Request for proposals out for EIS on proposed Beluga-to-Fairbanks gas line
The Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority has a request for proposals out for an environmental impact statement contractor for its proposed Beluga to Fairbanks natural gas pipeline.
The contract, expected to be awarded Nov. 21, runs through Oct. 10, 2010; proposals are due Nov. 3.
ANGDA said it has requested that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers take the lead in the EIS process for the pipeline right of way to satisfy State of Alaska requirements. The EIS will be prepared under the overall supervision of the Corps of Engineers as the lead federal agency for the project.
The budget for the project is estimated at $2 million and ANGDA said proposals of more than $2 million will be considered nonresponsive.
The project is in four segments: Beluga gas field to Palmer; Palmer to Glennallen; Glennallen to Delta Junction, following the trans-Alaska oil pipeline; and Delta Junction to North Pole-Fairbanks.
ANGDA said the contractor will be required to review at least one alternative route for each segment.
Gas could flow either direction The ANGDA Beluga to Fairbanks line is one of two proposals — the other by Enstar, the Southcentral Alaska local gas distributor — to put in a line to carry Cook Inlet gas to Fairbanks. The goal is twofold: to stimulate exploration for more natural gas in Cook Inlet, where there are delivery difficulties during peak demand in winter; and to provide natural gas for the Interior.
If Cook Inlet natural gas is not available, a line could be extended to the North Slope foothills, where Anadarko Petroleum and partners are drilling for natural gas, or to the North Slope, to carry gas south to Interior and Southcentral markets.
ANGDA and Enstar are both also working on spur line proposals to bring gas to Southcentral markets off a main line taking North Slope gas to markets outside the state.
More information on ANGDA is available at www.angda.state.ak.us.
—Kristen Nelson
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