New firefighting system at Valdez Terminal’s Berth 5 safer for workers, environment
In response to the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS, Alyeska launched a significant project to transition the fire foam system at the Valdez Marine Terminal Berth 5 from PFAS containing Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to less toxic Fluorine Free Foam (FFF). This project highlights one of many efforts in Alyeska’s PFAS response and is the result of several years of extensive development and stakeholder collaboration. Decommissioning of AFFF fire water systems was completed in previous years at TAPS Pump Stations 1, 4, 5 and 7, but this was the first system for which Alyeska has utilized FFF and one of the first FFF replacements in Alaska.
The project received Alyeska’s top recognition, a 2025 Atigun Award in the Environment category, and was also spotlighted in Juneau from Senator Jesse Kiehl, who made an unexpected Special Order on the Alaska Senate floor, speaking on Alyeska and “Doing it Right.” Of the firefighting system upgrade at Terminal Berth 5, Senator Kiehl noted: “One of Alaska’s biggest oil and gas businesses didn’t bother waiting. As soon as there was something that would do the job, they did the right thing and so are leading the nation. …
“This last year, Alaska had some major work they needed to do at one of their tanker berths. And I am thrilled to say in the course of that work, they replaced all of their fixed firefighting equipment that previously would have sprayed PFAS foam on a tanker fire with equipment that will spray fluorine-free foams. They are three years ahead of the most aggressive regulations in the nation.”
The original fire system at Berth 5 was designed to flow water and foam through monitors over Port Valdez. Regulatory testing and maintenance of these systems required extensive effort to ensure that AFFF did not enter the port during these critical functionality tests. Ultimately, it was determined that the only way to remove the risk of PFAS contamination was to remove the AFFF from the berth. Although not required by regulation to change out the AFFF foam, Alyeska proactively made the transition to the less-toxic FFF product.
The completion of the Berth 5 replacement system demonstrates Alyeska’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational excellence. The updated system uses a less toxic product and is easier to maintain and test, using state-of-the-art equipment that recirculates foam concentrate rather than discharging it during monthly maintenance.
The result is the complete removal of AFFF at Berth 5, improved system testing capabilities, reduced exposure to PFAS for Alyeska workers and firefighters, and significant reduction in the potential for an accidental release of FFF to Port Valdez. Additionally, the new FFF product is effective for hydrocarbon firefighting, which maintains the safety and efficacy of the Terminal’s fire suppression capabilities.
This successful project will be replicated on the Terminal’s Berth 4 in 2025.