Overview
PS #04, TAPS Pump Station in Deadhorse, Alaska, is an operational oil pipeline facility on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, transporting crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez.
PS #04, TAPS Pump Station is a key component of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), located in Deadhorse, Alaska, within the North Slope region. This facility is part of a 1,287-kilometer pipeline network that moves crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez. As an operational pump station, it maintains the pressure required to transport 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 pump stations are equipped with advanced cathodic protection systems and leak detection technology to ensure safe operations in the sensitive Alaskan environment. The station's design accounts for permafrost conditions, utilizing elevated supports and heat pipes to prevent ground thaw. PS #04 plays a critical role in maintaining the flow of crude oil from Alaska's North Slope, supporting the state's economy and energy supply. The pipeline traverses three mountain ranges and numerous rivers, requiring robust environmental monitoring. The facility's location in the Arctic tundra necessitates strict adherence to spill prevention and response protocols to protect local wildlife and ecosystems.
Environmental context
The pump station is situated in the Arctic tundra of Alaska's North Slope, an ecologically sensitive region with permafrost, caribou herds, and migratory birds. Operations must mitigate risks of oil spills that could impact fragile habitats and waterways. The facility uses elevated pipeline supports and heat pipes to prevent permafrost thaw, and leak detection systems are in place to minimize environmental harm.
Frequently asked questions
PS #04, TAPS Pump Station is located in Deadhorse, Alaska, on the North Slope, approximately 155 miles south of Prudhoe Bay.
PS #04 is a pump station on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System that maintains pressure to transport crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to the marine terminal in Valdez.
The facility is regulated by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) under 49 CFR Part 195, which sets standards for hazardous liquid pipeline safety.
The station uses elevated pipeline supports, heat pipes, and cathodic protection to protect permafrost and prevent leaks. It also has leak detection systems and spill response plans to minimize environmental impact.
The pump station transports crude oil from the Prudhoe Bay oil fields to the Valdez Marine Terminal for export or refining.
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