Incident details
Operator, cause, commodity and consequences with raw source fields.
HL incident on 2025-06-13 — AK
Operator
Mid-Alaska Pipeline, Llc
Cause
Equipment Failure
Commodity
Crude Oil
Program
HL
Damage and Injuries
0 fatalities
0 injuries
Property damage (nominal)
$7,000
Incident datetime
2025-06-13 00:00 UTC
Report number
Location
AK
Narrative
Mid-alaska pipeline's system transports crude oil between the trans alaska pipeline system (operated by alyeska) and the north pole refinery operated by petro star inc. (psi). During a planned north pole refinery shutdown at approximately 4:00pm on 5/17/25, the mid-alaska pipeline (map) operations supervisor observed a differential pressure alarm and gas detection alarm on a remote computer. The map operations supervisor immediately contacted petro star north pole refinery and and drove to the metering building, when he arrived at approximate 4:20pm, he confirmed the audible gas alarm but could not gain entry due to atmospheric conditions, no liquid was observed through the windows. At 4:28pm the map operations supervisor called the petro star control and stated that he was manually shutting in and directed petro star to stop the return oil line (as part of petro star's annual shutdown process they stop the incoming crude and return oil pipelines initially and then begin to reinject oil into taps using the return oil line for a period of time). 911 was notified at 5:18pm (no response from emergency services was required). Additional map response personnel arrive onsite at 6:22pm with the mobile command arriving approximately 6:45pm. Command was establish and recon performed on atmospheric conditions inside the building which prevented entry until approximately 8:27pm, when liquid oil was confirmed near the metering skid. Visual inspection showed a failed nipple connected to the meter run 210 strainer. The building and site was secured and allowed to vent over night. Cleanup began on 5/18/25 with mid-alaska pipeline personnel using a pneumatic pump to pump standing oil in the metering skid to the building sump, where it was removed by a republic services vacuum truck and placed back into the refinery's process system. The remaining surfaces were cleaned via hand with absorbs and cleaner, placed in containment drums and provided to republic services for proper disposal. After clean up the building was visually inspected on 5/22/25. The failed threaded nipple on the strainer was replaced, along with all other like nipples on each of the four strainers inside the building. Personnel also verified bolts, including proper torque on flange bolt ups. A random sampling of bolts were removed and mag particle and ultra sonic tested for defects. No defects on bolts were found. On may 29th, 2025, the building piping was isolated from the mainlines and an operational leak test was performed. The pressure was held in steps at approximately 25%, 50%, and 75% of test pressure for a minimum of ten minutes. An operational leak test of 1375 psi + 50 / - 0 psi was performed with pressure holding for 1 hour. The entire system, including the pipelines was brought to normal operating pressure from the trans alaska pipeline connection the morning of may 30th, with flow and normal operations starting that afternoon.
Detailed record list
Report Received Date
2025-06-13 00:00:00
Iyear
2025
Report Number
20250144
Supplemental Number
41023
Report Type
Original
Operator Id
39956
Name
Mid-Alaska Pipeline, Llc
Operator Street Address
615 Bidwell Avenue Suite 100
Operator City Name
Fairbanks
Operator State Abbreviation
AK
Operator Postal Code
99701
Time Zone
Alaska
Daylight Savings Ind
Yes
Location Latitude
64.732008
Location Longitude
-147.342679
Commodity Released Type
Crude Oil
Unintentional Release Bbls
11.19
Recovered Bbls
11.19
Fatality Ind
No
Fatal
0
Injury Ind
No
Injure
0
Accident Identifier
Cpm Leak Detection System
System Part Involved
Onshore Pump/meter Station Equipment And Piping
On Off Shore
Onshore
Status When Identified
Routine Shutdown
Communication State Fed Ind
Yes
Party Initiated Communication
Operator
Nrc Rpt Num
1431421
Additional Nrc Report Numbers
0
Ignite Ind
No
Notify Qualified Indiv Ind
Yes
Oil Spill Removal Org Ind
No
Num Pub Evacuated
0
Pipe Fac Name
Petro Star Inc. Metering Building
Segment Name
Mid-Alaska Pipeline - Resid
Onshore State Abbreviation
Ak
Onshore Postal Code
99705
Onshore City Name
North Pole
Onshore County Name
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Designated Location
Survey Station No.
