OCS Study 

BOEM 2014-1001 

US Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

Alaska OCS Region

Eastern Research Group, Inc. 

8950 Cal Center Drive, Suite 325 

Sacramento, CA 95826

Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study:

Emissions Inventory – Final Task Report
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

[Page Intentionally Left Blank] 
OCS Study 

BOEM 2014-1001 

Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study:

Emissions Inventory – Final Task

Report 

Prepared by: 

Eastern Research Group, Inc. 

8950 Cal Center Drive, Suite 325 

Sacramento, CA 95826 

Prepared under Contract Number M13PC00014 for: 

U.S Department of Interior 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

3801 Centerpoint Drive, Suite 500 

Anchorage, AK 99503-5823 

US Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

Alaska OCS Region 

December 10, 2014 

Eastern Research Group, Inc. 

8950 Cal Center Drive, Suite 325 

Sacramento, CA 95826 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

iii 

Disclaimer 

This report has been reviewed by the BOEM and approved for publication. Approval 

does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Service, 

nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or 

recommendation for use. 

Citation 

Fields Simms, P., R. Billings, M. Pring, R. Oommen, D. Wilson, and M. Wolf. 2014. 

Prepared by Eastern Research Group, Inc., Sacramento, CA for U.S. Dept. of the Interior, 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Alaska OCS Region, Anchorage, AK. 

 OCS Study BOEM 2014-1001. 169 pp. 

Authors: 

Paula Fields Simms 

Richard Billings 

Marty Wolf 

Mike Pring 

Regi Oommen 

Darcy Wilson 

Acknowledgements 

This report would not have been possible without the contributions of the following staff at 

Eastern Research Group: Roger Chang, Allison DenBleyker, Bebhinn Do, Joe Fanjoy, Brandon 

Long, Janet Mangum, Heather Perez, Diane Preusse, Jennifer Sellers, Jody Tisano, and Stephen 

Treimel. 

Also, invaluable assistance was provided by the following individuals: Madeline Hickman 

(Olgoonik Corporation, Wainwright); Karin Landsberg and Aaron Simpson (Alaska Department 

of Environmental Conservation); Brad Smith (ConocoPhillips Alaska); Reid Smith and 

Alejandra Castano (BP); Ken Slatton (North Slope Borough Public Works Department, Barrow); 

Rick Sypek (Marine Exchange of Alaska); and, Edwin Tazruk (North Slope Borough Public 

Works Department, Wainwright); and, members of the Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study 

Science Review Group – Dr. David Allen, Dr. Brian Lamb, and Mr. Tom Moore. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

iv 

Table of Contents 

Section Page 

I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ I-1

A. Arctic AQ Modeling Study Purpose .................................................................. I-2

B. Emissions Inventory Objectives and Protocol .................................................... I-2

C. Emissions Inventory Scope ............................................................................... I-3

1. Baseline and Future Scenarios ............................................................... I-4

2. Pollutants .............................................................................................. I-4

3. Inventory Sources .................................................................................. I-5

4. Geographic Domain and Spatial Resolution ........................................... I-5

5. Temporal Resolution ............................................................................. I-8

D. Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory Development Team ............... I-8

E. Report Organization .......................................................................................... I-8

II. DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE EMISSIONS INVENTORY ................................ II-1

A. Oil/Gas Related Sources ................................................................................... II-1

1. Seismic Survey Operations ................................................................... II-1

2. Exploratory Drilling ............................................................................. II-5

B. Non-Oil/Gas Related Sources ........................................................................... II-8

1. Commercial Marine Vessels ................................................................. II-8

2. Research Vessels ................................................................................ II-13

III. DEVELOPMENT OF ONSHORE EMISSIONS INVENTORY ................................ III-1

A. Oil/Gas Related Sources ................................................................................. III-1

1. Seismic Survey Equipment ................................................................. III-1

2. Exploratory Drilling ........................................................................... III-1

3. Oil and Gas Production ....................................................................... III-4

B. Airports, Aircraft, and Support Equipment ................................................... III-19

C. TransAlaska Pipeline System ....................................................................... III-22

1. TAPS Pump Stations ........................................................................ III-23

2. TAPS Fugitive Emissions ................................................................. III-23

3. Natural Gas Supply Line Fugitive Emissions .................................... III-23

4. Pigging Operations ........................................................................... III-24

5. TAPS Patrol Vehicles ....................................................................... III-24
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

v 

6. TAPS Pipeline Replacement and Repair ........................................... III-25

7. TAPS Aerial Surveillance ................................................................. III-25

D. Non-Oil/Gas Stationary Point, Area, and Mobile Sources ............................. III-26

1. Power Plants ..................................................................................... III-27

2. Industrial and Commercial/Institutional Fuel Combustion ................ III-28

3. Residential Fuel Combustion ............................................................ III-29

4. On-Road Motor Vehicles .................................................................. III-31

5. Nonroad Mobile Sources .................................................................. III-34

6. Road Dust......................................................................................... III-36

7. Waste Burning .................................................................................. III-38

8. Wastewater Treatment ...................................................................... III-39

9. Fuel Dispensing ................................................................................ III-39

IV. DEVELOPMENT OF EMISSIONS INVENTORY PROJECTIONS ......................... IV-1

A. Offshore Oil/Gas Related Sources .................................................................. IV-1

1. Survey Operations .............................................................................. IV-2

2. Exploratory Drilling ........................................................................... IV-6

3. Pipelaying and Associated Support Vessels ........................................ IV-8

4. Platform Construction....................................................................... IV-12

5. Platform Operation and Associated Support Vessels ......................... IV-15

6. Spills ................................................................................................ IV-20

B. Onshore Oil/Gas and Non-Oil/Gas Related Sources ..................................... IV-25

1. New Production Facilities ................................................................. IV-28

2. New Pipeline Construction and Operation ........................................ IV-30

3. Liberty Island Construction and Drilling ........................................... IV-30

C. Airports, Aircraft, and Supply Boat Terminal ............................................... IV-32

D. TransAlaska Pipeline System ....................................................................... IV-34

E. Non-Oil/Gas Stationary Point and Area Sources ........................................... IV-34

V. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL ACTIVITIES ............................... V-1

A. Data Collection ............................................................................................... V-1

B. QA/QC Activities Implemented ...................................................................... V-2

1. Spreadsheets and Databases ................................................................. V-4

2. Documentation .................................................................................... V-4

3. Peer Review ........................................................................................ V-4

C. Blending/Merging of Sector Emissions Inventories ......................................... V-5
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

vi 

VI. EMISSIONS INVENTORY RESULTS ..................................................................... VI-1

A. Baseline Emissions Inventory ........................................................................ VI-1

B. Emissions Inventory Projections .................................................................... VI-5

C. Emissions Inventory Uncertainty.................................................................... VI-9

1. Baseline Emissions Inventory Uncertainty and Recommendations ...... VI-9

2. Projection Emissions Inventory Uncertainty and Recommendations . VI-12

VII. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... VII-1

APPENDIX A TECHNICAL REPORT: SUPPORTING DATA FOR ARCTIC AIR QUALITY 

STUDY EMISSIONS INVENTORY ......................................................................... A-1
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

vii 

List of Figures 

Figure I-1. Regional Map Depicting OCS Planning Areas, including location of Arctic Air 

Quality Impact Assessment Modeling Study ............................................................................ I-3

Figure II-1. Typical Seismic Survey ........................................................................................ II-1

Figure II-2. M/V Geo Arctic .................................................................................................... II-2

Figure II-3. Polar Prince ......................................................................................................... II-2

Figure II-4. 2012 Survey Vessel Activities .............................................................................. II-5

Figure II-5. Typical Jackup Rig ............................................................................................... II-5

Figure II-6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Shipping Lanes and Development Sites (C1, C2, B1, 

B2, B3, and B4) off the North Slope ...................................................................................... II-13

Figure III-1. North Slope Production Facilities ...................................................................... III-5

Figure III-2. Conoco’s CPF2 and Associated Well Pads ........................................................ III-5

Figure III-3. BP Gathering Center #2 .................................................................................... III-6

Figure III-4. Typical North Slope Well Pad ........................................................................... III-7

Figure III-5. BP Central Compression Plant .......................................................................... III-7

Figure III-6. Diagram of a Landing and Takeoff Cycle ........................................................ III-20

Figure III-7. North Slope Airport Locations and FAA Codes ............................................... III-20

Figure III-8. TAPS Pump Stations Located within the North Slope ..................................... III-23

Figure III-9. TAPS and Feeder Pipelines ............................................................................. III-25

Figure III-10. Locations of North Slope Villages ................................................................. III-27

Figure III-11. House in Wainwright .................................................................................... III-30

Figure III-12. Fuel Oil Forced Air Furnace in Wainwright (approximately 30 years old) ..... III-30

Figure III-13. 2012 Average Daily Traffic Count Statistics for Barrow ................................ III-32

Figure III-14. Snowmobiles in Front of a Barrow Residence ............................................... III-36

Figure III-15. Grader Leveling Barrow Unpaved Road ........................................................ III-36

Figure III-16. Eben Hopson Street, Barrow, and the Unpaved Road Surface ........................ III-36

Figure III-17. Open waste burning at Wainwright Landfill .................................................. III-38

Figure III-18. (Left) ASRC SKW Eskimos Gasoline Station in Barrow; (Right) Village Fuel 

Pump in Wainwright ........................................................................................................... III-40

Figure IV-1. Offshore Projected Development Areas ............................................................ IV-2

Figure IV-2. Location of Projected Drilling Operations ......................................................... IV-6

Figure IV-3. S Lay Pipelaying Vessel Allseas’ Soltaire ......................................................... IV-8

Figure IV-4. DCI Dredge Aquarious ................................................................................... IV-10

Figure IV-5. Kaishuu .......................................................................................................... IV-10

Figure IV-6. Gravity Base System ....................................................................................... IV-12

Figure IV-7. Evaporative Emission Curves – Crude Oil ...................................................... IV-21

Figure IV-8. Evaporative Curves - Diesel Fuel .................................................................... IV-21

Figure IV-9. M/V Nanuq ..................................................................................................... IV-22

Figure IV-10. M/VAiviq ....................................................................................................... IV-22

Figure IV-11. Point Barrow Tug ......................................................................................... IV-23

Figure IV-12. Skimmer Boat ............................................................................................... IV-23

Figure VI-1. Baseline Emissions by Source – NOx ................................................................ VI-2

Figure VI-2. Baseline Emissions by Source – VOC ............................................................... VI-2

Figure VI-3. Baseline Emissions by Source – PM10 ............................................................... VI-3

Figure VI-4. Baseline Emissions by Source – PM2.5 .............................................................. VI-3
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

viii 

Figure VI-5. Baseline Emissions by Source – CO2e ............................................................... VI-4

Figure VI-6. Baseline Emissions by Source – HAPs .............................................................. VI-4
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

ix 

List of Tables 

Table I-1. Sources Included in the BOEM Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory .... I-6

Table II-1. Estimated Operating Hours for the 2012 ION Geophysical Seismic Survey ........... II-3

Table II-2. Seismic Survey Vessel Emission Factors (grams/kW-hr) ....................................... II-3

Table II-3. Calculated Offshore Drilling-Related Aviation Activity ......................................... II-8

Table II-4. Compilation of 2012 Commercial Marine Vessels Operating in the North Slope .... II-9

Table II-5. Summary of Commercial Marine Vessel Activity ................................................ II-10

Table II-6. CMV Criteria Pollutant Emission Factors (g/kW-hr) ............................................ II-12

Table II-7. Summary of 2012 Research Projects .................................................................... II-14

Table II-8. 2012 Research Vessel Activity Data .................................................................... II-15

Table III-1. North Slope Production Facilities ....................................................................... III-4

Table III-2. Oil and Gas Point Source Facilities in the 2011 NEI ......................................... III-10

Table III-3. Significant, Insignificant, and Nonroad Engine Emissions Analysis.................. III-11

Table III-4. HAP and Particulate Surrogate Assignments .................................................... III-12

Table III-5. Non-NEI Onshore Production Facilities ............................................................ III-13

Table III-6. GHGRP Data for Onshore North Slope Oil and Gas Facilities .......................... III-14

Table III-7. Subpart W Onshore Production Emissions (tons/yr) ......................................... III-15

Table III-8. North Slope Natural Gas Composition Data ...................................................... III-15

Table III-9. EPA Nonpoint Oil and Gas Emission Estimation Tool Categories .................... III-17

Table III-10. North Slope Oil and Gas Activity Data ........................................................... III-17

Table III-11. Sixteen Airports Located on the North Slope .................................................. III-21

Table III-12. Oil- and Gas-Related Helicopter Activity at Airports ...................................... III-22

Table IV-1. Full Build-Out Projections Scenario for Offshore Oil and Gas Activities ............ IV-3

Table IV-2. Projection Scenario for Seismic Survey Operations ............................................ IV-4

Table IV-3. Projection Scenario Seismic Survey Vessel Activity Data .................................. IV-4

Table IV-4. Projected Drilling Activity ................................................................................. IV-7

Table IV-5. Projected Offshore Pipeline Lengths (miles) ....................................................... IV-9

Table IV-6. Projected Pipelaying Activity Data ................................................................... IV-11

Table IV-7. Distances from Construction Sites to Projected Platform Sites .......................... IV-13

Table IV-8. Units, Operational Characteristics, and Activity Predicted for GSS Platform 

Construction Vessels in the Arctic ....................................................................................... IV-13

Table IV-9. Average Criteria Pollutant Emissions per Well for Cook Inlet .......................... IV-17

Table IV-10. Average GHG Emissions per Well for Cook Inlet .......................................... IV-18

Table IV-11. Projected Number of On-platform and Subsea Production Wells .................... IV-18

Table IV-12. Projected Support Vessel Activity (kW-hr) Associated ................................... IV-19

with Platform Production .................................................................................................... IV-19

Table IV-13. Summary of Oil Spill Response Fleet and Operations ..................................... IV-24

Table IV-14. Projections Scenario for Onshore Sources ...................................................... IV-26

Table IV-15. Projected Airport Activities ............................................................................ IV-33

Table V-1. Data Gathering, Emission Estimation, and QA/QC Activities Implemented for the 

Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory .................................................................... V-2

Table VI-1. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) .................... VI-1

Table VI-2. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) .......................... VI-1

Table VI-3. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) ............................. VI-1

Table VI-4. Selected Baseline Emissions from Onshore Oil and Gas, by Source Category .... VI-5
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

x 

Table VI-5. Summary of Emissions Projections – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) ................ VI-6

Table VI-6. Summary of Emissions Projections – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) ...................... VI-6

Table VI-7. Summary of Emissions Projections – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) ......................... VI-6

Table VI-8. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) ..... VI-7

Table IV-9. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) ........... VI-7

Table VI-10. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) ............ VI-7

Table VI-11. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) .... VI-8

Table VI-12. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) .......... VI-8

Table VI-13. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) ............. VI-8

Table VI-14. Variances in Vessel Power Ratings ................................................................. VI-14

Table VI-15. Comparison of Platform Production Emissions Data ...................................... VI-15

Table A-1. 2012 Activity Data by Source for the Chukchi Drilling Site .................................. A-2

Table A-2. 2012 Activity Data by Source for the Beaufort Drilling Site ................................. A-4

Table A-3. Emission Factors (g/kW-hrs) by source for the Chukchi Drilling Site ................... A-5

Table A-4. Emission Factors (g/kW-hrs) by source for the Beaufort Sea Drilling Site ............ A-6

Table A-5. Category 1 and 2 Marine Engine HAP Speciation Profiles .................................... A-7

Table A-6. Fleet Makeup and Percent Allocation by Air Carriers ........................................... A-8

Table A-7. Compiled Aircraft Activity Data ..........................................................................A-10

Table A-8. Taxi and Out Times by Airport and Aircraft ........................................................A-13

Table A-9. 2012 Subpart W North Slope Onshore Production Emissions (tons/yr) ................A-13

Table A-10. Well Completion Emissions...............................................................................A-13

Table A-11. Oil and Gas Point Source Facility Emissions in the 2011 NEI (tons/yr)..............A-14

Table A-12. Non-NEI Facility Emissions Estimates (tons/yr) ................................................A-15

Table A-13. Smaller Emitting Unit and Nonroad Engine Emissions Estimates for NEI Facilities 

(tons/yr) ................................................................................................................................A-15

Table A-14. Subpart W Onshore Natural Gas Processing Emissions (tons/yr) .......................A-16

Table A-15. Subpart C North Slope Oil and Gas Facility Emissions ......................................A-16

Table A-16. 2012 North Slope Village Power Plant Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil 

(gallons) ................................................................................................................................A-17

Table A-17. 2012 North Slope Village School Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil (gallons) ....A-17

Table A-18. 2012 North Slope Natural Gas Use (mscf) .........................................................A-18

Table A-19. 2012 North Slope Village Residential Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil 

(gallons) ................................................................................................................................A-18

Table A-20. 2012 Barrow AADT Statistics and VMT Calculations .......................................A-19

Table A-21. 2013 Fiscal Year North Slope Village Landfill Open Burning Quantities (tons) .A-19

Table A-22. Point Sources Data Fields ..................................................................................A-20

Table A-23. Nonpoint Sources Data Fields ............................................................................A-22

Table A-24. Onroad Sources Data Fields ...............................................................................A-23

Table A-25. Nonroad Sources Data Fields .............................................................................A-25

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

xi 

Abbreviations and Acronyms 

AADT annual average daily traffic 

ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation 

AEA Alaska Energy Authority 

ADOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities 

AHF Arctic heating fuel 

AIS automatic identification systems 

AOCSRO Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Regional Office 

APSC Alyeska Pipeline Service Company 

AQRP Air Quality Regulatory Program 

APU auxiliary power unit 

ATV all terrain vehicle 

BBL barrel 

BOC Base Operations Center 

BOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy Management 

BPXA BP Exploration Alaska 

BTS Bureau of Transportation Statistics 

BUECI Barrow Utilities and Electric Co-op, Inc. 

