Proposed Pipeline Projects
Before a pipeline ROW lease is issued by DNR, the SPCO conducts a review and decision process as required by AS 38.35, the Right-of-Way Leasing Act. Each potential pipeline lessee is evaluated to ensure that they meet the "fit, willing, and able" requirements outlined in AS 38.35.100. In FY12, the SPCO was in various stages of the ROW leasing process with several potential applicants and applicants. See below for a brief description of theses pipeline projects.
The SPCO anticipates increased activity associated with natural gas pipeline projects. The Donlin Gold natural gas pipeline project is performing field studies to facilitate pipeline design and alignment. The Parks Highway Stand Alone Gas Pipeline project, pursuant to HB 369, was issued a ROW lease in CY11.
Golden Valley Electric Association North Slope LNG project
The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Alaska Statute (AS) 38.35.070, hereby gives notice that Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) submitted an application dated December 5, 2012 and received December 7, 2012, in accordance with the Alaska Right-of-Way Leasing Act, AS 38.35.050, for a proposed North Slope liquefied natural gas (LNG) project.
Golden Valley Electric Association proposes to construct a 2,640-foot long above-ground pipeline to transport natural gas. The pipeline will extend from south of Flow Station #3 to an LNG facility to be constructed north of Spine Road, both located on the North Slope of Alaska. The proposed pipeline right-of-way will contain one 10-inch diameter pipe, a pad for the LNG facilities, and two associated driveways to access Spine Road. The applicant anticipates transporting approximately 29.5 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) of LNG per day.
Spectrum LNG
The Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to Alaska Statute (AS) 38.35.070, hereby gives notice that Spectrum Alaska, LLC (Spectrum) submitted an application dated Oct. 3, 2012, in accordance with the Alaska Right-of-Way Leasing Act, AS 38.35.050, for a proposed Spectrum LNG Project.
The proposed pipeline right-of-way will contain one eight-inch diameter pipe, a pad for the LNG facilities, and two associated driveways to access Spine Road. The pipeline design maximum throughput is approximately 50 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) per day.
Construction is scheduled to begin July 2013 with project completion projected for summer 2014. Operations are scheduled to commence August 2014. Spectrum has requested a 100-foot wide right-of-way for pipeline construction and a 35-foot wide permanent right-of-way. The LNG pad will be 800-foot by 800-foot with two 40-foot wide driveways connecting it to Spine Road. The pad will be used for offices, living quarters, and LNG equipment. During construction, the right-of-way on state-owned lands will be approximately 17.5 acres. The acreage will be reduced, post-construction, to approximately 15.9 acres for the permanent right-of-way.
Spectrum Alaska Pipeline Right-of-Way Lease Application
Spectrum LNG Project Description
Polar LNG
Polar LNG, LLC, submitted an amended application received on April 10, 2012, in accordance with AS 38.35.050 for a proposed Polar Natural Gas Pipeline Right-of-Way Lease, ADL 419237.
Polar LNG, LLC, proposes to construct an above-ground pipeline to transport natural gas. The proposed pipeline will extend south from the vicinity of Flow Station 1, Prudhoe Bay Unit, to the Polar LNG Pad formerly known as "Child's Pad" (Tract 54 of ASLS 76-227) in Deadhorse, located on the North Slope of Alaska. The proposed pipeline right-of-way will contain one eight-inch diameter pipe. The pipeline design maximum throughput is approximately 50 million cubic square feet per day, and will supply gas to a proposed natural gas liquefaction plant.
Click the links below for more information on the proposed Polar LNG pipeline project.
Polar LNG Right-of-Way Lease Application
Trans-foreland Pipeline Project
Cook Inlet Energy, LLC, is proposing to construct an 8-inch diameter sales crude oil pipeline from its existing Kustatan Production Facility on the west side of Cook Inlet to the Kenai Pipeline Company Tank Farm on the east side of the inlet. Portions of the pipeline will be installed on the seafloor of Cook Inlet. Figures 1 through 6 show the project area, pipeline alignment, proposed pipeline corridors and seismic map.
Alaska Pipeline Project
TransCanada and ExxonMobil are working together to advance the Alaska Pipeline Project. The goal is to build and operate a pipeline system that will help develop Alaska's vast North Slope natural gas resources, support Alaska's, Canada's and the U.S. economies, and provide a reliable, clean supply of domestic energy for the State of Alaska and North America. The Alaska Pipeline Project provides Alaska a viable option to develop its North Slope natural gas resources.
More Alaska Pipeline Project Information
Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA)
Donlin Gold
Donlin Gold mine proponents are investigating the practicability of a natural gas pipeline from Cook Inlet to the mine site. The 315 -mile buried pipeline would stretch from Beluga to the future Donlin Gold mine site, just northwest of Georgetown, which has the potential to be one of the largest gold mines in the world. This pipeline would provide natural gas for Donlin Gold, LLC, to fuel the site.
Donlin Gold, LLC staff have taken the effort to make contact with the SPCO staff early in the process. This early communication has allowed SPCO to inform Donlin Gold of the SPCO's process for analyzing an AS 38.35 common carrier pipeline ROW for the fit, willing and able analysis, coordinate necessary data, limit duplication of research between state agencies and update interested public with available information. SPCO has received several questions from the public regarding this project and has given what information is available. This project is in the very early stages and the SPCO has not received an application to-date.
Alaska Stand Alone Gas Pipeline/ASAP
The SPCO issued a right-of-way lease to the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation for the ASAP pipeline project on July 25, 2011. Click here for more information on the ASAP project.
References