Designated Name
Psims
Federal
No
Location Type
Totally Contained On Operator-Controlled Property
Incident Area Type
Aboveground
Incident Area Subtype
Inside A Building
Crossing
No
Pipe Facility Type
Intrastate
Item Involved
Filter/strainer/separator
Installation Year
2007
Manufactured Year
Unknown
Material Involved
Carbon Steel
Release Type
Leak
Leak Type
Connection Failure
Wildlife Impact Ind
No
Soil Contamination
No
Long Term Assessment
No
Remediation Ind
No
Water Contam Ind
No
Could Be Hca
Yes
Commodity Reached Hca
Yes
Other Pop Ind
Yes
Other Pop Yes No
Yes
Est Cost Oper Paid
0
Est Cost Gas Released
8
Est Cost Prop Damage
7000
Est Cost Emergency
100000
Est Cost Environmental
0
Est Cost Other
10000
Est Cost Other Details
Disposal Of Absorbs Used During Clean-Up
Prpty
117008
Num Persons Hosp Not Ovnght
0
Num Injured Treated By Emt
0
Num Resident Building Affctd
0
Num Business Building Affctd
0
Accident Psig
467
Mop Psig
1350
Mop Cfr Section
Component Design Pressure �195.406(A)(2)
Maop Established Date
2022-08-19 00:00:00
Maop Reversal Flow Ind
No
Accident Pressure
Pressure Did Not Exceed Mop
Pressure Restriction Ind
No
Pipeline Function
< 20% Smys Regulated Transmission
Scada In Place Ind
No
Cpm In Place Ind
Yes
Cpm Operating Ind
Yes
Cpm Functional Ind
Yes
Cpm Detection Ind
Yes
Cpm Conf Ind
Yes
Investigation Status
No, the operator did not find that an investigation of the controller(s) actions or control room issues was necessary due to: (provide an explanation for why the operator did not investigate)
Investigation Status Details
Map does not have a control room, only a cpm lds that notifies response personnel to investigate. The leak occured during a scheduled shut down, and operator personnel saw initial alarms during the shutdown process and mobilized to site to investigate
Employee Drug Test Ind
No
Contractor Drug Test Ind
No
Cause
Equipment Failure
Cause Details
Threaded Connection/coupling Failure
Eq Failure Type
Threaded Connection/coupling Failure
Other Stripped Ind
Pipe Nipple
Eq Additional Other Ind
Yes
Eq Additional Other Details
Nipple Failed. Additional Analysis Is Being Performed.
Preparer Name
L*** F*******
Preparer Title
Pipeline Director
Preparer Email
L********@m********.com
Preparer Telephone
907-374-4627
Prepared Date
2025-06-13 00:00:00
Local Contact Name
L*** F*******
Local Contact Email
L********@m********.com
Local Contact Telephone
907-374-4627
Authorizer Name
L*** F*******
Authorizer Telephone
907-374-4627
Authorizer Title
Pipeline Director
Authorizer Email
L********@m********.com
Narrative
Mid-alaska pipeline's system transports crude oil between the trans alaska pipeline system (operated by alyeska) and the north pole refinery operated by petro star inc. (psi). During a planned north pole refinery shutdown at approximately 4:00pm on 5/17/25, the mid-alaska pipeline (map) operations supervisor observed a differential pressure alarm and gas detection alarm on a remote computer. The map operations supervisor immediately contacted petro star north pole refinery and and drove to the metering building, when he arrived at approximate 4:20pm, he confirmed the audible gas alarm but could not gain entry due to atmospheric conditions, no liquid was observed through the windows. At 4:28pm the map operations supervisor called the petro star control and stated that he was manually shutting in and directed petro star to stop the return oil line (as part of petro star's annual shutdown process they stop the incoming crude and return oil pipelines initially and then begin to reinject oil into taps using the return oil line for a period of time). 911 was notified at 5:18pm (no response from emergency services was required). Additional map response personnel arrive onsite at 6:22pm with the mobile command arriving approximately 6:45pm. Command was establish and recon performed on atmospheric conditions inside the building which prevented entry until approximately 8:27pm, when liquid oil was confirmed near the metering skid. Visual inspection showed a failed nipple connected to the meter run 210 strainer. The building and site was secured and allowed to vent over night. Cleanup began on 5/18/25 with mid-alaska pipeline personnel using a pneumatic pump to pump standing oil in the metering skid to the building sump, where it was removed by a republic services vacuum truck and placed back into the refinery's process system. The remaining surfaces were cleaned via hand with absorbs and cleaner, placed in containment drums and provided to republic services for proper disposal. After clean up the building was visually inspected on 5/22/25. The failed threaded nipple on the strainer was replaced, along with all other like nipples on each of the four strainers inside the building. Personnel also verified bolts, including proper torque on flange bolt ups. A random sampling of bolts were removed and mag particle and ultra sonic tested for defects. No defects on bolts were found. On may 29th, 2025, the building piping was isolated from the mainlines and an operational leak test was performed. The pressure was held in steps at approximately 25%, 50%, and 75% of test pressure for a minimum of ten minutes. An operational leak test of 1375 psi + 50 / - 0 psi was performed with pressure holding for 1 hour. The entire system, including the pipelines was brought to normal operating pressure from the trans alaska pipeline connection the morning of may 30th, with flow and normal operations starting that afternoon.
