Chevron Tanks on Cook Inlet Endangered by Volcano. Drain, Baby, Drain! (Updated)
25 03 2009
~~Mt. Redoubt 3/23/09 courtesy of Alaska Volcano Observatory
Here’s the latest update from the Chevron website concerning their tank farm on the Drift River at the base of Mt. Redoubt.
March 24, 2009: 10:00 A.M. AST Update
A preliminary aerial recon assessment done yesterday afternoon (March 23rd) revealed there was significant mud and water around our Drift River Terminal. Some mud and water topped over the outside dike but very early indications are that the dike was not breached and performed as intended. The berms around the tanks also appeared intact and no water made it into the containment areas. There was mud around the terminal hangar and some water appears to have made it to some of the industrial buildings that house offices, equipment and pumps.As soon as it is determined that it is safe to do so, specially trained personnel will be dispatched to the CIPL (Cook Inlet Pipeline) terminal to assess the extent of any damage. CIPL will then develop comprehensive plans to complete any cleanup and repairs as soon as practical in order to place the terminal back into service.
Chevron has released these pictures to the media, and presumably we are supposed to feel better that the berms around the oil tanks have not been breached. But clearly from the pictures the containment wall is at its limit, as mud flow and debris are starting to lap over the side.
Chevron tanks with the Drift River (L) and Cook Inlet directly behind.
So right now, according to the group Cook Inletkeeper, there are 6,000,000 gallons of crude oil with volcanic mud flows pressing up against a containment wall one side, the Drift River which flows right into Cook Inlet on the other side, and an active volcano spewing ash 9 miles high right up the hill.
Is Chevron going to drain these tanks? Well, they’re not sure. They are talking about it. They can’t make up their minds. Decisions, decisions….
Have I mentioned that these photos were taken on the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill?
So, while Chevron executives are stroking their beards, scratching their heads and chewing on the ends of their pencils, wondering what to do, and while the Alaska Volcano Observatory tells us that we could be experiencing activity and further eruptions for weeks or months, it might be a good time to drop them a little note and tell them what you think. (Contact information below)
Drain, baby, drain.
Here’s a press release from Cook Inletkeeper:
ANCHORAGE, AK – Cook Inletkeeper today called on Chevron and responsible state and federal agencies to draw-down oil stored at the base of the erupting Mt. Redoubt volcano in Cook Inlet, Alaska. Chevron had previously refused to divulge the volume of oil in tanks at the Drift River Terminal, citing Homeland Security Act concerns. At the outset of the Mt. Redoubt eruption yesterday, however, Chevron announced over 6 million gallons of oil remaining at the tank farm. Reports late Monday revealed significant flooding and debris flows at the Drift River terminal.
“Since the start of the current seismic activity at Mt. Redoubt, Cook Inletkeeper has been criticized for asking Chevron how much oil remained in the tanks at Drift River, and why it could hide behind the Homeland Security Act when Alyeska reports the same information every day at the Valdez Terminal,” said Bob Shavelson, Executive Director of Cook Inletkeeper. “Now it’s time for Chevron and the responsible state and federal agencies to safeguard Cook Inlet fisheries and the families and businesses they support, and to get the oil out of the terminal in a safe and responsible manner.”
The Drift River terminal sits immediately adjacent to Drift River, which experienced similar flooding that threatened the oil facility the last time Mt. Redoubt erupted in 1989-1990. The facility sits in the middle of Cook Inlet’s rich and highly productive sport and commercial fisheries. The Alaska Department of Fish & Game estimates the value of commercial and sport-caught fish in Upper Cook Inlet at well over $1.5 billion in 2008.
“We depend on clean and healthy Cook Inlet fisheries to feed our families,” said Tom Evans, an Alaskan Native from the Village of Nanwalek in Lower Cook Inlet. “It makes no sense to store oil at the base of an erupting volcano.”
“Today is the 20th anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, and we’ve learned that complacency is not one decision, or 100 decisions, but thousands of small decisions that lead up to a regulatory safety net that’s riddled with gaping holes,” said Shavelson. “We call the situation in Cook Inlet “The 1000 cuts of Complacency,” and it’s time we learned the lessons of the Exxon Valdez.”
“My livelihood depends on fresh, healthy Cook Inlet salmon,” said Ben Jackinsky, a commercial setnet fisherman from Kasilof. “This is a replay from the last eruption in 1989, and Chevron and our state and federal agencies need to take steps now to protect our fisheries.”
