BP plans to expand Milne Point H, J pads

BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. is continuing its ongoing North Slope pad expansion program with plans to increase the size of two Milne Point pads over the coming year.

The project calls for adding some 7,100 cubic yards of gravel along two sides of the rectangular H Pad and some 9,500 cubic yards of gravel along two sides of J Pad.

The gravel is meant to accommodate the larger rigs currently in use on the North Slope.

The pads are both on ADL 25906.

The expansion is meant for the existing rig fleet. The project is a permanent fix to a problem BP has previously been handling seasonally by building ice extensions.

The expansion program began last summer, when BP added gravel to C Pad and L Pad at the Milne Point unit and to A Pad at the Prudhoe Bay unit, also to accommodate rigs.

The Department of Natural Resources is taking comments on the H Pad plan through June 27 and on the J Pad plan through July 1.

—Eric Lidji