Overview
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 04 is an operational oil pipeline facility in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, along the Dalton Highway. It is part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, a critical infrastructure for transporting crude oil from the North Slope.
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 04 is an oil pipeline facility located in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, at Mile 144 of the Dalton Highway. It operates as part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which spans approximately 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. This pump station plays a key role in maintaining the flow of crude oil across challenging Arctic terrain. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. TAPS is one of the largest pipeline systems in North America, with a design capacity of over 2 million barrels per day. Pump stations like this one are equipped with specialized equipment to handle the extreme cold and permafrost conditions. As a vital component of U.S. energy infrastructure, Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 04 supports the transportation of crude oil from Alaska's North Slope to refineries and markets. The pipeline has significant economic importance for Alaska and the nation, while also operating under strict environmental monitoring to protect the sensitive Arctic ecosystem.
Environmental context
The facility is located in the Arctic region of Alaska, characterized by permafrost and fragile tundra ecosystems. Pipeline operations in this area require careful management to prevent thawing of permafrost and potential oil spills. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System includes extensive leak detection and cathodic protection systems to mitigate corrosion risks. Proximity to waterways and wildlife habitats necessitates rigorous environmental safeguards.
Frequently asked questions
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 04 is located at Mile 144 of the Dalton Highway in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, within the North Slope Borough.
This pump station is part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, which transports crude oil from the North Slope to the port of Valdez. It helps maintain pressure and flow along the pipeline.
Oil pipelines in the U.S. are regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 195, which sets standards for design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
The facility employs cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, and regular inspections. It also follows PHMSA regulations for emergency response and integrity management.
The pipeline is designed to minimize environmental impact, with elevated sections to avoid permafrost thaw and wildlife crossings. Continuous monitoring helps prevent spills and protect the Arctic ecosystem.
Other Oil Pipeline plants in United States · 6 nearby