The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas (Division) received a Land Use Permit application on July 3, 2025, from Narwhal Exploration, LLC (Narwhal) requesting to conduct summer marine surveys and winter off road travel in West Harrison Bay to support a proposed winter drilling program in 2026. The proposed project will be adjudicated under

11 AAC 96. The Division provides public notice and an opportunity to comment.

Applicant: Narwhal (see application for contact information)
Project ID: LAS 35646
Location: West Harrison Bay (see application for MTRS)

Project Description:

Narwhal proposes to conduct summer activities within state owned waters and tidelands that would include offshore side scan sonar, sub bottom profiling, and sediment sampling studies in West Harrison Bay, 35 miles northwest of Nuiqsut and adjacent to the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A). Onshore activities included in the application that will occur on federally managed NPR-A lands are not being considered under the scope of this permit. Activities would begin in August 2025.

The application package is available for review at the Division’s Permitting Section, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501, or online at http://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Newsroom. Please send comments to dog.permitting@alaska.gov or 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 Daylight Time, July 29, 2025

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: July 15, 2025