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Time to SIGN-OFF

Dear faithful audience over the years, including the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company legal goons tasked with SPYING on my activities on this blog, wherein SPYING on the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline workers engaged in trying to “UNIONIZE” was once-upon-a-time a routine ordeal. But no regret, as this SIGN-OFF is temporary. Like Bob Dylan said, “I sleep in the kitchen with my feet in the hall, sleep is like a temporary death” as it remains gospel “we are what we eat so death do us part” that has found its priority my new job in life - as a sheriff with a posse, even though I retired away from Alyeska many moons ago. Alyeska who, what, where, when and why? Akin to challenging Clarence Thomas in like “Black Rider, Black Rider, hold it right there. The size of your cock will get you nowhere. I'll suffer in silence, I'll not make a sound. Maybe I'll take the high moral ground.” Yes, no more “suffering in silence”, and I will no longer “not make a sound” in efforts to be heard from sea to shining sea by taking the highest of “high moral ground”! As I am now pre-occupied, in definition and meaning, by full-time participation in litigation against the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline’s ROW holders, that being “Big Alaska Oil”. In reason, for years and years and years bye-bye by now the ”Owner Company” allowed their agent – that Alyeska – to subject the pipeline workers to excessive cancer-causing “Benzene” exposure in overdose. As a condition of continued employment that “Johnny Paycheck” keeps commeth home, just suck it in with a smile! And my “desire dire straits” interest, due the fact the mortality rate from this “Benzene Pusher is a Monster”, sad it is so sinful staggering, and must be dealt with using the courts for redress. As it was condoned no doubt an atrocity in the making, with negligence written all over it, including the State of Alaska through the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation as an accomplice – to a crime spree! The latter entity trusted with oversight to protect the workers, in dereliction the conviction in oversight went AWOL, when the officials knew all about the “Benzene” abuse, but remained so silent for 45-years.

To stay informed my trials and tribulations, this one guy taking the “Big Alaskan Oil” barons to task for this unprecedented “poisonous” Benzene Alley journey, visit my blog(link follows) dedicated to that cause, designed as a wipping post to hold the reckless "BASTARD" management behind that “Benzene” abuse $monetarily$ accountable. As a bonus in the First Round of gavel applause, the litigation striving for a $350,000,000 RELIEF TRUST FUND, it will be not only for the pipeline workers, but also any victims “within or without” the Right-of-Way proper for that 800-miles of pipe that were victims of this “Hazardous Air Pollutant” abuse. Victims that were part of an experiment, to see just how much “Benzene” abuse a human body could withstand before any of the many side-effect cancers and/or blood poisoning and other debilitating tragic outcomes from such exposure would take hold to rob one of that one-and-only life. This BENZENE BANDITS REILEF TRUST FUND, it will be that “piggy bank”, that saving grace in time of need, that which will help out those in need of cancer treatments, hospice care and also relief for the family members that will be challenged with a father and or mother or spouse finding a premature death to deal with - due the fact we were tricked into believing this “Benzene” in the ambient air we breathed was caused by LA like traffic jams in a one-horse town with but for maybe 1000 cars and that every person in Valdez, including the kindergarteners, smoked over two packs of non-filtered cigarettes each day. They lied to us, they hid the truths!

And once successful with the First Round, the litigations will strive for additional “negligence” awarding as is allowed under the ordinary rules of negligence. And then we move to the Second Round, another $350,000,000 as Title 43 Chapter 34 – Trans Alaska Pipeline, it allows for that amount in damage awards, “for any one incident”! And with each year an “Incident”, you do the math! OK, if successful in litigation, it is the same amount in award the profit margins made by “Big Alaskan Oil” with its North Slope “Black Gold” venture the past 45-years. We made them rich, they KILLED us!

Stay tuned at: Alyeska Pipeline Benzene Bandits RELIEF TRUST FUND

Alyeska Pipeline Benzene Trap #2

 

To: Secretary Deb Haaland

Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20240

CC: Joseph R. Biden, 46th President of the United States

Date: November 13th, 2022


Subject: Request for Intervention under Title 43/Chapter 34 Trans Alaska Pipeline

Severity: *HIGH*

Dear Honorable Deb Haaland;

In Alaska, due the fact that there exists an ongoing Dire Emergency with respect to negligent generation of “Benzene” as an air pollutant, through this correspondence in request that the Secretary of the Interior immediately intervene. In efforts to address and therefore arrest this “emergency” condition, wherein that position of authority granted the “Secretary” finds the power to act, through Congressional approval to perform such an intervention - even if in action it is considered interference by others through their inaction. Such action is required, due that inaction condoned by others through negligence that which is causing health regard harm to the population base those in harm’s way this “emergency” situation, with respect to the well-known adverse health effects from “Benzene” exposure fallout – both short-term and what appears to be the sad reality coming to light the effect of long-term over-exposure as a condition of gainful employment. And if left unchecked by the authorities having jurisdiction to combat such an ongoing atrocity, most likely it will find an additional cause & effect destructive pathway, upon subsistence ways and means, the livelihood of many Alaskans that rely on such to survive. Especially in Prince William Sound, wherein this “Benzene” is being generated and will no doubt target the natural habitat relied upon by fish and wildlife. Such targeting can only deliver devastation as an end result. One wreck in the “Sound” was enough(EXXON Valdez), the environment should not be chastised again through this “Benzene” poisoning, when it is but for “Big Alaskan Oil” profiteering.

This action in request for intervention upon the above concern begins with Title 43 Public Lands – Chapter 34 Trans Alaska Pipeline and for the record is so recited with special attention to what is outlined under (b); “Control and removal of pollutants at expense of right-of-way holder”:

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 §1653. Liability for damages

(a) Activities along or in vicinity of pipeline right-of-way; strict liability; limitation on liability; subrogation; emergency subsistence and other aid; exemption for State of Alaska.

(1) Except when the holder of the pipeline right-of-way granted pursuant to this chapter can prove that damages in connection with or resulting from activities along or in the vicinity of the proposed trans-Alaskan pipeline right-of-way were caused solely by an act of war or negligence of the United States, other government entity, or the damaged party, such holder shall be strictly liable to all damaged parties, public or private, without regard to fault for such damages, and without regard to ownership of any affected lands, structures, fish, wildlife, or biotic or other natural resources relied upon by Alaska Natives, Native organizations, or others for subsistence or economic purposes. Claims for such injury or damages may be determined by arbitration or judicial proceedings.

(2) Liability under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be limited to $350,000,000 for any one incident, and the holders of the right-of-way or permit shall be liable for any claim allowed in proportion to their ownership interest in the right-of-way or permit. Liability of such holders for damages in excess of $350,000,000 shall be in accord with ordinary rules of negligence.

(3) In any case where liability without fault is imposed pursuant to this subsection and the damages involved were caused by the negligence of a third party, the rules of subrogation shall apply in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction where the damage occurred.

(4) Upon order of the Secretary, the holder of a right-of-way or permit shall provide emergency subsistence and other aid to an affected Alaska Native, Native organization, or other person pending expeditious filing of, and determination of, a claim under this subsection.

(5) Where the State of Alaska is the holder of a right-of-way or permit under this chapter, the State shall not be subject to the provisions of this subsection, but the holder of the permit or right-of-way for the trans-Alaska pipeline shall be subject to this subsection with respect to facilities constructed or activities conducted under rights-of-way or permits issued to the State to the extent that such holder engages in the construction, operation, maintenance, and termination of facilities, or in other activities under rights-of-way or permits issued to the State.

