Beluga natural gas pipeline to be relocated this winter

Petroleum News

Alaska Pipeline Co. plans to relocate a portion of the Beluga natural gas transmission pipeline this winter due to river erosion caused by Susitna River meander.

The state of Alaska has begun review of an application for the work, and said some 120 feet of riverbank remains between the pipeline and the river, but the integrity of the pipeline crossing is threatened.

Alaska Pipeline is proposing a new route which parallels the existing channel crossing 2,000 feet to the north. Horizontal directional drilling will be used to cross under the channel. Construction access will be via ice road from the end of the Point McKenzie Road and along the existing right of way.

The pipeline crosses the Susitna River drainage within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge in section 9 of township 15 north, range 7 west, Seward Meridian, an area of mostly lowlands and muskeg swamps.

Completion of the pipeline relocation is expected by mid-March.