Chapter 2 - North Slope Oil Field Development

Abstract

This chapter describes Alaska's North Slope Oil Field Development, highlighting the history, nature, and environmental impacts of oil development. The first geological surveys took place in the late 1950s and early 1960s. At that time, much of the interest was focused well to the west of the existing oil fields—within the boundaries of what became the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska (NPRA)—and in the foothills of the Brooks Range. The marked seasonality of the Arctic presents both problems and solutions to those seeking to develop hydrocarbon reserves on the North Slope. Winters are long and severe, making the human work environment difficult and hazardous. However, environmental impacts can be significantly reduced at this time because the tundra is frozen and protected by snow cover, and most wildlife is absent. In summer, the thawing snow and lengthening days bring millions of shorebirds and waterfowl in search of nesting sites. The oil exploration and production process involves numerous stages that may take several years or even decades to complete for each oil field. New technologies involving reduced well spacing, elimination of reserve pits, directional drilling, winter maintenance and construction from ice pads and roads, aerial support, and the use of baseline and ongoing biological monitoring programs to facilitate decision making have reduced the areal impacts of development. The incorporation of baseline biological studies into the planning stages of field development helps planners minimize impacts to high-value habitats. Such studies can also help operators reduce direct encroachment on wildlife habitat and help avoid disturbance to wildlife during critical periods.