Unocal Corp.'s Alaska unit said April 23 that it is undertaking a seismic program north of Ninilchik. Fairweather Geophysical, in a joint venture with Kuukpik Corp., will conduct the survey over the next four weeks.
The survey activity will be low impact, Unocal said, and involves sending small amounts of energy into the earth and measuring the reflected vibrations to help identify potential underground hydrocarbon structure. The survey will use a helicopter, several seismic crews and a boat for the offshore portion. The company said special equipment brought in by helicopter eliminates the need to clear trees or drive vehicles.
"Unocal believes there is still significant hydrocarbon potential in the Cook Inlet and on the Kenai Peninsula," said Chuck Pierce, vice president for Unocal Alaska. "We are taking the first steps in expanding our exploration program in the Ninilchik area to add new natural gas resources to ensure that gas supplies are available to meet not only current needs, but future needs as well."
Unocal is the third largest oil and gas lease owner in Alaska and the largest in Cook Inlet. The company operates Cook Inlet production of 288 million cubic feet of natural gas and 23,000 barrels of oil daily.
