Comment period starts for TAPS renewal

Petroleum News Alaska

On Aug. 1 the state-federal Joint Pipeline Office kicked off the start of a 60-day scoping period for preparation of the environmental impact statement for renewal of the right of way for the trans-Alaska pipeline system.

The public can provide information and comments on specific issues they believe should be addressed in the EIS through Sept. 29.

Comments are being taken by letter, email, fax, world wide web, phone voice message, and later in September, at six public meetings in pipeline corridor communities.

On May 2, an application was filed with the state and federal governments by an owners group representing all of the trans-Alaska pipeline system owners, asking for right of way renewal before the current lease and grant expire in 2004.

Current plans call for a draft EIS to be published in July 2002 and a final EIS in November 2002.

Argonne National Lab is assisting the Bureau of Land Management with the EIS.

More details can be found at the new state-federal TAPS renewal website at: http://www.tapsrenewal.jpo.doi.gov.