(b) Control and removal of pollutants at expense of right-of-way holder

If any area in the State of Alaska within or without the right-of-way or permit area granted under this chapter is polluted by any activities related to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, including operation of the terminal, conducted by or on behalf of the holder to whom such right-of-way or permit was granted, and such pollution damages or threatens to damage aquatic life, wildlife, or public or private property, the control and total removal of the pollutant shall be at the expense of such holder, including any administrative and other costs incurred by the Secretary or any other Federal or State officer or agency. Upon failure of such holder to adequately control and remove such pollutant, the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal, State, or local agencies, or in cooperation with such holder, or both, shall have the right to accomplish the control and removal at the expense of such holder.

~~~~~

First and foremost, in consideration of the above Federal jurisdictional “Statute” a “Law of the Land” in consideration this request for “Immediate Intervention”, it is not a concern over pollution borne out or “caused solely by an act of war or negligence of the United States, or other government entity”. Therefore there exists the issue of liability in consideration this “statute” in “such(Right-of-Way) holder shall be strictly liable to all damaged parties” and herein that holder of interest to this “pollution” is assumed to be the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company(“APSC” - Site Address: Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, 300 Dayville Road, Valdez, AK 99686 and/or “Corporate” Mailing Address: PO Box 196660; MS 504, Anchorage, AK 99519). Wherein this entity of interest in its capacity to “Operate & Maintain” the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline(“TAPS”) acts merely as the “holder’s” agent, but in the capacity as “on behalf of the holder to whom such a right-of-way or permit was granted”. The Right-of-Way(“ROW”) in question, with respect to this concern, that which when in effect allows the Secretary the jurisdictional authority to intervene when necessary to combat pollution caused by the “holder” granted such a permit, while the latter continues to demonstrate negligence to abate, that “right” originates since the 1974 timeframe. It allows the “right” to trespass, with conditions. In 2004, the TAPS “ROW” was reissued with an 2034 expiration, therefore the Secretary is in realization that the allowance to intervene should also demonstrate that the “holder” must abide by the terms and conditions of the “permit” during its functional duration, especially with respect to “pollution” and its “Total Removal” criteria as found under Title 43. And when that same “ROW” permit was in the renewal process before the Bureau of Land Management in that 2004 time-frame, the FEIS was prepared under the authority and specifics of 43-U.S.C., specifically §1651 - yet “holder” has failed to live up to the expectations demanded for “control and total removal of the pollutant” in question, namely cancer-causing “Benzene”. Therefore, the consideration for intervention under Title 43/Chapter 34 is allowed, as “holder” has knowingly failed to demonstrate its due diligence in adherence to any such “Total Removal” process and or policy. Or for that matter, any interest to abide by Title 43/Chapter 34 when such “pollution” has been so detected, in failure with its “Total Removal” responsibility as found under the “ROW” permit, because the responsible party is remiss in its duty to “adequately control and remove” the said pollutant – “Benzene” and “Hexane”, both considered “Hazardous Air Pollutants(“HAP”) by the EPA. The latter constituents of concern a carry-over from the storage process of upwards 6 to 9-million barrels of North Slope crude oil at the Valdez Marine Terminal(“VMT”), wherein during the storage process uncontrolled “out-gassing” for the most part is captured but denied efficient destruction in the existing “Vapor Recovery Thermal Oxidizers”. The latter facility consists of the original abatement process equipment designed(circa 1974) for conditions that no longer exist for the required “transition destruction time interval”, the theoretical “retention time” required for “Total” thermal decomposition of “Hazardous Waste Gases” generated from the storage of upwards 25% of the nation’s energy needs. Wherein it is of evidence that the system has been operated haphazardly, upwards 750% over its original design criteria. Therefore, the Terminal(VMT) through its “operation” has become a “Benzene Generator”. The evidence that the system is no longer working properly is based on the fact the “spot” sampling for “Benzene” in a 3.5-mile radius from the source is alarming, and targeting a population base. It has allowed the “cancer risk factor” to extend well beyond the national average and or comfort limits set by the EPA and that “risk” targets both the workers involved at the “VMT” facility(>400) and the citizens of Valdez, Alaska(>180). In excess this “Benzene”, due the existing crude oil being “heavily spiked” with otherwise useless “Natural Gas Liquids” considered a by-product of the North Slope crude oil recovery process, yet the latter finding no market as a valued product on its own. There is but for a single “carrier pipeline” from Alaska’s North Slope to a tidewater port, wherein then the “crude oil” once stranded can enjoy a transition to a commodity market, wherein the $profits$ from oil development can be realized and enjoyed. Thus, the North Slope producer’s find convenient ways to outlet other “stranded” commodities, through “commingling” as is the case with “NGL” spiking. Therefore, the latter is used as an oil enhancer for increased profits only, under the jurisdiction of the TAPS “Quality Bank”. Basically speaking, “spiking” is a menace in disguise any semblance of an “Added Value Product” and merely a ways and means to dispose of the “extracted gas liquids” for an additional profit. To reiterate, with a single pipeline in existence from the North Slope oil fields, creative accounting reigns. In a nutshell, once the North Slope crude oil is “spiked” and the advantages of the NGL addition has been verified at Pump Station #1, any “out-gassing” loses are immaterial, as the added value product has made its mark in the profit margin and what is lost in storage is a moot point for the oil resource owners, that which includes the State-of-Alaska through its “Royalty” ownership.  There comes no interest in conservative policing of the inherent “vapor loss”, and the fallout is excessive “Benzene” generation followed by human exposure. Therefore this “spiking” ritual creates no demand for accountability, it creates only a demand to do as little as possible with respect to air pollution generation. Said again, it is a profit driven desire and contributes to “Benzene” pollution and exposure greater then what would be found normally without the “spiking”. There is so much room for improvement, but without the Secretary intervening, the next 12-years will see more of the same in result increased air pollution in Valdez, Alaska. Which equates to an increased cancer risk. Therefore, it is time the Secretary intervenes to accomplish this “Total Removal” of this “Benzene” hazard, by taking control over this task as is allowed and required under Title 43. The phrase “Total Removal” finds so freedom otherwise. This is what our Congress demanded.

Based on Title 43, the Secretary has the option to intervene when a party operating under a “ROW” permit is remiss in the duty to prevent pollution and or righteously abate pollution to the “Total Removal” criteria, that which remains as so as an unamended requirement, if such “pollution” is allowed to become a heath detriment due negligence. It was only publicly discovered in 2003 that in the 1990/1991 timeframe, the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company had been negligent and continues to be negligent and causing harm by allowing “Benzene” to escape its operation at the “Terminal” and that cancer-causing constituent allowed to roam freely into the breathing air of populated areas. The town proper of Valdez, Alaska is merely 3-miles away, with the only thing between the generated “benzene blanket” and the breathing air is a body of water. No other natural barriers exist to divert the “Benzene” that is emitted during the storage of the TAPS crude oil away from the population base. To reiterate the bad news surrounding this “Benzene” generation, as posted by a local oversight council that is entrusted with oversight capabilities to independently monitor what is ongoing with respect to the TAPS oil storage facility in Valdez, and this entity working without either State-of-Alaska or Federal strong-arm reach capabilities, the following is paramount:

Why is benzene of concern? Benzene is a known human carcinogen  and has been shown to cause rare forms of leukemia including acute myelogenous leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and chronic myelogenous leukemia. Breathing very high levels of benzene can result in death, while high levels can cause drowsiness, dizziness, rapid heart rate, headaches, tremor, confusion, and unconsciousness. The major concern for long-term exposure to benzene is the effect on the blood. When a person breathes high levels of benzene, about half of it leaves the body through exhalation. The other half passes through the lining of the lungs and into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream, benzene can be stored in bone marrow and fat. In the bone marrow and liver, benzene is converted to products called metabolites, which are linked to the cause of leukemia. Chronic, or long-term exposure to benzene is linked to leukemia (cancer of the bone marrow needed to produced blood cells).

That said, many today are concerned about “Global Warming”, I like to use the more appropriate term of “Global Warning” as the “Warming” trend is complete. But to allow an industrial entity to disregard the crash course we are on with respect to environmental responsibility and allow this single point source in concern to remain, outside intervention is our only hope. To be congratulated as the largest industrial contributor of “Benzene” releases into the environment, without even the slightest indication to demonstrate the willingness for even an attempt at any semblance of a “Total Removal” interest through a better “state-of-the-art” abatement process, well maybe due the fact this APSC operates in a far away and far-removed place, so it challenges our wherewithal as stewards of our environment. That said, Valdez is a company town, and maybe the “shoot the messenger” label that APSC once cherished as a ways and means to hide the “truth” and control the workers’ “voice” still applies and the workers with concerns afraid to make waves. Said again, “Benzene” exposure may be a condition of continued employment. I know all about that “messenger”, as back in the 80s I was labeled a “vocal union supporter” in Valdez, while employed by APSC, because of my concerns with “pollution” and my career was castrated for just trying to get the management to show some appreciation for our health. And this environmental abuse in consideration with “Benzene” exposure, it has been going on now for well over 45-years.

Most recently in March of this year, in another act condoned through that same negligence and inaction, it allowed for even more cancer-causing “Benzene” releases above and beyond, because that release was “uncontrolled”, at this same site the TAPS “VMT”. It is like the Valdez basin has become the “guinea pig test” capital, to see just how much “Benzene” we as humans can tolerate. When at this same time, the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company had its legal team out in full force trying to contest over 50 serious violations before the OSHA/DOL – that which originated at the “VMT” alone through a 2020 “Serious Violator” citation. That which also included many similar violations by several of Alyeska’s contracted workforce, violations due “Benzene Exposure”. Numerous violations with numerous exposures. To reiterate, APSC is responsible for its contract workforce under that “conducted by or on behalf of the holder to whom such right-of-way or permit was granted in the capacity of the ROW holder”, yet the abuse remains and seems to be getting worse. In that “citation”, for the most part in the severity “10” category and here we are again, with yet another “Benzene” release – that is already under investigation by the State-of-Alaska and a “criminal case” has been opened – as it is no doubt a criminal mindset activity as “Benzene” kills! This time around with the most recent “Benzene” release, “Totally” uncontrolled because the snow loads went unintended and damaged the secondary relief valves on several of the humongous 500000-barell crude oil storage tanks, which means excessive hazardous releases. It re-defines “negligence”, as when the latter allows for layers of “process safety management” to fall by the wayside, it is a Dire Emergency situation. And when that kind of breach occurs, there is no longer a way to “capture the vapors” and it was a “worse case” scenario, as when the “vapors” went released, then there was no clear path for workers to immediately fix the problem, so “HAP” once again polluted the air in Valdez. It was due to pure negligence, as the snow loads in Valdez have been well known for the past 45-years. There is ZERO room for and excuse for this incident. No way should the OSHA/DOL allow the APSC to continue to contest those 2020 violations, it does not deserve any leniency, especially in light of that most recent pollution event that may find a “criminal” element. And of course this release included “Benzene”. That is another reason the Secretary must intervene, as if the oversight does not throw the book at the APSC, the abuse will continue. So existing oversight is inappropriate, it tries to make a case yet finds way too many hurdles thrown about by the perpetrator, thus intervention is needed more today than ever before, as the “holder” seems to not care about such local oversight. More than enough reasoning as to why I request the Secretary take this concern seriously and intervene - to demand “Total Removal” of any “Benzene” releases, by giving APSC 30-days to provide an approved plan of attack that favors a “Total Removal” mandate. Else, the Secretary should temporarily suspend the existing ROW permit, until such time the “Holder” replaces the existing TAPS “Operator” with an entity that promotes environmental stewardship, else the citizens continue to lose and “Big Oil” rules and thus our human health and the health of the environment remains compromised. For heaven’s sake, this concern revolves around a mandate of $profits$ come first, as “Big Oil” in Alaska has the means to do it right, yet it has balked because of a single reason, it is getting away with it. And today, for way too long and it appears the precedence sets the stage, for no remorse.

Following the March 24th 1989 disaster in Prince William Sound with the wreck of the EXXON Valdez, the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council(“PWSRCAC”) focused an interest as a reliable local over-sight “watchdog” upon the TAPS operation in Valdez, to oversee and coordinate with the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company all things needing attention with respect to environmental issues. But that non-State and non-Federal “independent entity” survives only through the generosity of the entity it finds over-sight upon, so it is not always a win situation when such oversight finds Alyeska in violation of things considered “harmful”. Like a catch-22 in a caution, don’t bite the hand that feeds scenario extends a chilling effect. Wherein the subject of “Benzene” exposure has been and continues to be a bone of contention between this entity wanting Alyeska to do things right and all the time Alyeska throwing roadblocks every which way but loose to hold on to the status quo, that it is not doing anything wrong, so the problems persist.  Of record, Alyeska believes the “Benzene” issue is not that entities responsibility, except for a small percentage of that problem, that other factors not associated with the “VMT” operation contributes the majority of that hazardous pollutant to the Valdez basin. Yet there is no other industrial polluter in magnitude the storage of so much oil that could even come close to be considered a major contributor. So it is the denial syndrome, maybe due the fact admittance of guilt promotes an issue in liability, so deny it and that seems to be exactly what is going on with the APSC and the concern over “Benzene” generated as a by-product of the TAPS operation in Valdez. And because there is NO true extended reach oversight that facilitates itself as a referee when push comes to shove, especially upon the subject matter of “Benzene” exposure with the PWSRCAC scientific community saying this while the APSC scientists says something totally different and in the opposite direction so rather confusing, that “no consensus” alone is reason to believe there is an ill-fated romance any true oversight and we are then in a Dire Strait Emergency. When the scientific community is at odds, like we see with respect to this “Benzene” issue in Valdez, it does not work there is nothing accomplished accept the harm continues. The end result, the TAPS workers and Valdez citizens will suffer until such time there is a consensus that builds a case that justifies the “Total Removal” of any pollutants, as “Benzene” enjoys both a short-term and long-term grip in devastating a human’s health.

In clarification, what I mean with this “Total Removal” concept and as found in Title 43, make damn sure the APSC uses every available option to “Totally Remove” any and all “Benzene” before it can enter the atmosphere, else “cease to exist”. Be it “Total Removal” through state-of-the-art technologies, and/or less “NGL” spiking, as the original “Thermal Oxidizers” went outdated back in the 1980s. Back then, when the “spiking” began the original Flour Engineers design criteria allowed for the pollution control devices to eradicate “Waste Gas” discharged from the storage tanks, but limited with a maximum BTU content of 1000. It was “Waste Gas”, consisting of hydrocarbon constituents mixed with inert gas for safety reasons. But someone thought that “Waste Gas” could be turned into a “Non-Waste Gas”, that could then be used as a supplemental fuel. And this manipulation would be accomplished by purposedly sucking light-ends out of the tanks to increase the BTU content, in efforts to fuel the power boilers used to generate an inert blanketing gas for the storage tanks. And through such manipulation, that gas once considered a “Waste Gas” became a very volatile gas, with a 3000BTU content(Methane[8%] Ethane[10%], Propane[24%], Butane[25%], Pentane[14%], Hexane[7%] and Heptane[12%]), so it encouraged something that was not part of the original TAPS design, use this energy to fuel those combustion boilers. Alyeska contends it was part of the original design criteria, that is false as the original engineers understood it was best leaving it a “Waste Gas”. They were right. Some believe it was a smart move, accept then the “Thermal Oxidizers” could no longer function properly with that kind of volatility, and more then likely that scenario contributed to premature decomposition of the “Hexane” which could have produced even more “Benzene”.