In public statements, Chevron has suggested it retained oil in 2 of the 7 tanks at Drift River to maintain tank stability. But the fact that 5 tanks are apparently empty undermines Chevron’s rationale.
“Worker safety is paramount, and we need to ensure the oil can be removed in a safe and orderly fashion,” said Shavelson. “But we never knew Chevron planned to keep 6 million gallons of crude at the base of an erupting volcano until yesterday, because Chevron kept hiding behind the façade of Homeland Security.”
Public agencies responsible for the safe and legal operation of the Drift River terminal include the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
NOT IN THE MOOD FOR ANOTHER OIL SPILL?
CONTACT:
Governor Sarah Palin -(907) 465-3500 Email – HERE
Chevron – Email HERE.
U.S. Coast Guard – (907) 271-2660
Video of flyover available HERE.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:18 AM
[...] http://www.themudflats.net/2009/03/25/chevron-tanks-endangered-by-volcano-drain-baby-drain/ [...]
March 25th, 2009 at 11:20 AM
To think that we are the species on this earth that had the reasoning part of our brain develop because it is certainly evident that the intelligent part of our brains did not develop in certain humans that walk among us! This developing situation and the inaction to react for a positive outcome is insane. At the very least Palin should be requesting Federal Disaster Assistance for the ash fall that has already shut down commerical airline traffic just to get the process started. I’m pretty sure that request has to come directly from the governor. Her lack of thinking is truely unbelievable.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:21 AM
This is the letter I sent to Sec’y Salazar. Hope it helps.
Dear Secretary Salazar,
It is imperative that action be taken immediately regarding the oil tanks that are at the foot of Mt. Redoubt which is (and has been) erupting. Photos clearly show that the dam walls are in danger of being breached. We cannot afford another Exxon Valdez. Many people’s lives and livelihoods depend on Cook Inlet as well as the countless numbers of wildlife and fish which live there. We cannot afford to watch while Governor Palin sits idly by waiting for whatever it is she is waiting for. It is unthinkable that she has not declared some sort of emergency and called upon the resources of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Guard. This issue did not just happen. Mt. Redoubt has been rumbling for weeks and yet no plans were put into effect. I am thinking that closing the barn door after the horse has run away is a very bad way to run a government and a corporation. Please give this vital matter your speedy attention. Thank you.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Welcome Star24 and all others venturing forth that I may have missed! hugs to all and come on in!
Blue Idaho —-heck yes the Gov had to have know ALL about this, it’s a matter of national security ya know. This could bite her in the rear.
OT—Regina @ palingates has done an update and rewrite to Palin’s religiongate.
quite good!! well detailed and very revealing.
http://palingates.blogspot.com/2009/03/religiongate-part-2.html
March 25th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Thank you, AKM…great info. You know, I don’t understand why that tank farm ever ended up at the base of a volcano. Seems like that would be the last place on earth to store oil. Well, other than maybe a fault line.
March 25th, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Say No toPalin~ This is dsturbing stuff…Reminds m of Jim Jones…
March 25th, 2009 at 11:35 AM
If this disaster happens, God forbid, then I hope that Alaska will ask for Palin’s resignation.
In a sense, Jindal is right(God help me for semi agreeing with a repub.).
What is the use of early warning if an oil company can leave oil at the base of a volcano whose threat level has increased next to a river that is impacted by that same volcano?
The early warning system did work. They chose to hedge their bets and now they are caught in a no win situation.
Did Palin have any say whatsoever in the decision to keep the oil there?
Did she have an opinion either way? Should she have? She should have a moral obligation to the people of Alaska over big business.
Does her moral compass even consider people these days? After the time it took to get her to acknowledge hungry people and children in the wilds of Alaska, I wonder. Or is everything now a weigh in. Run in 2012 vs Alaska and it’s needs?
March 25th, 2009 at 11:38 AM
So KTUU got it wrong? @ 2:24 she says 600,000 gallons not 6 million. Which is correct? Either way, they should remove it immediately.
I’m writing, calling.
It is six million according to Chevron itself. 74,000 barrels in each of 2 tanks. 42 gallons in a barrel. AKM
March 25th, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Make that 2:34
March 25th, 2009 at 11:47 AM
what if Chevron hadn’t had all sorts of time to remove 5 tanks of oil? last time they only had 24 hr notice before it blew.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=10051900
March 25th, 2009 at 12:15 PM
For those who are unable to telephone the Coast Guard: In addition to Chevron and your steamed governor, I emailed these coastguard people who appear to bbe connected with the Alaska district.
