Division approves Slope facilities work

Petroleum News

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Division of Oil and Gas has approved amendments to plans of operation at the Milne Point and Point Thomson units on the North Slope.

The work at Hilcorp Alaska's Milne Point is the addition of three pullouts.

Two of the gravel road pullouts are on the Moose pad access road. Each will measure 40 feet by 40 feet by 8 feet and require 475 cubic yards of gravel. The division said in its Nov. 30 approval that equipment to be used in the work will be typical equipment such as a dozer, compactor, excavator, mini excavator and light plants. Gravel will be sourced from the Milne mine site.

The turnarounds will provide space for drilling rigs and road equipment to maneuver with improved efficiency and will provide better access in emergencies.

Gravel was to be placed beginning Nov. 30, the division said, and compacted as needed.

Gravel was also to be placed beginning Nov. 30 for the third pullout, on the L pad access road. That pullout will be 40 feet by 40 feet by 6 feet and will require 355 cubic yards of gravel. The division said compaction and seasoning would occur through October 2024 as needed.

At Point Thomson, operator Hilcorp Alaska received approval Nov. 28 to permanently install two revetement mats, 20 feet by 8 feet by 2 inches, on the dock stairs walkway at the Central pad. The division said installation of the mats will prevent erosion at the bottom of the dock stairways and create a safer walking surface and more walkway from which to work.

The boat dock ramp was removed prior to freeze-up. Installation will take place once ice in the bay is grounded and able to support heavy equipment. When the ice melts in the spring, the mats will move into place and once they have stabilized the boat dock ramp will be reinstalled.

--Petroleum News