US Sen Murkowski wants Alaska pipeline operator to conduct its own review of 800-mile line

Murkowski wants pipeline review

JUNEAU, Alaska — U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski wants the operator of the trans-Alaska pipeline system to conduct a safety review of the line.

The Alaska Republican says it’s critical the public have confidence in Alyeska Pipeline Service Co.’s maintenance of the 800-mile line.

State Rep. David Guttenberg agrees, but he says it will only come with an outside review. The Democrat has criticized recent job transfers, claiming they’re an example of cost-cutting efforts that could lead the company down a dangerous path.

An Alyeska spokeswoman has expressed confidence in the line’s safety.

BP Pipelines (Alaska) is the largest single owner of the line, which is independent of BP.