BLM extends Willow public comment period

Petroleum News

The federal Bureau of Land Management said Sept. 6 that it has extended the public comment period for the draft environmental impact statement on the Willow master development plan from 45 to 60 days. The deadline was previously Oct. 15; it is now Oct. 29.

BLM said the extension was provided to allow additional time for North Slope communities to focus on subsistence activities.

The agency also said it was updating its public meeting schedule to add details for the Oct. 2 Nuiqsut gathering, which is from 5-8 p.m. at the Kisik Center. BLM said the meeting will include a subsistence hearing in compliance with Section 810 of the Alaska National Interests Lands Conservation Act.

The public meetings were scheduled to begin Sept. 9 in Fairbanks, move to Anaktuvuk Pass Sept. 10 and to Anchorage Sept. 12.

Meetings later in September and in October include:

*Utqiagvik, Sept. 18, 6-8 p.m., Inupiat Heritage Center;

*Atqasuk, Sept. 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Atqasuk Community Center; and

*Nuiqsut, Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m., Kisik Community Center.

- Petroleum News