DEC Updates Situation Report On Hilcorp Cook Inlet Natural Gas Leak

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation updates the situation for a final report for the Hilcorp Cook Inlet Natural Gas Leak. On April 1^st, a helicopter pilot identified bubbles on the surface of the water during supply delivery in the Cook Inlet between Platform A and Nikiski.

Jade Gamble, Cook Inlet and Kodiak Unit Manager for the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation:

“We’ve closed our case. We’ve closed our response down for this since this is a natural gas line, this is regulated by the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). They are the ones that are providing that oversight for the repairs and operation of that pipeline. Basically, that was the goal is to let folks know that we’re not responding to this at this time that the pipeline is shut-in and that there’s no threat to the environment and that PHMSA is going to be reviewing and providing that oversight for that pipeline. They’ve issued a letter that required Hilcorp to replace that line completely and put a plan together to replace that line. They will handle all of that.”

Hilcorp estimates that 2.6 million standard cubic feet had escaped before the line was shut-in on April 3^rd. Before the line was shut-in, Hilcorp conducted several overflights and observations from Platform A to look for wildlife. None was observed near the surface where the bubbling was occurring. To date, there have been no impacts to wildlife observed.

The investigation into the cause of the natural gas release is ongoing and is being overseen by PHMSA, with the jurisdiction over the design, construction, operations and maintenance of natural gas pipeline. The 8-inch pipeline is an underwater pipeline at approximately 80 feet below Cook Inlet waters. Source control was officially achieved at 1:30 p.m. on April 3^rd by activating the block valves.

There is no clear timeframe for return to operation, but it will remain out of operation till permanent repairs are performed. Repairs and return to operation for this pipeline fall under the jurisdiction of PHMSA.