That said, since the discovery of “Benzene” running amuck and workers as well as residents of Valdez under the exposure of harmful cancer-causing conditions, from source testing results performed by Alyeska, there has existed an ongoing battle to what it all means – so nothing gets accomplished that assures us someone cares. And even though the oversight council in 2003 requested a “comparison test” be performed from that 1990/1991 study, because by then all that data controlled by APSC was outdated and “missing data” was suspicious, that has never been accomplished and therefore no one really knows the exact extent in harm wherein a sickening amount of “HAP” arrives each and every day throughout the town of Valdez. But the fact alone that the “risk” assessment of cancer was 400x the national norm for the Alyeska “VMT” workforce and 180x greater for the school children in Valdez trying to play outside at recess when “Benzene” was being emitted uncontrolled, with limited clout by the regulators, it has allowed this “Benzene” madness to propagate and progress to the point that time has run out for the useless finger-pointing blame game. Without intervention by the Secretary of the Interior, there will be cancer-causing deaths attributable to this so far “do nothing worthwhile” deviant behavior attitude by the perpetrator, namely the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. And someday in the future, we will then say we did not do enough. The bottom-line, “Benzene” exposure dominates the discussion and even though questionable studies indicate that there today exists “acceptable concentration levels along with acceptable risk to the health of the population impacted” through “Benzene” exposure from the TAPS “VMT”, that violates the “Total Removal” aspect of the “Law of the Land” as found under Title 43/Chapter 34. Congress passed that legislation for a reason, the wording states “Total Removal” of a pollutant and finds no option in this “acceptable levels” criteria. And until such time the Congress finds the desire to change that “law”, it must be abided upon, and that can only be accomplished through intervention by the Secretary of the Interior. That is spelled out in that “statute. So everyone admits that cancer-causing “Benzene” is aloft and part of the everyday mood in the vicinity of the TAPS “VMT”, including the town of Valdez, it does not work. Either the Secretary takes the initiative to intervene and force upon the polluters this “Total Removal” mandate or Congress has lost its wherewithal, and the citizens then have to deal with the pain and suffering and grief, from loved ones sickened to death from the cancers caused from “Benzene” exposure, to live with fear as to what the future may mean for the retired “VMT” workers that where part of that “guinea pig” experiment. I am one of those individuals, the reason I bring this concern to the Secretary of the Interior, we demand action according to that Title 43 through “Total Removal” of the “Benzene” pollutant.

On another very sad and serious note related to what the workers at the “VMT” may be up against, it paints a painful picture of what may be an atrocity awakening similar to what went down with the “RoundUp” herbicide cover-up. I have touched on this briefly but herein amplify that concern. Accordingly, we may be witnessing the time released fallout of what it means to be forever exposed to “Benzene”, as a condition of continued employment with the APSC and TAPS, as many ex-Alyeskan workers are passing on way too young - when just trying to enjoy retirement. It is that long term exposure fundamental at work. The latter consideration is a liability issue that individuals or family members so affected may have to pursue on their own accord, but the Secretary of the Interior today yields the gavel to finally put a STOP to that possibility becoming an even more devastating reality – wherein the damage has not yet been done but the potential exists. For many, it is too late and for many more it could be too late, if we continue to be lackadaisical about the seriousness with this “Benzene Monster”, the trap it is, but there is hope for the existing workers if action is taken by the Secretary. Title 43/Chapter 34 allows for damage claims, $350,000,000 for each and every incident and if borne out of negligence, that amount can increase. It is “negligence”. And I am sure that when the Secretary gets involved in this matter, as that authority should, that amount as a recovery for damages by some will bear the truths of what it is all about - that Alyeska and its Valdez Terminal Operation is the culprit the source for years of “Benzene” exposure treating the workers and the community of Valdez as a “guinea pig” experiment. With involvement by the Secretary, it will reinforce the enforcement efforts by others. So it is time that the Secretary steps in, to make it known there is now a formidable force to be reckoned with, as the State-of-Alaska(“SOA”) regulators have failed to abate this “Benzene” concern, the EPA has failed due the “SOA” getting in the way, as it boils down to the “SOA” wanting to maintain control when at the same time the “SOA” profits from the TAPS operation – one cannot bite the hand that feeds finds another way for Alyeska to retreat away from its conviction under Title 43. Alyeska has known about this “Benzene” exposure for well over 42-years by now, yet has not taken it seriously, as it takes time for the harm that monster can cause in the long term exposure category and by the time we see the side-effects taking its toll, Alyeska can pull another Joe Hazelwood excuse, that it was not their problem - like trying to convince us that the high percentage of “Benzene” captured in the little old town of Valdez is caused from LA like traffic or the fact it is from tobacco smoke. And for real, Alyeska trying to pull the wool that only 1% of the thousands and thousands of pounds of “HAP” measured in Valdez is by fault through the “VMT” operation? The rest is someone else’s problem? It is all a lie, a cover-up and when Alyeska forgot how to use a snow shovel after 45-years, and the Valdez snow loads tore off the safety relief valves on the 500000 barrel crude oil storage tanks and ruptured the integrity of the system designed to “capture” the vapors before release, it was a worse-case scenario, had an ignition source like from a thunder head been hanging about, the entire tank farm would have been destroyed. It is time that the Secretary of the Interior make it known the United States Government under President Joseph R. Biden means business and gets a hold of this “Benzene” madness. As this will help those of us that have lost loved ones due the cancers associated with “Benzene” exposure, because our loved ones worked diligently in efforts to keep America energized - well the death toll is sickening.

Please, take this under serious consideration to get involved, to make sure there is no pollution that associates itself with a “Benzene” exposure burden, as when this relief valve damage in scenario allowed even more “Benzene” admitted into the air we breathe, the kids in Valdez were outside enjoying recess, and Alyeska failed to tell us what was heading our kids’ way. It is child abuse.

Please also acknowledge receipt of this most critical correspondence with this Dire Emergency request to intervene, that this message has been delivered to the above title, as we are desperate for a correction course after way too many years of an entity with a ROW permit knowingly allowed to commit to killing us, a DEAD END street for an estimated $Trillion$ dollar profit. Thank You. If I can be of further assistance, please contact as for 10-years during the 80s I was the “Lead Controls Technician” for the VMT “Vapor Recovery System” and know exactly what went on to make sure the system would not operate correctly to incinerate the constituents that can kill us.

In ending, I have reproduced several dynamic questions with far reaching answers published by PWSRCAC, that which and should give even more insight into what the workers, what the town of Valdez, what we in concern are up against when dealing with “Big Oil”, that which has demonstrated it cares more about its profit margin then the cause and effect of a cancer-causing constituent run amuck and attacking our health.

In 1996, Alyeska installed the Valdez Marine Terminal Tanker Vapor Recovery Project. Alyeska estimates that the vapor recovery project reduced VOC emissions by approximately 32,000 tons per year (tpy), to a current estimate of approximately 5,200 tpy.

No ambient air quality monitoring was conducted after the installation of the vapor recovery project to quantify the air quality improvements made as a result of the project.

Combustion Equipment at the VMT is estimated to contribute over 2,600 tons of VOC’s per year. Alyeska has indicated to EPA that it estimated the amount of HAP’s contained as a percentage of VOC’s is 13 tons per year. However, Alyeska provided no supporting data in their response the 1998 EPA request for HAP data at the terminal, to validate this estimate. Due to the low level of VOC’s from these sources it is recommended that no further emission testing be conducted. However, if PWSRCAC would like to pursue validation of Alyeska’s benzene emission estimates for combustion sources it is recommended that PWSRCAC first evaluate the tests that Alyeska has already obtained on these sources.

What deficiencies are there in the data collected to date? PWSRCAC’s expert, Dr. Cohen, was concerned with the very high percentage of missing data for the one-year monitoring period. He noted that EPA typically requires high quality CEMS monitoring data to yield data for at least 75% of the operating time period. Alyeska’s CEMS data was missing for an average of 40-49% of the data. The significance of the “missing” data is not known, since it was not clear whether the missing data would have represented periods of high or low emissions that would have changed the final average benzene estimate for each monitoring site. Benzene levels obtained from the personal monitoring study averaged 7.7 ppb in outdoor residential air, yet there is no logical explanation as to why the residential benzene concentrations are 4-7 times larger than the CEMS monitoring data, which only showed 1-2 ppb in the City of Valdez. Although Alyeska attributed the higher residential benzene levels to other non-terminal sources of data, that explanation doesn’t add up. Benzene associated with vehicle emissions would have yielded correspondingly elevated levels of carbon monoxide. If benzene associated with other industrial emissions, such as the Petrostar Refinery, was the source it should have resulted in elevated levels of benzene at the Valdez High School and Valdez Spit CEMS, rather than the measured high levels of benzene at neighborhoods such as the Robe River Subdivision, Mineral Creek Loop Road or Alpine Woods Estates. Indoor residential levels of benzene of 20.2 ppb seem questionable. A recent study in Anchorage investigated indoor benzene levels at approximately 3ppb (which is about double what they measured outdoors.) Using that as a benchmark, the 20 ppb number looks very high. PWSRCAC’s review of the personal monitoring study concluded Alyeska’s study was flawed, and that their analysis showed that the terminal contributed to about 30-90% of the indoor exposures and 30-60% of the personal exposure to benzene.

Neither Aleyska nor PWSRCAC estimated the cancer risk for VMT employees. However, based on monitoring data collected during 1990 and 1991 at the VMT facility East Gate, the benzene levels were observed at an average of 8 ppb, with a range of 2-32 ppb depending on wind, weather and source conditions. Thus, in 1990 and 1991, the air quality at the terminal gate yielded a cancer risk that was 400 times higher at this location than the national health goal.

As for other air toxics emitted from the terminal, Dr. Cohen’s 1992 study also found that the human health hazard indices for ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes were within acceptable levels. Alyeska also found that ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylenes were found in breathing zone air in concentrations far below the lowest concentrations know to adversely affect human health.

PWSRCAC argued that Alyeska’s study came to an illogical conclusion since the VMT was one of the largest emitters of benzene in the nation, contributing over a million pounds of benzene to the Valdez air shed on an annual basis prior to 1996. PWSRCAC hired a team of experts to review Alyeska’s Valdez Air Health Study. The team attributed over 90% of the Valdez benzene emission to the terminal.

The Valdez Air Study Review (VASR) Committee identified several flaws in Alyeska’s study, strongly criticizing the fact that the tracers were not co-mingled with the terminal sources of emissions under study, were not released from the same location at the terminal, and were not released while collecting meteorological data which would demonstrate that the tracer releases were conducted on days representative of Valdez basin conditions. VASR criticized Alyeska’s use of future oil throughput estimates that were below the state oil forecasts. VASR disagreed with Alyeska’s approach to limiting the exposure estimate to a period of 23 years (assuming the terminal would shut down in 2015), rather than the traditional 70-year lifetime exposure risk used by EPA and other scientists. VASR also criticized Alyeska’s study for not examining the cancer risk for those Valdez residents working at the terminal. VASR argued that since Alyeska employees and contract employees make up a large percentage of the Valdez population, control of benzene at the terminal would significantly improve reduce the cancer risk for many of the Valdez citizens. PWSRCAC’s summary reports also reflect that EPA concurred with many of VASR’s concerns; however, a report documenting EPA’s findings has not been located at this time. VASR also issued a report which refuting the indoor benzene monitoring data reported by Alyeska. VASR was critical of the personal monitoring population (less than 1.5% of the Valdez population) and make-up (e.g. 67% females in study vs. 45% females in Valdez population). The high indoor benzene levels were questioned. It is interesting to note the very high level of benzene reported by Alyeska on indoor residential air, at 20ppb. From that data, Alyeska concluded that the terminal contributed only 1% of benzene and that the remaining 99% came from non-terminal sources (especially indoor sources of benzene such as smoking). By comparison, a recent study in Anchorage investigated indoor benzene levels at approximately 3ppb (which is about double what they measured outdoors.)47 Using that as a benchmark, the 20 ppb number looks very high. It is also noteworthy that the CEMS in Valdez yielded 1-2ppb benzene, but the outdoor residential personal monitoring data yielded around 8 ppb. Once again, Alyeska attributes the high residential benzene to vehicle emissions and smoking in residential areas.

Are VMT employees at risk from benzene exposure? What data has already been collected? The 1992 Valdez Air Heath Study did not examine the benzene exposure or risk for the VMT employees. Alyeska follows OSHA requirements, which require benzene monitoring at the terminal, and use of respirators above 1 ppm benzene. Alyeska may have conducted additional employee testing, but that data has not been requested by PWSRCAC, or provided to PWSRCAC to date.

What has the data told us? Benzene monitoring equipment at the facility has detected benzene concentrations above 1 ppm, which has on occasion required use of respirators in certain areas of the terminal.

What deficiencies are there in the data collected to date? Further discussions with Alyeska would be required to examine the extent of the benzene monitoring program in place for worker protection. After a review of this program, any deficiencies could then be identified.

What are the benefits of collecting additional data? PWSRCAC has expressed an interest in collecting data to determine the current exposure levels for terminal employees; however, PWSRCAC will need to review any limitations imposed by their contract with Alyeska prior to conducting further work on this matter.

What additional data needs to be collected? This is difficult to predict until Alyeska’s data is reviewed. On-site benzene monitoring has been collected to comply with OSHA standards; however, the details of the program will require further review to determine the locations, type and frequency of sampling.

What do we expect the new monitoring data to show? This is difficult to predict until Alyeska’s data is reviewed. Assuming that on-site benzene monitoring has been collected to comply with OSHA standards, that data could be compared to new data collected. Reduction in benzene emissions, due to the installation of tanker vapor recovery in 1996, should result in lower benzene concentrations at the terminal. However, ambient benzene concentrations may still be well above the Clean Air Act’s health goal of 1 in 1,000,000 cancers, and employees may be exposed to non-acute lower levels of benzene that may result in a higher risk of cancer. That risk could be determined from additional testing.

What is the best method for data collection? Air emission testing at the terminal, recommended in response to Questions 2-3 above, would be appropriate as an initial screening level test program. Additional studies may include an employee monitoring program, which would entail the use of personal benzene monitoring and, potentially, breath and blood sampling programs.

What can be done with the monitoring data? The EPA only regulates the public’s exposure to hazardous air pollutants such as benzene whereas; organizations such as OSHA regulate employee’s exposure. OSHA does not limit the maximum concentration of benzene that can be emitted from the facility; rather they only impose protective equipment use requirements in the presence of elevated benzene levels. Additional monitoring and review could be performed to determine if Alyeska is complying with OSHA standards; however, this analysis is unlikely to result in any additional emission control technology imposed by the regulators.

In my final ending, there is not a “Total Removal” of the “Benzene” generated by the TAPS operation at the “VMT”, as is required under Title 43, therefore the Secretary of the Interior “must” intervene until such time that criteria is being met, or best available technology attempts have been deployed that provide some sense of a commitment by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company to perform its due diligence in protecting the wellbeing of its workers along with the citizens of Valdez, else our heath finds compromise. When all the time there was a law on the books, dictated by a Congress watching out for us, but it appears even with that assurance something has gone terribly wrong and it is Title 43 that is needed to get us back on track! To reiterate, that “Law of the Land” demands “Total Removal” of that “Benzene” before it can escape from the “VMT” so that there is “ZERO” exposure, but we are breathing it in today when trying to enjoy a sandwich at a Valdez school cafeteria.

Alyeska Pipeline Benzene Trap #1

 

To: Secretary Deb Haaland

Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, N.W.
Washington DC 20240

CC: Joseph R. Biden, 46th President of the United States

Date: November 13th, 2022


Subject: Request for Intervention under Title 43/Chapter 34 Trans Alaska Pipeline

Severity: *HIGH*

Dear Honorable Deb Haaland;

In Alaska, due the fact that there exists an ongoing Dire Emergency with respect to negligent generation of “Benzene” as an air pollutant, through this correspondence in request that the Secretary of the Interior immediately intervene. In efforts to address and therefore arrest this “emergency” condition, wherein that position of authority granted the “Secretary” finds the power to act, through Congressional approval to perform such an intervention - even if in action it is considered interference by others through their inaction. Such action is required, due that inaction condoned by others through negligence that which is causing health regard harm to the population base those in harm’s way this “emergency” situation, with respect to the well-known adverse health effects from “Benzene” exposure fallout – both short-term and what appears to be the sad reality coming to light the effect of long-term over-exposure as a condition of gainful employment. And if left unchecked by the authorities having jurisdiction to combat such an ongoing atrocity, most likely it will find an additional cause & effect destructive pathway, upon subsistence ways and means, the livelihood of many Alaskans that rely on such to survive. Especially in Prince William Sound, wherein this “Benzene” is being generated and will no doubt target the natural habitat relied upon by fish and wildlife. Such targeting can only deliver devastation as an end result. One wreck in the “Sound” was enough(EXXON Valdez), the environment should not be chastised again through this “Benzene” poisoning, when it is but for “Big Alaskan Oil” profiteering.

This action in request for intervention upon the above concern is consistent with the authority granted the Secretary under Title 43 Public Lands – Chapter 34 Trans Alaska Pipeline and for the record is so recited with special attention to what is outlined under (b); “Control and removal of pollutants at expense of right-of-way holder”:

