When you arrive at the dredge, you will learn about the amazing living history contained in the dredge. Panning for gold is small scale and Gold Dredge #8 is large-scale gold mining on steroids. During the train ride, our guide Tim explained the gold mining process both on small, medium and large scales. You will board the train which will transport you to and from the dredge. The Tanana Valley Narrow-Guage RailroadĪfter learning about the pipeline, it is time to head over to the dredge. The “pig” scours the length of the pipeline. A scrubbing device called a “pig” is inserted at the beginning of the pipe and is pushed along the length of the pipe to scour the inside of the pipe. Alaska crude oil contains a small percentage of wax that ends up lining the interior of the pipe. The pipeline had to be constructed on permafrost and withstand a magnitude 8.5 earthquake. Walking under the Alaska pipeline.Ĭonstruction of the pipeline began April, 1974 and began transporting crude oil in July, 1977. It is also at this time that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) was created as a cartel to control the price of crude oil. The building of the pipeline was a direct result of the first energy crisis in the early 1970’s and the need to lessen our reliance on Middle East Oil. The 800-mile pipeline from the Arctic Sea south to Valdez, Alaska using twelve pumping stations. Our guide, Tim did a great job in explaining the building of the pipeline, the challenges faced during construction and what it takes to keep the oil flowing from the North Slope to the Alaska port of Valdez, a distance of 800 miles.
You will walk underneath the Alaska pipeline as soon as you enter the site.
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