| Report Received Date | 2025-06-13 00:00:00 |
|---|---|
| Iyear | 2025 |
| Report Number | 20250144 |
| Supplemental Number | 41023 |
| Report Type | Original |
| Operator Id | 39956 PHMSA Enforcement |
| Name | Mid-Alaska Pipeline, Llc |
| Operator Street Address | 615 Bidwell Avenue Suite 100 |
| Operator City Name | Fairbanks |
| Operator State Abbreviation | AK |
| Operator Postal Code | 99701 |
| Time Zone | Alaska |
| Daylight Savings Ind | Yes |
| Location Latitude | 64.732008 Google Maps OpenStreetMap |
| Location Longitude | -147.342679 Google Maps OpenStreetMap |
| Commodity Released Type | Crude Oil |
| Unintentional Release Bbls | 11.19 |
| Recovered Bbls | 11.19 |
| Fatality Ind | No |
| Fatal | 0 |
| Injury Ind | No |
| Injure | 0 |
| Accident Identifier | Cpm Leak Detection System |
| System Part Involved | Onshore Pump/meter Station Equipment And Piping |
| On Off Shore | Onshore |
| Status When Identified | Routine Shutdown |
| Communication State Fed Ind | Yes |
| Party Initiated Communication | Operator |
| Nrc Rpt Num | 1431421 NRC Report How to search |
| Additional Nrc Report Numbers | 0 |
| Ignite Ind | No |
| Notify Qualified Indiv Ind | Yes |
| Oil Spill Removal Org Ind | No |
| Num Pub Evacuated | 0 |
| Pipe Fac Name | Petro Star Inc. Metering Building |
| Segment Name | Mid-Alaska Pipeline - Resid |
| Onshore State Abbreviation | Ak |
| Onshore Postal Code | 99705 |
| Onshore City Name | North Pole |
| Onshore County Name | Fairbanks North Star Borough |
| Designated Location | Survey Station No. |
| Designated Name | Psims |
| Federal | No |
| Location Type | Totally Contained On Operator-Controlled Property |
| Incident Area Type | Aboveground |
| Incident Area Subtype | Inside A Building |
| Crossing | No |
| Pipe Facility Type | Intrastate |
| Item Involved | Filter/strainer/separator |
| Installation Year | 2007 |
| Manufactured Year | Unknown |
| Material Involved | Carbon Steel |
| Release Type | Leak |
| Leak Type | Connection Failure |
| Wildlife Impact Ind | No |
| Soil Contamination | No |
| Long Term Assessment | No |
| Remediation Ind | No |
| Water Contam Ind | No |
| Could Be Hca | Yes |
| Commodity Reached Hca | Yes |
| Other Pop Ind | Yes |
| Other Pop Yes No | Yes |
| Est Cost Oper Paid | 0 |
| Est Cost Gas Released | 8 |
| Est Cost Prop Damage | 7000 |
| Est Cost Emergency | 100000 |
| Est Cost Environmental | 0 |
| Est Cost Other | 10000 |
| Est Cost Other Details | Disposal Of Absorbs Used During Clean-Up |
| Prpty | 117008 |
| Num Persons Hosp Not Ovnght | 0 |
| Num Injured Treated By Emt | 0 |
| Num Resident Building Affctd | 0 |
| Num Business Building Affctd | 0 |
| Accident Psig | 467 |
| Mop Psig | 1350 |
| Mop Cfr Section | Component Design Pressure �195.406(A)(2) View CFR 49 §192 |
| Maop Established Date | 2022-08-19 00:00:00 |
| Maop Reversal Flow Ind | No |
| Accident Pressure | Pressure Did Not Exceed Mop |
| Pressure Restriction Ind | No |
| Pipeline Function | < 20% Smys Regulated Transmission |
| Scada In Place Ind | No |
| Cpm In Place Ind | Yes |
| Cpm Operating Ind | Yes |
| Cpm Functional Ind | Yes |
| Cpm Detection Ind | Yes |
| Cpm Conf Ind | Yes |
| Investigation Status | No, the operator did not find that an investigation of the controller(s) actions or control room issues was necessary due to: (provide an explanation for why the operator did not investigate) |
| Investigation Status Details | Map does not have a control room, only a cpm lds that notifies response personnel to investigate. The leak occured during a scheduled shut down, and operator personnel saw initial alarms during the shutdown process and mobilized to site to investigate |
| Employee Drug Test Ind | No |
| Contractor Drug Test Ind | No |
| Cause | Equipment Failure |
