Anchorage Daily News

Alaska OSHA to hear citation challenges

The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Review Board has scheduled a public hearing for 9 a.m. Nov. 14 in Anchorage to consider challenges filed by employers contesting citations issued by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Citations are based on alleged violations of state occupational safety and health standards filed by the Division of Labor Standards and Safety. The hearing will take place in Room 402, Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, 1016 W. Sixth Ave., and will continue as necessary. Advance hearing notices are provided to all parties of contested citations. Board hearings are open to the public. People with disabilities and special needs should contact Sharon Busch in Juneau at 907-465-2709 no later than today to schedule accommodations.

Development Council deadline approaches

Register for the Resource Development Council's 29th annual conference, set for Nov. 19-20 at the Dena'ina Convention Center, by today to get the early bird rate of $300 for members and $375 for nonmembers. Sponsorship opportunities and exhibit spaces are still available. To register and view an agenda, visit www.akrdc.org or call 276-0700.

Refinery workers keep eye on Flint Hills

The company that runs the North Pole oil refinery is closing its Odessa, Texas, chemical plant. North Pole employees of Flint Hills Resources are keeping an eye on the parent company after officials in May said the refinery's own future would be assessed.

The company six months ago said the plant could be sold or reconfigured. Spokesman Jeff Cook says the company expects to make a decision by the end of the year.

He also told state lawmakers recently that the refinery has lost money for the past year and is constrained by high prices for state royalty oil and tight federal standards on fuels and production. The plant makes jet fuel, home heating fuel and vehicle fuel.

Northern Air Maintenance expands

Northern Air Maintenance Services recently expanded its capabilities to include several new aircraft types, the Anchorage company said. Northern Air has been a Part 145 repair station certified to perform line maintenance on Boeing 737-200 jets with specific Pratt & Whitney engines. The Federal Aviation Administration recently authorized adding the new generation Boeing 737-700 to Northern Air's capabilities listing; now Northern Air can maintain a broad range of 737 aircraft including the 200, 600, 700, 800, and 900 series as well as GE CFM 56-7B engines, the company said.

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