MMS sets scoping meetings for Cook Inlet sales

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

The Minerals Management Service has scheduled scoping meetings in communities adjacent to Cook Inlet to discuss issues to be evaluated in an environmental impact statement. MMS said the meetings are the first step for a proposed Cook Inlet multi-sale environmental impact statement. Two sales are proposed for the Cook Inlet planning area between 2002 and 2007.

Meetings are scheduled for Port Graham, Ninilchik, Kenai/Soldotna, Homer, Kodiak and Seldovia.

The agency said scoping meetings give it the opportunity to answer questions about proposed sales, gather information and hear what people have to say about the proposal.

MMS said it is also asking for information from the oil and gas industry about their interest in exploring in the area, federal waters from three to 30 nautical miles offshore in Alaska’s Cook Inlet from just south of Kalgin Island to just northwest of Shuyak Island.