DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

DIVISION OF MINING, LAND AND WATER

PUBLIC NOTICE UNDER AS 38.05.945

MINERAL ORDER (CLOSING) UNDER AS 38.05.185 and AS 38.05.300

MINERAL ORDER NO. 1162

ALASKA STAND ALONE GAS PIPELINE

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land and Water, Resource Assessment & Development (RADS), proposes closure of State lands and State selected lands  to mineral entry 100 feet either side of the ASAP Right-of Way lease boundary (ADL 418997), as may be renewed and amended. Additionally, the proposed action calls for Leasehold Location Order No. 32 ( LLO 32) to be rescinded concomitantly with the implementation of Mineral Order (Closing) 1162, this leasehold location currently affects 345,777 acres. The proposed closure would affect approximately 26,905 acres, pursuant to AS 38.05.185 and AS 38.05.300.

The ASAP line, a gas pipeline, is proposed to be 727 miles long and to have a diameter of 36 inches.  The closure extends from Prudhoe Bay to the Beluga distribution system near Big Lake and includes the Fairbanks Lateral Alignment.  The Fairbanks lateral alignment is proposed to be a 30-mile-long, 12-inch-diameter lateral pipeline connecting the ASAP mainline to Fairbanks. Mining operations and activities would have the potential to adversely impact the final location, construction and operation of the gas pipeline. 

The public is invited to comment on this proposed action as described in the Decision. Any comments must be received in writing or emailed to Bruce Phelps at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Mining, Land and Water, Resource Assessment and Development Section, at 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1050, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3579, or bruce.phelps@alaska.gov, on or before December 31, 2014 to ensure consideration.  The Decision and public notice are available on the Alaska Online Public Notice System: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/pubnotfrm.htm .

Following the comment deadline, all written responses will be considered and this decision may be modified to incorporate public comments. Only persons who submit written comments during the public comment period will be eligible to file an administrative appeal of the final mineral order.  If requested, a copy of the final mineral order will be sent to any person who submitted comments on the proposed decision to close the area associated with the Alaska Stand Alone Pipeline. The final decision will include appeal instructions. 

Please direct any questions concerning this Decision to Bruce Phelps at (907) 269-8592, or by fax (907) 269-8915, or email: bruce.phelps@alaska.gov .

Department of Natural Resources is prepared to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing auxiliary aids or services when requested.  Individuals with audio impairments who wish to respond to this decision by telephone may call the Department of Natural Resources Public Information Center in Anchorage between the hours of operation: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at TDD#: (907) 269-8411.