An application package for an Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan, under Alaska Statute 46.04.03 and in accordance with 18 AAC 75, has been received by the Department of Environmental Conservation.  The details are as follow:

Applicant:                   
Eni US Operating Co. Inc.
3800 Centerpoint Dr., Suite 300
Anchorage, AK  99503

Proposed Activity:      
Review of a major amendment application package for an Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan that is required to commit adequate resources to meet all planning requirements for prevention and response for a realistic maximum discharge from the operations of Eni US Operating Co. Inc. (Eni).  Eni has submitted the contingency plan amendment to address drilling of Nikaitchuq North Exploration wells in the winter and summer.  The plan amendment addresses an increased response planning standard (RPS) with a maximum flow rate of 25,957 barrels per day, to total 236,842 barrels for winter drilling.  The plan amendment addresses an RPS with a maximum flow rate of 3,634 barrels per day, to total 46,190 barrels for summer drilling.  Response scenarios for exploration drilling in both winter and summer have been included.    

Location:                    
The Nikaitchuq North Exploration Drilling Project is located at the existing Spy Island Drill Site North of Oliktok Point in the Beaufort Sea.

Potential Results:       
A potential risk exists of oil spills entering the lands or waters of the state as a result of this operation.

Activity identified as: 
State Contingency Plan Number 16-CP-5116, Eni US Operating Co. Inc., Nikaitchuq Oil and Gas Production Operations Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan.

Any person wishing to submit a request for additional information or provide comments regarding this application may do so in writing to Gary Evans, Department of Environmental Conservation, SPAR/PPRP, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, (907)269-7536 (phone), (907)269-7687 (fax), or gary.evans@alaska.gov . 

The public comment period for this application begins on April 7, 2017 and ends on May 8, 2017.  Requests for additional information and comments must be received by 5:00 pm on May 8, 2017.  It is the responsibility of the commenter to verify that facsimile and email submissions are received by the deadline.  An additional comment period may be provided in accordance with 18 AAC 75.455(d). 

Copies of the application package are available for public review at the following locations: the department's office at 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage, AK 99501, and 610 University Ave, Fairbanks, AK 99709.

The department will hold a public hearing on the plan application if it determines that good cause exists.  Residents in the affected area or the governing body of an affected municipality may request a public hearing by writing to the Department of Environmental Conservation, at the above address prior to April 24, 2017.  The State of Alaska, Department of Environmental Conservation complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability who may need a special accommodation in order to participate in this public process, please contact Natalie Wolfe at (907) 269-0291 or TDD Relay Service 1-800-770-8973/TTY or dial 711 prior to April 28, 2017 to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.