BP applies to expand Prudhoe Bay pads

BP has applied to the Alaska Department of Natural Resource for approval to expand gravel facilities at Flow Station 1, Flow Station 2, Flow Station 3 and Skid 50 to accommodate new modules that are required as part of the replacement of oil transit lines in the Prudhoe Bay oil field. The pad expansion proposal has also been published by DNR for public review under the Alaska Coastal Management Program.

BP announced in February that it would rebuild the entire Prudhoe Bay transit line system in response to the leaks discovered in 2006 in the original field transit lines. The new system requires 20 new modules, to house facilities such as corrosion pig launcher and receiver systems; corrosion inhibitor injection systems; and leak detection systems. The pad expansions will accommodate the new modules, as well as allowing vehicle turning space and traffic flow space.

—Alan Bailey