ALYESKA TAPS PUMP STATION 09 - Oil Pipeline Facility in Delta Junction, Alaska

ALYESKA TAPS PUMP STATION 09 is an oil pipeline facility located in Delta Junction, Alaska, United States. It is a key component of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which transports crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. The facility operates under the regulatory oversight of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and complies with 49 CFR Part 195 for hazardous liquid pipelines. The pump station is situated along the Richardson Highway at milepost 42, in the Southeast Fairbanks region. As part of TAPS, it contributes to the pipeline's total length of approximately 800 miles, making it one of the largest pipeline systems in North America. The facility's primary function is to maintain pressure and flow of crude oil through the pipeline. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System plays a critical role in the U.S. energy infrastructure, delivering about 500,000 barrels of oil per day. Pump Station 09 is essential for ensuring continuous operation across challenging Arctic terrain. The facility's location in a remote area requires robust safety and environmental protection measures to prevent spills and minimize impact on local ecosystems.

The facility is located in a remote area of Alaska, near the Tanana River and within a region of boreal forest and permafrost. Pipeline infrastructure in this environment faces risks from ground instability due to thawing permafrost and potential impacts on wildlife habitats. The pipeline is equipped with leak detection systems and cathodic protection to mitigate corrosion risks. Regulatory compliance with PHMSA ensures regular inspections and maintenance to protect the surrounding environment.