Alaska Gas Project Gets OK to Accidentally Bug Seals and Whales
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The Alaska Gasline Development Corporation wants permission to accidentally disturb marine mammals while building the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas project in Prudhoe Bay. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is asking the public to comment on this plan and a possible one-year extension. Comments are due by May 19, 2025, and the decision will balance construction needs with protecting marine life.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Pile Driving Pause During Nuiqsut Whaling
AGDC will stop pile driving during the Native Village of Nuiqsut whaling season, which typically runs August 25 through September 15. This pause is explicitly described as a break in construction that will avoid pile driving during those dates.
One-Year Authorization of Marine Mammal Harassment
NMFS is proposing to issue an incidental harassment authorization (IHA) that would allow take by Level B harassment of six marine mammal species, and Level A harassment of ringed seal, spotted seal, and bearded seal, during one year of AK LNG construction. NMFS and AGDC state they do not expect serious injury or mortality and have proposed mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Construction Timing and Work Intensity
AGDC plans pile driving up to 24 hours per day on approximately 123 days during the open-water season (July through October), with work up to six days per week; if not completed, a contingency period from late February to April could be used. The proposed IHA would be effective for one year beginning June 1, 2027 (or June 1, 2028 depending on schedule).
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