BP seeks OK for two Beaufort surveys

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. is applying for marine mammal “incidental harassment” authorizations in connection with planned seismic and geohazard surveys in the Beaufort Sea.

The National Marine Fisheries Service issues the authorizations, which give companies limited rights to disturb or otherwise “take” marine mammals.

According to an April 15 notice published in the Federal Register, BP is planning to conduct an ocean-bottom sensor seismic survey in Prudhoe Bay during the 2014 open water season.

The objective of the survey is to acquire current, high-resolution seismic data to image existing reservoirs, the notice said.

The notice cites existing datasets in the proposed survey area including the 1985 Niakuk and 1990 Point McIntyre “vibroseis on ice surveys.”

About 220 people will be involved in the planned seismic survey, which will occur in federal and state waters in the Prudhoe Bay area, the notice said.

“The seismic survey project area lies mainly within the Prudhoe Bay Unit and also includes portions of the Northstar, Dewline, and Duck Island Units, as well as non-unit areas,” the notice said.

BP also is planning a geohazard survey in Foggy Island Bay during the upcoming open water season.

“The purpose of the proposed shallow geohazard survey is to evaluate development of the Liberty field,” an April 16 notice said.

About 20 people will be involved in the geohazard survey, the notice said.

Liberty is a proposed offshore oil development a few miles east of the Endicott field.

BP originally aimed to tap the Liberty reservoir from land, but now favors building a gravel production island over the reservoir with a pipeline to shore.

BP operates Prudhoe Bay, the state’s largest oil field.

On April 22, the company announced it would sell interests in four other North Slope fields to Hilcorp, including a 50 percent stake in Liberty.

—Wesley Loy