~~~~~

 §1653. Liability for damages

(b) Control and removal of pollutants at expense of right-of-way holder

If any area in the State of Alaska within or without the right-of-way or permit area granted under this chapter is polluted by any activities related to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, including operation of the terminal, conducted by or on behalf of the holder to whom such right-of-way or permit was granted, and such pollution damages or threatens to damage aquatic life, wildlife, or public or private property, the control and total removal of the pollutant shall be at the expense of such holder, including any administrative and other costs incurred by the Secretary or any other Federal or State officer or agency. Upon failure of such holder to adequately control and remove such pollutant, the Secretary, in cooperation with other Federal, State, or local agencies, or in cooperation with such holder, or both, shall have the right to accomplish the control and removal at the expense of such holder.

Please honor this urgent request for “Intervention” to force the perpetrator, the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, to “Total Removal” of the “Benzene” pollutant that it generates in Valdez, Alaska. That mandate for this “Total Removal”, be it bold and heavy handed no other options, it was a condition established by Congress, when the interest to build the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline came to be and the interests did not challenge its restrictiveness - so it remains a “Law of the Land” in Alaska any “polluting” activities consistent with the pipeline’s operation. It meant the Congress was looking out for those that may be placed in harm’s way, yet many citizens and workers are today in that harm’s way pathway. It is time overdue wherein this “Total Removal” be demonstrated, else the Secretary should dismiss the Right-of-Way permit and thus “cease” the operation of the TAPS, until such time “We the People” can breathe a sigh of relief without “Benzene” interfering in our health.

Alyeska Leadership?

 


Wow, what a career achievement for such a fine individual with the company that could have STOPPED the EXXON Valdez wreck from ever occurring. Had Alyeska’s management understood “priority” and stepped up to the plate and put a STOP to the tanker crews shore-leave binge drinking problem down in Valdez, circa 1980s – when open container out-in-the-open inebriation was routine. We told the management so, they ignored us. Take that back, the priority instead focused on “Kill the Messenger” and soon after Joe crashed his tanker into Bligh reef. Now in August of 2020, when it appears “Lessons Learned” the aftermath of such a ”Wreck” so forever unforgiving the health of our environment, any “lesson” is just a suggestion for Alyeska. As it appears that Alyeska is still the same, promoting people that have one all-important qualification in the trials and tribulations of life in the work lane, that being ass kissing. There was once-upon-a-time a motto within the Alyeska upper crust management, if you want to get ahead kiss everything that smells like an ass and kiss anything that looks like an ass, to cover all the bases. See at that time some 31-years after the “Wreck” which means plenty enough time to get things right for a change, well while Betsy Haines – as VP of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Operations & Maintenance – was handing out the “Environmental” achievement for the “ATIGUN Award”, at the same time Alyeska lawyers were very busy – because something went terribly wrong in the pipeline “Operation” under Haines. Yes, Alyeska’s legal team busy “contesting” upwards a fine of over $780000 for “guilty” at over 45 “Gravity 10”(the highest OSHA/DOL rating for disregard for our co-workers health and well-being while on the job and that equates to a total disregard of our earth’s environment), rated as “SERIOUS” for exposing over 40 workers to  nasty stuff like “Benzene”, a cancer causing constituent of all that crude oil that comes down that Trans-Alaska-Pipeline. And this occurred under Haines’ watch! And she tries to push this crap that she is a nature environmentalist – what planet? Not one individual, but 40 workers exposed, and then Alyeska still sees it fit to hand out an award? For what? As a matter of fact, without contesting that fine - wherein Alyeska with a derelict past in disrespect should not be allowed any “leniency” - it means an Uncle Sam fine that tops the list of “Enforcement Violators” in the state of Alaska’s history, while under OSHA. Way to go Uncle Al!  And then when the crude oil tank relief valves fell off the tanks just this past March and yet again exposed workers and the residents of Valdez – including kindergartners – to benzene exposure, well guess who gets called back from retirement to now be the head honcho for Alyeska? Yes, Betsy Haines, why so? Because she is the Cowitt’s whore, and Alyeska will never learn from its mistakes. Sad, so, so Sad Sack and believe me, there is another catastrophe brewing in the wings with the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline that will make the EXXON Valdez tame in comparison. As when you expose that many workers to cancer causing shit, it appears Alyeska does not give a rat’s ass about anything and finds a bunch of wannabees promoted to the TOP, corporate whores nothing else but for the fact they are losers and cowards, as anybody with a sense of dignity would say “Go to Hell” to a company that is so reckless!