CAA Clean Air Act, as amended 

CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 

CAP criteria air pollutant(s) 

CCP Central Compressor Plant 

CGF Central Gas Facility 

CH4 methane 

CMV commercial marine vessel 

CO carbon monoxide 

CO2 carbon dioxide 

CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent 

COTU Crude Oil Topping Unit 

CPS Central Power Station 

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior 

DQOs data quality objectives 

EA environmental assessment 

ECS extended continental shelf 

EDMS Emissions and Dispersion Modeling System 

EIIP Emissions Inventory Improvement Program 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

FAA Federal Aviation Administration 

ft feet 

G&G geological and geophysical 

gal gallon 

GBS gravity-based structure 

GHG greenhouse gas 

GHGRP Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program 

GIS geographic information system 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

xii 

GOM Gulf of Mexico 

GOR gas-to-oil ratio 

GSE ground support equipment 

GWP global warming potential 

HAP hazardous air pollutant(s) 

HFC hydrofluorocarbon 

H2S hydrogen sulfide 

hp horsepower 

km kilometer 

kW kilowatt 

kW-hr kilowatt-hour 

lbs pounds 

LPG liquid petroleum gas 

LRRS Long-range radar site 

LTO landing and takeoff 

m meter 

MCF 1,000 cubic feet 

MMscf million standard cubic feet 

mph miles per hour 

MSW municipal solid waste 

m/s meters per second 

m

2

 square meter 

NARL Naval Arctic Research Laboratory 

NCDC National Climatic Data Center 

NEI National Emissions Inventory 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NGL natural gas liquid 

NH3 ammonia 

NMIM National Mobile Inventory Model 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOx nitrogen oxide 

NO2 nitrogen dioxide 

NSB North Slope Borough 

NSBSD North Slope Borough School District 

N2O nitrous oxide 

OAR OCS Air Regulations 

OCS Outer Continental Shelf 

OCSLA OCS Lands Act 

OSP oil spill response 

PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon 

Pb lead 

PBOC/MCC Prudhoe Bay Operations Center/Main Construction Camp 

PBU Prudhoe Bay unit 

PCB polychlorinated biphenyls 

PCE power cost utilization 

PFC perfluorocarbon 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

xiii 

PIs Principal Investigators 

ppm parts per million 

ppmv parts per million by volume 

PM10 particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 10 

micrometers 

PM2.5 particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 

micrometers 

PTE potential to emit 

QA quality assurance 

QC quality control 

RVP Reid vapor pressure 

RY reporting year 

SCC source classification code 

scf standard cubic foot 

SF6 sulfur hexafluoride 

SIPE Seawater Injection Plant East 

SMOKE Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions model

SOPs standard operating procedures 

SO2 sulfur dioxide 

SRG Science Review Group 

STP Seawater Treatment Plant 

TAF Terminal Area Forecast 

TAPS TransAlaska Pipeline System 

TOS Thermal Oxidation System 

tons/yr tons per year 

UIC Ukpeagvik Iñupiat Corporation 

ULSD ultra-low sulfur diesel 

USCG United States Coast Guard 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

μm micrometer 

VMT vehicle miles traveled 

VOC volatile organic compound 

VSP vehicle specific power 

WRAP Western Regional Air Partnership 

WRF Weather Research and Forecasting model 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

I-1 

I. INTRODUCTION 

The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA) authorize the United States Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate emission sources proposed for oil and gas activities within 

certain areas of the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The jurisdiction of EPA’s 

authority includes, in part, all of the Alaska OCS planning areas (CAA Section 328). Therefore, 

the EPA promulgated the OCS Air Regulations (OAR) under 40 CFR Part 55 requiring certain 

operators to apply for EPA permits to construct, as well as air quality permits, to ensure 

attainment and maintenance of federal and state ambient air quality standards and to comply with 

the CAA. 

In December 2011, jurisdictional air quality control responsibilities for the Arctic OCS were 

transferred from the EPA to the Department of the Interior (DOI) when Congress revised CAA 

Section 328 and approved the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012. Proposed OCS operators 

are required to comply with the DOI/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Air Quality 

Regulatory Program (AQRP), established under 30 CFR Part 550, Subpart C, and BOEM has the 

obligation to implement the authority provided in OCS Lands Act (OCSLA) Section 5(a)(8) (see 

45 Fed. Reg. 15128, 3/7/1980). 

The BOEM Alaska Outer Continental Shelf Regional Office (AOCSR) is responsible for 

assessing the potential environmental impacts from oil and gas exploration, development, and 

production activities on the Alaska OCS. In addition, AOCSR is responsible for regulating 

emission sources from oil and gas activities within the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea OCS 

Planning Areas adjacent to the North Slope Borough (NSB) of Alaska. Figure I-1 shows the 

Alaska OCS area and NSB of Alaska. 

To enable BOEM to assess potential air quality impacts from oil and gas exploration, 

development and production on the Alaska OCS as well as those in near-shore state waters 

(within 3 nautical miles of the coast), and related onshore activities, BOEM is sponsoring this 

Arctic Air Quality Impact Assessment Modeling Study (Arctic AQ Modeling Study). The study 

will inform two important objectives and provide several secondary benefits: 

• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Impact Air Quality 

Assessments. To date, much of the emissions and meteorological data developed for the 

Arctic region are project specific. The Arctic AQ Modeling Study will provide a 

comprehensive baseline air quality analysis with a comprehensive emissions inventory, 

consistent meteorological dataset, and air dispersion analysis to support environmental 

impact assessments under NEPA. 

• BOEM AQRP. The Arctic AQ Modeling Study will assess current methods for 

estimating thresholds used to assess the potential adverse effects that planned offshore oil 

and gas activities might have on onshore air quality, as required by the BOEM AQRP, 

and recommend improvements, if necessary. 

• Secondary Benefits. The Arctic AQ Modeling Study will provide improved and 

consolidated information about the emission sources in the study area, disseminate that 

information to the public, and inform several environmental justice initiatives. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

I-2 

A. Arctic AQ Modeling Study Purpose 

The NEPA air quality assessment and the BOEM AQRP analysis are separate and distinct 

evaluations required before BOEM can approve plans for oil and gas activities proposed for the 

Arctic OCS. When these two evaluations are used together, they provide a holistic assessment of 

Arctic air pollution transport and show how new emission sources, both onshore and offshore, 

might impact air quality on the North Slope and over near shore areas. In addition, the combined 

evaluation determines the extent of cumulative effects when considering other emission sources 

affecting the North Slope (e.g., onshore and in near shore state waters). Results of this study may 

be used by various entities in support of environmental justice initiatives and permit applications, 

and the study would serve the public seeking a direct and reliable accounting of air pollution 

effects on the people and natural environment of the NSB. 

BOEM uses air quality dispersion modeling to assess the potential onshore impacts of emissions 

from proposed Arctic OCS oil and gas activities. The accuracy of the modeling predictions 

depends on several factors, including the rate of emissions and a representative meteorological 

dataset. Thus, the air quality impact analysis is only as comprehensive as the emissions inventory 

on which the analysis is based, and only as accurate as the meteorological dataset applied to 

simulate dispersion and transport of the pollutants. While the EPA, the Alaska Department of 

Environmental Conservation (ADEC), and various potential OCS operators have prepared 

emissions inventories of sources located on the North Slope for purposes of air permitting and 

other regulatory needs, research is needed to bring together data from these resources that will 

contribute to a comprehensive accounting of annual emissions. 

B. Emissions Inventory Objectives and Protocol 

One of the first steps in performing the Arctic AQ Modeling Study, and in support of subsequent 

air quality modeling analyses, was to develop a comprehensive air emissions inventory that 

accurately estimates emissions within the study area that encompasses the North Slope region 

and adjacent waters of the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas (Figure I-1). The 

primary objective of the inventory was to estimate emissions from equipment and activities that 

occurred under the baseline and future year scenarios. Development of the scenario on which the 

inventory projections were based was provided by BOEM, and is described in detail in this 

report. 

The first milestone of the inventory was developing the Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions 

Inventory Protocol. The protocol defines the inventory scope and describes the methodologies to 

be used for each source type, in order to estimate accurate emissions in a format suitable for use 

in air quality modeling. The protocol also provides an approach for quality assurance and quality 

control (QA/QC). A draft emissions inventory protocol was prepared and reviewed by BOEM 

and the SRG; their comments were incorporated into the final methodology that was used for the 

inventory. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

I-3 

Figure I-1. Regional Map Depicting OCS Planning Areas, including location of Arctic Air 

Quality Impact Assessment Modeling Study (Currently leased areas are indicated in green.) 

Data Source: BOEM, 2014b

C. Emissions Inventory Scope 

The scope of the air emissions inventory for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study includes 

these elements, which are described in detail below: 

• Baseline – the year selected for the inventory for which the most recent credible reliable 

information was available. 

• Future scenarios – future year sources and activities that are reasonably foreseeable and 

expected to continue for an extended period of time. 

• Pollutants – the specific air pollutants in the inventory. 

• Sources – range of source types/categories for which air emissions are estimated (e.g., 

onshore oil and gas production, near shore activities, emissions from pipelines, etc.). 

• Geographical domain and spatial resolution – area within which emissions are estimated, 

and the level of detail or specificity at which emissions are estimated (e.g., geographic 

location, centroid (center) of a community or village1

). 

• Temporal resolution (e.g., annual, monthly, daily, hourly). 

 

1

 The term “village” is used interchangeably with “community” in this report. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

I-4 

1. Baseline and Future Scenarios 

In an effort to determine a “base year” for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory, 

several factors were considered including the most suitable year to use for baseline quality 

modeling (i.e., the primary use of the inventory), and the availability of data needed to estimate 

emissions. 

ERG targeted a base year of 2012 for the Arctic AQ Model Study emissions inventory, although 

some data from other years (including 2011 and 2013) were substituted as needed to form a 

complete dataset of emissions for the baseline. It is important to note that year 2012 is 

representative of “typical” Arctic meteorological conditions (needed for air quality modeling), 

and provided the best opportunity for collecting the wide range of activity data needed for 

estimating emissions from most of the air pollution sources operating on the North Slope. The 

combination of year 2012, 2011, and 2013 data formed the “baseline” for the Arctic AQ 

Modeling Study emissions inventory. 

Also, projected (future year) emissions were estimated for use in evaluating impacts anticipated 

from potential future oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities on the 

Arctic OCS. ERG projected future emissions based on information and guidance provided by 

BOEM for a “full build-out” scenario (BOEM, 2014b). The sources for which emissions were 

estimated, and the methods used for projecting emissions under the full build-out scenario are 

discussed in Section IV of this report. 

2. Pollutants 

Emissions were estimated for the CAA pollutants for which air quality “criteria” have been 

established, hazardous air pollutants, precursors to the criteria air pollutants, and greenhouse 

gases reported under the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (U.S. EPA, 2009a). The 

specific pollutants are listed below: 

• Criteria air pollutants (CAPs) as defined by CAA Part A, Section 108: 

o Carbon monoxide (CO). 

o Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) estimated as nitrogen oxides (NOx). 

o Sulfur dioxide (SO2). 

o Particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 10 

micrometers (μm), or PM10. 

o PM with an aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 μm, or PM2.5. 

o Ozone (i.e., precursor volatile organic compounds [VOC]). 

o Lead (Pb). 

• Coarse fraction of PM (i.e., between 10 and 2.5 μm), or PM10-2.5. 

• Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a potential component of natural gas. 

• Greenhouse gases (GHGs) in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e): 

o Carbon dioxide (CO2). 

o Methane (CH4). 

o Nitrous oxide (N2O). 

o Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

I-5 

o Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). 

o Perfluorocarbons (PFCs). 

Global warming potentials (GWPs) required under EPA’s GHG Reporting Program were 

used to estimate CO2e (IPCC, 2007) with a GWP of 25 for CH4 and a GWP of 298 for 

N2O. (Although SF6, HFCs, and PFCs are included in this list, none of these GHGs were 

emitted by the inventoried sources.) 

• Hazardous air pollutants (HAP) as defined by CAA Title III. Note that for a few sources, 

carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and methyl chloroform (CH3CCl3) emissions were estimated. 

Although these are also considered GHGs, they were classified under HAP, only. 

3. Inventory Sources 

Emissions from anthropogenic (i.e., human-caused) sources were estimated for the Arctic AQ 

Modeling Study emissions inventory, including stationary sources located in North Slope 

communities and oil fields, onroad motor vehicles, nonroad equipment, marine vessels and other 

offshore (oil- and gas-related) sources (i.e., both OCS and near shore in state waters), and 

airports. Also, emissions from other sources were estimated based on their potential influence on 

air quality concentrations, including dust emissions from paved and unpaved portions of the 

Dalton Highway and other roads located in communities and the oil fields. Table I-1 lists the 

source groups and categories included in the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory and 

the associated air pollutants. Although some of the source categories shown in Table I-1 were not 

active during 2012, these sources are reasonably expected to occur under the future year scenario 

(e.g., offshore oil and gas platform construction, platform operation, and pipelaying activities). 

Also note that emissions from nonanthropogenic biogenic sources (e.g., NOx emissions from 

soils and VOC from vegetation; geogenic sources such as oil seeps and wildfires) are closely 

related to the Sparse Matrix Operator Kernel Emissions (SMOKE) emissions processing 

performed during a future stage in this study. 

4. Geographic Domain and Spatial Resolution 

The domain of the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory is the area encompassing the 

Arctic OCS, including the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, near shore state waters (within 3 nautical 

miles of the coast), and the NSB. 

The spatial resolution of the inventory depends on the source. For example, some sources such as 

power plants were pinpointed based on their geographic coordinates (i.e., latitude and longitude), 

while other sources such as nonroad vehicles (e.g., snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles (ATVs)) 

and residential fuel combustion were “placed” at the centroid of the community in which they 

were used. The latitude/longitude coordinates identify the location of “point sources” and the 

centroid of a geographic area (e.g., community, oil field) identifies the location of all other 

source categories (i.e., area, mobile, and nonroad). 

The resolution of the geographical area covered by the emissions inventory is based on the grid 

cell size needed for photochemical and dispersion modeling, which will be designated under 

other project tasks. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table I-1. Sources Included in the BOEM Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory 

Group and Category Pollutants for which Emissions were Estimated CO NOx SO2 VOC Pb PM2.5 PM10 GHG HA

Offshore Oil & Gas 

Activities 

Seismic survey and supply vessels          Seismic support helicopters          On-ice seismic survey equipment          Exploratory drilling – drill ships, jackups          Exploratory drilling – fleet support vessels          Platform construction and support vessels          Island construction and support vessels          Production platform operation         Platform support – supply and support vessels          Platform support – helicopters          Pipelaying and support vessels          

Offshore - 

Other Commercial marine vessels          

Research vessels          

Onshore 

Oil & Gas 

Fields 

Seismic survey equipment          Drilling/exploration          Well pads   Processing plants, gathering centers, etc.         Support (injection, seawater treatment)         

Airports Aircraft and helicopters          

Ground support equipment         

TransAlaska 

Pipeline System Pump stations (1-4)          

On-road patrol vehicles          Aerial surveillance aircraft          TAPS fugitives    Natural gas supply line fugitives    Pigging operations    Pipeline replacement, repair          
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table I-1. Sources Included in the BOEM Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory (Conti

Group and Category Pollutants CO NOx SO2 VOC Pb PM2.5 PM10 GHG HA

Onshore Non-Oil & 

Gas Activities 

Power plants          Industrial/commercial/institutional/residentialfuel combustion 

         

On-road motor vehicles          Nonroad mobile sources          Road dust  Waste burning          Wastewater treatment Fuel dispensing  

Spills OCS pipeline spills   Platform spills  
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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5. Temporal Resolution 

Emissions for the majority of sources were estimated on an annual basis (i.e., emissions 

generated during 2012). In a few instances, monthly emissions were estimated first (based on the 

activity data available), then annual emissions were calculated. For purposes of this emissions 

inventory report, the emissions inventory results are provided in tons per year (tons/yr). 

Emissions on an hourly, daily, and seasonal basis are also needed for near- and far-field 

dispersion and photochemical modeling. ERG will use temporal allocation factors in the 

SMOKE emissions model for some sources; other temporal allocations will be source-specific 

(e.g., residential heating most intensive in the winter months, heavy equipment most active in 

winter months when tundra is frozen). 

After the modeling protocols are finalized and the modeling scenarios are defined, ERG will 

develop any additional temporal profiles that depict the emissions conditions needed for 

modeling. These will most likely address the sources projected to operate offshore, as well as 

sources located in the onshore communities that have seasonal and diurnal variations. 

D. Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory Development Team 

The development of the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory was a collaborative 

team effort3. In addition to managing the overall project, ERG led development of emissions 

inventory. A Science Review Group (SRG) of technical experts provides independent technical 

review for the entire project. Other ERG team members assisting with the modeling work 

include ENVIRON International Corporation (meteorological and photochemical modeling lead) 

and University of Alaska Fairbanks (assisting with the photochemical modeling). 

E. Report Organization 

The remainder of this report comprises the following sections: 

• Section II: Development of Offshore Emissions Inventory. This section describes the 

methods and data used to estimate emissions and allocate emissions temporally and 

spatially for offshore oil and gas activities (i.e., seismic surveys, drilling, platforms, and 

pipelaying and support activities) and offshore non-oil and gas activities (i.e., commercial 

marine and research vessels). 

