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State maintains access to Arctic Ocean
Petroleum News Alaska
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources said April 30 that public access will continue to be allowed to the Arctic Ocean at Prudhoe Bay.
Tour bus operators will continue to transport visitors from Deadhorse through the Prudhoe Bay oil field to the East Dock this summer with some additional security measures in place, the agency said.
Under DNR lease terms for the dock facilities at Prudhoe Bay, public access to state tidelands is required.
DNR said this public access requirement has been met under agreement with the current oil field operator, BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., through the use of tour bus operators. Because of recent national and local security concerns, BP told tour operators that it would close the oil field to them indefinitely. After careful review of security concerns and the lease terms mandating public access, DNR and BP agreed that, with additional security measures, tour bus operations could be continued.
“We have an obligation under the public trust doctrine and our lease terms to maintain public access unless there are significant, demonstrable issues of safety and security” said DNR Commissioner Pat Pourchot.
“I think their agreement ensures reasonable access while recognizing a changed world.”
No personal vehicles past Deadhorse The public is not allowed to drive personal vehicles past Deadhorse on the Prudhoe Bay road. Local and international tour bus operators have provided an opportunity for visitors to take day trips in to the East Dock.
“It is popular for people to step into the northern most ocean in America,” said Harry Bader, northern regional manager for DNR. “Some even take the chilly plunge in for a swim.”
The trip takes visitors through the oil fields with views of oil operations and the wildlife in the vicinity.
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