Cecil.D.McNutt@uscg.mil
Thomas.M.Deely@uscg.mil
March 25th, 2009 at 12:29 PM
To give the devil her due – this is like Obama with the economic crisis/Iraq War – I don’t think it started with her. When did that tank farm go in? And, as others have stated, why was it ever allowed? And the fact that they refused to divulge how much they had in their tanks because of Homeland Security is ridiculous. (Alyeska did on a daily basis.) BUT, where Palin can be faulted is in not using all in her power to get those tanks emptied, or at least shored up. It’s not like a tornado – she has had warning, and not once has she mentioned that this emergency even exists. Unlike the W. AK emergency, where she said she could not act because it was not a natural disaster, this is!
March 25th, 2009 at 12:30 PM
New thread article AKM’s posted to Huffpo
March 25th, 2009 at 12:34 PM
@InJuneau,
I have never heard of any natives being insulted by a non native wearing a kuspaq, guess it’s kind of like wearing a Hawaii shirt or dress. The only thing I have seen is that natives generally don’t like anyone dancing without permission. Here you have to have your “First Dance” at potlatch and ask permission from not only your tribe but also the surrounding tribes by giving out lots of gifts. But I will get into that more on a post I am going to do about potlatches.
We had our annual potlatch last weekend and I (well mainly hubby b/c CC and I were stuck home the first night sick) took lots of pictures.
There are very specific rules when it comes to traditional things especially hunting and dancing. I am still learning them all, don’t know that I’ll ever know them all but thanks to my hubby I know much more than I thought I ever would.
Well our powers out for the next 5 hours, gotta conserve my puter battery.
Ann
March 25th, 2009 at 1:03 PM
If at this point and time ( with this amount of potential bad publicity, with oil companies posting record profits and with the recent swelling of public outrage at irresponsible executives) they don’t voluntarily swoop in with an army of PR firms filming them removing the oil, they will never, and I repeat never act in the publics best interest. If there is anything I’d like to see nationalized it is the oil companies.
Wow I’m an oil company!!!! I can poke a straw into the ground and suck up oil I didn’t make and that doesn’t belong to me!!!!! Look at me!!!!! I’m a productive member of society because I can poke a straw in the ground.
Pat hetic Lo serS
March 25th, 2009 at 1:16 PM
@Strangelet–good points. Should have said Samso (an island off Denmark) produces more than 100% of the electricity it needs from renewable resources. It is effectively carbon negative. Carbon emissions in Denmark overall are down 13.3% from 1990 levels. 19% of Denmark’s electricity comes from wind. 10% in Spain and 10% in Portugal.
Alaska’s geography is such that we could be doing so much more.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:20 PM
@Ann Strongheart (12:34:30) :
Oh, thank you for the update and “clearance” to continue to wear my kuspaq! And I know some about First Dance, as I have a friend and her older kid doing their’s some time this spring (wish I could be there to see it). It’s the same down here, and I have another friend whose little tiny kiddo will be doing hers next year at Celebration. That one I will be able to see!
Ooo, I’m looking forward to your post about potlatches! You’re so fabulous to fill all the rest of us in on traditions and traditional stuff! We LOVE you, and we hope you all get well soon!
March 25th, 2009 at 2:16 PM
Did you know this ironical fact ??
http://impressive.net/people/gerald/2007/02/12/11-06-02-sm.html
March 25th, 2009 at 2:53 PM
Wildlife Avenger–that is cool, and so appropriate…
March 25th, 2009 at 5:05 PM
In any battle between a volcano and something else, the volcano always wins!
March 25th, 2009 at 5:15 PM
How come no one noticed where the tanks were? If they have noticed, how come no one has mentioned about moving them the f*** out of harms way? Very scary to me, and I hope and pray the tanks stay safe.
March 25th, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Star24 (10:42:23) :
Hello All;
And Hello Back atcha.
Please feel free to speak more often.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:36 PM
Hey, people Long time, So far I hear there were a couple of eruptions, small ones. I got a call saying they were expecting a big one. Do you think GINO will address this. I wonder what Jindal thinks of this money being spent to moniter this now. Hmpf.
At any rate, WOW!
March 25th, 2009 at 9:42 PM
UK LadyNo Gravatar (09:45:03) :
I am not qualified as a politician, or as an oil person, but I at least qualify for idiot status and even an idiot can see that is a bloody stupid place to store oil. Yet again mankind is threatening one of natures beautiful places along with its wonderful creatures.
UK Lady, the LAST thing you are is an idiot!