Dear Betsy Haines;
Alyeska’s strategy is no different then what Vladimir Vladimirobitch Putin uses in Russia to tame his citizens, he is losing so are you! I ask, what are you trying to prove except the fact that you want to chalk up more positions within Alyeska’s rank & file then Bill Howitt? Go for it, and be a miserable SOB in retirement, maybe that is why you came back to work for a company that “KILLS” workers, you are addicted to the pain and suffering that you can pack onto others in that position of power, just like so the addiction that Joe Hazelwood faced, and got away with it.

 


My REVENGE on the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline

 The Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Killing Fields

IMAGINE, that which John Lennon sang out about so clear and convincing in tribute what the human race could accomplish if we wanted it so! And I could add a verse, in that IMAGINE, in what it would be like today if the EXXON Valdez had not “killed” Prince William Sound! Better yet, if the Alyeska Howitt Cowards had listened to some advice, that drunk tanker crews…hope you get my point as there came ample opportunity back before that historic “Wreck of 89” wherein the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company could have done something about it. To make sure a “drunk” could not take over the helm and drive a fully laden tanker, while under-the-influence, towards such destruction. Read my lips, Alyeska is to blame for that environmental disaster as that opportunity to STOP it existed, well before the 1989 “wreck”! With all the time-tested regulations and so, so many regulators in oversight with this Alaskan pipeline, a single element of destruction went overlooked – as this bad habit with a bottle, it was not included in the playbook of the “can” and “can not” get away with. Had the “drunk” sailors been STOPPED, held accountable before it went too late, that wreck would have been STOPPED. There was but for a single nemesis to that “Wreck”, Alyeska’s refusal to act! Instead, the “Cowards” banded together and climbed up Alyeska’s “Con-Artist” President George Nelson’s asshole, to help this lame excuse for an executive extend his “kill the messenger” edict and then with his cohorts in shame came the will to “lie” all about it when Alyeska was under the heat for not being prepared to fight off that un-precedented oil spill. Yes “Con-Artist” as Nelson was in control of everything, even when still serving as the lower-in-rank VP, I think it meant company President Turpin then asleep at the wheel! Hazelwood was asleep at the wheel, maybe a pass-out when his ship sank, let us not forget the Alyeska boss that went back to “asleep at the wheel” when Joe hit that “Rock” and oil was gushing out in a “black tide” of marine life devastation! That it is so important, for what went on in the early 80s before that “wreck”, anybody wanting to get a grip on the “root cause” of what caused that environmental nightmare and how that “shoot the messenger” message from Nelson came to be the company’s goal, in its very own Putin like “Special Military Operation”! Made possible by Alyeska’s very own top achieving “ass kissers”, the Howitt Cowards! It was pathetic, that ethics went gone with the wind with respect to “No Action” we told you so, that tanker crew addiction to the bottle and a do nothing about it attitude! And those maggots in the Alyeska organization guilty of profiteering through this “Cowardly” attitude, they know who I am talking about. Those in retirement today, like Bill and Chuck(I need a nap) and Kathy a whole lot more to name but a few, enjoying a very big retirement bonus for kissing George’s ass. While some dedicated workers like myself lost everything in a career, because we were not afraid to speak up and did our best to get the attention of the Alyeska management, that there was a very serious problem down in Valdez. It was the early 80s when Alyeska was made aware of that bosom-buddy-booze problem child, alerted by the workers in concern. Based on the way the “Alyeska Security Checkpoint” on Dayville Road turned a blind-eye when a town-taxi transporting an inebriated tanker crew on its return to the Valdez Marine Terminal, after an all-night bender at the Pipeline Club, as that is what the Alyeska management allowed and there would come a “wreck” due Alyeska’s argument “boys will be boys” let it be! Likewise, the nauseous fumes of lingering weathered crude oil from Joe Hazelwood’s bad turn joy ride, you can still smell the stench from the bowels of these “Cowards” that could have made a difference, especially down south of Alaska in Oregon, from Sutherlin to Langlois, as the “Cowards” still stick together - still in denial, still in belief that they did the right thing in “cheating” for the company when a cover-up to the managements’ incompetency reigned. Which means never learning from mistakes through such dishonesty, thus appropriate safeguards can never be implemented to fix things, it continues on just waiting in the wings for that opportunity for that next “wreck”. And that “mistake” thing is showing its ugly face again today with Alyeska, as a near-miss in March of this year came very close to a catastrophe, that which would have made the EXXON Valdez quaint in expectations to reek havoc on the environment. The Alyeska stench continues as it becomes an incest, even after those that gave not a rat’s ass went away into the sunset in retirement, remiss in their duties as righteous citizens and behaving like professionals a joke as the “ass kissing” gets in the way of any “righteousness”. See, after “wrecking” Alaska those responsible just moved away, in denial until “death do us part”!

But even though it meant the end of the line, the end of any Alyeska Pipeline career road for some of us, we did indeed try to make a difference and thus targeted in that “shoot the messenger” mandate. And that “Murder Most Foul” went full speed ahead after that March 24th “wreck”. Just like how Captain Joe Hazelwood allowed the EXXON Valdez full-steam full-stern ahead into the best-known navigational hazard in the “Sound”, Alyeska’s “Kill the Messenger” went into high gear, but praytell at least some of us are still alive to talk all about it – EXTRA, EXTRA! I guess “black-listed” for life in the Alaskan oil sector is still better then 6-feet under, can always get a job flipping burgers. A blessing in disguise such survival. But Alyeska was known to “kill” workers, and still thinks the company can claim PRIDE with HONORS for its accomplishments! To be clear, the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company had the opportunity to STOP such a “Wreck”, it refused and instead wrecked the livelihood of some of the workers, those “Best” of workers on the payroll. It is like a rotten apple scenario, inside the Alyeska organization it is a putrid morbid rendition of human garbage like scum, even though the outside looks so spit shinned. When the image goes tarnished, just cut another big fat check to the United Way, that “Good Corporate Citizen” buyout! And yes, Alyeska would “kill” a worker through both physical abuse and or mental abuse, if it made the 5th Floor of Bragaw Street executives “happy”! Hey, Sarah Palin once said she could see Russia from her Alaskan “crapper”, so was that close-proximity influence of an iron-fist ruthless Russian rule so embedded in the Alyeska organization. With George Nelson, it was a ruling by “scare” tactics “my shit don’t stink” and that was carried out against the dedicated workers by the “Cowitts”! Look, Nelson had a cult, a following of Alyeskan ass worshippers that would do anything to please the “boss”, even if it meant back-stabbing another worker! For real, you could go to an Anchorage church on a Sunday, and during the ”Peace” offering Theo and Kathy would offer a warm enough handshake and on Monday they would be back in the office and helping Nelson with his “shoot the messenger” fascination.

For sure the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company gives not a rat’s ass about a worker being “Killed” on-the-job, the Alyeska Killing Fields is alive and well! And no different today, as to allow snow to cripple safety relief valves and allow crude oil storage tanks to vent cancer causing stuff called “benzene” in violation of the “Clean Air Act”, that is more abuse as that stuff can “kill”. Pinch yourselves, any idea on how many ex-Alyeska workers, not those that worked in Anchorage and in comfort always up a member of the “Executive” posse’ asshole for protection, but those in direct contact day-in day-out with crude oil vapors, how many have died from cancer or other “benzene” contributed causes? The count will go higher, give it time. Like we were treated as experimental lab rats by the “Big Rat”! And still today, workers in Valdez treated as “lab rats”, just ask OSHA as the Department of Labor has most recently fined Alyeska over $500000 for exposing numerous workers to hazardous working conditions – through uncontrolled release of cancer causing agents! See, there is always a reason given for any and all mishaps on the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline through the Alyeska legal gang issuing out fraudulent and frivolous lullabies, as Alyeska always finds a way around the “Truth” due liability exposure. It is an organization that since day one has found a way to exist as a corporate nightmare in that time tested, “Can’t Stand the Truth”, as its executive “modus operandi”. Stand by your Bragaw Street man, stand by the “Sound” as long along the way there is an empty bottle of Jack Daniels. And it appears those that go along with what the company lawyers say is so with a smile in a “do it or else”, they get promoted up the corporate “poop chute”, but that fascination becomes a no-return dead-end street for those bastards, as there would then never come any way to retreat. Yet getting by with no accountability an entire career and these bastards then just walk away with a very generous pension and think they have a conscious. With Alyeska, that staying in “good grace” with the Filth Floor of Bragaw, it was no different in behavior a bad habit in addiction no different then with what we witnessed with those inebriated tanker crews roaming about un-escorted on Alyeska property proper – so inebriated they could not walk a straight line but given the key to open that door to destruction, by Alyeska. Given the “opportunity”, because that is how the Alyeska Corporate cesspool ruled, in a “with them not against them” the saving grace corporate policy. Yes, serious problems down Valdez, wherein workers were called upon by the local management to assist getting the drunk bastards back aboard those soon to depart ocean going tankers filled with “toxicity”. Yes, being called upon as a condition of our continued employment, as accomplices to a crime! See, back in 1984 when Alyeska President George M. Nelson made it the goal to “shoot all the messengers”, it was to equalize the enemy, that being the “Union” which meant direct hits upon some of the “dedicated” workers and with that came collateral damage. And as is the solution to pollution “dilution”, that is exactly what became the plan of attack when the maintenance workers in Valdez decided a “Union” was the last ditch effort approach to get the attention of outside interference, because of the drunks that were taking advantage of no restrictions to leave the “Terminal” sober after arriving in an empty tanker and then when the engines were running and that tanker filled up with toxic crude oil and a sail away time, well return to their stations intoxicated right in front of the Alyeska management. It was out in the open, there was no attempt to hide it! Alyeska let it go on, unabated and there came that “Wreck”! And before that disastrous event, never once did I ever see any sincere action to STOP the abuse of that bottle being passed around. I will say it out loud again, that habit was well known about to all at the Valdez Marine Terminal, and the Alyeska management balked! And the Marine Supervisor always held a smile, when witnessing this harassment. Yes, to call upon the dedicated workers, to drop everything we were doing to assist the drunk bastards, that was pure harassment! So the Technicians in Valdez that were trying to promote a “Union” were tared & feathered. And the interest of a “Union” was not carved out of frustration over wages and or working conditions, we were seeking an outside influence that would for once interfere with respect to our concern of the drunk tanker crews – like in a “Strike” had we succeeded in getting organized. Maybe instigating a “walk-out” or “work slow-down” until Alyeska resolved the issue of that drinking-on-the-job, as without the maintenance technicians in attendance, especially the Instrument & Electrical workers, the Marine Terminal was dead in the water and it meant shutting down the pipeline! And it was so easy a solution, a fix for this fixation that the boozing was OK, yet when push came to shove and the technicians rebelled, Alyeska President George Nelson understood only one thing, attack! And his posse of “Cowitts” went into action. This included the Human Resources “witch”, those in the middle to upper management ranks - you name it! But not any efforts any attack on the problem, it meant a direct attack on those trying to get a fix for the problem! So when the Alyeska management caught wind of our intent to “organize”, and I am sure with assistance from its cast of lawyers in legal knowhow and employing a “snitch amongst us”, well it meant time to break up the trouble-makers, in efforts to break up the votes and the “Union” vote would never survive – that dilution phenomenon. And with that “pollution”, there was no longer a “one voice” with respect to the jobs at task and safety found itself in the cross-hairs of our “corporate enemy”. And to destroy forever any “Union” drive ambitions, Alyeska even targeted the local management, displace those managers that stood with the workers, the few that also understood that “Drunks” don’t belong in this business of transporting boatloads of “crude oil”! Even with the “boozers” as a well-known violation of the rules of the road, many Alyeska managers were afraid to confront Nelson! Look, there were some excellent Alyeska managers that were destroyed, it was the Howitt Coward gang that demonstrated it did not give a rat’s ass about anything except screwing us over and staying in favor with that Nelson and his corporate whoredom!