• Section III: Development of Onshore Emissions Inventory. This section describes the 

methods and data used to estimate emissions and allocate emissions temporally and 

spatially for onshore oil and gas activities (i.e., seismic surveys, drilling, and production), 

airports, TAPS, stationary sources (e.g., fuel combustion), paved and unpaved road dust, 

mobile sources, nonroad motor vehicles, waste burning, and wastewater treatment. 

• Section IV: Development of Emissions Projections. This section describes the scenario 

defined for the basis of the emissions projections (i.e., sources affected, activity levels 

projected), as well as the methods, data, and assumptions used to estimate emissions. 

• Section V: QA/QC. This section describes the elements of the QA Program developed for 

this project, as well as the specific QC checks performed to ensure the highest quality 

emissions inventory possible. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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• Section VI: Results. This section provides tables of results that show estimated emissions 

for tons/yr by pollutant and source groups for the baseline inventory and the future year 

projections. Also, this section discusses the limitations of the estimates caused by 

uncertainty and presents recommendations for future improvements. 

• Section VII: References. This section contains a comprehensive list of all references, 

source documents, websites, etc., used to develop inventory methods and make estimates. 

• Appendix A: This contains a Technical Report with supporting data used to develop the 

Arctic AQ Modeling emissions inventory. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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II. DEVELOPMENT OF OFFSHORE EMISSIONS INVENTORY 

This section describes the methods and data used to estimate baseline emissions from all offshore 

sources and activities occurring within the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea OCS Planning Areas 

adjacent to the NSB, as well as those in near shore state waters (within 3 nautical miles of the 

coast). 

The method used to estimate vessel emissions was to apply activity data to appropriate GREET 

marine vessel emission factors (ANL, 2013) and speciation profiles. For estimating helicopter 

and aircraft landing and takeoff (LTO) emissions, ERG used the Federal Aviation 

Administration’s (FAA’s) Emissions and Dispersion Modeling Systems (EDMS) (FAA, 2013). 

The specific pollutants that were estimated for each source are listed in Table I-1. 

A. Oil/Gas Related Sources 

Offshore oil and gas activities in 2012 were limited to seismic survey and exploratory drilling 

operations. The seismic survey occurred during a 76-day period and focused on specified areas 

in the Beaufort Sea and a small part of the Chukchi Sea. Exploratory drilling in 2012 was 

implemented in both seas using two teams equipped with drilling rigs, support vessels, ice 

breakers, oil spill response vessels, and helicopter support for a period of 53 days in the Chukchi 

Sea and 29 days in the Beaufort Sea. In 2012, there were no offshore production platforms, no 

platform or pipeline construction activities, and no geohazard or geotechnical surveys. 

1. Seismic Survey Operations 

Seismic surveys are used in the Arctic to 

evaluate the possible locations of oil-bearing 

strata (seismic survey), assess geologic risk to 

constructed structures (geohazard surveys), and 

provide seabed data for platform design and 

construction (geotechnical surveys). Only 

seismic survey vessels are included in the 2012 

inventory, while all three types are included in 

the projected inventory (see Section IV). There 

are several different types of survey vessels, but 

most are equipped with an air gun that generates 

a sound wave that bounces off the seabed and is 

picked up by an array of acoustic receivers 

(hydrophones) that are pulled behind the vessel 

(Figure II-1) (PennWell, 2012). Results from the 

seismic soundings are mapped to identify density anomalies in the geologic strata that could 

suggest the existence of oil and possible sites for exploratory drilling. 

The survey vessel emissions inventory includes estimates for associated support vessels. Support 

vessels are ice breakers and scout vessels. Ice breakers travel ahead of the seismic survey vessel 

to break up ice along the route. Scout vessels are smaller vessels, and travel ahead of the seismic 

survey vessel to warn of ice coverage or location of sea life, mainly whales. Emissions were 

Figure II-1. Typical Seismic Survey 

Online image from PG&E: How the 3D High-Energy 

Survey Works. © Used by Permission. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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estimated by applying emission factors and HAP speciation profiles to activity data and load 

factors for 2012. 

Survey vessel activity was defined in terms of kilowatt hours (kW-hrs) derived from vessel 

power ratings, hours of operation, and appropriate load factors. Internet searches were 

implemented to identify seismic surveys conducted in the Arctic in 2012. Through these 

searches, one seismic survey project implemented in both the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas was 

identified, the ION Geophysical Seismic Survey (BOEM, 2012b). 

Based on BOEM’s Environmental Assessment 

(EA) for the ION survey, ERG compiled vessel 

identification information, including engine 

characteristics (kW power rating) and estimated 

hours of operation for 2012. The two vessels 

used in the ION survey were the M/V Geo Arctic

and the ice breaker Polar Prince. 

The M/V Geo Arctic is a Russian-flagged 2D 

seismic survey vessel (Figure II-2). This vessel is

81.85 meters (m) long with a breadth of 14.8 m 

and a draft of 5.23 m. It has a maximum speed of 14 knots and a cruising speed of 12.5 knots. 

While conducting a seismic survey, the M/V Geo Arctic travels at a rate of 3 to 4 knots. This 

vessel has a power rating of 7,576 kW (BOEM, 2012b). 

For the 2012 survey, the M/V Geo Arctic

followed behind the Polar Prince at a distance of 

0.5 to 1 km. The Polar Prince is a medium class 

100A icebreaker with a power rating of 3,820 

kW (Figure II-3). It is 67.1m long with a breadth 

of 15 m and a draft of 6 m. It has a maximum 

speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising speed of 11 

knots. The Polar Prince provided support duties 

as necessary, including at-sea refueling for the 

M/V Geo Arctic (BOEM, 2012b). 

The EA provided kW ratings for the M/V Geo 

Arctic and the Polar Prince, including an 

estimate of the number of days at sea, estimated 

start and end dates, and operating hours. BOEM provided the date at which operations were 

actually completed (BOEM, 2012c). The estimated operating hours were adjusted to reflect the 

actual number of days the vessels were at sea, based on a ratio of actual days to estimated days. 

The adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel is listed in Table II-1. 

 

Figure II-2. M/V Geo Arctic 

Image from Ion Geophysical 

Figure II-3. Polar Prince 

Image from Ion Geophysical 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table II-1. Estimated Operating Hours for the 2012 ION Geophysical Seismic Survey 

Vessel Name 

Estimated Actual 

Number of 

Days 

Adjusted 

Number of 

Operating 

Hours 

Number of 

Days 

Operating 

Hours 

M/V Geo Arctic 76 1,824 35 840

Polar Prince 76 2,280 35 1,050

Sources: BOEM, 2012b; BOEM, 2012c

Survey vessel activity was defined as kW-hrs derived from the adjusted hours of operation, the 

vessel power ratings, and an appropriate load factor. The survey vessel engines were assumed to 

be medium-speed diesel engines, and the load factor was assumed to be 90 percent to account for 

increased load associated with towing the array of acoustic receptors (Wilson et al., 2014). The 

load factor for support vessels was assumed to be 62 percent (Marintek, 2010). The survey vessel 

activity was calculated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs 

where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kilowatts) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel 

Example Calculation: 

Total hours of operation in 2012 for the M/V Geo Arctic were 840. The power rating is 7,576 kW 

and the load factor is 0.90. 

kW-hrs = 840 × 7,576 × 0.90 

kW-hrs = 5,727,456 

The survey vessel activity is summarized as follows: 

• M/V Geo Arctic: 5,727,456 kW-hrs 

• Polar Prince: 2,476,793 kW-hrs 

The emission factors for the survey vessels are based on combustion of ultra-low sulfur fuels (15 

parts per million (ppm)). Table II-2 lists the emission factors applied to the vessel activity data. 

Table II-2. Seismic Survey Vessel Emission Factors (grams/kW-hr) 

Pollutant Emission Factor

NOx 9.8

VOC 0.5

CO 1.1

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table II-2. Seismic Survey Vessel Emission Factors (grams/kW-hr) (Continued) 

Pollutant Emission Factor

SO2 0.005953158

PM10 0.151180248

PM25 0.111180248

Pb 0.00002

NH3 0.003

CO2 646.08

CH4 0.004

N2O 0.031

Source: ANL, 2013

Survey vessel emissions were calculated as follows: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

Total kilowatt hours for the M/V Geo Arctic were 5,727,456 kW-hrs. The emission factor for 

NOx is 9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 5,727,456 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 61.9 tons 

Support helicopters visit survey vessels to deliver supplies and transfer personnel. Emissions for 

the helicopter LTOs at airports are included in the onshore emissions inventory (Section III of 

this report). To estimate the cruise portion between the airport and the survey vessel, the 

helicopters were assumed to fly from the airport to the survey vessels three times per week at a 

cruise speed was 100 mph. Therefore, the total flight hours per season was calculated to be 

174.86 hours. ERG assumed the helicopter was a Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk. Engine load factors 

specific for cruising operations of a Sea Hawk were not identified; therefore, the takeoff mode 

emission factors (100 percent load) were adjusted to 80 percent load to represent cruising engine 

load conditions, providing a conservative value similar to an equivalent turboprop engine 

(SDMC, 2014). 

Activity and emissions from survey vessel operations were spatially assigned to the anticipated 

route that the survey vessel and support boats would follow (Figure II-4), as provided in the EA. 

Support helicopter activity and emissions were also assigned based on the survey operations map 

included in the EA. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Figure II-4. 2012 Survey Vessel Activities 

Data Source: BOEM, 2012b 

The accuracy of the survey vessel estimates is dependent upon the engine load conditions that 

can vary from less than 10 percent for at-sea idling to 90 percent while towing the array of 

receptors (Wilson et al., 2014). Because detail engine log data were not available, a high-end 

load factor of 90 percent was assumed. 

2. Exploratory Drilling 

Exploratory drilling rigs are placed in locations 

identified by seismic surveys that have a high 

potential of yielding oil or gas. Geologists 

implement exploratory drilling to obtain core 

samples from geologic formations under the seabed 

that are analyzed for hydrocarbon content. For this

emissions inventory, exploratory drilling is 

expected to occur in relatively shallow water. As 

such, there is a wide range of drilling rigs that can 

be used. For example, drillships such as the Noble 

Discoverer have drilling equipment built in. These 

vessels are self-propelled, faster, and more maneuverable than other drilling vessels. Another 

type is a “jackup,” a rig that is built on hulls that can be moved from location to location (Figure 

II-5). Jackups can either be self-propelled or towed by other vessels. Once at the drilling site, 

they have movable self-elevating legs that secure the platform to the seabed and lift the top deck 

to a safe and appropriate height. Jackups are mobile drilling units that are considered to be very 

stable and can easily be modified or updated for future applications (Rigzone, 2012). 

Figure II-5. Typical Jackup Rig 

Online image from Yellow & Finch Publishers. 

http://www.ynfpublishers.com/2014/06/jackvessel-bold-tern-now-assisting-rotor-starinstallation. (Accessed December 2, 2014.)
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Drilling rigs generally include multiple emissions sources such as mud pumps, generators, draw 

works, compressors, and propulsion engines. This emissions inventory includes estimates for all 

emissions sources that typically operate on a drilling rig off the coast of the North Slope, based 

on data provided by BOEM and the exploratory drilling plans submitted to BOEM by Shell Gulf 

of Mexico Inc. (BOEM, 2011; Shell, 2001). 

In addition to drilling rigs, other vessels support drilling activities in the Arctic, including: 

• Anchor handling vessels. 

• Crew boats. 

• Icebreakers. 

• Oil spill response (OSR) vessels. 

• Supply vessels. 

• Support helicopters. 

• Tugs/towboats. 

• Wildlife monitoring aircraft. 

Emissions were estimated for all vessels and aircraft involved in the 2012 drilling program off 

the North Slope coast. 

CAP and GHG pollutant emissions were estimated by applying emission factors to activity data. 

Drilling activity was developed in the same units and derived from the vessel’s maximum power 

ratings, hours of operation, and appropriate load factors. HAP speciation profiles were applied to 

PM emissions for metallic HAP and VOC emissions for organic HAP. 

Based on the Exploration Plan submitted to BOEM by Shell (Shell, 2011) and a report submitted 

to DOI by Shell (DOI, 2013), ERG compiled vessel and support fleet information, including 

engine characteristics (kW power rating) and estimated hours of operation for operations in the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. More information was provided for the Chukchi drilling operations 

than the Beaufort drilling operations; therefore, when data were missing for Beaufort, 

information from the Chukchi permit was used to gap fill. 

The permits not only included kW ratings for the vessel and associated support fleet, they also 

included estimated number of days at sea and estimated hours of operation per day. Though the 

permits indicated a drilling period of 120 days, DOI summarized 2012 drilling activities on the 

North Slope including actual start and end dates at which operations were completed for each rig. 

The actual operating days were multiplied by the estimated hours of operation per day to obtain 

total hours of operation. 

Marine vessel engine loads varied depending upon the type of operation; the load factors used 

are listed in Tables A-1 and A-2 of Appendix A (Wilson et al., 2014). Drilling activity was 

calculated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kilowatts) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Hours of operation 

Example Calculation: 

Total hours of operation for the Discoverer for 2012 were 1,272 for propulsion. The vessel 

power rating is 13,288 kW and the load factor is 60 percent. 

kW-hrs = 13,288 × 0.60 × 1,272 

kW-hrs = 10,141,397 

Emissions were estimated by applying emission factors to activity data for 2012 using the 

equation shown below. Tables A-3 and A-4 of Appendix A lists the emission factors for the 

Chukchi and Beaufort drilling sites, respectively and Table A-5 lists the HAP speciation profiles. 

EM = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

EM = Emissions (tons/yr) 

kW-hrs = Activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emissions factor (g/kW-hr) 

CF = Grams to tons conversion factor 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for the Discoverer for 2012 were 10,141,397 kW-hrs for propulsion. The emission 

factor for NOx is 9.8 g/kW-hr and the conversion factor is 0.00000110231 g/tons. 

EM = 10,141,397 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

EM = 109.55 tons of NOx 

In addition to marine vessels, drilling operations also include helicopters and airplanes. The 

helicopters are used for personnel and equipment transfers and the aircraft are used for wildlife 

monitoring. Emissions were associated with the LTOs at the airport (which are included in the 

onshore emission estimates in Section III of this report), the LTOs at the drilling vessels (for 

helicopters only – airplanes used in wildlife monitoring did not land on the drilling vessels), and 

the cruise portion between the airports and drilling vessels. For exploratory drilling, the aircraft 

and helicopter types used were a Saab 340B and a Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk, respectively. For 

the Beaufort site, the helicopters flew from Deadhorse Airport. For the Chukchi site, the 

airplanes and helicopters flew from Barrow Airport and Wainwright Airport. 

In the Chukchi Sea, the helicopters flew 12 round trips a week from Barrow Airport to the 

drilling sites at an assumed duration of three hours per trip. Aircraft flew four times a week 

between Wainwright Airport and Barrow Airport (Shell, 2011). The Saab 340B flies at a speed 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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of 290 miles per hour (mph). The distance between the two airports is 86.66 miles based on the 

Geographic Information System (GIS) data. At Deadhorse Airport, helicopters flew 12 round 

trips per week at three hours per trip based on permit data; aircraft flew 7 times a week at 6 hours 

a trip for wildlife monitoring for the duration of the drilling season. In 2012, the drilling seasons 

were 53 days for the Chukchi Sea and 29 days for the Beaufort Sea (DOI, 2013). 

Table II-3 summarizes the calculated activity data associated with aircraft and helicopter support 

using assumptions listed in the Shell Exploration Plan for Chukchi Sea and the BOEM 

Environmental Assessment for the Beaufort Sea Planning Area (Shell, 2011; BOEM, 2011). 

Table II-3. Calculated Offshore Drilling-Related Aviation Activity 

Site Source Activity Activity 

Unit Location 

Beaufort 

Sea 

Drilling-wildlife monitor aircraft 174 hours 

Deadhorse to Development 

Site B3 

29 LTO Deadhorse Airport 

Drilling-helicopter 149 hours 

Deadhorse to Development 

Site B3 

50 LTO Beaufort-Drilling 

Chukchi 

Sea 

Drilling-wildlife monitor aircraft 18 hours Wainwright to Barrow 

Drilling-helicopter 273 hours 

Barrow to Development Site 

C1 

91 LTO Chukchi-Drilling 

Sources: Shell, 2011; BOEM, 2011 

The accuracy of the estimates is dependent upon the operating hours and load factors of the 

individual pieces of equipment used in the drilling operation. Estimated operating hours were 

provided in the permit; more precise estimates could be developed if actual hours and load data 

were available. 

Emissions for drilling rigs, ice-breakers, anchor handling tugs, and oil spill response vessels were 

spatially assigned to the lease block where the activity occurred. Supply vessel emissions were 

assigned to the shipping route segment between the drilling rig and the nearest port. Helicopter 

and aircraft emissions were assigned to the flight path segment between the drilling rig and local 

supply airport. 

B. Non-Oil/Gas Related Sources 

1. Commercial Marine Vessels 

Cargo and supplies that are too heavy to be shipped to the North Slope communities on aircraft 

are transported via commercial marine vessels (CMV). This cargo includes equipment and 

supplies for the oil and gas industry as well as commercial products for North Slope 

communities. These shipments occur during the open water period when navigation is possible 

(generally, July through October). Because ports in the North Slope are relatively shallow, the 

CMV fleet comprises shallow draft vessels or tugs and barges. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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The CMV activity data were defined in terms of kW-hrs and derived from the vessel power 

rating, hours of operation, and appropriate load factors. Automatic Identification System (AIS) 

data for July through October 2012 were obtained from the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MEA) 

for 7 North Slope ports: 

• Barrow 

• Cape Lisburne 

• Kaktovik 

• Point Hope 

• Point Lay 

• Prudhoe Bay 

• Wainwright 

The dataset was designed to include a single record for each vessel and each trip in or out of the 

selected ports. The resulting dataset included 753 individual records associated with 29 unique 

vessels as shown in Table II-4. 

