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The RVI Oil Spill Response Team

Our 21 trained responders are managed by Maureen Mayo and a team of 4 supervisors, all of whom have many years experience in oil spill response. We have teams ready to respond from Stevens Village and Fairbanks and can mobilize within 60 minutes of notification.

The RVI Oil Spill team participates in quarterly five-day training sessions at Pump 6 throughout the year. The trainings are set up to learn and practice oil spill containment and recovery techniques, oil decontamination procedures, usage of appropriate equipment, safety considerations, and pipeline communication systems. Two trainings are set during the winter months and two trainings are set in the summer or early fall time. This gives the opportunity to practice and stay up-to-date on the different operations used in oil spill clean-up for the winter and summer seasons.

The team also takes part in drills set up by Alyeska that offer hands on experience in a simulated oil spill setting. Regular participation in these drills is an important part of oil spill response work because from it the team is able to put their training into action. This has resulted in an experienced and qualified team that is ready to respond in the event of an emergency.


RVI Oil Spill Team work and activity highlights:

  • Above ground pipeline maintenance such as brush cutting, paint stenciling of identifying pipeline markers, and other work projects for Alyeska as needed.

  • The team is on stand-by for Alyeska in case of natural threats to the pipeline that have the potential to escalate such as possible springtime flooding and ice break-up damage.

  • The team responded to the October 2001 spill at Pipeline Milepost 400 located near Pump Station 7 north of Fairbanks. According to Alyeska estimates 6,800 barrels (or 185,600 gallons) was spilled. Our team assisted in the massive cleanup and restoration process with other Alyeska village clean-up crews, and was commended by Alyeska for our participation.

  • The team was on stand-by after the November 2002 earthquake that registered at a magnitude of 7.9 along the Denali Fault. This triggered the shutdown of the pipeline for assessment of damage and needed repairs.

  • The team responded to an oil leak at Remote Gate Valve (RGV) 32 near Atigun Pass, north of the Yukon River Bridge crossing in January 2007. According to Alyeska, approximately 800 gallons of oil was spilled. A quick response and mobilization of the Oil Spill team aided in the initial clean-up on the snow and ground around the leak site as well as on the pipeline itself.

  • The team participated in the Chandalar River Drill in August 2008 with Pump Station 5. The Drill simulated an oil spill on the Chandalar Shelf which is located south of Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range. The team flew 30 miles by helicopter from the Haul Road to a remote location on the Chandalar River. Activities included transporting needed equipment by helicopter and setting up a containment boom on both sides of the river, as well as a setting up a skimmer, pumps, hoses, and a transportable holding tank.


    Values and goals of the team:

    Safety of personnel and the environment is our #1 priority
    Teamwork is essential in getting the job done effectively and safely
    Open Communication within our team, with Alyeska & others serves to build and maintain those relationships
    Knowledge and expertise is gained by participation and work experience in quarterly training and drills
    Ethical conduct enhances our personal and business professionalism and quality of work.
    Development of professional growth and leadership is encouraged by offering foremen and safety officer training


    The RVI Oil Spill team is ready for rapid response and mobilization in the event of an emergency