Andeavor prepares for a "worst case scenario" at the Port of Alaska

(KTUU)
Published: Aug. 14, 2018 at 2:53 PM AKDT
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The Port of Alaska is critical to the state of Alaska. But, what if something catastrophic was to happen there?

Andeavor, the Port of Alaska, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Cook Inlet Spill Response and Prevention as well as the Anchorage Fire Department and many others practiced for a "worst case" scenario on Tuesday: 2,600 barrels of jet fuel spilling into the inlet near the port.

"We're simulating a live exercise," said Casey Sullivan, a government and public affairs spokesperson for Andeavor. "We have assets in the water deploying boom that are working and practicing on containment and clean-up of any fluids that might be released."

Conditions at the port can change dramatically hour by hour, which could present hazards to nearby Ship Creek and its many anglers trying to hook a summer salmon.

"It's absolutely a trick because it changes from day to day depending on what the operations are," said Jim Jager, a spokesperson for the port. "And that's part of why we do exercises like this so that you understand 'Oh, I didn't think of that going on.'"

About 40 people worked the scenario with bright orange containment booms floating in the inlet.

Tuesday's exercise is the first part of what will be a much larger drill in November for Andeavor with about 100 to 120 people who will take part in a simulated disaster response in Kenai.