ACTION ALERT: Call for comments for Nanushuk Project Final Environmental Impact Statement

 Comment Deadline was December 3, 2018

View RDC testimony here

Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and Public Notice for the Nanushuk Project permit application. The proposed project includes constructing and operating infrastructure and facilities to produce and transport oil to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The company anticipates drilling at three sites 52 miles west of Deadhorse. The project will include the building of gravel pads, roads, pipelines and production infrastructure on the site.

The FEIS covers various alternatives, including the applicant’s Proposed Action, Alternative 5. 

The applicant describes its new field in the Pikka Unit on state land near the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska as the largest onshore U.S. conventional oil discovery in 30 years. The field could hold 1.2 billion barrels of oil and produce up to 120,000 barrels per day. First oil could begin three to four years after the Corps permitting issuance, depending on when season permits are issued.

The comment deadline on the permit application is Monday, December 3rd. For additional information, visit: http://www.poa.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/Public-Notices/ or http://www.nanushukeis.com/documents.html

Action Requested:

Please submit comments on the permit, specifically supporting Alternative 5, the Applicant’s Proposed Action. 

Submit comments to: [email protected] or [email protected].

Points to consider in your comments:

  • The $5 billion Nanushuk prospect is an important and positive development for Alaska and could be one of the most significant discoveries on the North Slope since the discovery of the Alpine and Kuparuk oil fields. The Corps should approve Alternative 5 and allow the project to move forward.
  • The Nanushuk project is located near existing industry infrastructure, minimizing potential environmental impact.
  • Alternative 5 would have the fewest direct effects to water bodies and floodplains because it has the shortest length of road in the Colville River floodplains.
  • The applicant’s Proposed Action would require the lowest volume of water withdrawal over the life of the Project. 
  • Alternative 5 would have the least impact to wildlife and the smallest area of high-value wetlands lost or altered.
  • Alaska’s economic lifeline, TAPS, is now running at three-quarters empty. The Nanushuk project has the potential to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, significantly increasing TAPS throughput and revenues to the State of Alaska. 
  • State and local spending of taxes and royalties paid by the oil and gas industry directly creates jobs in the public sector and indirectly creates jobs throughout the private sector. 
  • The project would generate significant long-term business and economic activity and hundreds of North Slope construction jobs for Alaskans. In addition, 60 direct jobs would be created in Anchorage.
  • Thanks to continuing improvements in technology, practices, and oversight, the oil industry has demonstrated that North Slope energy development and environmental stewardship can and do coexist.
  • Industry has a proven track record of responsible development in environmentally-sensitive areas, protecting the environment, wildlife and subsistence needs of local residents.

Deadline December 3, 2018