PUBLIC NOTICE

SAEXPLORATION NARWHAL 3D SEISMIC SURVEY

GEOPHYSICAL EXPLORATION PERMIT

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (Division), received a Geophysical Exploration Permit Application from SAExploration (SAE) on November 7, 2019, to conduct a seismic survey during the 2019-2020 winter season on the North Slope of Alaska.  Per 11 AAC 96.030, the Division is providing notice and an opportunity to comment.  The proposed seismic survey will be authorized under 11 AAC 96.010.

Applicant: SAExploration, Inc. (see application for contact information)

Project ID: MLUPNS 19-006 Narwhal 3D

Location: Umiat Meridian (all); T9N, R4E, Sections 12, 13, 23, and 24; T9N, R5E, Sections 1-5, 7-11, and 14-18; T9N, R6E, Section 6; T10N, R4E, Sections 1, 2, 12, and 13; T10N, R5E, Sections 3, 7, 8, 10, 14-18, 21, 22, 25, 27-29, 32, 33, and 36; T10N, R6E, Sections 3-6, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 30, and 31; T11N, R4E, Sections 2-4, 9-16, 22-27, and 35-36; T11N, R5E, Sections 1-18, 20, 22-30, and 33-35; T11N, R6E, Sections 1, 5, 6, 8, 10-15, 17-23, 26-29, and 32-34; T12N, R4E, Sections 25-27, 35, and 36; T12N, R5E, Sections 25, 27-32, and 34-36; and T12N, R6E, Sections 25-33, and 36.

Project Description: The project is located on State of Alaska, Kuukpik, Inc, and Federal lands in an area west of the Kuparuk River Unit including portions of the Colville Unit and Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit, located south of the Village of Nuiqsut.  The total area of the seismic survey is approximately 368 square miles, with state lands comprising approximately 65.66 square miles. SAE will be conducting operations during open tundra travel winter season with an estimated state date of December 28, 2019, or as soon as tundra is open for travel.  The camp will remain close to the survey activities and will move every 3-7 days depending on the survey progress and snow cover.  Wireless nodes will be laid out by crews on foot and by use of rubber-tracked vehicles and/or snowmachines.  Vibroseis will be used as the energy source.    

The application package is available for review at the Division’s Permitting Section, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99507 or online at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Home/Newsroom. 

Please send comments to the Division by email to dog.permitting@alaska.gov, or by mail to the Division address above.  All comments must be in writing.  A copy of the final decision will be sent to any person who provides written comments.  An eligible person affected by this decision or public hearing testimony on this decision may appeal or request the commissioner’s reconsideration in accordance with 11 AAC 02.010

All comments must be received by the comment deadline: 4:30 PM, Alaska Standard Time, January 3, 2020.

The Department of Natural Resources complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This notice will be made available in alternative communication formats upon request. Individuals with disabilities who may need auxiliary aids, services, or special modifications to participate may contact the address above or call 907-269-8411.  The Division reserves the right to waive technical defects in this notice.

Posted: December 3, 2019