Table II-4. Compilation of 2012 Commercial Marine Vessels Operating in the North Slope 

MMSI

Code 

IMO

Identification Code Vessel Name Radio Call Sign Ship Type 

227161740 POLARIS 1 FAA8347 Dredging

227161780 POLARIS IV FAA8349 SAR

227161790 POLARIS 2 FAA8350 Dredging

227162950 RESOLUTION FAA8467 Pleasure

227664640 CORIOLIS 14 FGE6728 Pleasure

338117719 N2 TENDER Reserved

366197000 NUNANIQ WRC2049 Other

366622140 MAIA H WYX2079 Towing long/wide

366888820 KAVIK RIVER WBN5039 Tug

366888910 9107837 SIKU WCQ6174 Towing long/wide

366888930 8867882 PT. THOMPSON WBM5092 Towing

366889350 SAG RIVER WBN2075 Tug

366898440 N/A

366898440 ARCTIC HAWK WDB4443 Pilot

366981750 ARCTIC SEAL WCP4174 Cargo

367014080 FISH HAWK WDF2995 Towing

367108560 8030647 BRISTOLEXPLORER WCZ9010 N/A

367176270 7908122 NORSEMANII WDD6688 Undefined

367182670 HOOK POINT WDD7159 Fishing

367305830 ARCTIC SKIMMER 1 WDD9011 Pilot

367309280 7826908 NOKEA WDD9274 Tug

367309330 7114288 PACIFIC RAVEN WDD9278 Towing long/wide

367309390 7047708 PACIFIC FREEDOM WDD9283 Tug

367399110 9502491 SESOK WDE7899 Tug

367399170 9502489 NACHIK WDE7904 Towing

367438220 GRETA WDF3298 Other

367494000 7127704 AQUILA WCS6941 Reserved

369960001 671092001 FA2805 FA2805 Other
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-10 

Table II-4. Compilation of 2012 Commercial Marine Vessels Operating in the North Slope 

(Continued) 

MMSI

Code 

IMO

Identification Code Vessel Name Radio Call Sign Ship Type 

369960004 671092004 FA2808 FA2808 N/A

503536900 TELEPORT Pleasure

MMSI = Maritime Mobile Service Identification

IMO = International Maritime Organization 

Source: MEA, 2014

The dataset was modified to remove vessels not included in this effort (i.e., pleasure craft) and to 

remove records that had too many missing data elements to be useful in this study. In port and at 

sea hours of operation both were calculated based on the date/time stamps within the AIS data. 

Vessel power ratings were obtained for most vessels from IHS (IHS, 2013). When the vessel was 

not available in the IHS database, average vessel characteristics data from other similar vessels 

was used for gap filling the vessel power ratings. Two of the vessels that that did not have vessel 

characteristics listed in the IHS database were obtained from the manufacturers. The Nunaniq 

and the Polaris 1 and 2 had power ratings of 1,200 HP (Nichols, 2014) and 5,112 kW (SBI, 

2012), respectively. 

For this inventory effort, it was assumed that the load factor was 83 percent at sea and 10 percent 

in port (ANL, 2013). The CMV activity was calculated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs 

where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kilowatt) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel 

Table II-5 summarizes the calculate CMV activity data. 

Table II-5. Summary of Commercial Marine Vessel Activity 

Mode MMSI Vessel Name Hours of 

Operation 

Engine Power 

Rating (kW) kW-hrs 

At Sea 366898440 ARCTIC HAWK 83 1,152 79,335

At Sea 366981750 ARCTIC SEAL 721 536 320,758

At Sea 369960004 FA2808 2 1,152 1,912

At Sea 367438220 GRETA 580 1,125 541,575

At Sea 367182670 HOOK POINT 1,175 1,152 1,123,113

At Sea 366888820 KAVIK RIVER 363 804 242,237

At Sea 366622140 MAIA H 159 1,133 149,522

At Sea 367399170 NACHIK 541 1,002 449,928
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-11 

Table II-5. Summary of Commercial Marine Vessel Activity (Continued) 

Mode MMSI Vessel Name Hours of 

Operation 

Engine Power 

Rating (kW) kW-hrs 

At Sea 366197000 NUNANIQ 773 895 574,120

At Sea 367309390 PACIFIC FREEDOM 2 2,206 3,662

At Sea 367309330 PACIFIC RAVEN 6 2,206 10,986

At Sea 227161740 POLARIS 1 1,163 5,112 4,934,562

At Sea 227161790 POLARIS 2 1,149 5,112 4,875,161

At Sea 366889350 SAG RIVER 876 804 584,572

At Sea 367399110 SESOK 734 1,002 610,438

At Sea 366888910 SIKU 383 932 296,273

In Port 366898440 ARCTIC HAWK 2,008 1,152 231,244

In Port 366981750 ARCTIC SEAL 266 536 14,258

In Port 367305830 ARCTIC SKIMMER 1 22 1,152 2,534

In Port 367108560 BRISTOL EXPLORER 7 1,654 1,158

In Port 369960001 FA2805 3 1,152 345

In Port 369960004 FA2808 74 1,152 8,522

In Port 367014080 FISH HAWK 77 942 7,253

In Port 367438220 GRETA 539 1,125 60,638

In Port 367182670 HOOK POINT 134 1,152 15,432

In Port 366888820 KAVIK RIVER 2,354 804 189,262

In Port 366622140 MAIA H 502 1,133 56,877

In Port 367399170 NACHIK 1,059 1,002 106,112

In Port 367176270 NORSEMANII 1 625 63

In Port 366197000 NUNANIQ 431 895 38,568

In Port 367309330 PACIFIC RAVEN 5 2,206 1,103

In Port 227161740 POLARIS 1 60 5,112 30,672

In Port 227161790 POLARIS 2 91 5,112 46,519

In Port 366889350 SAG RIVER 887 804 71,315

In Port 367399110 SESOK 1,192 1,002 119,438

In Port 366888910 SIKU 326 932 30,383

Sources: MEA, 2014; IHS, 2013 

Example Calculation: 

Total hours of operation for the vessel NACHIK in 2012 at Port Barrow was 963. The vessel 

power rating was 1,002 kW, and the load factor was 10 percent. 

kW-hrs = 1,002 × 0.1 × 963 

kW-hrs = 96,492.6 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-12 

These activity data were applied to the GREET marine vessel emission factors listed below. The 

emission factors were based off the Category 2 Tier III factors from the GREET model (ANL, 

2013). The base emission factors, which were used for CMVs not associated with the oil and gas 

industry directly, were the least stringent and based on a marine distillate fuel with a sulfur 

concentration of 5,000 ppm. Table II-6 lists the criteria and GHG emission factors applied to the 

CMV activity data. HAP emissions were estimated by applying the speciation profiles provided 

in Appendix A Table A-5 to the PM and VOC emission estimates. 

Table II-6. CMV Criteria Pollutant Emission Factors (g/kW-hr) 

Pollutant Emission Factor (g/kW-hr)

NOx 9.8

VOC 0.5

CO 1.1

SO2 1.9843859

PM10 0.31035065

PM25 0.27035065

CO2 646.08

CH4 0.004

N2O 0.031

NH3 0.006

Pb 0.00005

Source: ANL, 2013

Marine vessel emissions were calculated using the following equation: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hr) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 ×10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for NACHIK at Port Barrow for 2012 were 96,492.6 kW-hrs. The emission factor 

for NOx is 9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 1,424,683 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 1.04 tons

CMV emissions were spatially allocated to the closest shipping lanes noted in Figure II-6, 

associated with the AIS location data. 

Note that the accuracy of the emissions estimates for CMV is dependent upon the completeness 

of the AIS vessel activity data that ERG obtained from the Marine Exchange of Alaska. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-13 

Figure II-6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Shipping Lanes and Development Sites (C1, C2, 

B1, B2, B3, and B4) off the North Slope 

Data Source: USACE, 2014 

2. Research Vessels 

Several organizations, such as the Arctic Council, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), operate research vessels off the 

North Slope coast to implement oceanographic research and monitor changes in fish and 

mammal populations. Research vessels that operate in the Arctic are very heavy vessels 

specifically designed for Arctic operations or refurbished fishing vessels capable of withstanding 

extreme conditions chartered from private companies. These vessels are equipped with 

Category 2 or 3 propulsion engines and Category 1 auxiliary engines. 

Emissions were estimated by applying diesel marine emission factors and HAP speciation 

profiles to activity data for 2012. 

The research vessel activity data were defined in terms of kW-hrs derived from the vessel power 

rating, hours of operation, and appropriate load factors (U.S. EPA, 2009c). Internet searches 

were conducted to identify research projects active in 2012. The United States Coast Guard 

(USCG) provided the most comprehensive list of projects that occurred in the Beaufort and 

Chukchi Seas in 2012 (USCG, 2012). The USCG data included vessel names, start and end 

dates, and location of each project (Table II-7). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-14 

Table II-7. Summary of 2012 Research Projects 

Vessel Start Date End Date Location

R/V Louis S St. Laurent 8/3/2012 9/8/2012 Beaufort Sea and Canada basin

R/V Mirai 9/16/2012 10/16/2012 Chukchi Sea sampling

R/V Sir Wilfrid Laurier 7/4/2012 7/22/2012 Victoria-Barrow

R/V Sir Wilfrid Laurier 9/25/2012 10/4/2012 Beaufort Sea

USCGC Healy 8/9/2012 8/11/2012 Transit north to Chukchi Sea

USCGC Healy 8/12/2012 8/24/2012 BOEM COMIDA Hanna Shoal

USCGC Healy 8/25/2012 8/25/2012 Offshore Barrow 

USCGC Healy 8/26/2012 9/23/2012 Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)

USCGC Healy 10/5/2012 10/8/2012 Transit to North Slope Mooring Mission

USCGC Healy 10/9/2012 10/21/2012 North Slope Moorings

Source: USCG, 2012

The four vessels identified for the 2012 research projects in the Arctic were the R/V Louis S St. 

Laurent, R/V Mirai, R/V Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and USCGC Healy.

The R/V Louis S St. Laurent is a Canadian-flagged Arctic Class 4 heavy ice breaker (CCG, 

2014a). This vessel has a cruising speed of 16 knots and a maximum speed of 20 knots. It is 

equipped with five Krupp Makk 16M453C engines, with a total power rating of 23,170 kW 

(IHS, 2013). 

The R/V Mirai is a Japanese-flagged ship capable of long-term observational studies, oceanbased research, and geophysical surveys. It has a cruising speed of approximately 16 knots. The

R/V Mirai is equipped with five diesel engines, with a power rating of 1,839 kW per engine 

(IHS, 2013), providing a total power of 7,356 kW. 

The CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is a Canadian-flagged, Arctic Class 2 high-endurance multitasked 

vessel (CCG, 2014b). It has a cruising speed of 11 knots and a maximum speed of 15.5 knots. 

The CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier is equipped with three Alco 251F engines, with a total power 

rating of 7,833 kW (IHS, 2013). 

The USCGC Healy is an ice breaker specializing in research support in polar regions (USCG, 

2013; USCG, 2014). It has a cruising speed of 12.5 knots and a maximum speed of 17 knots. The 

USCGC Healy is equipped with four Sultzer 12Z AU40S engines, with a power rating of 

7,812 kW per engine, providing a total power of 31,248 kW (IHS, 2013). 

To estimate emissions, it was assumed that each research vessel operated 24 hours per day 

during the duration of each project. Assuming most of each vessel’s time was spent maneuvering 

at sea, a load factor of 60 percent was used. Research vessel activity was calculated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs 

where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kilowatts) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-15 

Example Calculation: 

Total hours of operation for the USCGC Healy in 2012 were 1,512. The vessel power rating is 

31,248 kW and the load factor is 60 percent. 

kW-hrs = 31,248 × 0.60 × 1,512 

kW-hrs = 28,348,186 

Table II-7 summarizes the research vessel activity data. 

Table II-8. 2012 Research Vessel Activity Data 

Vessel Name kW-hours 

R/V Louis S St. Laurent 12,011,328

R/V Mirai 3,177,792

R/V Sir Wilfrid Laurier 3,045,470

USCGC Healy 28,348,186

Total 46,582,776

Source: USCG, 2012

These activity data were applied to the GREET vessel emission factors (see Table II-2, above) 

and HAP speciation profiles listed in Appendix A, Table A-5. The emissions factors used for 

Arctic research assumed that these vessels use ultra-low sulfur fuels (ULSD, 15 ppm), similar to 

that used by offshore oil and gas vessels. 

Marine vessel emissions were calculated using the following equation: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 × 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for USCGC Healy in 2012 were 28,348,186 kW-hrs. The emission factor for NOx

is 9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 28,348,186 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 306 tons 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

II-16 

Because research vessels do not necessarily operate along existing shipping lanes, their 

emissions were spatially allocated to zones that extend 300 miles from the coast of the North 

Slope.
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-1 

III. DEVELOPMENT OF ONSHORE EMISSIONS INVENTORY 

This section describes the methods and data used to estimate baseline emissions from all onshore 

sources and activities located within the North Slope oil and gas fields, as well as those located 

in the eight villages and elsewhere on the North Slope (e.g., airports, TAPS, non-oil and gas 

related stationary and mobile sources). The specific pollutants that were estimated for each 

source are listed in Table I-1. 

A. Oil/Gas Related Sources 

This section describes the methods and data used to estimate emissions for sources located in the 

onshore oil and gas fields on the North Slope. Emission sources include devices and activities 

associated with both oil and gas exploration and production. 

1. Seismic Survey Equipment 

Prior to conducting exploratory drilling, oil and gas companies will typically conduct geological 

and geophysical (G&G) explorations. These companies will use seismic survey equipment if 

these exploratory activities occur on sea ice or on land. 

Since 1998, BOEM has issued 12 on-ice G&G permits; however, of these 12 permits, 8 were 

cancelled before the G&G work was performed. According to the BOEM on-ice G&G permits, 

no on-ice G&G work was conducted in 2012. 

Information regarding land-based G&G permits could not be obtained from the Alaska 

Department of Oil & Gas, so it is not clear whether any land-based G&G work was conducted in 

2012. Given this uncertainty, ERG assumed that one G&G project occurred in 2012 that was 

similar in scope and size to the most recent active G&G permit, which included both ice- and 

land-based activities (BOEM, 2014a). The permit assumed operation of 12 vibroseis vehicles 

(i.e., “thumper trucks”), in addition to various other support equipment (e.g., long-haul fuel 

tractors, remote fuelers, water makers, incinerators, resupply and survival sleighs, tractors, 

loaders). A total of 477,000 gallons of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel (4,500 gallons for 106 

days) was assumed to be used. As in the BOEM G&G permit, emissions were estimated by 

combining the ULSD quantity of 477,000 gallons with EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. 

EPA, 2013a). 

2. Exploratory Drilling 

Emissions from onshore oil and gas exploratory drilling are generated when fuel used in the 

drilling rig engines, heaters, and boilers used on the drill rig is combusted and from fluid 

flowback during well completion. Emissions for each of these processes were estimated 

separately as described below. 

a. Drilling Rig Combustion Emissions

Emissions from fuel combustion from onshore oil and gas exploratory drilling rigs are generated 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-2 

as diesel fuel is burned in drilling rig engines, heaters, and boilers. ADEC covers drilling rigs in 

their permitting programs, and air emissions data for the North Slope drilling rig fleet are 

available through air permit applications and permits. There are two primary permits that cover 

the North Slope drilling fleet: ConocoPhillips’ Kuparuk Transportable Drilling Rigs permit 

(ADEC Permit # AQ0909TVP01) and BPXA’s Transportable Drilling Rigs permit (ADEC 

Permit # AQ0455TVP01). These permits list specific rigs and drilling companies permitted to 

operate on the North Slope, and in many cases, the same rigs are listed in both permits. 

In addition to data available in air permits and permit applications, GHG emissions from drilling 

rigs are reported under subpart W of EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP). 

Four GHGRP facilities (as defined under 40 CFR Part 98, subpart W) produce nearly 99 percent 

of crude oil from the North Slope: Badami Development Facility; BP Alaska, 890 – Arctic Slope 

Basin; ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc. – KRU-ALP Fields; and Nikaitchuq Development (see 

Appendix A, Table A-9)2. Therefore, the GHG emissions from drilling rig engines, heaters, and 

boilers from these four facilities are considered complete estimates of emissions of GHG 

pollutants. To estimate emissions of CAP and HAP, ConocoPhillips’ Title V renewal application 

for the Kuparuk Transportable Drilling Rigs permit was reviewed. This permit application 

contains potential emissions estimates for CO2, CH4, N2O, CAP, and HAP, allowing for a direct 

comparison to the reported GHGRP actual emissions data for the three GHG pollutants. This 

comparison showed that reported emissions of all three GHG pollutants for the entire North 

Slope were approximately one-half (in the case of CO2, 51.18 percent) of the potential emissions 

listed in the Kuparuk application. Therefore, total actual emissions across the North Slope for the 

other pollutants listed in the application (combustion generated CAP and 16 individual HAP) 

were estimated to be 51.18 percent of the potential emissions of the Kuparuk permit application. 

