The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System snakes its way across Alaska. Argonne researchers provided scientific analysis for decision makers about the pipeline’s impact on the Alaskan and U.S. economies and the environment.

Alaskan pipeline’s environmental impact studied

Argonne’s environmental impact statement of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) played a key role in the federal decision to renew this national energy project for the next 30 years.

TAPS was constructed a quarter-century ago on a narrow corridor of land provided by federal and state governments. Today, the 800-mile-long pipeline delivers about 1 million barrels of crude oil a day from the North Slope to the Valdez Maine Terminal on Prince William Sound.

The right-of-way grant was set to expire in 2004 unless the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management approved a renewal to the pipeline’s owners: BP Pipeline, Phillips Trans Alaska Co., ExxonMobil Pipeline Co., Williams Alaska Pipeline Co., Amerada Hess Pipeline Corp. and Unocal Pipeline Co.

The environmental impact statement Argonne delivered in November 2002 provided valuable data to make the renewal decision. It is the most comprehensive independent study of the pipeline published since its construction.

“We provided an unbiased scientific analysis of the effects of TAPS on the Alaskan and U.S. economies, ecological resources and indigenous culture,” said project manager John Krummel of Argonne’s Environmental Assessment Division. “Since 18 percent of domestic oil production flows through the pipeline, this project affects us all.”

Though the crude oil TAPS helps these oil companies bring to market is responsible for a majority of the State of Alaska’s budget, there has long been concern over the pipeline’s effect on its surroundings. The pipeline crosses many rivers as well as the migration routes of caribou and moose, long a means of economic and cultural resources for Alaskan Natives.

The study considered the impacts of the pipeline operation ranging from the potential environmental damage from an accidental oil spill to the economic benefits of oil revenues on education. The study also evaluated the consequences of not renewing the lease.

“It was important to the owner companies that they obtain an unbiased assessment, because pipeline operations are a controversial issue,” Krummel said. “We were proud to do it and recognize a balance needs to be achieved between protecting some of our nation’s most important landscapes and delivering oil to domestic markets.”

Argonne’s Environmental Assessment Division was chosen for the work because of its past experience with other large-scale projects, such as evaluating depleted uranium reserves in Kentucky and Ohio and assessing the impact of hydro-power generation on the Colorado River.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management directed Argonne’s activities. The environmental impact statement was funded by Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.

For more information, please contact Dave Baurac.

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