PUBLIC NOTICE

SAE Alaska, Umingmak 3D Seismic Program 

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR), Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G), has received a Geophysical Exploration Permit application from SAE Alaska for the Umingmak 3D Seismic Program.  DO&G is providing public notice and an opportunity to comment under 11 AAC 96.030(c). 

Applicant:  SAE Alaska, 8240 Sandlewood Pl., Ste. #102, Anchorage, AK 99507 
                  Contact: Suzan Simonds, 907-522-4499

Project ID: MLUPNS 13-010 Umingmak 3D

Location:    Umiat Meridian, Township 5-14N, Range 1-4W, 1-7E

Project Description:  SAE Alaska plans to acquire a 3D seismic program on the North Slope Borough during winter seasons 2014 through 2016 (January 1 through May 31 annually).  The proposed program would be named Umingmak 3D, and acquired on Kuukpik Corporation lands, in addition to local, state, federal and private holdings within the North Slope Borough.  

SAE will stage equipment from existing facilities in Deadhorse. Camp and equipment will be trucked via existing roads and/or ice roads to a staging near the project area for offloading.  Mobilization and access information for the program are outlined in the Plan of Operations. 

Seismic operations will be conducted utilizing 12 (rubber tracked/buggy) vibrators that operate in groups of up to 3 or 4. Generally receiver (geophone) lines run perpendicular to source lines and will be typically spaced a minimum of 660 feet apart. Geophones are typically located every 110 feet along this line.  Wireless nodes and geophones will be laid out by crews on foot and by use of rubbed tracked vehicles. There may be up to 24 receiver lines placed on the ground at a time with vibrators typically operating on two lines at a time. During offshore areas of operations on ice, it is possible that the source lines will be groomed ahead of the crew to insure a smooth surface. Vibrators will only shake on grounded ice. 

The energy source is a Vibroseis with a frequency of approximately 4 to 100 Hz; the anticipated duration is 4-8 seconds for each sweep. The duration and decibel level of the source varies depending on such factors as terrain and weather conditions.  

The application package is available for review at the Division of Oil and Gas, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 800, Anchorage, Alaska 99501 or online at http://www.dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Permitting/Permitting.htm#permittingnotices.

Please send comments to DO&G by e-mail to dog.permitting@alaska.gov, or by regular mail to the DO&G address above.  All comments must be in writing.  A copy of the final decision will be sent to any person who provides written comments.  Only persons who comment in writing during the public comment period will be eligible to file an administrative appeal or to request reconsideration of the final decision (11 AAC 02).

All comments must be received by the Comment Deadline: 4:30 pm, Alaska Standard Time, December 30, 2013.

The ADNR complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate may contact the number TTY 907-269-8411 or address above.

Posted:    11/28/2013