By Editor, on February 8th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Activity in the slump area was very quiet again today. The Borough crew, conducting the daily surveying, received additional prisms and materials to set up a couple additional points to increase the area that the data is being collected.
The State DOT drilling crew arrived on the ferry today and met with Borough officials to lay out the bore hole locations to avoid all buried utilities. Drilling will begin tomorrow morning, Thursday, and continue until they complete six drilling sites. Drilling is planned for four holes along the Right of Way on Lutak Road, and two on Front Street. Expect lane closures and traffic control for single lane traffic.
Next update is scheduled for 3 pm Thursday February 9th.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 7th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Cooler drier weather has given us another day of calm in and around the Slump Area, with very little movement detected. Crews took a couple of manual measurements along the top of the slide in the Ocean View area today which shows horizontal movements of 8 to 9 inches over the last week and a half. We are still waiting for accurate information from the contract engineers. Read more->
By Editor, on February 6th, 2012 Public Information Release
Activity in the slump area seemed to slow down with the change in the weather. Daily monitoring continues for control point data that is sent to the engineers in Seattle. We are still waiting for results of the data sent to the engineers last week. We will report on those findings as soon as they are available.
The City Borough Juneau sewer jetting and vacuum crew has been put on hold until local sewer crews get a better look and the amount of debris coming into the manholes from the sewer line break, and may be taken care of locally.
Residents are advised to contact the Command Center if you are concerned about, or have questions regarding the elaborate stories circulating about the slump area, and we will share the facts we have gathered.
Next update is scheduled for 3 pm Tuesday February 7.
___________________
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 5th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–Emergency repair work to the sewer main running through the center of the slump area was completed around 3:45 pm Friday afternoon. Residence of the Highland Estates & Skyline Drive area can resume normal usage. Thank you for your patience. Read more->
By Roger Maynard, on February 4th, 2012 By Andrew Halcro
One of the bedrock arguments proffered by critics who oppose reforming oil taxes is that compared to other oil producing regions, Alaska is right in the middle. This is false.
Read full opinion at andyhalcro.com.
By Editor, on February 4th, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–A Resolution to declare a disaster and requesting state assistance was adopted in a special meeting of the Haines Borough Assembly today at 1:15 pm. The situation was elevated to this point when the main sewer line from 125 homes on the hillside of Highland Estates and Skyline Drive was broken by the slide activity.
Crews from Southeast Road Builders Inc. and the Borough Water & Sewer Department started emergency repairs to this line before light this morning. Work is ongoing as of this report (3:00pm Friday afternoon) PSA’s asking residence above this area to restrict their use of water going into the sewer until crews finish emergency repairs today. [Borough officials] will place an announcement on KHNS when the work is completed and normal usage can resume. Crews will continue working until repairs are finished today. Thank you for your patience.
No update is scheduled for the week‐end unless there are major changes to report.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 PUBLIC NOTICE
HAINES BOROUGH ASSEMBLY SPECIAL MEETING NOTIFICATION
Location: Borough Assembly Chambers, February 3, 2012 at 1:15 pm
PURPOSE: Consider Resolution 12-02-330 Declaring a disaster and requesting state assistance.
According to the agenda, “The slump in the Oceanview Drive/Lutak Road area continues to move and has breached the sewer line. It is anticipated that the area will continue to move and destroy public facilities. The manager has deemed it necessary to declare a disaster and request state assistance at this time.”
The Haines Alaska News will post more information as it becomes available; readers can also check the Haines Borough Website for updates.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 Public Information Release
HAINES–6 PM Revision–Melting snow revealed an old manhole, not showing on any as builts, or known by local maintenance officials, during dye testing of the sewer line running through the middle of the slide area late this afternoon. This manhole is being compromised by the ground shifting close to a crack near the top of the slide area. Plans are being put together this evening to remove that manhole and to re‐connect the sewer line. This damage appears to be from earlier shifting in this location but has been buried under the snow, keeping it from detection.
Activity in the active area of the slope movement appeared to calmed down today with very little new visual movement detected.
The command center has been receiving very detailed information from several State and Federal offices in an effort to help in our planning efforts. Some of it is so detailed that we have to filter through the information to determine what is relevant to our event. If you have questions about any information you may be hearing rumors about, please contact the command center at 766‐2258.
Warmer weather will still be with us for a few more days, which is helping melt the snow, but also brings added concern to the area that is already over saturated.
Next scheduled update will be 3 PM Friday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
Click here to view all official updates on the Haines Borough Website.
