Overview
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 12 is an oil pipeline facility in Copper Center, Alaska, part of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. It operates under US PHMSA and DOT 49 CFR Part 195 regulations.
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 12 is a key component of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), located along the Richardson Highway in Copper Center, Alaska. This pump station plays a critical role in maintaining the flow of crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, spanning approximately 800 miles. As part of one of the world's largest pipeline systems, it operates under stringent US federal oversight. The facility is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 195, which governs hazardous liquid pipelines. Pump stations like this one are equipped with advanced monitoring and cathodic protection systems to ensure pipeline integrity. The station's location in a remote, seismically active region requires robust engineering to withstand environmental stresses. Operationally, Pump Station 12 contributes to the continuous transport of crude oil, supporting Alaska's economy and energy infrastructure. Its role in the TAPS network is vital for delivering oil to the marine terminal in Valdez, from where it is shipped to refineries. The facility's design and maintenance reflect decades of operational experience in Arctic conditions.
Environmental context
The pump station is situated in a remote area of Alaska, near the Copper River and surrounded by boreal forest and permafrost terrain. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System crosses numerous rivers and sensitive ecosystems, requiring careful monitoring to prevent spills. The region's cold climate and seismic activity pose unique challenges for pipeline integrity, with cathodic protection and leak detection systems being critical for environmental safety.
Frequently asked questions
Alyeska TAPS Pump Station 12 is located on the Richardson Highway at Milepost 65 in Copper Center, Alaska, within the Valdez-Cordova Census Area.
It is a pump station on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that maintains the flow of crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to the marine terminal in Valdez, Alaska.
The facility is regulated by the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 195, which sets safety standards for hazardous liquid pipelines.
Safety measures include cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, leak detection systems, and regular inspections. The station is designed to withstand Alaska's seismic activity and extreme cold.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is one of the world's largest pipeline systems, transporting crude oil across Alaska. It is critical to the state's economy and US energy supply.
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