March 25th, 2009 at 10:04 PM
my fingers are crossed that you guys miss the bullet on this one.
March 25th, 2009 at 10:14 PM
[...] UPDATE (3/26/09): AKmuckraker over at Mudflats has an update on the Drift River oil tank “farm.” [...]
March 25th, 2009 at 10:59 PM
This does not bode well. What a coincidence that another oil disaster is looming so near to the Valdez anniversary.
I don’t think people are going to wait 20 years of ‘court’ this time around.
I was going to address star24’s letter, but realistically, don’t expect the Governor to do anything, again. A human disaster was looming in the Yukon Delta villages months and months ago and if it wasn’t for bloggers sending food and money for fuel, those people wouldn’t make it to spring.
The Alaskan Governor did nothing to avert that disaster and when goaded into doing something, brought cookies and evangelicals. There was no declaration of an emergency, no state airlift of provisions — nothing. Yet, it was all in her power to organize something more than a photo shoot.
Now tell me what’s so different with this issue?
She isn’t going to do squat. She actually believes that taking action in times of crises reflects poorly on her. It’s sad, but true. In this case, there are the oil companies she wants to inveigle. oops, conflicted much?
Guess we’ll have to do it ourselves, once again. Oh it’ll embarrass the hell out of her and she’ll do anything to thwart taking some concrete preventative measures ensuring that those oil tanks don’t rupture and flood everything in oil.
That oil has to be moved, immediately, by all means necessary, no ands ifs or buts or alsos. If the Pompeiian’s had volcano detection, would they have evacuated the city? Knowing of imminent danger is one thing, doing something about it is another.
They say the dinosaur became extinct because of a radical change in climate.
The human race may become extinct when we can’t live off the polluted land anymore. Future archaeologists won’t guess that it were the laws and money which lead to the extinction.
Praying things will work out just doesn’t cut it, Palin. Now move it or face your recall, you haven’t been doing your job, for all of the people of Alaska.
March 26th, 2009 at 1:10 AM
I emailed Gov. Palin as well as a note off to the Chevron email address.
Right after, that both Senators Feinstein, Boxer as well as Governor Schwarzenegger got an email. As bad as a spill up there would be bad for all of AK it would eventually hit CA beaches as well. They have an interest in making sure nothing bad happens.
Wouldn’t that be embarrassing to GINO if she was forced to do something because pressure was applied from outside the State…?
March 26th, 2009 at 3:10 AM
I think Gov. jingle is correct in his assessment, that monitoring volcano activity is a waste of time and resources.
Gino proves the point. Why bother, if you aren’t going to do anything with this information.
We need a system that can override stupidity, insensitivity, and the shear lack of common sense.
just sayin
March 26th, 2009 at 4:36 AM
What idiot would build storage tanks at the base of a volcano?
And, what idiot in State Goverment would allow this?
I sure hope that Alaska gets a piece of the Stim Bill for education. But, then again, you can’t teach common sense.
March 26th, 2009 at 10:28 AM
As a follow-up to my (01:10:28) post. I made a phone call to Chevron last night. This morning after hearing there were more eruptions I talked to people in both Senator Boxers office and well as speaking to someone in Gov. Schwarzenegger Office saying nothing was being done based on the internet stories coming from people on the ground in AK. I asked them to please ‘take action ‘.
My very LAST phone call was actually to your GINO.. the number was posted under the story.
Your Gov’s call was the MOST interesting. I told my story to the first operator. I was put on hold for about a minute. When someone picked up again it was a brand new person… much younger. Since I was talking to a NEW person I asked if I needed to start all over with my Question..? I repeated to the second person what I said before. Her attitude to me was (a little snippy )…we are working on it. Rather than yake it seriously she was all defensive and wanted to blow me off..”we are working on it”
The cavalier attitude and/or defensive posture was totally different than the call to both my Senator or Governor’s Office. I guess this is that ‘folksy’ way your GINO does business and operates…. Yu.. betcha.
I do feel sorry for Alaskans.
March 26th, 2009 at 11:12 AM
[...] Chevron Tanks on Cook Inlet Endangered by Volcano. Drain, Baby, Drain! (Updated) [...]
March 26th, 2009 at 8:17 PM
[...] Chevron Tanks on Cook Inlet Endangered by Volcano. Drain, Baby, Drain! (Updated) [...]
March 26th, 2009 at 8:38 PM
[...] of the potential for disaster by Alaska blogger AKMuckraker at Huffingtonpost and at Mudflats (here and [...]