Delta Western Successfully Executes Joint Response Preparedness Exercise in Juneau

Press Release

United States Coast Guard and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation join private sector partners for environmental table top drill

Juneau, AK – This week, employees from NorthStar Energy and Delta Western gathered in Juneau to complete a table top exercise with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).  The Tuesday exercise simulated a coordinated response to a severe earthquake causing an imaginary tank rupture and subsequent release of diesel fuel into Juneau’s Gastineau Channel.

“We now have an established, demonstrated knowledge on how to respond to and manage major incidents that spread throughout multiple Delta Western Sites, Inlet Energy, Northern Oilfield Solutions and NorthStar Energy,” said Nathan McLellan, Director of Business Operations and Risk Management for NorthStar Energy.  “Furthermore, this exercise established appropriate drill training and resources that equip our people to respond even more effectively in the event of an actual incident.”

Preparedness and safety, including environmental safety, are an important component of Delta Western’s business offering in Alaska.  To assist in response, Delta Western has engaged SEAPRO, an oil spill response organization (OSRO) for SE Alaska and Witt O’Brien, an incident management team. By regulation, Delta Western maintains a written contingency plan.  This week’s table top drill was an opportunity to comply with the ADEC regulatory requirement to demonstrate the ability to respond to obligations set forth therein.

Joel Lawrence, president of Inlet Energy summarized, “because of this exercise and the participation, we all came away learning so much more about these incidents and how to respond.  It prepares us to act quickly and effectively in the event of a true incident, which is essential for a business in this industry, especially in the coastal communities we serve.”