The Corps said in a release this morning that the permits allow placement of fill material in waters and wetlands and structures in navigable waters.

Col. Christopher D. Lestochi, commander of the Corps’ Alaska District, said in a statement that in signing the record of decision he found the applicants’ preferred alternative, with modifications and optimizations developed through the review process, is the least environmentally damaging practicable alternative as required by law.

Both the East and West gravel fill pads were relocated away from higher functioning wetlands, the Corps said, minimizing fill placement along the shoreline to provide for polar bear access. The size of the gravel mine was also reduced.

The permit allows placement of fill material into 267.1 acres of North Slope waters and tundra wetlands.

—Kristen Nelson

See story in Nov. 4 issue, available online on Friday, Nov. 2 at 11 a.m. at www.PetroleumNews.com