Drilling rig emissions were estimated as follows: 

Emission of NOx from drilling are calculated based on the potential NOx emissions listed in the 

Kuparuk application multiplied by the ratio of actual to potential emissions of CO2 as found in 

the GHGRP subpart W data and the Kuparuk permit application data as follows: 

NOx-actual = NOx-potential × 0.5118 

where: 

NOx-actual = estimated NOx emissions (tons/yr) 

NOx-potential = potential NOx emissions from the Kuparuk application = 2,711 (tons/yr) 

0.5118 = the ratio of actual emissions of CO2 reported under subpart W for the North 

Slope to the potential emissions of CO2 from the Kuparuk permit application 

Example Calculation: 

NOx-actual = 2,711 (ton/yr) × 0.5118 = 1,388 (ton/yr) 

 

2

Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission:

http://doa.alaska.gov/ogc/production/ProdArchives/parchiveindex.html. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-3 

b. Well Completions

ERG developed well completion emission estimates using information contained in the Kuparuk 

Transportable Drilling Rigs permit application. This permit application contains emission 

estimates for 30 well completions for VOC, CO2, CH4, and six HAP (2,2,4-trimethlypentane, 

benzene, ethylbenzene, n-hexane, toluene, and xylene). The estimates are based on the total 

amount of oil assumed to flowback during one well completion, the gas-to-oil ratio (GOR) of the 

oil, the flowback lift gas volume, and typical flash gas composition data. 

Available data indicate that in 2011, 86 wells were completed on the North Slope (U.S. EPA, 

2013c). Therefore, total emissions of VOC, CO2, CH4, and HAP from North Slope well 

completions were estimated by multiplying the estimates contained in the Kuparuk permit 

application by the ratio of total North Slope well completions to the Kuparuk well completions 

(86/30 = 2.87). H2S estimates are based on an assumed H2S concentration of 30 parts per million 

by volume (ppmv) in the flash gas, based on a recently proposed permit for the North Slope 

liquefied natural gas facility (ADEC Permit #AQ1379MSS01). 

Example Calculation: 

Emissions of benzene from well completions are based on the potential benzene emissions listed 

in the Kuparuk application multiplied by the ratio of the total number of North Slope well 

completions (86) to the number of well completions assessed in the Kuparuk permit (30): 

benzene-actual = benzene-potential × (86/30) 

where: 

benzene-actual = estimated benzene emissions (tons/yr) 

benzene-potential = potential benzene emissions from the Kuparuk application = 1.3 

(tons/yr) 

(86/30) = the ratio of the total number of North Slope well completions to the number of 

well completions assessed in the Kuparuk permit 

Therefore: 

benzene-actual = 1.3 (ton/yr) × (86/30) 

benzene-actual = 3.73 (ton/yr) 

Table A-10 (in Appendix A) provides the emissions estimated for well completions using this 

methodology. 

The accuracy of the drilling rig emissions are affected by the fact that, historically, the large 

drilling rig engines have been treated as nonroad engines and have not been subject to annual (or 

triennial) emission reporting requirements. Therefore, drilling rig emissions are not included in 

the U.S. NEI. However, as described above, GHG emissions from drilling are well characterized 

under GHGRP subpart W and formed the basis of the CAP and HAP estimates as described 

above in Section III.A.2.a. ADEC is in the process of renewing the Title V transportable drilling 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-4 

rig permits for BP and ConocoPhillips. It is expected that the Title V renewal permits will be 

issued in the near future and these may require emissions submittals in March 2015. These data 

may be useful for updating future versions of this emissions inventory. 

3. Oil and Gas Production 

Onshore oil and gas production on the North Slope occurs along a 100-mile-by-40-mile span of 

coastline near Prudhoe Bay. In 2012, this area produced nearly 200,000,000 barrels of crude oil. 

Natural gas produced from North Slope wells is primarily reinjected back into the reservoir to 

maintain pressure to facilitate oil production, with some used to fuel various oil and gas 

exploration and production equipment such as compressor engines. Additionally, there are two 

small topping plants (refineries) that refine a portion of the crude oil to produce Jet-A, diesel 

fuels, and Arctic heating fuel (AHF) for use in the North Slope oil fields. 

There are approximately 120 well pads located on the North Slope, which are serviced by 14 

onshore and three offshore production facilities (located on man-made islands). These production 

facilities and their 2012 crude oil production are shown in Table III-1.

Table III-1. North Slope Production Facilities 

Owner Facility Name ADEC Permit 

Number 

2012 Crude Oil 

Production (BBL)a

ConocoPhillips Alpine Central Processing Facility AQ0489TVP01 25,852,795

Savant Alaska LLC Badami Development Facility AQ0417TVP02 477,560

BPXA Endicott Production Facility AQ0181TVP02 3,156,400

BPXA Flow Station #1 (FS 1) AQ0167TVP02

93,482,423

BPXA Flow Station #2 (FS 2) AQ0268TVP01

BPXA Flow Station #3 (FS 3) AQ0269TVP01

BPXA Gathering Center #1 (GC 1) AQ0182TVP01

BPXA Gathering Center #2 (GC 2) AQ0183TVP01

BPXA Gathering Center #3 (GC 3) AQ0184TVP01

ConocoPhillips Kuparuk Central Production Facility #1 (CPF1) AQ0267TVP01 41,263,040 ConocoPhillips Kuparuk Central Production Facility #2 (CPF2) AQ0273TVP01

ConocoPhillips Kuparuk Central Production Facility #3 (CPF3) AQ0171TVP01

BPXA Lisburne Production Center AQ0272TVP02 9,163,358

BPXA Milne Point Production Facility AQ0200TVP02 6,401,648

Eni Nikaitchuq Development AQ0923TVP01 3,041,408

BPXA Northstar Production Facility AQ0503TVP01 3,030,452

Caelus Energy LLC Oooguruk Development Project AQ0911TVP01 2,508,258

a

Source: Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission:

http://doa.alaska.gov/ogc/production/ProdArchives/parchiveindex.html. (Accessed August 26, 2014.) 

Figure III-1 shows the location of the 17 North Slope production facilities and the approximate 

production area covered by each facility. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-5 

Figure III-1. North Slope Production Facilities 

Online image from Google Maps. https://www.google.com/maps/ (Accessed September 22, 2014.) 

Each production facility receives three-phase (oil, gas, and water) production fluids from the 

surrounding well pads, separates the fluid into crude oil, gas, and water, and delivers the crude 

oil downstream to the TAPS Pump Station #1. As described above, a portion of the gas and oil is 

used to fuel equipment operated in the North Slope oil fields. As with the majority of the gas 

produced from these wells, the separated water is also reinjected into the reservoir. Figure III-2 

shows ConocoPhillips’ CPF2 facility and seven of the well pads it services. 

Figure III-2. Conoco’s CPF2 and Associated Well Pads 

Online image from Google Maps. https://www.google.com/maps/ (Accessed September 22, 2014.) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-6 

Under the “wagon wheel” permitting model used by the ADEC to permit North Slope oil and gas 

sources, a “facility” for permitting purposes is broadly defined as a single production plant (hub) 

and the surrounding well pads (spokes) that deliver raw materials which consist of wellhead 

fluids consisting of crude oil, water, and gas to the production plant for processing. This 

approach results in nearly complete permitting coverage of all emission sources between, and 

including, the well pads and the production facilities. In the case of ConocoPhillips’ CPF2, there 

are 16 well pads covered under the Title V permit. As described below, this permitting model 

proved especially useful in developing the onshore oil and gas emissions inventory. Figure III-3 

shows BPXA’s Gathering Center #2 (GC2) production facility. 

Figure III-3. BP Gathering Center #2 

Image from ConocoPhillips. Arctic Energy for Today and Tomorrow. April, 2006. 

http://alaska.conocophillips.com/Documents/ArcticEnergy.pdf 

Figure III-4 shows a typical North Slope well pad, in this case consisting of 16 individual wells, 

half of which may be production wells and the remainder either gas or water reinjection wells. 

Each wellhead is enclosed within a small shelter for protection from the elements. Production 

fluids from each well are commingled in the manifold building (orange rectangular building) 

before being sent via feeder pipelines to the production facility. There is no processing or 

separation activity on the well pad, with the exception of heaters, which are used on some well 

pads to heat the three-phase fluid to facilitate flow downstream to the production facility. 

In addition to the main production facilities and surrounding well pads, there are numerous other 

oil and gas production support facilities and operations located on the North Slope. A brief 

description of the primary production support facilities is provided below. 

Base Operations Center (BOC) – The BP Exploration Alaska (BPXA) BOC is a complex of 

aboveground structures that contains living quarters, offices, shops, recreation areas, and other 

types of support facilities for the personnel who work at BPXA’s many facilities on the North 

Slope. Power is supplied to the BOC from the Central Power Station (CPS), and three standby 

generators provide electrical power should primary electrical service be lost. Liquid fuel for the 

generators and two emergency fire pump engines is provided by the Crude Oil Topping Unit 

(COTU), described below. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-7 

Figure III-4. Typical North Slope Well Pad 

Online image from Google Maps. https://www.google.com/maps/ (Accessed September 22, 2014) 

Central Compressor Plant (CCP) – The BPXA CCP (see Figure III-5) receives part of the raw 

gas separated from crude oil in the production hubs. This raw gas flows through the two CCP 

inlet separators and then to the Central Gas Facility (CGF), where it is processed. The CCP then 

receives processed low-molecular-weight gas from the CGF, pressurizes it, and distributes it to 

nearby injection wells for ultimate disposal/storage underground. 

Figure III-5. BP Central Compression Plant 

Image from ConocoPhillips: Alaska Fact Sheet - November 2013. http://www.conocophillips.com/investorrelations/fact-sheet-financial-data/Documents/PDF/SMID_392_FactSheet-Alaska.pdf 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-8 

Central Gas Facility (CGF) – The BPXA CGF receives low-pressure high-molecular-weight 

gas from the production hubs, removes miscible injectant/natural gas liquids, pressurizes the 

low-molecular-weight gas, and delivers it to the Central Compressor Plant for redistribution to 

production support facilities and nearby injection wells. 

Central Power Station (CPS) – The CPS is jointly owned by BPXA, ConocoPhillips Alaska, 

Inc., Chevron USA Inc., and ExxonMobil Corporation, and is operated by BPXA. The CPS 

produces all of the electric power for the Prudhoe Bay crude-oil-producing facilities. The source 

consists of seven fuel gas-fired turbine generators, four insignificant diesel-fired black start 

engines, two diesel-fired emergency generators, and five heaters used to heat fuel gas prior to 

combustion in the turbines. The CPS receives its fuel gas supply from the CGF. 

Crude Oil Topping Unit (COTU) – The BPXA COTU is a small petroleum refinery that

produces Jet-A, diesel fuels, and AHF for the North Slope equipment and drilling operations. 

Diesel fuels, AHF and Jet-A are the only products the COTU produces for distribution. All of the 

fuel produced by the COTU is used by equipment onsite at the Prudhoe Bay oil field. The COTU 

currently receives crude oil for processing from the Flow Station #2 oil transit line. 

Grind and Inject Facility (BPXA) – The BPXA Grind and Inject Facility processes reserve pit 

materials and other production wastes for injection and disposal in a cretaceous well. A conveyor 

feed system moves frozen drilling waste to a grinding system that thaws, grinds, and then slurries 

the waste material. The waste material is then pumped to a disposal well and injected down-hole. 

Electricity for conveying and grinding operations is provided by the CPS. 

Kuparuk Seawater Treatment Plant (STP) – The ConocoPhillips Kuparuk STP produces 

water for water flooding of the oil reservoirs throughout the Kuparuk oil fields. Sea water is 

pumped from the Beaufort Sea, filtered, heated, degassed, and then pumped to the production 

pads for injection to increase reservoir pressure and stimulate oil production. 

Kuparuk Unit Topping Plant – The ConocoPhillips Kuparuk Unit Topping Plant is designed to 

process pipeline-quality crude oil feedstock from Central Processing Facility #1 (CPF1) into 

liquid fuels for use in equipment in the drilling and production operations. This feedstock is sent 

through a distillation process to extract AHF, which is further processed to control the flashpoint 

of the fuel before being transferred to a storage facility where users can take delivery. The plant 

processes approximately 14,500 barrels per day of crude oil feedstock, which yields 1,700 to 

2,400 barrels per day of AHF, depending on specific end-product requirements. 

Nanuq Inc. Arctic Wolf Camp – The Nanuq Arctic Wolf Camp provides living quarters for the 

personnel who work on construction of the ExxonMobil Point Thompson production site. 

(Future missions from the Point Thompson production site construction and operation are 

addressed in Section IV of this report.) 

Northstar Caribou Crossing Compressor Facility – The BPXA Northstar Caribou Crossing 

Compressor Facility is used to compress gas from both the Western Operating Area and Eastern 

Operating Area, collectively known as the Prudhoe Bay Unit (PBU), and to provide highpressure gas to the offshore Northstar Production Facility. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-9 

Prudhoe Bay Operations Center / Main Construction Camp (PBOC/MCC) – The 

PBOC/MCC is jointly owned by BPXA, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc., Chevron USA Inc., and 

ExxonMobil Corporation, and is operated by BPXA. PBOC provides billeting, dining, laundry, 

and recreational facilities for up to 450 camp residents. The PBOC complex also includes 

administrative offices, the communication center, water and wastewater treatment plants, an 

emergency power generation facility, the fire station, a vehicle repair shop, vehicle garages, and 

the camp maintenance shop. MCC provides billeting, dining, laundry, and recreational facilities 

for up to 675 camp residents. The complex also includes an infirmary, administrative offices for 

engineering and engineering support services, a radio shop, the Halon shop, the tool room, and 

the electrical power plant. 

Seawater Injection Plant East (SIPE) – The BPXA Seawater Injection Plant East (SIPE) 

receives low-pressure treated seawater from the Prudhoe Bay STP, heats and increases the 

pressure of the seawater, and then distributes the water to the various drill sites for injection into

the various reservoirs. 

Prudhoe Bay STP – The Prudhoe Bay STP is jointly owned by BPXA, ConocoPhillips Alaska, 

Inc., Chevron USA Inc., and ExxonMobil Corporation, and is operated by BPXA. The STP 

produces water for water flooding of the oil reservoirs at Prudhoe Bay oil fields. Seawater is 

pumped from the Beaufort Sea, strained and filtered, chlorinated, de-aerated to remove oxygen, 

and then pumped to the SIPE. The fuel gas used in all gas-fired equipment at the Prudhoe Bay 

STP is supplied by the CGF. 

a. Onshore Oil and Gas Production Emissions Inventory 

Development

2011 Point Source National Emissions Inventory (NEI)

The starting point for onshore oil and gas production emissions estimates was the point source 

emissions data submitted by ADEC to the EPA for the triennial 2011 U.S. NEI (U.S. EPA, 

2013b). The 2011 NEI includes the most complete data currently available for point source 

emissions from facilities operating on the North Slope, and includes estimates for 26 oil and gas 

facilities and 43 CAP and HAP. ADEC receives annual emissions inventory submittals directly 

from the operators of Title V facilities as required under their permits. 

Although ADEC has received 2012 emissions data from the operators of these point sources, the 

reporting threshold for 2012 (and 2013) is much higher than for the 2011 reporting year, making 

the 2012 ADEC inventory less complete. To illustrate, for 2012, the threshold for reporting of 

NOx was 2,500 tons/yr, whereas the reporting threshold for 2011 was 100 tons/yr. Therefore, the 

2011 NEI data are the most complete starting point for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions 

inventory of onshore oil and gas exploration and production sources. 

ERG considered how representative the NEI 2011 data were compared to data from operations in 

2012. Given that North Slope crude oil production declined by approximately 7 percent between 

2011 and 2012 (EIA, 2013), using 2011 data would provide a conservatively high estimate of 

emissions for 2012. In addition, a review of ADEC permit data identified all sources currently in 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-10 

operation, and identified nine facilities that are not included in the 2011 NEI data. Emission 

estimates for these nine facilities were derived as described in more detail below. 

Table III-2 identifies the North Slope onshore oil and gas facilities reported as point sources in 

the 2011 NEI (U.S. EPA, 2013b); the CAP emission estimates for these facilities are located in 

Appendix A (Table A-11). 

Table III-2. Oil and Gas Point Source Facilities in the 2011 NEI 

Facility Name Facility Name

Alpine Central Processing Facility Kuparuk Central Production Facility #1 (CPF1)

Badami Development Facility (formerly BPXA) Kuparuk Central Production Facility #2 (CPF2)

Base Operations Center Kuparuk Central Production Facility #3 (CPF3)

Central Compressor Plant Kuparuk Seawater Treatment Plant

Central Gas Facility Lisburne Production Center

Crude Oil Topping Unit Milne Point Production Facility

Endicott Production Facility Nikaitchuq Development

Flow Station #1 (FS 1) Northstar Production Facility

Flow Station #2 (FS 2) Oooguruk Development Project

Flow Station #3 (FS 3) PBU Central Power Station

Gathering Center #1 (GC 1) Prudhoe Bay Operations Center / Main 

Construction Camp 

Gathering Center #2 (GC 2) Seawater Injection Plant East

Gathering Center #3 (GC 3) Seawater Treatment Plant, Prudhoe Bay Unit (STP)

Source: U.S. EPA, 2013b

ADEC Permits and Permit Applications

Although the 2011 NEI data are the most complete point source emissions data available, the 

2011 NEI does not include all facilities or smaller emission units located at covered facilities. 

For example, the NEI does not include data for non-Title V facilities. The NEI includes 

emissions data for Title V facilities, but only for the larger emission units such as the large 

combustion turbines found at the production facilities and not for “insignificant emissions units” 

(which would include smaller heaters, small emergency engines, and small VOC sources such as 

storage tanks) or “nonroad engines” such as portable generator or light tower engines. 

