Comments by Al Bolea, BP Pipelines

 

David Wight spoke of the extraordinary achievements of the past 30 years that have brought us to this moment.  We are here because of the non-stop round the clock every day effort to ensure this pipeline remains in excellent operating condition.

 

It takes talented people within our companies to accomplish this goal, but it also requires the collaboration and perspective we find within our regulatory agencies, and from our communities and neighbors… Success such as we’ve seen with this system could not have been achieved without encouraging a wide diversity of thought…  We value it and are grateful, particularly to the state and federal regulatory agencies for their contributions.

 

This renewal has been a substantial undertaking in its own right.  The TAPS Owners started preparing for the renewal about four years ago, just about the time Governor Knowles began his second term in office.

 

Normally, pipeline renewals are routine permitting events; rarely, if ever, require completion of an Environmental Impact Statement.  In recognition of the significance of the pipeline, the TAPS owners formed a task force in 1998 to prepare for renewal. Since then thousands of man-hours have been dedicated and  $30 million invested in reviewing every aspect of the system.  In recent weeks, we even ordered a once-in-700-year earthquake..just to make sure it could withstand a good shake.

 

For those of us who have been directly involved, the process has seemed endless at times – but it has required the same collaboration and attention to detail that David Wight spoke of…  It is just how things are done when TAPS is involved.

 

 

It’s a tremendous tribute to everyone associated with this effort – not only that we’re able to conclude renewal – but that it has been achieved on schedule.  This would not have been possible without the personal commitment of Governor Knowles and his staff; those in the Joint Pipeline Office, the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources and Fish and Game.  I’d like to specifically thank John Kerrigan, State Pipeline Coordinator and Marti Rutherford, Deputy Commissioner with DNR.  These two individuals committed enormous hours towards ensuring that this renewal was accomplished correctly, thoroughly and efficiently.

 

I’d also like to thank Governor Knowles, his staff and the legislature for acting favorably on our request for a 30-year right of way renewal.  The length and terms of the TAPS renewal send a clear message to oil and gas industry investors about Alaska’s long-term business climate – it gives companies like BP the confidence we need to continue to make the huge capital investments necessary to sustain North Slope production.

 

Finally, I’d like to again pay tribute to those who designed and built the pipeline and particularly to those who have operated it safely for the past 25 years.  It’s a reminder that, in the end, the success of any enterprise is all about people, their respect for themselves, pride in their accomplishments, and the way they are treated and feel they have been treated.

 

To all of you, a heartfelt thanks.