Tank demolition removes risk from Valdez Terminal work area
Out of service for more than a decade, Ballast Water Storage Tank 92’s continued presence at the Valdez Marine Terminal presented an escalating safety concern. Snow shedding from the tank’s roof created potential hazards to people, nearby in-service assets, and operations within the active tank farm. In response, Alyeska senior leadership took action in 2025, approving the tank’s demolition to remove the risk, reflecting the company’s commitment to proactive safety management and responsible asset retirement.
Nearly 100 people from numerous Alyeska departments and contractors safely and successfully completed the demolition of Tank 92, earning the project a 2025 Alyeska Atigun Award for Health and Safety. And though it was preceded by months of planning and coordination, the actual demolition – from removal of peripheral piping to final backfill – took only 90 days, without environmental incidents, reinforcing Alyeska’s commitment to disciplined execution, strong safety oversight, and proactive risk reduction.
“Taking down Tank 92 was about addressing a known risk before it became a bigger problem,” said Jerry Hardenbergh, an integrity engineer who worked the project. “The team moved quickly but deliberately, coordinating across groups to plan each step and keep the work controlled in a busy operating area. They completed the job safely, protected the environment, and worked closely together to manage the details without incident.”
Jerry added, “This was a clear example of how we handle higher-risk work, stay focused, communicate well, and execute as a team to get to a safe outcome.”
The 55-foot high, 250-foot diameter tank contained 64 internal support columns and sat just 30 feet from an in-service tank, placing a premium on careful planning, sequencing, and environmental protection. Months of preparation focused on safety for TAPS workers, safeguarding the secondary containment liner, maintaining access within an active process area, protecting wildlife, and ensuring safe waste and scrap handling.
Alyeska’s Systems Integrity engineers developed a detailed work package and the Campaign Maintenance team created the implementation plan and engaged with contractors. TAPS contractors provided support, including demolition activities, tank cleaning and waste handling, and electrical, piping and field services. Teams thoroughly cleaned heavy equipment prior to site entry, and placed aggregate fill to protect liner systems and enable safe equipment movement.
Throughout demolition, wall and roof sections were pulled inward and away from adjacent infrastructure. More than 180 column sections were cleaned, processed, and documented prior to disposal, with continuous coordination between contractors and Valdez Marine Terminal’s Environmental and Safety teams. Barges transported scrap steel in partnership with the City of Valdez, reducing public road risk and costs.