To address these two categories of missing units, ERG conducted an analysis using the 2011 

reported NEI data and the list of emission units found in the ADEC air quality permits and 

permit applications for a selected subset of the North Slope sources (ADEC, 2013a). ERG 

obtained permit documents (i.e., permits and background/supporting documents) for all 35 

sources identified (i.e., the 26 NEI facilities, and nine non-NEI facilities) and permit applications 

from ADEC for 16 of the permitted Title V facilities. A detailed, pollutant-specific analysis of 

the permits and permit application documents was conducted to determine the percentage of total 

facility assessable emissions subject to reporting to the NEI. Emissions of VOC, NOx, CO, SO2, 

and PM10 were evaluated independently. (Estimation of other pollutant emissions, including 

PM2.5, is discussed below.) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-11 

In an ADEC permit, assessable emissions are calculated based on the source equipment’s 

potential to emit (PTE), operating 8,760 hours per year, or as limited by the permit.3 Facility 

permits typically provide only total facility assessable emissions, while permit applications 

provide disaggregated potential emission estimates for significant emission units, insignificant 

emission units, and nonroad engines. This information is needed to determine permit level and to 

assess permitting fees. In this analysis, total facility assessable emissions are assumed to be the 

sum of potential emissions from significant emission units, insignificant units, and nonroad 

engines. Actual emissions are based on actual operating time of the equipment and are typically 

less than the total assessable emissions of a source. However, as described above, actual 

emissions from insignificant emission units and nonroad engines are not reported to the NEI. 

ERG estimated emissions for equipment at facilities that did not report to the NEI (non-NEI 

facilities) and for insignificant units and nonroad engines located at facilities that reported to the

NEI by analyzing emissions and equipment data for the significant emission units located at 

those facilities. This analysis compared actual emissions from significant emission units with 

assessable emissions for significant emission units, and was used to develop estimates for 

insignificant emission units and nonroad engines using detailed information in permits and 

permit applications. 

This analysis showed that on average, of total facility assessable emissions, significant emission 

units account for between 70 and 86 percent, insignificant emission units account for between 1 

and 6 percent, and nonroad engines account for between 8 and 28 percent. However, there are a 

few sources on the North Slope with numerous nonroad engines, and for these sources, the 

potential emissions from nonroad engines can account for well over half of the total potential 

emissions at any single facility, particularly for VOC. For example, at the three Kuparuk 

production facilities, there are over 250 nonroad engines that account for approximately 60 

percent of the total facility potential VOC emissions. Table III-3 summarizes the results of this 

analysis. 

Table III-3. Significant, Insignificant, and Nonroad Engine Emissions Analysis 

Assessable Emissions Component Average Percentage of Total Assessable Emissions

VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10

Significant Units 70 76 86 86 76

Insignificant Units 2 1 0.5 6 1

Nonroad Engines 28 23 14 8 23

Source: ERG

To develop actual emission estimates for the insignificant emission units and nonroad engines, 

the ratio of actual-to-potential emissions for the insignificant emission units and nonroad engines 

was assumed to be identical to the same ratio for the significant emission units at the facility. The 

ratio of actual-to-potential emissions for the significant emission units at the facility was 

developed by comparing the 2011 NEI reported emissions (actual emissions) to the potential 

emissions as reported in the permits or permit applications. This analysis showed that, for 

 

3

 In this context, the terms “assessable emissions” and “potential emissions” are identical. The term “assessable 

emissions” comes from ADEC permit applications, and the term “potential emissions” comes from the CAA.
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-12 

significant emission units subject to NEI reporting, the average actual emissions were 38, 55, 41, 

19, and 52 percent of potential VOC, NOx, CO, SO2, and PM10 emissions, respectively. 

ERG conducted this analysis at the facility level for the 16 facilities for which detailed permit 

application data were available. Actual emission estimates for insignificant units and nonroad 

engines were calculated by multiplying the estimates for potential emissions from insignificant 

emission units and nonroad engines, as recorded in the permit applications, by the ratio of actualto-potential emissions for the reported significant units. For the remainder of the facilities, the 

percentages in Table III-3 were used to develop actual CAP emission estimates for insignificant 

units and nonroad engines. 

ERG developed actual emission estimates of HAP and PM2.5 from insignificant emission units 

and nonroad engines using HAP and PM2.5 data from significant emission units, as reported in 

the NEI. VOC and PM10 (estimated as described above) were used as surrogates to scale 

emissions of volatile organic and metal HAP/PM2.5, respectively. Scaling factors for VOC and 

PM10 were derived by comparing assessable emissions to reported actual emissions in the NEI. 

These scaling factors were then applied to estimates of VOC and PM10 emissions from 

insignificant emission units and nonroad engines to develop estimates for HAP emissions from 

these same sources. Table III-4 identifies the pollutant (VOC or PM10) used to scale emissions 

for each HAP or particulate species. 

Table III-4. HAP and Particulate Surrogate Assignments 

Pollutant 

Surrogate 

Pollutant Pollutant 

Surrogate 

Pollutant 

Arsenic PM10 2-Methylnaphthalene 

Beryllium PM10 Acenaphthene 

Cadmium PM10 Acenaphthylene 

Chromium (VI) PM10 Acetaldehyde 

Chromium III PM10 Acrolein VOC

Cobalt PM10 Anthracene VOC

Lead PM10 Benz[a]Anthracene VOC

Manganese PM10 Benzene VOC

Mercury PM10 Benzo[b]Fluoranthene VOC

Nickel PM10 Chrysene VOC

PM Condensable PM10 Ethyl Benzene VOC

PM10 Filterable PM10 Fluoranthene VOC

PM2.5 Filterable PM10 Fluorene VOC

PM2.5 Primary (Filterable + 

Condensable) 

PM10

Formaldehyde 

VOC

Selenium PM10 Hexane VOC

2-Methylnaphthalene VOC Naphthalene VOC

Acenaphthene VOC PAH, total VOC

Acenaphthylene VOC Phenanthrene VOC

Acetaldehyde VOC Phenol VOC

Acrolein VOC Pyrene VOC

Anthracene VOC Toluene VOC

Benz[a]Anthracene VOC Xylenes (Mixed Isomers) VOC

Source: ERG
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-13 

As discussed above, nine permitted facilities were identified that were not covered in the 2011 

NEI. For these facilities, emissions estimates are based on assessable emissions estimates 

available in permit documentation using the methodology described above for the NEI-covered 

facilities. For example, assessable nonroad engine VOC emissions were assumed to equal 

28 percent of total facility assessable VOC emissions, and 38 percent of those assessable 

nonroad engine VOC emissions were assumed to actually be emitted. Table III-5 shows these 

nine facilities. 

In Appendix A, Table A-12 shows the calculated actual emission estimates for VOC, NOx, CO, 

SO2, and PM10 for each facility, while Table A-13 provides the insignificant unit and nonroad 

engine CAP emission estimates for the 26 facilities included in the NEI point source inventory. 

Table III-5. Non-NEI Onshore Production Facilities 

Facility Name

Badami RTU 3 Flare Project

BPXA Greater Prudhoe Bay Skid 50 Pad Transfer 

Station – Generator 

BPXA Milne Point S Pad (CHOPS)

ConocoPhilips Drill Site #S Palm Development 

Project 

ConocoPhilips Meltwater Development Project

ConocoPhilips Tarn Development Project

Grind and Inject Facility (BPXA)

Nanuq Inc Arctic Wolf Camp

Northstar Caribou Crossing Compressor Facility

Source: ADEC, 2013

EPA’s GHGRP

Under the GHGRP, oil and natural gas exploration and production sources may be subject to 

reporting GHGs under subpart C (General Stationary Fuel Combustion Sources) and subpart W 

(Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems). Data reported under these subparts were used to 

supplement the 2011 NEI and ADEC permit data, not only for GHG emission estimates, but also 

to estimate CAP and HAP emissions for additional sources not included in the NEI (U.S. EPA, 

2013c). The data obtained for these types of facilities from the reporting year (RY) 2012 

GHGRP include: 

• Subpart W Facility ID 

• Facility Name 

• Reporting Segment 

• Source Type 

• 2012 GHG Emissions for CO2 and CH4 (tons/yr) 

Because subpart W is oriented toward reporting CH4 emissions, some of the larger VOC sources 

(e.g., compressor seals and fugitive equipment leaks) are more fully covered under the GHGRP 

than in the NEI or ADEC permit data. The NEI and ADEC permit review described above 

provided no emissions data for compressor seals or fugitive equipment leaks. In addition, the 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-14 

NEI does not contain any emissions estimates for CH4 or CO2. Table III-6 identifies the North 

Slope oil and gas facilities that reported emissions under subparts W and C, and the reporting 

segments under which they reported. 

Table III-6. GHGRP Data for Onshore North Slope Oil and Gas Facilities 

Subpart W 

Facility ID Facility Name Reporting Segment(s) 

522282 Badami Development Facility Subpart W (Onshore Production) 

538439 BP Alaska, 890 - Arctic Slope Basin Subpart W (Onshore Production) 

522334 BPXA Central Compressor Plant Subpart W (Onshore Natural Gas Processing); 

Subpart C 

522335 BPXA Central Gas Facility Subpart W (Onshore Natural Gas Processing); 

Subpart C 

522336 BPXA Crude Oil Topping Unit, Prudhoe 

Bay Operations Center, Tarmac Camp Subpart C 

522284 BPXA Endicott Production Facility Subpart W (Onshore Natural Gas Processing); 

Subpart C 

522428 BPXA Flow Station #1 Subpart C 

522429 BPXA Flow Station #2 Subpart C 

522430 BPXA Flow Station #3 Subpart C 

522431 BPXA Gathering Center #1 Subpart C 

522432 BPXA Gathering Center #2 Subpart C 

522433 BPXA Gathering Center #3 Subpart C 

522223 BPXA Lisburne Production Center Subpart W (Onshore Natural Gas Processing);

Subpart C 

524099 BPXA Northstar Production Facility Subpart W (Onshore Natural Gas Processing); 

Subpart C 

522434 BPXA Seawater Injection Plant Subpart C 

522435 BPXA Seawater Treatment Plant Subpart C 

527088 ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF1 Subpart C 

527093 ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF2 Subpart C 

527111 ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF3 Subpart C 

527114 ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU STP Subpart C 

537317 ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU-ALP 

Fields Subpart W (Onshore Production) 

538493 Nikaitchuq Development Subpart W (Onshore Production) 

522787 Pioneer Natural Resources Alaska -

Oooguruk Tie-in Pad Subpart C 

Source: U.S. EPA, 2014a 

Subpart W - Onshore Production 

Under the onshore production segment of subpart W, a facility is broadly defined as all 

operations under common ownership or control that are located in a single hydrocarbon basin. 

The entire North Slope is considered to be in the Arctic Coastal Plains Province, and with BPXA 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-15 

and ConocoPhillips operating the vast majority of well pads and production facilities, it is 

estimated that 98.67 percent of North Slope production is covered by the four onshore 

production facilities (i.e., Badami Development Facility; BP Alaska, 890 - Arctic Slope Basin; 

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU-ALP Fields; and Nikaitchuq Development). Table III-7 shows 

the reported emissions for these four facilities by source type. 

Table III-7. Subpart W Onshore Production Emissions (tons/yr) 

Source Type CO2 CH4

Combustion 1,193,646 1,735 

Tanks 778.67 31.86 

Dehydrators 166.45 71.65 

Flares 34,472.21 174.54 

Centrifugal Compressors 61.51 507.94 

Reciprocating Compressors 0.33 2.01 

Equipment Leaks 46.41 223.71 

Source: U.S. EPA, 2014b

The information in Table III-7 was used to estimate total emissions for each source type and 

pollutant combination across the North Slope by extrapolating the reported emissions to include 

the uncovered 1.33 percent of production. The spatial allocation of these emissions was assumed 

to cover the production area extending from the Alpine field in the west to the Badami field in 

the east, bound on the north by the northernmost production facility (Nikaitchuq) and on the 

south by the southernmost production facility (Badami). GIS mapping software was used to 

outline the area of coverage. 

As mentioned above, compressor seals and fugitive equipment leaks are not covered under the 

NEI or ADEC permitting inventories. Therefore, the CH4 emissions reported under subpart W 

for these two source types were used to develop estimates of VOC, HAP, and H2S emissions. To 

do this, ERG obtained natural gas composition profile data from North Slope producers (BP, 

2014) and scaled VOC and HAP estimates based on CH4. Table III-8 shows the natural gas 

composition data used in this analysis. 

Table III-8. North Slope Natural Gas Composition Data 

Component Weight %

Carbon dioxide 23.24%

Ethane 8.38%

Hexanes 0.43%

i-Butane 0.69%

i-Pentane 0.28%

Methane 58.36%

n-Butane 1.21%

Nitrogen 0.86%

n-Pentane 0.31%

Oxygen 0.09%

Propane 6.15%

Benzene 0.08%

Toluene 0.07%

Ethylbenzene 0.01%
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-16 

Table III-8. North Slope Natural Gas Composition Data (Continued) 

Component Weight %

Xylenes 0.02%

VOC 9.25%

H2S

a

0.01%

Sources: U.S. EPA, 2011 (benzene, toluene, 

ethylbenzene and xylene); BP, 2014 (all 

other components). 

a

 H2S concentration based on an assumed 

H2S content of 30 ppmv; all others from BP, 

2014. 

Subpart W – Onshore Natural Gas Processing 

The onshore natural gas processing segment broadly covers facilities that separate natural gas 

liquids (NGLs) or non-methane gases from produced natural gas, including compression 

equipment and processing plants that fractionate gas liquids. As shown in Table III-6, there are 

five North Slope facilities reporting under this segment. As with the onshore production 

segment, facilities reporting under the onshore natural gas processing segment are also required 

to submit emission estimates for compressor seals and fugitive equipment leaks. Therefore, the 

CH4 emissions reported under subpart W for these two source types were used to develop 

estimates of VOC, HAP, and H2S emissions as was done for the onshore production segment. 

Appendix A, Table A-14 shows the actual emissions estimates developed for onshore natural gas 

processing sources using the methodology described in this section. 

Subpart C 

Under subpart C of the GHGRP, facilities are required to submit GHG emissions estimates if 

they meet emissions applicability thresholds and have stationary fuel combustion sources. 

Stationary fuel combustion sources are broadly defined as sources that combust solid, liquid, or 

gaseous fuel to produce electricity, generate steam, or provide heat or energy for industrial, 

commercial, or institutional use. Typical sources include, but are not limited to, boilers, simple 

and combined-cycle combustion turbines, engines, incinerators, and process heaters. Nineteen 

North Slope oil and gas facilities reported data in 2012 under this subpart. 

Appendix A, Table A-15 shows the estimated GHG emissions for the 19 North Slope oil and gas 

facilities reporting under subpart C of the GHGRP. 

EPA Nonpoint Oil and Gas Emission Estimation Tool

EPA’s Nonpoint Oil and Gas Emissions Estimation Tool (Tool) (U.S. EPA, 2013d) contains 

default emission estimates for oil and gas “area” sources for the North Slope. These data were 

analyzed to supplement the NEI, ADEC permit, and GHGRP subpart W data to fill in any data 

gaps in source coverage or in source category coverage. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table III-9 lists the source categories covered by the Tool and indicates the type of activity that 

is used as a surrogate to estimate nonpoint emissions from each category and which well type 

each category is typically associated (oil, gas, or both well types). 

Table III-9. EPA Nonpoint Oil and Gas Emission Estimation Tool Categories 

Category Activity Parameter Oil Gas

Artificial Lifts Oil Well Count 

Associated Gas Oil Production 

Condensate Tanks Condensate Production 

Crude Oil Tanks Oil Production 

Dehydrators Gas Production and Well Count 

Drill Rigs Estimated Feet Drilled  

Fugitive Leaks Oil and Gas Well Count  

Gas-Actuated Pumps Oil and Gas Well Count  

Heaters Oil and Gas Well Count  

Hydraulic Fracturing Pumps Horizontal Spud Count  

Compressor Engines Gas Well Count 

Liquids Unloading Gas Well Count 

Loading Oil and Condensate Production  

Mud Degassing Spud Count  

Pneumatic Devices Oil and Gas Well Count  

Produced Water Tanks Produced Water Production  

Well Completions Completion Count  

Wellhead Compressors Gas Well Count 

Source: U.S. EPA, 2013d

For each of the categories listed in Table III-9, the Tool contains county-level emission estimates 

of CAPs, HAPs, and GHGs. Therefore, as with the GHGRP onshore production data, emissions 

data from the Tool is spatially allocated as an area source. 

Table III-10 contains North Slope oil and gas activity data found in the current version of the 

Tool (U.S. EPA, 2013d). These data primarily came from the DI Desktop®

 database (formerly 

HPDI®) (Drillinginfo, 2012) and through the commercial RigData database (RigData, 2013). 

Table III-10. North Slope Oil and Gas Activity Data

Activity Parameter Activity Value Activity 

Units 

Casinghead gas produced 2,997,857,000 MCF

Condensate produced 1,331,087 BBL

Count of conventional gas well completions 2 count

Count of conventional oil well completions 84 count

Count of gas wells 28 count

Count of gas well spuds, vertical drilling 3 count

Count of oil wells 1,542 count

Count of oil well spuds, vertical drilling 142 count

Estimate of feet drilled at gas wells, spuds, vertical drilling 6,731 ft

Estimate of feet drilled at oil wells, spuds, vertical drilling 786,058 ft

Gas well gas produced 67,054,130 MCF
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table III-10. North Slope Oil and Gas Activity Data (Continued) 

Activity Parameter Activity Value Activity 

Units 

Oil produced 198,804,300 BBL

Produced water from gas wells 597,933 BBL

Produced water from oil wells 706,814,600 BBL

MCF = thousand cubic feet; BBL = barrel; ft = feet.

Source: U.S. EPA, 2013d 

ERG evaluated each of the sources and processes covered by the Tool to determine if emissions 

from that source type are covered under the NEI, ADEC permit data, or GHGRP data. If not, 

estimates from the Tool were used to gap fill the inventory for uncovered source types. Below is 

a brief discussion of this analysis for each source type. 

Artificial Lift Engines – These are not used on the North Slope. 

