 

·        The Federal Record of Decision was signed January 8, 2003.

2003 - "The Future is Now"

·        Interior Secretary Gale Norton signed the Federal Record of Decision in Washington, D.C. January 8, 2003, extending the ROW agreement for 30 years matching the State Lease signed November 26, 2002. 

·        A fish habitat survey was completed after investigating water bodies at 174 locations along TAPS.

·        Extremely high winds hit Anchorage in March causing the JPO to close March 13 and 14 after losing heat in the building and experiencing severe water damage on the first floor.

·        The Department of Natural Resources and the Alaska State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) executed a Memorandum of Agreement regarding construction of the Kenai Kachemak Pipeline.  The agreement covers monitoring by an archaeologist, inadvertent finds, human remains, reporting requirements, and archaeology fund.  The fund provided a $50,000 grant to the Kenai Peninsula College of the University of Alaska for research and educational purposes.

·        The State Pipeline Coordinator produced annual reports for Milne Point Oil Pipeline, Oliktok, Endicott Oil Pipeline, Badami Sales Oil, Badami Utility Pipelines, Kuparuk Extension Pipeline, Milne Point Products Pipeline, and Kuparuk Pipeline.

·        BLM/JPO conducted an industrial practices study to benchmark the proposed TAPS upgrades and reconfiguration strategy with those practices generally employed by other pipeline companies. 

·        JPO was awarded the prestigious Iron Mountain Award for Excellence in Records and Information Management in Program Innovation and Improvement.  The award was presented at the annual International Association for Information Management Professionals (ARMA) in Boston, Massachusetts.  Governor Frank Murkowski also recognized JPO's successful project.

·        JPO conditionally approved Alyeska's Strategic Reconfiguration Preliminary Design submission.

·        ADEC and BLM conditionally approved Alyeska's Pipeline Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan Strategic Reconfiguration Amendment. 

·        The SPCO received an application from Kenai Kachemak Pipeline (KKPL), LLC proposing to amend the Right-of-Way Lease for the Kenai Kachemak Gas Pipeline.