Hilcorp Alaska reports that there was a natural gas leak reported on April 1st at 5:30 p.m. in the Cook Inlet between Platform A and Nikiski. On April 1st, a helicopter pilot identified bubbles on the surface of the water during supply delivery. Hilcorp reported a gas leak to the National Response Center and to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation the same day. The product being released is not natural gas produced from the platform. The gas is processed dry natural gas, providing fuel gas to two platforms. Natural gas is defined as a hazardous substance. The exact amount released is not known at this time. Hilcorp reported that the line pressure was reduced following the release.
The 8-inch pipeline is an underwater pipeline 80 feet below Cook Inlet waters. Source control was achieved on April 3rd at 1:30 p.m. by activating the block valves. Diving operations to identify the reason for the release will take place as soon as ice conditions safely warrant. In response, Hilcorp immediately shut-in Platforms A and C and began reducing pressure in the natural gas line. The line pressure was reduced to 70 psi and then shut-in. Hilcorp is continuing the monitor the pressure on the line.
(Photo provided by Hilcorp – Platform A is seen in the distance during 11 AM overflight on Sunday, April 4)
The cause of the spill is not known at this time and is being investigated. A leak occurred from the pipe in 2017. Potential resources at risk include shorelines through the upper Cook Inlet, marine mammals, birds and fish.
