By THE ALASKA STORY
Environmental assessment and mitigation efforts are continuing following the accident involving Doyon Drilling Rig 26 during a transport operation on Alaska’s North Slope, according to a Unified Command update issued Sunday night.
The incident occurred while personnel were moving one of six modular sections of the massive drilling rig, known as “Doyon 26,” when the module tipped during transport. The owner and operator, Doyon Drilling Inc. (DDI), is leading response operations under a Unified Command structure that includes representatives from the State of Alaska, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the North Slope Borough, and the Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS).
Company officials said all employees were accounted for immediately after the incident and that no serious injuries were reported.
“DDI personnel were moving one of six modules of the rig during the incident, and we are grateful that all employees were accounted for immediately following the incident and that there were no serious injuries,” said Andrew Honea, president and general manager of Doyon Drilling. “DDI is thankful for the work our employees undertake each day to meet Alaska’s needs. Without their efforts we cannot succeed as a company.”
According to Unified Command, an estimated 4,000 gallons of fuel were on the module involved in the incident. Fuel spill response and cleanup operations are now one of the primary objectives of the response effort, along with ensuring the safety of response personnel and the public.
Officials stated there is no direct threat to nearby communities, no traffic impacts, and no pipeline infrastructure was damaged.
The Unified Command response team includes representatives from Doyon Drilling, Inc.; Doyon, Limited; Fairweather; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; the State of Alaska; the North Slope Borough; and the Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope.
The incident has transitioned from emergency response to environmental impact assessment and mitigation, with DDI continuing coordination with regulatory authorities, its client, and corporate leadership.
Unified Command officials said regular public updates will continue as response and cleanup operations move forward.
