ACTION ALERT

Call for comments for Nanushuk Project Environmental Impact Statement
 Comment Deadline is November 14, 2017

Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Nanushuk Project, proposed by Armstrong Energy, LLC. Armstrong’s proposed project includes constructing and operating infrastructure and facilities to produce and transport oil to the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline System (TAPS). Armstrong anticipates drilling at three sites 52 miles west of Deadhorse to accommodate up to 146 production and injection wells.

The DEIS covers various alternatives, including the No Action Alternative and the Applicant’s Proposal, which includes building gravel pads, roads, pipelines and production infrastructure on the site. The project as proposed by Armstrong would include an all-season gravel road between a Kuparuk drill site and the proposed Nanushuk facilities and a central processing facility. The road would be 13-miles long and connect to 11.9 miles of new gravel infield roads to drill sites Two and Three. The total footprint of the project under the Applicant’s Proposal is approximately 272 acres.

The company, which is partnering with Repsol SA, 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 is expected to hold at least 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.

A 45-day comment period is now underway and a series of public hearings will be held across the state. Comment deadline is Monday, October 16th. For additional information, visit: http://www.NanushukEIS.com/

Action Requested:
Please participate in the comment period for this important project through attending one of the public meetings and submitting comments on the DEIS, specifically supporting Alternative 2, the Applicant’s Proposed Action.

Public Meetings:
Nuiqsut:           Monday, Sept. 25, 4:00-6:00 p.m.                   Kisik Community Center
Utqiagvik          Wednesday, Sept. 27, 5:00-7:00 p.m.            Inupiat Heritage Center
Fairbanks        Tuesday, Oct. 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.                     Westmark Fairbanks Hotel
Anchorage      Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.                Hilton Garden Inn

Online: http://nanushukeis.commentinput.com/?id=UpCx2

Email: [email protected]

Comments via U.S. Postal Service: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CEPOA-RD, Ms. Ellen Lyons, 2175 University Avenue, Suite 201E, Fairbanks, AK 99709

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 2, the Applicant’s Proposed Action, and allow the project to move forward. 
  • 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 up to 600 North Slope construction jobs for Alaskans. In addition, 60 direct jobs would be created in Anchorage and one to three rigs supporting development for five years each would generate 120 to 150 jobs per rig, and more through fabrication, logistics, and indirect jobs. For each direct oil industry job, 20 additional jobs are generated in the Alaska economy. 
  • The Nanushuk project is located near existing industry infrastructure, minimizing potential environmental impact.
  • 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.

Comment Deadline is November 14, 2017