Now when the maintenance group at the huge 1000-acre Valdez complex existed in harmony and unity as “one”, that voice had the power to make sure we did things right – none of that Bragaw Street management getting in our way, to make sure the dads and moms that worked at the Valdez Marine Terminal would get home after work and enjoy supper with the family. Enjoy attending a school outing on our days off, things like that! We worked in a “hazardous” environment, sitting on the hills above wherein we worked, storage of 9-million barrels of “volatile” crude oil! So we did not need more reckless actors out-of-control and out-of-our-control in abandonment our responsibilities – especially with safety! So mid-1984, it was sanctioned by the Alyeska Executives - that 5th Floor Bragaw - to destroy the continuity that kept us together as “one voice”, it sucked the wind out of our sail in what was occurring and we started losing grip of what we were all about as a dedicated workforce. The PRIDE and HONOR, in that “Best of the Best” corporate motto, it soon turned to “Arrest the Best” wherein that “Honor” was displaced by “HORROR”! And it was so easy to see what was happening, with the way the Bragaw Street “Filth Floor” started changing out the Terminal Superintendent during the “Union” activity – from Ivan Henman to Earl Boling to Bob Westerheid then turned to Bill Howitt to castrate the “voice” and then it was turned over to Chuck O’Donnell and disaster struck! When the “voice” was silenced, the “Wreck” came to be as the management set its sights on things other then safely transporting ¼ of this nation’s energy needs. That is what “shoot the messenger” intrigues, as “Cowards” think they can get a feather, for destroying the will of the workers. And workers DIE because of that, and Alyeska is proof of that dereliction in the conviction AWOL to be “Thou Brother’s Keeper”! To make my point that the “Alyeska Killing Fields” went alive and well when the “Union” drive was pissing off George Nelson, there came some work down at one of the loading berths on December 15th in 1984, yes just before Christmas. Wherein that work required a crane to perform a “pick”. But early on there came a problem with the “outriggers” not being able to add stability to the task – basically somewhat of an “unsafe” operation as planned. The workers went concerned and I was made aware of it by the mechanic crew assigned the job, as the crew knew I was one to stand my ground, but by this time we were considered “troublemakers” and anything we did that appeared to purposedly delay work, it was considered insubordination. Due the “Union” drive, there came a total disconnect between the dedicated workers and the local management, which was how the Bragaw Street office was handling the concerted effort for organized labor to rule – conquer by dividing. Now at the time, with the way the Alyeska management was destroying the “one voice”, it meant dividing the “Terminal” into two-different entities, and I was assigned to the Power/Vapor area, which meant a different supervisor then those being asked to perform the unsafe work down at the “Marine” side – the tanker loading berths. And that “Marine” side of things was once my specialty area, the reason I held first-hand knowledge the abuse of the tanker crews walking about in an inebriated like stooper looking for their tanker. And since I complained, well when the shake-up went down just move me away from the action – that out-of-sight out-of-mind mentality? Wrong! This game plan in dividing the workforce up, it was orchestrated by the Alyeska Human Resources’ “Legal” maggots, as our “vote” was then headed to the NLRB and with the “break-up”, well it was an intent to STOP that “Union” dead in its tracks. We had a good thing going in Valdez, now due legal issues, it was all falling apart. So I spoke up to my new supervisor about this unsafe crane operation about to commence, who was one of those ass-kissing “Cowitts” that had worked on the “pipeline” and was known for placing workers at risk. He was a reject sent to Valdez in an out-of-sight out-of-mind ass kissing venture and I was told point-blank that my concern relayed from the maintenance workers was someone else’s domain. It was the same damn company, yet we were now faced with a two-faced management style! This idiot Larry was not about to take any action, when I reported an unsafe act about to take place. That was to become the “New” Alyeska “United Way” by un-uniting the workforce. And on that day, when the workers were forced to perform an unsafe job task, else face disciplinary measures as such delay tactics were causing a headache for the Marine Supervisor due a heavy tanker berthing schedule, well that crane with Ray Marcy(RIP) on board went overboard. Yes, a worker was killed, getting tangled in the crane’s winch cables while stranded underwater. Sad, especially when the work crew had offered up a solution, before the accident. See, there was a “contracting” barge with a crane that was always available to be used by Alyeska, just a few minutes away docked in the Valdez harbor just across the bay. And run by a “Union” work crew! But when the management was provided this “solution” wherein there would come no stability problems and that job could be performed safely, they flat out said no and that Marine Supervisor declared that due to heavy tanker traffic incoming and outgoing due increases in oil coming down the pipeline and tanks filling up, that “contracting” crane was not an option. Basically, mind your business get to work came the demand from management – and a great worker, a dedicated safety conscious worker, a friend and a family man died that day. This was in Valdez, a small surreal like time forgotten town, wherein it hurts even more as the word gets around. And that word was the fact that Alyeska was now “Killing the Messenger”! And that bastard Marine Supervisor, the same one that gave not a rat’s ass about the “drunk” tanker crews, all he cared about was satisfying his anal craving with George Nelson. Same with my new supervisor who refused to take any action, when I complained of a safety concern! That is why people die! Because in the “shoot the messenger” mandate, we had lost our voice, and when it came to “safety” it was becoming a joke, a crap-shoot. The “shoot the messenger” was starting to show its ugly side effects, which has a tendency to scare workers into bending over in that “do as I say” mandate. I cannot blame them, but that is not what I stood for and the reason again we needed a “Union”. But by this time Alyeska was using its legal might to fend off that “Union” drive, using all of its available ammunition to shoot it down and thus “shoot the messenger” into oblivion. And when this went down, guess what? That tanker crew binge drinking continued on still unabated, because the Alyeska management understood that was a problem that it could not STOP. A problem it did not want to STOP as from the looks of things it did not even try! The reason for a “Union” as then we could “STRIKE” to force a remedy to that blatant disregard of drinking on the job by the Owner Company tanker crews! See, Alyeska was merely an agent for what was considered the “Owner Company”, a conglomerate of “Big Oil” like British Petroleum-SOHIO and ARCO and several other majors. But the Alyeska President was a “loanee” from the “Owner Company” so there was a connection, a consensus that “Big Oil” was still in control of Alyeska from the top down. And at this time already in mention, soon-to-be President George Nelson was such a loanee, but also enjoyed being that “kingpin” and behind that “shoot the messenger” mandate. So of course the corporate sights went away from the drunks and instead focused on the “Union” and thus in fallout targeting the “Vocal Union Supporters”, like myself. Dear Alyeska friend and co-worker Ray, sorry but we tried, Rest In Peace!

And it was fear of the STRIKE that scared Alyeska, as it did so scare “Big Oil” had we been successful in getting that “Union” credential and the force of organized labor behind us! Said again, the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline would get shutdown if the Valdez I & E Technicians decided to “walk-out” if under a “Union Contract” and had to go to such extremes to be heard, to get that booze away from the tanker crews. The “Terminal” could not operate without us and no way would the management or scabs be capable of running this show on their own – it was way too complicated. We were prepared for such in a “walk-out”, had we won the rule of a “Union”. And so Alyeska was given its marching orders to “Kill” the “Union” and anybody and everybody associated with it! Which means things started to get for real ugly at the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company’s Valdez Marine Terminal, besides workers being “killed” why not pollute the air. That feather in the cap syndrome was somewhat extensive. Whole nother story, but it is happening even today at that Alyeska facility, just listen to what the Alaska Department of Environmental Concerns chief said just a few months ago: “snow has sheared off valves along the upper edges of the tank roofs, venting petroleum vapours to the atmosphere. Moses Coss, an official with the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, told the paper that at least seven tanks were venting vapours, in violation of the state’s Clean Air Act.” And the sad fact of the matter, likewise with the drunks that would wreck the “Sound”, it was and is avoidable but Alyeska still seems to get it wrong after 45-years in operation!

Now by the mid-80s, I did not understand yet that I was labeled as one of the key “Vocal Union Supporters” and on the Alyeska Human Resources “Watch List”, but by now there was enough Bragaw Street filth floating around that we knew we best watch our backs. That “Kill the Messenger” mandate was killing workers! And then we were made aware that Alyeska was sending a corporate rat-fink down to Valdez to run things – a snitch that was being sent that way to put the final nail in the coffin to “Kill the Messenger” and thus “Kill” the “Union” interest. So I saw the writing on the wall and was able to get a transfer, to the pipeline but under the authority of an old boss from Valdez that understood the rights of workers and had warned me that some of us were being watched. He had been displaced early on from Valdez following the initial “Union” drive, so I accepted the opportunity and would soon move on – not in realization that I had already been targeted by Alyeska’s HR as a “Vocal Union Supporter” and not to be trusted, which meant black-listed from any future promotions to better my career and or advances with income. See, this same manager tried to promote me in Valdez, and his offer was turned down by HR, the reason Leon warned me about moving away from the “heat” as he was confident he could protect my interest in a future still, with Alyeska. Had I known it back then that there would be no future, I would have “quit”, but Alyeska needed my talents, use me then abuse me was the plan so things looked OK from the surface, that was not the case and time would tell I was naïve. But before all of this “bad stuff” that would come our way from the Corporate Office, some of the things we accomplished in Valdez, without any help from Bragaw Street with respect to technologies and making damn sure the system worked to not pollute, well our only award in the end would be castration. See, we cared, that was our problem. Not only about our job responsibilities, we cared beyond that and did not want to see some drunk bastards ruin it all. But guess who would in time ruin it all, the Howitt Cowards! Instead of siding with righteousness, instead of siding with the workers’ rights, they sided with the George Nelson “mentality” and in the end that proved its point and unleashed an Armageddon environmental disaster, not through an accident but dereliction any conviction to the dedicated Alyeska workers. Look, we wanted to do it right, we did so except we could not do anything about the “drunks”, the reason we wanted to go “Union”! That activity turned the tides on what Alyeska was as a “good corporate citizen”, as workers would DIE!