By Editor, on February 3rd, 2012 There was a sudden increase of movement in the slide area beginning around 7:30 pm which aroused residents nearby. Upon investigation, the shifting that had occurred at the large cracks at the top of the slide in Lutak Road, was very visible. There was an approximate horizontal shift of 8 inches, and a vertical drop of near 4 inches. Residents in the immediate area were notified of the increased activity, as well as appropriate State agencies.
The State DOT survey crew finished setting additional control points surrounding the whole area, and plan to be back in two weeks to check for any differences.
Haines DOT/PF crews ground the remaining hump in the north bound lane today with Southeast Road Builders re‐claimer. Borough Maintenance crews filled the cracks in Lutak road for the State who were busy grinding the pavement of the bump and the bottom of the active area.
Next scheduled update will be 3 PM Thursday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐22567
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 By Dan Joling | AP
ANCHORAGE—Defense Secretary Leon Panetta’s announcement that the Pentagon will seek new rounds of military base closures drew a swift response from Alaskans who watched a similar process nearly gut Eielson Air Force Base in 2005.
Alaska’s congressional delegation and Gov. Sean Parnell issued a joint statement saying they will stand together to resist attempts to close or shrink Alaska bases.
Read more in the Peninsula Clarion.
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 By Brian Edwards | ACCUWEATHER
Alaskans have been experiencing the most brutal winter conditions of anybody in the United States this season. Thanks to cold being bottled up across the Northwest Territories and Alaska, the season has been chock full of snow, frigid temperatures, and plenty of ice fog to go around.
Read the full story at Accuweather.com.
By Roger Maynard, on January 28th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer | ADN
JUNEAU — Alaska’s revenue commissioner doesn’t anticipate a repeat of 2010, when Gov. Sean Parnell vetoed a measure that would have changed the state’s system of taxing oil and gas production together.
Bryan Butcher told the Senate Finance Committee he’s thinks Revenue can work with lawmakers to develop a plan that’s agreeable to both sides.
Read the full story in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Editor, on January 28th, 2012 Public Information Release
The boring of 5 test holes was completed before noon today by Denali Drilling, to collect samples of materials in and around the slump area down to 40’. The material samples will be taken back to the lab for testing that will help provide information for the cause of the slope movement.
Survey points were completed today to daily track the amount, and direction of movement in and around the active area. Baseline numbers were collected and recorded for daily movement monitoring.
Local State DOT is making plans to cut out the hump and the bottom of the slide area as early as Monday. Until then, please use caution going over the hump near the intersection to Front Street, as it is getting pretty severe.
Next scheduled update will be Monday afternoon.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
To view all updates: http://www.hainesborough.us/slopemovement.html
By Editor, on January 27th, 2012 Alex DeMarban | ALASKA DISPATCH
Alaska Senate President Gary Stevens said Thursday that the Senate will soon hold a hearing on its own oil-tax reform bill, essentially declaring dead House Bill 110, legislation passed last year by the state House and fervently backed by Gov. Sean Parnell.
Read full story in the Alaska Dispatch.
By Editor, on January 27th, 2012 Public Information Release:
Denali Drilling from Anchorage has completed three (3) of the five (5) test holes scheduled by 2:30 pm, and plan to complete the forth test hole on Mathias today as well. The last test hole is scheduled for tomorrow morning, Friday, in Lutak Road which will require a lane closure. One lane will be left open, and expect traffic control and flaggers through this area tomorrow morning.
Core samples of the materials are being collected by PND geo tech engineers that will be taken back to their labs for analysis.
A surveyor for PND continued to set up reflector targets, and survey points that will allow more accurate collection of data to study the daily movement. The surveyor is training employees how to set up the equipment and collect the data on a daily, or as time allows basis.
Because of all the activities happening today with the large snow fall, water line breaks in Highland Estates, drilling test holes and setting up survey equipment, we were not able to measure or report the amount of movement since yesterday.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
To view all updates: http://www.hainesborough.us/slopemovement.html
By Editor, on January 26th, 2012 The Heritage Foundation
President Obama’s State of the Union address laid out his long-term economic recovery plans, which he claims will “work for everyone, not just a wealthy few.” That is, unless it is the pipeline construction business. President Obama’s politically intoned decision to reject TransCanada’s permit application to construct a 1,700-mile pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to Texas refineries last week sent a clear message that special-interest demands are more important than more energy and much-needed job creation.
Read full opinion piece at the heritage.org.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 By Tom Patrick | YUKON NEWS
Whitehorse’s Jarrid Davy hurtled down the Haines Highway at near record speeds at the Alcan 200 International Snow Machine Road Rally on Saturday.
Averaging a speed of 191 kilometres an hour, Davy was about two kilometres an hour from the record. (Average times include fuel stops.)
Though just off the record, his speed was enough to win his second straight title in the 651cc-open class, one of four divisions won by Yukoners this year.
