Atigun Awards: Lifetime Achievement, Hal Eppley
“The best of the best.” William Brawley’s words about his longtime coworker and good friend Hal Eppley in front of a group gathered in the Pump Station 1 breakroom were heartfelt and moving. And the compliments and memories, along with plenty of handshakes and a few hugs, kept coming in, some in front of the group, some directly with Hal, who was fittingly just a few days away from the end of his final hitch and the start of retirement.
Everyone was there for the Pump 1 Atigun Awards and BBQ, and Hal stood in front of the group to receive the President’s Choice Lifetime Achievement Award. Hal’s certainly worthy of honor. Over 37 years of dedicated service to TAPS, including 25 as a materials coordinator at Pump 1, he’s embodied excellence, teamwork and stewardship. His expertise in materials management, commitment to mentoring, and leadership in fostering a positive and inclusive work environment significantly strengthened line-wide team capabilities, all messages that his teammates echoed.
Hal’s innovative problem-solving over his career has resulted in vast cost savings, improved inventory management, and enhanced operational efficiencies, all while he upheld the highest standards of safety and compliance. And his proactive approach to safety and resource management, support for major projects, and ability to build strong cross-departmental relationships exemplify Alyeska’s mindsets.
As Hal approached retirement, his contributions, both tangible and cultural, continued to inspire his peers and set a high standard for anyone who follows.
To close the ceremony, Alyeska President and CEO John Kurz made one more memorable quote about Hal: “He left Pump Station 1 better than he found it.”
In this Atigun Awards Q&A prior to the event, Hal walked through his career, from some early rollercoaster days to his steady presence at Pump 1 and more.
How did you feel about learning you were receiving the Lifetime Achievement honor? What does that mean to? And what was your response/feeling when you were informed about it?
Wow! 37 years on TAPS! The Lifetime Achievement was certainly a surprise honor. My journey with Alyeska Pipeline has been challenging and a rewarding one. I’m grateful for and humbled by the people I’ve traveled with along the way.
Talk about where your career has taken you on TAPS. What are some of your most memorable days?
My career with TAPS started in 1989 during the Exxon Valdez spill. I was the Hazmat shipping specialist, single point-of-contact at Alyeska’s Anchorage Distribution Warehouse (ADC). Back then 12 Pump Stations were operating, TAPS was pushing 1.8 million barrels daily, throughput was “King.”
My worst day was in 1993 when the BLM audit team came knocking, I was the acting supervisor at that time. In 1994 our facility (ADC) was relocated to Fairbanks. My warehouse team was reassigned throughout TAPS.
I transferred to Alyeska’s Operation Support Facility (OSF) in Anchorage. There, I had a broader view of TAPS Maintenance and Project activities. I supported materials/warehouse activities for the repair and return of Avon Turbines, Rotating Equipment, Scada, Instrumentation and M&TE. Alyeska housed Projects and a group of Engineers at OSF, as well.
In 1998, OSF was moving in a different direction, times were changing – Hello Google! The Project group, along with other support groups, moved to Fairbanks. Alyeska outsourced the facility to The Wood Group. I was not able to move to Fairbanks, and for a short time stayed on with The Wood Group. After 9 years with Alyeska I was packaged out, my saddest day.
But, my story with TAPS did not end there. During my first years with Alyeska my reputation, work ethics, and mindset served me well. Houston/ASRC contacted me, asked if I was interested in a “materials” field position supporting PS05 thru PS07. Well, that was my happiest day on TAPS. From there I went on to support PS03, PS02 was in the process of closing.
Tell us about your Material Coordinator job at PS1 and what has been your favorite part of that role?
In 2001, I moved up the line to Pump Station 1, and in 2007 I was re-hired by Alyeska. I’ve been here ever since (25 years), and what a roller coaster ride it has been. Never in my wildest dreams back in 1989 did I ever imagine that I would find my fortune, future with Alyeska Pipeline in Prudhoe Bay. Our team and Operations at PS01 have evolved greatly over the years. I’ve always taken ownership and pride in the good work we do on TAPS!
Is there anyone you’d like to recognize who has helped you along the way or supports your work?
I cannot express enough gratitude for the support I’ve received during my years. I’m successful due to my environment, and the challenges made easy by everyone working together on TAPS!
It’s not possible to recognize everyone I’ve crossed paths with during my time. These chosen few had the greatest impact on my career: Tim Harvey, Bill Radford, Cheryl Graan, Ben Holeman, Frank Oxman, John Baldridge, JB Johnson, John Draper, Dan Flodin and Nichole Gentz.
Is there anything you’d like to add that we didn’t discuss above?
Now I’m walking into the sunset – happy adventures!