Now my best working friend and former direct boss in Valdez, Lynn McArthur, he was also taken out of his position and transferred away from Valdez, moved to the pipeline in what appeared to be a demotion. Lynn was the best control systems, electrical and automation engineer on the Alyeska professional roster and became the Supervisor for the Instrument & Electrical crew in Valdez – during start-up of the pipeline. OK, what does it mean. There were over 200 process transmitters with associated control mechanisms that had to be in “tip-top” shape to properly operate the “Terminal”, as many “control loops” and that count more then the entire pipeline in total with its 11 operating pumping stations. McArthur’s crew alone was more then what could be found at any station, so it was an almighty job. In comparison with respect to “complexity”, a pump station didn’t come close to the everyday 24/7 activities required to keep the “END” of the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline “running” and without the “Terminal” the pipeline was dead in the water. And we were now into 1985, and the rat had been preparing to take over the Terminal, to finish off “Killing the Messenger”. Yes, the new superintendent sent to Valdez was there but for a signal reason, to crush dead forever the “Union” and he was well known as the ultimate in that executive ass kissing, upon his desire to climb to the top of that corporate “poop chute”. Sad, when a career means only that! And due my affiliation with that “Union”, thank God my transfer was finalized, and I was heading to Pump Station #1 as a SCADA Technician and by now with the “Union” drive close to abandonment as the Alyeska lawyers won that battle, things were beyond ugly at the “END” of the 800-mile Trans-Alaska-Pipeline. George Nelson was winning, as his “Cowitts” were doing what he wanted, it sucked! One could see who was behind Nelson’s success story, through the company acknowledged and advertised “promotions”! If you stayed in good grace with George, if you were out in the field doing his dirty work, that meant that ticket to ride up the corporate “poop chute”! But it was so sad to see what Alyeska would do to the dedicated workers, especially Lynn McArthur who had done so much in Valdez to “keep the lights on” and that oil heading south. Herein is what I mean. On August 19th, I received a call from McArthur, as he always remembered his technicians’ birthday, even though by now he had been displaced away from us and many of us were being moved around, some by choice some not. He was not in good spirits, of course that started when he was transferred away from Valdez, held accountable in blame the reason the I&E Department Technicians under his wing had chosen to organize under a “Union”. He was the fall guy no doubt about it. So when the company lawyers said break up the workers, well Lynn’s position as Supervisor of the Instrument & Electrical Department, it conveniently went away and he was given a mediocre job on the pipeline, as a station supervisor at Pump Station #12. It is the last station on the pipeline before the oil rushes downhill to Valdez. And during this call, he informed me that he was being forced to agree to OK an unsafe action, in priority but refused and was over-ridden by the Pipeline Superintendent. And what was behind this “action” was the fact that one of the 3-pumps at the station had failed and needed the experts from Anchorage to deliver replacement parts. But the weather for flying was marginal, so Lynn refused to accommodate the Operation Control Center’s request to expedite whatever it would take to fix the problem, that operation under Chuck O’Donnell, efforts in getting that pump back online. It wasn’t really needed, as the inventory in Valdez was normal for loading tankers and a small time duration curtailment of the pipeline throughput, well what isn’t pumped today can be pumped tomorrow. And when there comes a slow-down, as this was in no way shape or form a shut-down that can be of concern, well “Big Oil” that sends its oil to the TAPS can easily accommodate a slow-down, known as a curtailment. Such delays are also written into the “Transport Tariff”, a legal document that allowed for “delays”! So it was no big deal to wait out the storm! But when Lynn argued with the OCC chief, that rat-fink ran to Fat Alex and a charter flight was ordered, to deliver the parts with a turbine mechanic from Anchorage. See, Lynn had made arrangements for a specialized maintenance crew to drive to the station the next morning, as the weather forecast for flying was iffy and in day light a drive was the best way to accommodate the needs and wishes of getting things back to normal, with the safety and wellbeing of the workers in consideration. That was what McArthur stood for! But that flight was ordered by the Pipeline Superintendent, against what Lynn thought was the best way to handle the situation. So that meant instead of a drive a company chartered Lear Jet leaving Anchorage at 1:29am with Alyeska worker David Blosser on board, age 38 and one of Alyeska’s top-notch turbine mechanics well respected by everybody – except Alyeska’s management. As that order to deploy so early in the morning in marginal flying conditions, it placed Blosser in harm’s way as the plane went lost on approach to the runway near that Pump Station #12. At 2:05am that jet crashed into trees killing Blosser and two pilots. Lynn would never get over that, it “killed” him in spirit, that order by Fat Alex because OCC Chuck was having a conniption shit, and in “haste makes waste” it killed a damn good worker. And even today the “accident investigation docket” of that crash remains sealed, some 37-years by now best ask yourself why? That death of an Alyeska worker due foolishness, it also KILLED Lynn McArthur, a guy that should have become the President of Alyeska, because he stood with the workers, he stood for safety, he stood for everything Alyeska claims it to be as a good corporate citizen it is not. Blame it on the ass-kissing management, as like with the crane accident at the Valdez Terminal in 84 and then this plane crash, had the management listened…so workers were getting killed and the “drunks” were setting their sights on unleashing an environmental catastrophe in Prince William Sound. Two worker deaths that could have been avoided, in an 8-month duration - pathetic record! Lynn would die at an early age of 56 and like I have already mentioned that death of a co-worker he was so close to, he never let it go – it strangled his consciousness as Alyeska never once admitted any malfeasance even though Lynn tried to STOP that flight!

See now, by this time in the history of Alyeska, the tanker crews down Valdez way knew there was no STOPPING that bad habit of drinking-on-the-job. They had gotten away with indulging in it for so long by now, well they realized that Alyeska OK’d it, and more then likely by now the “trouble-makers” like myself in complaint this booze-bottle fascination had been displaced. So that “Union” threat was no longer and Howitt the rat was now in charge of the Valdez Terminal, so of course all was well just ask Joe Hazelwood if he ever went concerned about Alyeska being concerned about binge drinking and driving a fully loaded crude oil tanker through the “Valdez Narrows”? So David Blosser was “killed” by Fat Alex Two Chairs, the Pipeline Superintendent, because the fat bastard wanted to please George Nelson is what it was all about. So that at the corporate morning meeting he could then have told George “we got a charter and the problem is already fixed.” But instead, the bad news broke that morning meeting, that a worker had died and they blamed Lynn McArthur, saying he had the last word in an OK for that flight. That was a “LIE”, and it “KILLED” Lynn McArthur, that the blame in shame was placed on the wrong guy! It was the Alyeska way! See, that was already two-strikes against McArthur. It was the blame for the “Union” drive in Valdez and now he was to blame for that worker killed in a plane wreck. That is how the Alyeska management worked, pass the burden of responsibility to someone else and we would see that play out in its “ultimate” rendition of irresponsibility after the EXXON Valdez “wreck”, wherein Alyeska never once footed the bill in blame but sure had a way of blaming…hey the dog ate my homework even seemed to work for the Executive climbing Cowitts!

Now Fat Alex seemed to have only two important expectations in life. First on the agenda, making sure he had enough food to feed an army as he was a fat ass, the reason he needed “Two Chairs” which became his namesake and trying to use his bible thumping pilgrimage to get pipeline technicians to kneel before him. He was an asshole’s asshole, and the reason I would never work for the pipeline, not directly as we had been warned about this blimp and his attitude with religion on-the-job! OK, he stunk of soiled underwear when he was out on the pipeline, like maybe he was too fat to wipe clean! And second on that agenda, stay employed as an “executive” with Alyeska as long as possible to make sure his Sonny Boy Brat had gainful employment for doing nothing. There was a joke that floated around the pipeline, that Alex’s son and Bill Howitt never got their hands dirty! I was well acquainted with Sonny Boy, as we started working for Alyeska at the same time. I remember it well, as new hires arriving aboard the crew change plane to Pump Station #5, which was also wherein Alyeska maintained its Pipeline Technician Training Academy. It was a way to get new hires indoctrinated into “Pipeline Life”. Now when we landed and departed the plane, we were directed over to the camp to get a room assignment, a priority as for the next two-weeks it meant hitting the books through the midnight hour to get signed off on tasks that were required before we were let loose in our new positions. Now even though I was destined for the Valdez Marine Terminal, there was still the requirement for all newbies to attend this classroom get together. There was also one other candidate destined to Valdez, Frank Devlin, an Athabaskan Native. Now when we started getting our room assignments, it meant the buddy system as it was supposed to be a team-work like atmosphere working with your room assignee, double occupancy meant getting through all those training modules sooner than later and it was a way to see if one was cut-out for the “Pipeline Life”. Like living in cramped quarters, listening to that roommate fart through the night not to forget being away from one’s family. Now when the camp manager tried to assign Sonny Boy with Frank as a roommate, the brat flat out had a conniption fit in front of about 25-new hires, that he would not room with a native. He was not silent about his discontent sleeping in the same room with a “Native”! The place went silent, as it was 1979 and there was some semblance of acceptance no discrimination allowed, especially with the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline and Alaskan oil as the Native Claims Settlement Act made it so. Now the camp manger was quick to put the fire out, as Frank looked scared, I saw a tear in his eye when he was confronted with such blatant discrimination in the workplace the first day on this new job, like that well known poster of the “Crying Indian”. I was then assigned as roommate with the “bigot”! And after the room assignments went complete, we headed to the PLQ cafeteria for a morning break, and the talk of the town was this first-hand discrimination witnessed by everybody and all in agreement that Sonny Boy would be getting back on that plane for a ride home and an invite to the unemployment line! Some thought he had already been fired, as he was a no show nowhere to be found after that confrontation. Were we wrong with that assessment, as he was seen hanging out in the Pump Station managers office. Now for two-weeks, as Sonny Boy’s roommate, I was always asked if Sonny Boy was still around, as he never showed up for any classroom training sessions and it seemed he knew all the instructors on a first name basis. And when we were allowed private time to call home, it was a 5-minute only freedom in some little cubby-hole phone booth. Except for Sonny Boy, who seemed to have free reign in the supervisor’s office, unlimited minutes! But soon we would come to an understanding that he was the son of an Alyeska “big wig”, so did not have to attend the classroom training and showed up every night only to eat and sleep. The sad fact of the matter, when Fat Alex Two Chairs showed up to hand out the “Pipeline Academy” certificates, Sonny Boy was right there and received what he needed to go work on the pipeline. And Larry the instructor told us that for the past two-weeks, Sonny Boy was seen hanging out in a “van down by the river”, a pipeline contractors camp, so that was the reason for his no-show during the training sessions. Larry also told us that the blow-up “Anny Dolls” used for fire-fighting and first responder training would also end up down at that camp!  What in hell did I get myself into? And over the years, this worthless piece of nothing son of a big wig, he would have all kinds of job promotions as well as job advancement opportunities, because that was the Alyeska way. And poor Frank, that outburst in discrimination would bother him until the day he died, as that is what can happen in spirit to an individual subjected to such demeaning hate without any accountability, especially in the workplace. That incident “KILLED” Frank. Frank could never understand why Fat Alex’s son was still working for Alyeska and advancing upwards in the company, all part of that Cowitt handshaking that did not give a rat’s ass about such discrimination in the workplace. And when Bob Malone became the Owner Company “Loanee” CEO for Alyeska in the mid-90s, he was appalled by the discrimination that was felt throughout the company. That which appears to have started with George Nelson, and was allowed to survive, for some 15-years before a loanee CEO saw it first-hand, and was appalled and would challenge it. Hear what Malone said: “You look and you will find we(Alyeska) have intimidated, harassed and discriminated against people. There is a level of discrimination going on across this company, documented, that I never would have thought existed," Alyeska President Malone said, "...against people of color, people of diverse background, women and Alaska Native people. And these people are beginning to raise their hands and say, Help.” But how and why did it survive for so long? Because the “Howitt Cowards” thought that was what the management wanted. No different then how the Alyeska management thought to do nothing about the tanker crew drinking, like it was supposed to be a condoned behavior without any after effects.

