Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

An Inside Job

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

1. An Inside Job Marker

Inscription.
This device is known as a “scraper pig”. Scraper pigs are used to remove wax deposits from the inside of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Wax, a natural component of crude oil, collects on the walls of the pipe thus reducing oil flow. These pigs are inserted in the 48” mainline pipe at a Pump Station and clean the walls of the pipe as they are carried along by the oil at about 6 m.p.h. They are later removed at a Pump Station down the line.
Other pigs, called “Smart pigs”, operate in the same fashion but are considerably more complex. They are used to collect information about the pipe such as deformities and corrosion.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 61° 7.757′ N, 146° 21.314′ W. Marker is in Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska. It is on Egan Drive west of Chenega Ave, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in front of the Valdez Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 Egan Dr, Valdez AK 99686, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southcentral

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Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Old Town Fire Bell (a few steps from this marker); “Abandon Ship!” (a few steps from this marker); Alaska’s 50th Anniversary (within shouting distance of this marker); Getting there . . . (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail of the Whispering Giants (approx. 0.2 miles away).

More about this marker. A picture of a smart pig appears at the bottom of the marker.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

2. An Inside Job Marker

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

3. An Inside Job Marker

A scraper pig is seen on the left, and the marker can be seen on the right.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

4. An Inside Job Marker

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

5. Scraper Pig

Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 10, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 10, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.