The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (Division) received an AS 38.05.850 easement application on October 5, 2021, from Oil Search Alaska, LLC (OSA) requesting a non-exclusive private easement authorization to develop and operate a 21.6-mile pipeline system that would connect drilling operations in the Pikka Unit (PKU) with other OSA facilities and existing infrastructure on the North Slope. The proposed easement will be adjudicated under AS 38.05.850. The Division is providing public notice and an opportunity to comment.

Applicant: OSA

Project ID: ADL 421723

Location: The pipeline will be located between the Pikka Unit Boundary and the OSA Tie-in Pad (TIP), located just northwest of the Kuparuk Central Processing Facility 2, on the North Slope. See application for MTRS.

Project Description: OSA is proposing to construct and operate a 21.6-mile pipeline system that would connect drilling operations in the PKU with other OSA facilities and existing infrastructure on the North Slope. This segment of pipelines is a continuation of the previously authorized OSA pipelines private non-exclusive easement issued on April 5, 2021. This project would be located on state lands outside of the PKU boundary as part of the Pikka Project, formerly the Nanushuk Project. The proposed easement would cover 770 acres during the initial construction phase and 261 acres during the operations phase. The purpose of the project is to provide transportation of liquids and gas that would optimize production efficiency in the PKU, and additionally provide a power and fiber-optic connection to the PKU.

The application package is available for review at the Division’s Permitting Section, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, or online at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Newsroom. Please send comments to the Division by email to dog.permitting@alaska.gov, or by regular 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 may appeal or request the commissioner’s reconsideration in accordance with 11 AAC 02.

All comments must be received by the Comment Deadline: 4:30 pm, Alaska Standard Time, December 9, 2021.

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.

Posted: November 9, 2021