And one last addition to the “Alyeska Killing Fields”. Betsy Haines is supposedly the new Alyeska President, called back from retirement her last position as VP of “Maintenance & Operations”. Look Alyeska does not learn from its mistakes, as the only way it can recover from going off course, it can’t as by now the EXXON Valdez “wreck” is history! But in that role, as VP the position that is supposed to make sure Alyeska does things right with respect to the “Operations” and making sure things are working right, the function of a “maintenance staff of workers”, well when Haines was in that role is when Alyeska was awarded its greatest OSHA DOL fine of record! For subjecting dozens of workers, direct Alyeska workers and contractors alike no discrimination herein, to hazards associated with crude oil, in Valdez alone, over 50-categorized as an “OIS 10” violation can’t get any higher of a severity call-out, aka “SERIOUS”. Now they call her back? Look, she was the Howitt Coward SPY since the 90s, the reason Alyeska cannot even use a snow shovel correctly and to this day is still harming the environment. When I hear Betsy Haines is in charge, looks like Bill Howitt’s wet-dream has come true, as a street-walker from 2-Street is always welcome in the Alaska oil trade as for some they are still stuck in the construction era of the pipeline! I find it fascinating that the Alyeska management fell in love with the “Union” back then, but when a “Union” was really needed to ward off an environmental nightmare, well we are witness to what can happen.

And to those workers that may have witnessed what went on since the 80’s but remained silent and still work for Alyeska or never moved on, please repeat after Bill: “I sold my soul to the Company whore” as it is the only “motto” you can enjoy. And for the dedicated workers like myself – look I challenge any other Alyeska worker of record since 1977, to compare my performance of record, as it proves I was the “Best” of the “Best of the Best”. Not my words, but the evaluations of over 8-Alyeska supervisors I reported to in my 11-year career with Alyeska – cut short because there came “zero” possibility for any advancements in the company due the fact I was labeled as a “Vocal Union Supporter”. As that debilitating stigma never goes away from the Corporate Dysentery Dynasty that forever punishes those that want to do things right and not afraid to speak out. Not to mention letters of commendation from the “Owner Company” for my job performance. In ending, waaaell laa-dee frick’n doodah, a letter of apology from Alyeska President Jim Hermiller, when a secret e-mail was sent to me about my “Vocal Union Support” and was the evidence that I was “black-listed”. But by the time the letter of apology made it my way, I had already “quit” as Alyeska was successful in “Killing” another dedicated worker. It was a letter that went sorry for “any embarrassment the letter may have caused”? I was honored by that letter, as it for once made it clear and convincing that I was that “Vocal Union Supporter”, when we were trying to STOP the drunks! The only embarrassment I found is the fact Alyeska never got rid of the real troublemakers as the Howitt Cowards succeeded, in ruining what could have been a company proud. Alyeska puts up a good flag, but its credibility in ethics or righteousness doesn’t hold water, just like how a bullet hole in the pipeline doesn’t hold that crude oil at bay from devastating the environment. Nor with dereliction wherein “benzene” laden vapors allowed to escape the storage tanks in Valdez, just this past March when snow turned ice broke off the safety vents. Which means Haines is facing fighting yet another OSHA fine against Alyeska, this time it will probably be an unprecedented $fine$ because Alyeska is now a “repeat offender”, the worst label any corporation could be tagged with. All because Alyeska and its “Executive Chicken Littles” must be way too busy on another venture of “Kill the Messenger” as someone with honor, with guts spilled the beans to the regulators about the “now” unsafe conditions at the Alyeska Valdez Marine Terminal, once again. And the sad fact of the matter, that CEO “Owner Company” loanee is no longer how things work and the reason Bill Howitt is still in control and that is a real scary thought. Because Bill’s highlight as an Alyeska worker, he was the Filth Floor Bragaw’s “hit-man”, well give him credit for threatening to throw a pipeline inspector out of a helicopter. And he got away with that threat, so did Joe hazelwood get off the hook as like I have said time and time again, there is but for a single blame for the “Wreck” and it is Alyeska! So lives were lost and good workers condemned, just so the Cowitts could keep that vigil, pacified in justification that keeping vigil up the corporate poop chute of the Alyeska “Filth Floor Bragaw” Executives was the right thing to do! Wherein a good day at work meant kissing another ass!

When Revenge is SWEET

In closing, I would be remiss in my duty to the dedicated workers of the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company that tried to make a difference, remiss upon that same duty the responsibility in seeking revenge I owed to myself, if I just walked away from it all. In ignorance with my brothers and sisters in Valdez, when we went tired of the Alyeska managements’ lackadaisical attitude in “boys will be boys with a bottle” and because of that concern, we were targeted as “troublemakers”. And because of the Alyeska malignant miss-management under the auspices of the Howitt Cowards - aka Cowitts - taking sides against us, well that reckoned the EXXON Valdez “wreck”! But when I saw the real writing on the wall, that no matter how I performed – said again there was not a single Alyeska Technician or engineer that could top my performance in appraisals and not to forget letters of commendation from the “Owner Company” for the job I was doing to make sure the measurement of the crude oil was accurate beyond doubt – well I was not about to let Alyeska off the hook. And in that letter of apology from Alyeska President Jim Hermiller, after I had already “quit”, he mentions just how valuable an employee I was to Alyeska, that Alyeska “benefitted” from my dedication. Alyeska used me then abused me, that is the true-grit-gist of that letter! So here is how that “valuable” played out in the END! See, when I was being passed around with “no direction home and a complete unknown”, well it came to me a demonstration of a well-planned sabotage, in an eye-for-an-eye tooth-for-a-tooth in sentiment delivery, two can play that game. So yes, I devised an undetectable scheme of sabotage, one that was without detection and when it was made public, it would be an embarrassment beyond recognition to Alyeska, that someone had robed the $Cash Register$. See, in the end I had become my own boss, as Alyeska was relying on me to train a dedicated cast of “Measurement Technicians” in efforts to maintain the most critical component on the Trans-Alaska-Pipeline. That being the Pump Station #1 “Custody Transfer”, which accounts for all the oil entering the pipeline. It must be accurately measured with the most sophisticated technology, that “Best Available” mandate and I was in charge of that system. And even though there was a cast of idiots down yonder Bragaw Street that were not 5th floorers, but lower-level ass-kissing assholes, wherein the shit flows downwards and some willingly accepted the “dump”, well my plan was simple enough even to fool those fools of the “Measurement Department”. Like in “a spoonful of water makes the got screwed go away, makes got screwed go away!” So for over a year before my “Quiet Quitting”, when I was out and about my duties to check on things like the “vapor pressure” analyzers and the composite samplers, well it meant tagging along with me a nice hot cup of coffee from the PLQ. I was unsupervised, I could come and go as I pleased, no one cared what I did day-in and day-out when at Pump Station #1, as long as there came no complaints from town, with respect to that “Custody Transfer” – measuring all that crude oil barrel-assing down that pipeline. See, it is at this “station” wherein official ownership of that oil takes place, the $money$ thing in exchange! And when sitting there watching the “Pipeline Tariff” required sample probe – one for each producer – while watching the mechanical contraptions ejaculate a 1.5cc “bite” of the crude oil so in time enough volume for a “true composite” for testing the “water” content, well what is wrong with a little coffee to “spike” brighten up the day? So yes, I sabotaged the composite samplers for the BP, ARCO, Kuparuk, Lisburne and Endicott oils during my last stay, the time frame April of 1989 through the end of 1990. It means no-one can ever say for sure what was recorded during those times with respect to any semblance of an accuracy statement, as when the coffee made its way into that composite sample, it made for more water in that oil – wherein that 24-hour composite sample was tested and then an adjustment would be made against the computerized water-logged ”Net” barrel count of crude oil delivered during the previous day. It was about the only manual adjustment allowed routinely by the “Carrier”, the latter means Alyeska! So being a manual adjustment, there was no cross-checking of the “composite” what you see is what you get more “water” in the form of “coffee”. I guess like in an addiction? OK, caffeine instead of booze. Hey, no different then the tanker crew addiction with that bottle of booze! And what was best about it, I had two brothers that helped me out, as when I was away on leave for a week or two, I had help to continue with the sabotage. So Alyeska can never claim it knew for sure the amount of oil streaming down that pipeline, “I did it one tablespoon at a time and no one caught me at that crime” as when the water-cut was sabotaged, it was something not even the goons that had run amuck with the “Measurement Department” could ever discover. It was so hidden away, the ultimate in revenge, fuck you Howitt Cowards – aka the “Cowitts”! Let me put it bluntly, you messed with the wrong technician! In short, it meant $millions$ in misguided nominations. Simple Simon means in profits for “Big Oil”, because in reality they let Alyeska get away with killing workers, robing dedicated workers of a career and letting the Joe Hazelwoods free reign while under-the-influence. The “Color of Water”?

In ending, back to the starting line, in that IMAGINE. What if the Alyeska management had listened to the dedicated workers in Valdez, their concern of the drunk tanker crews – interfering with the safe operation of the Valdez Marine Terminal. Yes, fixed that problem before it was necessary for those concerned workers to seek outside interference, with organized labor. It would have meant both the EXXON Valdez “wreck” would have been avoided and the “shoot the messenger” orchestrated by the Alyeska Executives never in existence as the latter would not have been needed, killing two birds with one stone. And had Alyeska taken the high-road instead of the low-blow Coward road, well because it was truly amazing what the technicians under Lynn McArthur had accomplished in Valdez with technologies as Lynn was an advocate of what the future meant, it meant some of us that deserved advancements and promotions in the company could be proud of. Instead of getting letters of apology from the Alyeska President, when the company got caught spying on the workers. And had the dedicated workers been able to move up in the organization, well they would have then been in the position to get rid of the dead-weight – the ass kissing “Howitt Cowards”! And for those maggots and bigots that got away with murder, well they would have been the individuals terminated for cause and maybe today writing stories like this, but not true stories but talking up a storm about the frivolous lawsuits they filed against Alyeska and lost everything. IMAGINE, it could have been a happy ending for Alyeska. Hope Betsy enjoys the $fine$ coming down from OSHA! In the meantime, “one more cup of coffee before I go”!

Michael Kelley – Lead Instrument,  Lead SCADA and Lead Measurement Technician 1979 to 1991 – Vocal Union Supporter 1980 through 1984. 

Note: Any contesting or disputed facts in accuracy with the above statements, please direct to my attention at michael.kelley.tmkf@gmail.com and I will make a serious attempt to correct the record, but please be specific and not just a general statement of “nothing” without merit. “Speak now or forever hold your piece”.