Associated Gas Venting – All associated gas is collected and reinjected into the reservoir 

to maintain pressure to facilitate oil production or used in North Slope fuel burning 

equipment. There is no venting of associated gas on the North Slope. 

Condensate Tanks – These are not used on the North Slope. 

Crude Oil Tanks – There are no crude oil tanks used on the North Slope. The process 

stream for crude oil is closed (not exposed to atmospheric pressure) from the wellheads to 

the manifold buildings to the production plants and then to the TAPS #1 pump station. 

Emissions from various tanks used to store petroleum liquids such as AHF are 

characterized using the NEI and ADEC permit emissions estimates. 

Dehydrators – Emissions from dehydrators used on the North Slope are included in the 

NEI, the ADEC permit, and subpart W emissions estimates. 

Drilling Rigs – These units are covered by the NEI and ADEC permit data. 

Fugitive Leaks – Emissions from fugitive equipment leaks have been characterized using 

GHGRP subpart W data as described above. 

Gas-Actuated Pneumatic Pumps – These not used on the North Slope. 

Heaters – Emissions from various heaters used in North Slope oil and gas production are 

characterized in the NEI and ADEC permit emissions estimates. 

Hydraulic Fracturing Pumps – These are not used on the North Slope. 

Hydrocarbon Liquids Loading – This category refers to the unloading of crude oil and/or 

condensate from well pad storage tanks into tanker trucks brought to the pad for production 

collection. Well pad storage tanks are not used on the North Slope. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Lateral Compressor Engines – Lateral compressor engines are found at the 17 production 

facilities. These units are covered by the NEI and ADEC permit data. 

Liquids Unloading – No liquids are unloaded from gas wells on the North Slope. 

Mud Degassing – No emissions data are available for mud degassing in the NEI, the ADEC 

permit data, or the GHGRP data. Emissions for mud degassing have been taken from the tool and 

include 415 (tons/yr) of VOC. 

Pneumatic Devices – There are no gas-powered pneumatic devices used on the North Slope. 

Produced Water Tanks – Emissions from produced water tanks used on the North Slope are 

included in the NEI and ADEC permit emissions estimates. 

Well Completion Venting – Emissions from well completion venting are addressed in Section 

3.a.i (Onshore Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling). 

Wellhead Compressor Engines – These are not used on the North Slope. 

The accuracy of the emissions estimates from the oil and gas production sources is influenced by 

the availability of reported emissions data for these sources. Data available to estimate emissions 

from onshore oil and gas exploration and production sources came from a variety of sources, 

including actual emissions as reported by each facility to ADEC (as found in the 2011 NEI), 

actual emissions of GHG as reported to EPA as part of the GHGRP, and potential emissions as 

documented in ADEC air permits and permit applications. The available data for actual 

emissions has been used as the basis for scaling emissions of unreported sources or unreported 

pollutants to develop a comprehensive inventory. For the largest facilities (i.e., Title V permitted 

production plants), CAP and HAP pollutant data were available to develop emissions estimates 

for unreported sources (smaller units and nonroad engines). For the smaller facilities, only CAP 

emissions data were available; HAP estimates have not been developed. However, these HAP 

emissions are relatively minor in relation to the entire onshore oil and gas inventory (i.e., VOC 

from these sources accounts for 13 percent of the total). 

B. Airports, Aircraft, and Support Equipment 

Alaska’s aviation sector is one of the largest and most active of any state. This is particularly true

for the North Slope where commercial and general aviation are used to move people, supplies, 

and mail, provide medical airlift, monitor pipeline for spills, and track wildlife. 

Airport emissions include aircraft main engines, auxiliary power units (APUs) and ground 

support equipment (GSEs). Airport emissions include only the LTO cycle, not the cruise portion 

of the flight. In Figure III-6, activities below the horizontal dotted line (mixing height) are part of 

a typical LTO. The cruise portion appears above the mixing height. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-20 

Figure III-6. Diagram of a Landing and Takeoff Cycle 

Image from ERG 

BOEM selected 16 airports located on the North Slope to include in the emissions inventory 

based on level of activity and geographic location (See Figure III-7). The 16 airports are also 

listed in Table III-11. Representatives from each airport were contacted to obtain activity and 

operational data, including information about possible operating conditions for airports on the 

North Slope that could affect emission estimates due to longer idling times or shorter taxi times, 

for example. 

Figure III-7. North Slope Airport Locations and FAA Codes 

Image from U.S. EPA, 2013e 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Table III-11. Sixteen Airports Located on the North Slope 

FAA Site ID 2011 NEI Site ID Airport Name 

AA8 16091011 Badami

BTI 10568311 Barter Island LRRS

LUR 10567811 Cape Lisburne LRRS

5CD 10572111 Chandalar Shelf

SCC 10567411 Deadhorse

GBH 10568111 Galbraith Lake

22AK 11056311 Helmericks

VIK 10567111 Kavik River 

A19 11609311 Lonely Air Station

UUK 10567211 North Kuparuk / Ugnu-Kuparuk 

NUI 10571811 Nuiqsut

PHO 10567611 Point Hope

PIZ 10567511 Point Lay LRRS

AIN 10571611 Wainwright

AK03 11623911 Wainwright As

BRW 10568411 Wiley Post-Will Rogers

Sources: FAA, 2012; U.S. EPA, 2013b; BTS, 2014. 

Of the 16 airports, two airports have been closed (Lonely Air Station and Wainwright Air 

Station); and three airports did not have data (Chandalar Shelf, Cape Lisburne Long Range 

Radar Station [LRRS], and Point Hope). 

ERG reviewed, formatted, and linked the local airport data collected to specific aircraft where 

possible. In some cases, the data provided by the airport included detailed aircraft information. In 

other cases, the data contained only information on the carriers that used the airport. Using the 

air carrier companies’ websites and FAA data available on the Bureau of Transportation 

Statistics (BTS) website (all cited below), ERG identified various aircraft owned and used by the 

carriers. A major assumption in linking the airport commercial activity data to the aircraft fleets 

was that the aircraft that operate out of North Slope airports were similar to the commercial 

aircraft that were flown throughout the rest of the state. Appendix A, Table A-6 summarizes the 

air carriers and their fleet makeup. ERG attempted to discuss this issue with North Slope airport 

operators to identify aircraft that were too large for the local facility. Where these larger aircraft

were identified, they were removed from the airport dataset. For Deadhorse Airport, ERG 

estimated the activity data because no information was available to link the aircraft. Appendix A, 

Table A-7 summarizes the compiled activity data for the 11 reporting airports. 

Some of the data from the local airports were actually passenger enplanements and not LTOs or 

operations. The enplanement data were very similar to the FAA’s Terminal Area Forecast (TAF) 

data, which include both enplanement and operations data. Therefore, ERG decided that the TAF 

activity data would be used in place of the local enplanement data (FAA, 2012). 

Ten of the 11 airports provided aircraft-specific or air-carrier-specific data, which were applied 

to the FAA’s Emission and Dispersion Modeling System (EDMS) to estimate aircraft, APU, and 

GSE emissions (FAA, 2013). The remaining airport, Deadhorse, provided approximate LTO 

data. Because the data were approximations, the detailed TAF data for Deadhorse were used. 

The Deadhorse aircraft were assumed to all be general aviation aircraft equipped with piston 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-22 

engines, based on information provided by the airport operator. The TAF LTOs were applied to 

emission factors from the 2011 NEI (U.S. EPA, 2013e) to estimate emissions for Deadhorse. 

Most of the aircraft used on the North Slope are smaller aircraft that do not have APUs or do not 

require GSE; therefore, APU and GSE emissions were included only for airports serviced by 

commercial aircraft that are associated with APU and GSE in the FAA’s EDMS model. 

Airport representatives were also asked about taxi in and taxi out times. Only two airports 

provided taxi in and out times (Badami Airport and North Kuparuk Airport), given as total time 

on the ground. These times were split into taxi in and out using 27 percent in and 73 percent out, 

which is based on the EDMS default of 7 minutes in and 19 minutes out but adjusted to account 

for their local data. For all other airports, the EDMS defaults of 7 minutes taxi in and 19 minutes 

taxi out were used. Appendix A, Table A-8 summarizes the taxi in and out times. 

In addition to normal passenger and cargo activities at the airports, there were also helicopter 

operations associated with supporting offshore oil and gas exploratory drilling and seismic 

survey vessel operations, as well as wildlife monitoring. Table III-12 summarizes the airport 

LTOs for helicopter operations. The cruising hours and platform LTOs are provided in the 

offshore emissions inventory (Section II of this report). 

Table III-12. Oil- and Gas-Related Helicopter Activity at Airports 

Location Category LTOs

Deadhorse Airport Drilling-Aircraft 29

Drilling-Helicopters 50

Wainwright Airport Drilling-Aircraft 15

Wiley Post-Will Rogers / 

Barrow Airport 

Drilling-Aircraft 15

Drilling-Helicopters 91

Survey-Helicopter 51

Sources: Shell, 2013; FAA, 2013

Airport emissions were spatially allocated to the latitude and longitude coordinates of each 

airport as shown in Table III-12. 

The accuracy of the airport estimates is dependent upon the accuracy of the LTO data used, time 

in mode assumptions, and appropriate matching of aircraft to engines. Using local LTO and time 

in mode data ensures that the best available data were used to develop these estimates. 

C. TransAlaska Pipeline System 

The TAPS pipeline has a total length of 800 miles from the North Slope oil fields to the Valdez 

Marine Terminal with 11 pump stations; the portion of the TAPS pipeline within the North Slope 

is approximately 177 miles long with four pump stations (Pump Stations 1 through 4) (Alyeska, 

2013). The pipeline is operated by the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company (APSC). Emissions 

were estimated for both the actual pipeline sources as well as APSC activities associated with 

pipeline operation and maintenance. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-23 

1. TAPS Pump Stations 

Pump Stations 1 through 4 along the TAPS are the 

only four pump stations located within the North 

Slope, as shown in Figure III-8.4 Emissions from 

these pump stations are generated by fuel burning 

equipment such as gas turbines, compressors, 

generators, heaters, boilers, booster pumps, and fire 

pumps. Emissions from Pump Stations 1, 3, and 4 

were obtained from the 2011 NEI (U.S. EPA, 2013b); 

Pump Station 2 was ramped down on July 1, 1997, 

due to declining production (Alyeska, 2013) and does 

not have any active emission sources. Although 2012

TAPS crude oil throughput decreased by 6 percent 

relative to 2011 (i.e., 547,866 bbls/day compared to 

582,895 bbls/day) (Alyeska, 2013), ERG assumed 

that 2011 emissions were representative of 2012 

operating levels. Pump Stations 1, 3, and 4 emissions 

were reported in the 2011 NEI for NOx, SO2, VOC, 

CO, PM10, PM2.5, Pb, and HAP. GHG emissions were 

estimated by multiplying relevant 2011 throughput 

data with EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 

2013a). 

2. TAPS Fugitive Emissions 

Emissions were estimated using national production-based (i.e., Tier 1) emission factors from the 

2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (IPCC, 2006). These factors 

were then applied to the TAPS crude oil throughput to obtain VOC, CO2, and CH4 emissions. 

Finally, the calculated emissions were scaled by the ratio of the TAPS pipeline mileage within 

the North Slope (177 miles) to national crude oil pipeline mileage (51,349 miles) (BTS, 2014). 

3. Natural Gas Supply Line Fugitive Emissions 

Fugitive emissions are emitted from the natural gas supply line that fuels the TAPS pumping 

stations north of the Brooks Range (i.e., Pump Stations 1 through 4). 

Fugitive emissions from the natural gas supply were estimated using national production-based 

(i.e., Tier 1) emission factors obtained from the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse 

 

4

Data Sources (All Accessed June 25, 2013): ADEC (TAPS pump station locations: 

http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/PointSourceEmissionInventory/); Alaska Department of 

Natural Resources (TAPS shapefile: http://dnr.alaska.gov/mdfiles/trans_alaska_pipeline.html; Borough 

Boundaries shapefile: http://dnr.alaska.gov/mdfiles/borough.html; Physical Features/Alaska Coast shapefile: 

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mdfiles/alaska_63360_xsi.html); BOEM (Alaska OCS Planning Areas shapefile: 

http://www.boem.gov/Oil-and-Gas-Energy-Program/Mapping-and-Data/Alaska.aspx) 

Figure III-8. TAPS Pump Stations 

Located within the North Slope 

Data Sources (See footnote) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Gas Inventories (IPCC, 2006). These factors were then applied to the natural gas consumed at 

Pump Stations 1, 3, and 4 (3,983.9 million standard cubic feet [MMscf]) in 2011 as reported in 

the 2011 NEI to obtain VOC, CO2, and CH4 emissions (U.S. EPA, 2013b). Finally, the 

calculated emissions were scaled by the ratio of the supply line mileage (177 miles) to national 

natural gas transmission pipeline mileage (303,303 miles) (BTS, 2014). 

4. Pigging Operations 

Pigging operations conducted on the TAPS pipeline involve pushing a mechanical device 

through the pipeline to perform various operations on the pipeline without stopping the flow of 

oil. In general, APSC runs a cleaning or scraper pig through the pipeline every nine days, which 

removes wax, water, or solids buildup. In addition, APSC also has instrumented “smart” pigs 

that measure pipeline corrosion, deformity, or movement. These smart pigs are run every three 

years or as required by operational needs. Pigs are launched from Pump Station 1 and are 

received at Pump Station 4 or are launched from Pump Station 4 and are received at the Valdez 

Marine Terminal (Alyeska, 2013). 

The EPA’s Emissions Inventory Improvement Program (EIIP) guidance recommends estimating 

emissions from pigging operations based upon measurements (EIIP, 1999). Detailed emissions 

information regarding TAPS pigging operations were not available; therefore, pigging operations 

were assumed to be conducted once a week. Pigs were also assumed to be launched from Pump 

Station 1 and received at Pump Station 4 and that emissions are released directly to the 

atmosphere at these two locations. 

Methane emissions from pigging operations on the TAPS were estimated using guidance from 

the EPA’s Methane to Markets program (U.S. EPA, 2007). Although this guidance is for pigging 

of gathering lines, it was considered to be a reasonable approximation in the absence of any data 

from APSC. Based on the equation provided in the guidance, a launcher and receiver volume of 

170.7 cubic feet was assumed (based on a line diameter of 48 inches); other default values (i.e., 

line pressure of 315 psia and 78.8 percent methane content) were also assumed. Calculated 

emissions were estimated on an annual basis and were split evenly between Pump Station 1 and 

Pump Station 4. 

5. TAPS Patrol Vehicles 

On-road motor vehicles patrolling the TAPS also generate exhaust and evaporative emissions, as 

well as re-entrained road dust emissions from driving on unpaved roads. 

Information regarding the type and extent of patrol vehicles was not available; therefore, two 

trucks were assumed to patrol the length of the TAPS pipeline within the North Slope every day 

(i.e., 354 total daily vehicle miles traveled [VMT]). Motor vehicle exhaust and evaporative 

emissions and unpaved road dust emissions associated with these vehicles were estimated as 

described in Section III.D of this report. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-25 

ERG estimated emissions from the on-road patrol vehicles on an annual basis and then spatially 

allocated the emissions along the length of the TAPS pipeline. The location of the TAPS pipeline 

is a reasonable approximation of the TAPS access road. 

6. TAPS Pipeline Replacement and Repair 

Nonroad construction equipment involved in pipeline replace and repair projects along the TAPS 

generate exhaust and evaporative emissions. Since the TAPS pipeline was completed in 1977, 

replacement and repair construction projects are periodically conducted to maintain the integrity 

of the system. 

Information regarding the type and extent of replacement and repair projections was not 

available; therefore, it was assumed that two work crews operating a dump truck, backhoe, and a 

bulldozer worked a 10-hour shift somewhere along the TAPS pipeline on the North Slope during 

the winter (October through April). It was assumed that 10 work crews operating similar 

equipment worked a 10-hour shift during the summer (May through September). Emissions were 

estimated as described in Section III.D of this report. 

All TAPS pipeline replacement and repair emissions were estimated on an annual basis and will 

be spatially allocated along the length of the TAPS pipeline. 

7. TAPS Aerial Surveillance 

Emissions from helicopters occur during aerial surveillance of the TAPS and feeder lines, which 

are the smaller pipelines that connect the onshore wells to pumping stations and to the TAPS 

(See Figure III-9) (ADNR, 2014). The helicopters used for TAPS surveillance were based at the 

Fairbanks International Airport, which is outside of the North Slope area. 

Figure III-9. TAPS and Feeder Pipelines 

Data Source: ADNR, 2014 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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The total miles of TAPS (177 miles) (BLM, 2014; AP, 2013) and feeder lines (349 miles) (BLM, 

2014; AP, 2013) were summed and then doubled to account for round trips (1,056.8 miles). The 

total distance was divided by 100 miles per hour to yield 634.065 daily minutes of flight. As 

surveillance flights are implemented daily, this equated to 3,857.23 annual hours of operation. 

This was multiplied by 80 percent of the takeoff mode portion of the emission factor for the Bell 

407 from EDMS (FAA, 2013) to approximate cruising operating load and emissions. The Bell 

407 is the model used for surveillance by the Bristow Group, which was in charge of TAPS 

surveillance during 2012. 

It was assumed that a similar helicopter was used to monitor the feeder pipelines (Figure III-9) 

connected to the TAPS. Activity and emissions from pipeline surveillance operations were 

spatially assigned to onshore pipeline segments. 

With the exception of the pump station emissions that were reported to the 2011 NEI by APSC, 

all of the other emission estimates associated with TAPS operations should be considered to be 

fairly uncertain due to the inability to obtain any specific information from APSC. Although 

engineering judgment and reasonable assumptions were used to estimate these emissions, 

detailed information would provide more certain estimates. 

