November 9, 2000

Apache has received numerous comments from neighbors and local citizens regarding our community warning siren. Some nearby residents are unable to hear the siren while inside their homes due to internal background noise such as heating and air conditioning, and television. To address this concern, Apache recently committed to installing a louder siren. The new siren will be a 40 horsepower model, and is substantially stronger than the current 15 horsepower model. We announced during several recent community meetings that we expected to have the new siren operational by the end of November, 2000. Apache has purchased the siren and it will be delivered in mid November.

However, when preparing for the installation we discovered that the power lines to the existing siren are too small for the increased current. Along with our power provider we will be replacing the wires, and we will separate the siren power supply from other plant operations for improved reliability. Understandably it will take a little time for our power provider to secure the needed easements and to engineer and install the new line. Therefore, installation of the siren will be delayed slightly. We plan to have the new siren operational no later than the end of February 2001. Thank you for your patience while we complete this important installation.

As many of you have noticed, Apache discontinued the use of its signal horn in October. When we heard comments about the signal horn being confused for the community warning siren, we reviewed the need for the horn, and determined that our Employees do not need a horn to tell them when shifts and lunch begin and end. The community warning siren is now the only loud signal that should be heard from Apache. Neighbors that live within a quarter mile of the plant might hear plant operational signals occasionally, but based on their unique sound and low volume, they should not be confused with the community warning siren.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lyndon Denton, Director of Resources, at

520-720-2190.