Read RDC's Testimony/Comments
Scoping Comment Period Extension

ACTION ALERT
Comment on the Nanushuk Project
Comment Deadline: Extended to May 31, 2016

Overview:

Armstrong and Repsol E&P USA, Inc. are proposing to develop the Nanushuk project, located approximately 52 miles west of Deadhorse and seven miles northeast of Nuiqsut. The conventional onshore field, utilizing proven arctic technology, is east of the main channel of the Colville River. The field could ultimately prove to be one of the largest on the North Slope.

Up to 76 production and injection wells would be drilled in multiple phases from three drill sites. Construction would include the Nanushuk Pad, which would include a central processing facility; additional drill sites and an operations center pad. A tie-in pad would be constructed adjacent to an existing Kuparuk facility. The project would include 11 miles of gravel infield roads and a 14-mile gravel access road to provide all-season ground transportation between the Nanushuk Pad and the existing road system at Kuparuk.

During construction, up to 600 employees will be housed in temporary camps. Construction is expected to take four years with a minimum of five years of development drilling. First oil is expected three to four years following issuance of all permits, and the project could produce up to 120,000 barrels per day. Assuming timely regulatory approval, the Nanushuk project could bring in $5 billion in new investment activity over six years.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to identify and analyze the potential impacts associated with the development of the Alpine C and Nanushuk reservoirs, including construction and operation of the proposed project. The Corps will be evaluating a permit application for work under Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act and section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The EIS will be used to support the permit decision in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Part of the EIS process will be to identify reasonable alternatives and document potential positive or negative environmental effects of the proposed project.

Additional information on the project is available at: http://www.nanushukeis.com/projects/nanushukeis/index.html

Requested Action:

Submit written comments in support of the project to Ms. Janet Post, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regulatory Division CEPOA-RD, P.O. Box 6898, JBER, AK 99506-0898; by email: [email protected], or online: NanushukEIS.com.
Deadline for submittal of written comments has been extended to May 31st.

Points to consider for your testimony:

  • The $5 billion Nanushuk prospect is an important and positive development for Alaska and could be one of the most significant discoveries on the North Slope since the discovery of the Alpine oil field.

  • Alaska’s economic lifeline, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), is now running at three-quarters empty. The Nanushuk project has the potential to produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, significantly increasing TAPS throughput and revenues to the State of Alaska.
  • State and local spending of taxes and royalties paid by the oil and gas industry directly creates jobs in the public sector and indirectly creates jobs throughout the private sector.

  • The project would generate significant long-term business and economic activity and up to 600 North Slope construction jobs for Alaskans. In addition, 60 direct jobs would be created in Anchorage and two rigs supporting development for five years each would generate 120 to 150 jobs per rig, and more through fabrication, logistics, and indirect jobs. For each direct oil industry job, 20 additional jobs are generated in the Alaska economy.

  • The Nanushuk project is located near existing industry infrastructure, minimizing potential environmental impact.

  • Thanks to continuing improvements in technology, practices, and oversight, the oil industry has demonstrated that North Slope energy development and environmental stewardship can and do coexist.
  • Industry has a proven track record of responsible development in environmentally-sensitive areas, protecting the environment, wildlife and subsistence needs of local residents.

 

Deadline: May 31, 2016