Read the full article in the Yukon News.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 USCG Press Release
JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews rescued 11 fishermen from two different vessels near Kodiak Wednesday morning. Read more->
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 Public Information Release
Denali Drilling from Anchorage began drilling test holes around noon today, starting on Ocean View Drive. They will be drilling a series of holes above and below the slump area to provide PND Geologists and Engineers with soil samples of the area. Borough Sewer & Water employees worked with PND engineers set up control stations to collect accurate measurements of the movement in the active slide zone, as well as data of the area above the “cracks” of the active portion of the slump. Work will continue Thursday & Friday, with a planned lane closure for drilling in Lutak Road on Friday morning.
The recent storm hindered the mechanical measurements of the movement over the last 24 hours, but the activity we could see where the snow was plowed out for the drilling crew appeared to be about the same; from 1 –2 inches.
Next update will be approx. 3 PM tomorrow.
Command Center – 766‐2258 Roc Ahrens ~ Emergency Coordinator
DAILY Update Recording – 766‐2256
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 By Becky Bohrer | AP
JUNEAU–Some Alaska lawmakers, hoping to make a point about federal encroachment on state rights, are urging the federal government take over New York City’s Central Park and designate it as a wilderness area.
Read more in the Anchorage Daily News.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012  Image is from the NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory and shows the solar flare that erupted Sunday evening National Weather Service
The largest Solar Radiation Storm since October 2003 is occurring. NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center is reporting that a G1 Geomagnetic Storm and a S3 Solar Radiation Storm are in progress.
Impacts for this event include:
- Power Systems: Weak power fluctuations can occur
- Spacecraft Operations: Minor impact on satellite operations
- Other Systems: Migratory animals are affected
Aurora will be commonly visible at higher latitudes. Tips on viewing the Aurora are located here. Share your pictures of the Aurora on the Space Weather Prediction Center’s Facebook.
For additional information monitor the Space Weather Prediction Center.
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012  By Stephanie Joyce | KUCB
Rapidly advancing sea ice has left crabbers scrambling to get their gear out of the water or stuck in port, waiting for better weather.
Fish and Game area management biologist Heather Fitch says there are more than 8000 snow crab pots out on the fishing ground right now. They cost at least a thousand dollars each, so that’s more than $8 million worth of gear. And Fitch says almost all of the pots are north of 56.5 degrees. The ice was already at that latitude east of the Pribilof islands today and it’s forecast to move in quickly to the west.
Kathleen Cole is an ice forecaster for the National Weather Service in Anchorage. She says that’s unusual.
Read full story at KUCB.org:
http://www.kucb.org/post/ice-puts-snow-crab-season-hold
By Editor, on January 25th, 2012 Public Information Release
Weather continues to plague efforts to get drill rig parts and transportation for engineers that are still trying to make it to town.
Monitoring of daily movement showed a slight increase in the rate we have been seeing, with a 4” crack in the Ocean View Drive road area, that is new from yesterday, and cracks re‐opening in Lutak Road that had been filled by DOT. We are anxious for the engineers and equipment to arrive that will help us collect more accurate data. Read more->
By Editor, on January 24th, 2012 Public Information Release:
HAINES–A core drilling contractor arrived in Haines over the week‐end and will begin drilling a series of bore holes in and around the slide area as soon as their equipment is ready to go. PND engineers, scheduled to arrive this afternoon, plan to install accurate measuring instruments that will help track daily movement. Read more->
By Editor, on January 21st, 2012 Public Information Release:
HAINES–DOT/PF crews filled cracks and dip in the pavement, making travel through the problem area safe and smooth. Our thanks to the crew for their concerns and efforts to keep this portion of the road safe for our use.
Even though we continue to record slow movement in this area, PLEASE check with the Command Center in Brian Lemcke’s office, or at least check the latest update on the Borough website or the PSA’s on KHNS before running with the wild rumors that are circulating. These updates will be posted daily, or when necessary to report.
Lutak road is not closed, nor are there any plans at this time to do so. Any such information will be posted to the website as soon as possible, so we can all know the truth at the same time.
Haines Borough Command Center – 766‐2258
Link to Haines Borough updates on this issue.
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| Nate Beeler
The Columbus Dispatch
May 16, 2012
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Lynn Canal Map & Marine Traffic (refresh for current ship positions)
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P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
Editor:
Roger L. Maynard
P.O. Box 784
Haines, Alaska 99827
editor@hainesnews.net
The Haines Alaska News is a public information service of the Alaska Alliance for Commerce, Inc., a grassroots movement organized to advocate for small business and a free market economy in Alaska.
The AAFC is organized under section 501(C)(4) of the U.S. Tax Code; contributions are not tax deductible. |
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