| Cause Details | Threaded Connection/coupling Failure |
| Eq Failure Type | Threaded Connection/coupling Failure |
| Other Stripped Ind | Pipe Nipple |
| Eq Additional Other Ind | Yes |
| Eq Additional Other Details | Nipple Failed. Additional Analysis Is Being Performed. |
| Preparer Name | L*** F******* |
| Preparer Title | Pipeline Director |
| Preparer Email | L********@m********.com |
| Preparer Telephone | 907-374-4627 |
| Prepared Date | 2025-06-13 00:00:00 |
| Local Contact Name | L*** F******* |
| Local Contact Email | L********@m********.com |
| Local Contact Telephone | 907-374-4627 |
| Authorizer Name | L*** F******* |
| Authorizer Telephone | 907-374-4627 |
| Authorizer Title | Pipeline Director |
| Authorizer Email | L********@m********.com |
| Narrative | Mid-alaska pipeline's system transports crude oil between the trans alaska pipeline system (operated by alyeska) and the north pole refinery operated by petro star inc. (psi). During a planned north pole refinery shutdown at approximately 4:00pm on 5/17/25, the mid-alaska pipeline (map) operations supervisor observed a differential pressure alarm and gas detection alarm on a remote computer. The map operations supervisor immediately contacted petro star north pole refinery and and drove to the metering building, when he arrived at approximate 4:20pm, he confirmed the audible gas alarm but could not gain entry due to atmospheric conditions, no liquid was observed through the windows. At 4:28pm the map operations supervisor called the petro star control and stated that he was manually shutting in and directed petro star to stop the return oil line (as part of petro star's annual shutdown process they stop the incoming crude and return oil pipelines initially and then begin to reinject oil into taps using the return oil line for a period of time). 911 was notified at 5:18pm (no response from emergency services was required). Additional map response personnel arrive onsite at 6:22pm with the mobile command arriving approximately 6:45pm. Command was establish and recon performed on atmospheric conditions inside the building which prevented entry until approximately 8:27pm, when liquid oil was confirmed near the metering skid. Visual inspection showed a failed nipple connected to the meter run 210 strainer. The building and site was secured and allowed to vent over night. Cleanup began on 5/18/25 with mid-alaska pipeline personnel using a pneumatic pump to pump standing oil in the metering skid to the building sump, where it was removed by a republic services vacuum truck and placed back into the refinery's process system. The remaining surfaces were cleaned via hand with absorbs and cleaner, placed in containment drums and provided to republic services for proper disposal. After clean up the building was visually inspected on 5/22/25. The failed threaded nipple on the strainer was replaced, along with all other like nipples on each of the four strainers inside the building. Personnel also verified bolts, including proper torque on flange bolt ups. A random sampling of bolts were removed and mag particle and ultra sonic tested for defects. No defects on bolts were found. On may 29th, 2025, the building piping was isolated from the mainlines and an operational leak test was performed. The pressure was held in steps at approximately 25%, 50%, and 75% of test pressure for a minimum of ten minutes. An operational leak test of 1375 psi + 50 / - 0 psi was performed with pressure holding for 1 hour. The entire system, including the pipelines was brought to normal operating pressure from the trans alaska pipeline connection the morning of may 30th, with flow and normal operations starting that afternoon. |
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