D. Non-Oil/Gas Stationary Point, Area, and Mobile Sources 

This section describes the methods and data used to estimate emissions from non-oil/gas 

stationary point, area, and mobile sources located in the eight North Slope villages, as well as the 

related support activities (that not directly related to oil production) within the onshore oil and 

gas fields (Figure III-10). Barrow is the largest village on the North Slope with an estimated 

population of 4,445 people in 2012 (ADL&WD, 2013). The remaining seven villages are 

considerably smaller with populations ranging from 196 people (Point Lay) to 668 people (Point 

Hope) (ADL&WD, 2013). Four villages are located on the coast (Point Hope, Wainwright, 

Kaktovik, and Point Lay), while the other three villages are located inland (Nuiqsut, Atqasuk, 

and Anaktuvuk Pass). The onshore oil and gas fields in Prudhoe Bay do not have a permanent 

population, but have thousands of workers that rotate in and out on a transient basis. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-27 

Figure III-10. Locations of North Slope Villages 

Data Source: ArcGIS Online, so the official source may still be ESRI:

http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=4e75a4f7daaa4dfa8b9399ea74641895 (Accessed September 26, 2014.) 

The emission sources located in the onshore villages are broadly classified as follows: 

• Fuel combustion – Power plants, commercial/institutional, and residential. 

• Mobile sources – On-road motor vehicles and nonroad mobile sources. 

• Road dust – Paved and unpaved roads. 

• Miscellaneous – Waste burning, wastewater treatment, and other stationary sources. 

1. Power Plants 

Power plants are located in each of the eight North Slope villages; two additional plants are 

located in the oil and gas fields (Deadhorse Facility and North Slope Generating Power Plant). 

The Barrow Power Plant is operated by the Barrow Utilities and Electric Co-op, Inc. (BUECI); 

the remaining village power plants are run by the North Slope Borough (NSB) Department of 

Public Works. The Deadhorse Facility, North Slope Generating Power Plant, Barrow Power 

Plant, and Nuiqsut Power Plant use natural gas as a primary fuel, while the other power plants 

use fuel oil as a primary fuel. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Emissions from the Deadhorse Facility, North Slope Generating Power Plant, and the three 

largest village power plants (Barrow, Point Hope, and Wainwright) were obtained from the 2011 

NEI (U.S. EPA, 2013b). It was assumed that 2011 emissions were representative of 2012 

operating levels (i.e., there are no NEI emissions available for 2012). 

Emissions for the five smaller village power plants (Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, 

Nuiqsut, and Point Lay) were estimated by multiplying fuel consumption data with EPA 

WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a). Metal HAP species emissions were estimated by 

applying speciation fractions from the SPECIATE database to PM2.5 emissions (U.S. EPA, 

2014c). Fuel consumption data for these smaller village power plants were obtained from the 

Alaska Energy Authority’s (AEA’s) Power Cost Equalization (PCE) rural energy subsidy 

program (Williams, 2014) (included in Table A-16 of Appendix A). Although ULSD fuel is 

currently used in the North Slope power plants, according to fuel invoice records, it was not used 

as fuel oil in 2012 (Slatton, 2014a). The fuel oil sulfur content was assumed to be 2,500 ppm 

based upon fuel specifications for Fairbanks fuel oil (Leelasakultum et al., 2012). 

2. Industrial and Commercial/Institutional Fuel Combustion 

The two primary fuels used within the North Slope (natural gas and distillate fuel oil) are 

combusted within industrial (not related to oil and gas production) and commercial/institutional 

(e.g., schools, community facilities, village corporations) settings. Commercial/institutional fuel 

combustion does not include the village power plants. In general, emissions were estimated by 

multiplying fuel consumption data with EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a). 

Metal HAP species emissions were estimated by applying speciation fractions from the 

SPECIATE database to PM2.5 emissions (U.S. EPA, 2014c). 

One specific industrial facility that burned natural gas and distillate fuel oil provides logistical 

support to the oil and gas fields – Peak Oilfield Services, Peak Base Shop, Peak Wellex, and 

Nabors Base Camp Facilities (Permit # AQ1282ORL04P) (ADEC, 2013); however, it could not 

be definitively confirmed that this facility was the sole provider of logistical support to the oil 

and gas fields. Emissions were based upon the estimated emissions provided in the permit’s 

limits. 

Another industrial source that combusts distillate fuel oil is the Service Area 10 Incinerator 

Plant, which is operated by the NSB (Permit # AQ0187PL202P) (ADEC, 2013). Emissions were 

estimated by combining the permitted distillate fuel quantity of 250,000 gallons/year with EPA 

WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a) and speciation fractions from the SPECIATE 

database (U.S. EPA, 2014c). Because geographic coordinate locations could not be identified for 

the Service Area 10 Incinerator Plant, it was assumed to be located near the Oxbow Landfill. 

Distillate heating oil is also consumed at each of the K-12 North Slope Borough School District 

(NSBSD) schools in the villages with the exception of Barrow; specific monthly consumption 

quantities for 2012 were provided by the NSB’s Department of Public Works’ Fuel Division 

(Slatton, 2014a) (included in Table A-17 of Appendix A). Emissions were estimated with 

reported distillate fuel oil quantities combined with EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 

2013a) and speciation fractions from the SPECIATE database (U.S. EPA, 2014c). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Distillate heating oil is also consumed at four North Slope Long-Range Radar Sites (LRRS) 

operated by the U.S. Air Force (Barter Island LRRS, Cape Lisburne LRRS, Oliktok LRRS, and 

Point Barrow LRRS). Barter Island LRRS is located near Kaktovik and Point Barrow LRRS is 

located near Barrow; Cape Lisburne LRRS and Oliktok LRRS are located at remote locations 

away from the North Slope villages. Specific 2012 fuel consumption quantities could not be 

identified, so permitted fuel quantities from the LRRS permits were used instead – 200,000 

gallons/year at Cape Lisburne LRRS and Oliktok LRRS and 50,000 gallons/year at Barter Island 

LRRS and Point Barrow LRRS (ADEC, 2013). Emissions were estimated using EPA WebFIRE 

emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a) and speciation fractions from the SPECIATE database (U.S. 

EPA, 2014c). Specific location coordinates were identified for each LRRS facility. 

Unlike other North Slope villages (which almost exclusively use distillate heating oil), Barrow 

meets much of its energy needs from fuel supplied by three nearby natural gas fields (South 

Barrow, East Barrow, and Walakpa). Specific 2012 natural gas consumption quantities were 

obtained from invoices for two commercial/institutional consumers in Barrow: the Ukpeaġvik 

Iñupiat Corporation (UIC)/Naval Arctic Research Laboratory (NARL) Complex Water Plant and 

the Aeronautical Radio, Inc. radio towers (Nesteby, 2014) (included in Table A-18 of 

Appendix A). Emissions were estimated using EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 

2013a). 

In addition to the specific industrial and commercial/institutional fuel combustion sources 

described above, there is additional unspecified commercial/institutional fuel combustion in the 

North Slope. BUECI staff provided natural gas consumption quantities in Barrow (Nesteby, 

2014), while NSB staff provided fuel oil consumption quantities (Slatton, 2014a). Although 

ULSD is currently used on the North Slope for industrial and commercial/institutional fuel 

combustion, according to fuel invoice records, it was not used as fuel oil in 2012 (Slatton, 

2014a). The fuel oil sulfur content was assumed to be 2,500 ppm based upon fuel specifications 

for Fairbanks fuel oil (Leelasakultum et al., 2012). Emissions were estimated using EPA 

WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a). 

3. Residential Fuel Combustion 

Private residences within the North Slope use two primary fuels (natural gas and distillate fuel 

oil) for space heating, water heating, backup electricity generation, cooking, etc. As shown in 

Figure III-11, most village residences (outside of Barrow and Nuiqsut) are heated using distillate 

fuel oil. (Note fuel oil tank on left side of house in Figure III-11). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

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Figure III-11. House in Wainwright 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), September 10, 2014

Distillate fuel oil residential combustion devices include 

forced air furnaces (as shown in Figure III-12), Toyo 

stoves, and residential boiler systems. Unlike other regions 

within Alaska, wood is not used in the North Slope for 

residential heating and cooking because there are no natural 

wood sources in close proximity. Minor quantities of 

liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are also used on the North 

Slope, but mainly for hunting and camping activities, not as 

a primary residential fuel. 

In general, residential fuel combustion emissions were 

estimated by multiplying fuel consumption data with EPA 

WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a). Metal HAP 

species emissions were estimated by applying speciation 

fractions from the SPECIATE database to PM2.5 emissions 

(U.S. EPA, 2014c). 

Residential fuel combusted in Barrow is strictly limited to 

natural gas, while residential fuel combusted in Nuiqsut is 

a mix of natural gas and distillate fuel oil. Residential fuel 

combusted in the remaining six villages is distillate fuel 

oil. BUECI provided Barrow residential natural gas 

consumption statistics (Nesteby, 2014), while NSB’s Department of Public Works’ Fuel 

Division provided all residential fuel consumption statistics in the other villages (Slatton, 2014a) 

(included in Table A-18 and Table A-19 of Appendix A). Although ULSD is currently used in 

the North Slope for residential fuel combustion, according to fuel invoice records it was not used 

Figure III-12. Fuel Oil Forced 

Air Furnace in Wainwright 

(approximately 30 years old) 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), 

September 10, 2014 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-31 

as fuel oil in 2012 (Slatton, 2014a). The fuel oil sulfur content was assumed to be 2,500 ppm 

based upon fuel specifications for Fairbanks fuel oil (Leelasakultum et al., 2012). 

Because LPG is not a primary residential fuel, usage statistics were not specifically tracked by 

the NSB. Eskimos, Inc. (i.e., the Barrow fuel supplier) provided an estimate of LPG usage in 

Barrow (Snow, 2014). The NSB’s Department of Public Works’ Fuel Division also had an 

estimate of LPG purchases in the village of Atqasuk (Slatton, 2014a). The Atqasuk LPG 

purchase data were extrapolated to the other six villages without LPG information based upon 

village population (ADL&WD, 2013). Compared to residential fuel oil and natural gas 

consumption, residential LPG consumption is more uncertain due to a lack of data. 

4. On-Road Motor Vehicles 

On-road motor vehicle emissions in the North Slope were developed using emission factors from 

EPA’s MOVES2014 model (MOVES) (U.S. EPA, 2014d) with local meteorological and vehicle 

activity data for VMT and fuel consumption. All on-road motor vehicle emissions were 

estimated on a monthly basis and then summed up to an annual total. 

The on-road emissions inventory includes six vehicle categories: 

• On-road emissions by village for the eight villages in the North Slope. 

• Wintertime idling (in addition to typical on-road emission processes) for the eight 

villages. 

• Vehicles traveling on the Dalton Highway. 

• TAPS patrols. 

• Vehicles traveling within the Prudhoe Bay oil fields. 

• Gasoline refueling emissions in the North Slope. 

ERG ran MOVES and processed the results to produce the emission factors, and in conjunction 

with fleet activity data, estimated on-road emissions for each category listed above. The 

following approach describes key inputs to MOVES and then details the emissions inventory 

methods separately for the six categories. 

Most of the MOVES input data specific to the North Slope were prepared by ADEC for the 2011 

NEI (ADEC, 2012). The specific MOVES inputs that ERG used included fuel supply and 

formulation, fleet age, fleet diesel fractions, and VMT patterns as well as local meteorological 

data recorded at Deadhorse Airport (for Dalton Highway) and Barrow Airport (all other 

categories) (NCDC, 2014). The other fleet activity used outside of MOVES framework to 

calculate on-road emissions (i.e., VMT, speeds, and fuel consumption) is described in the 

following sections. 

a. On-Road Emissions – Villages 

On-road emissions were calculated for each North Slope village. Because Barrow is the most 

populous village and had the only available VMT, ERG ran MOVES specifically for Barrow and 

then scaled the emission results to the smaller villages based on population (ADL&WD, 2013). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-32 

Vehicle traffic information for the North Slope is extremely limited. The Alaska Department of 

Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) collected annual average daily traffic (AADT) 

statistics in 2012 for Barrow (ADOT&PF, 2014); see Figure III-13. Although these AADT 

statistics do not represent all vehicle activity in Barrow, they do represent traffic on the most 

heavily travelled roads, and were used to represent Barrow vehicle activity. Limited field 

observations indicate that the roads for which AADT data were collected are the primary roads 

traveled in Barrow. Because no other traffic statistics exist for the other North Slope villages, 

Barrow AADT data statistics were extrapolated to the other villages based on population. 

On-road driving at the village level was modeled in MOVES as rural non highway road (Rural 

Unrestricted Access) with a distribution of speeds – 25 mph (40 percent of VMT), 35 mph 

(35 percent), and 45 mph (25 percent). The annual average daily VMT for Barrow is estimated at 

16,163 based on the AADT and length of 13 major roads in the village (included in Table A-20 

of Appendix A). This VMT estimate is likely low because the smaller roads do not have traffic 

counts to estimate AADT. However, the gasoline and diesel consumed by each village is fully 

accounted for because fuel not consumed by on-road vehicles was assumed to be used by 

nonroad vehicles such as NSB nonroad equipment and personal snowmobiles and ATVs. 

Figure III-13. 2012 Average Daily Traffic Count Statistics for Barrow 

Source: ADOT&PF, 2014 

 
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The total VMT was disaggregated by vehicle and fuel type using modified fleet mix information 

submitted by ADEC (ADEC, 2012). The North Slope total fleet mix was modified to remove 

long-haul trucks and combination-unit short-haul trucks because these are unable to access 

villages through any roadway network and they already are accounted for under the separate 

analysis of Dalton Highway. The average day VMT in Barrow was also converted to an annual 

total and then disaggregated to months using the North Slope month VMT fractions. ERG ran the 

model using seasonal meteorology data from Barrow Airport for each month and calculated 

monthly emission factors for each vehicle type. The emission factors include all emission 

processes associated with on-road (i.e., start exhaust, running exhaust, evaporative emissions, 

brake and tire) in a single gram/mile factor per pollutant by month and vehicle/fuel type. These 

emission factors were then multiplied with corresponding VMT to estimate Barrow emissions. 

The fuel consumed in Barrow from on-road activity (e.g., VMT and engine starts) was calculated 

based on total CO2 emissions from each vehicle type divided by the carbon content of fuel (i.e., 

8.91 kg CO2/gallon of non-ethanol gasoline and 10.15 kg CO2/gallon of diesel). As with the 

village-level emissions, village-level fuel consumption was estimated by scaling Barrow gasoline 

and diesel consumption by population (ADL&WD, 2013). 

b. Wintertime Idling – Villages

MOVES does not estimate wintertime idling activity by default as part of any on-road inventory. 

MOVES accounts for a small amount of idling as part of typical driving cycles that reflect trip 

patterns where vehicles stop for short periods while waiting at a traffic light or stop sign. 

However, in the Arctic, vehicles are frequently left idling while parked during the wintertime, 

particularly during the coldest months of the year. Staff of NSB Public Works Department 

indicated that some of the NSB vehicles may idle more than 3,000 hours per year (Lewis, 2014); 

however, this level of idling is probably too high for the overall vehicle population. Therefore, 

wintertime idling was assumed to be 640 hours per vehicle per year, based on eight hours per 

day, five days per week (Monday-Friday), and four months per year (December – March). 

ERG ran MOVES to estimate idle emission factors in grams/hour using average meteorological 

conditions for daytime in the four winter months. MOVES is a “modal” emissions model, 

meaning that it contains base emission rates for operating modes, which are defined by 

vehicle-specific power (VSP) and speed. In general, the operating mode bins represent different 

operation of vehicles on a typical trip, including idle, deceleration, coast, and acceleration. To 

estimate the idle emission factors, ERG ran MOVES using the “Project Scale” mode and a 

unique operating mode distribution with 100 percent idle operation. The results of this modeling 

were grams/hour for each vehicle type. The grams/hour idle emission factors were multiplied by 

640 hours and the population of vehicles in Barrow. 

Although the exact number of vehicles was not known, it was estimated by dividing the annual 

VMT by a fleet average annual mileage accumulation rate of approximately 10,400 miles per 

vehicle per year. The estimated number of total vehicles (e.g., cars, passenger trucks, buses) in 

Barrow was 569 vehicles. ERG estimated the vehicle population by vehicle type using the 

population fleet mix provided by ADEC for the North Slope for the NEI with heavy-duty trucks 

removed (ADEC, 2012). Fuel consumed by wintertime idling was also calculated using the CO2
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-34 

g/gallon factors described previously for the general on-road calculations by village. As with the 

general on-road emissions, wintertime idling emissions and the associated fuel consumption for 

the other villages were estimated by scaling by population (ADL&WD, 2013). 

c. Dalton Highway

The Dalton Highway was modeled in MOVES as a rural highway (Rural Restricted Access) with 

an average speed of 50 mph (i.e., posted speed limit). VMT on the highway averaged 20,855 

miles per day in 2012, dominated by heavy-duty diesel truck traffic (82 percent) with the 

remaining 18 percent from light-duty gasoline trucks (ADOT&PF, 2013). The VMT was 

reallocated from annual average day VMT into seasonal patterns using the VMT patterns for 

rural highway in the North Slope (ADEC, 2012). MOVES monthly emission factors in 

grams/mile were multiplied with monthly VMT to estimate season-specific emissions generated 

by trucking on the Dalton Highway. 

d. TAPS Patrols 

As described in Section III.C, trucks were assumed to patrol the length of the TAPS pipeline 

within the North Slope every day (i.e., 354 total daily VMT). The running emission factors for 

light commercial trucks operating on rural nonhighway roads developed for the Barrow on-road 

analysis were used to represent patrol vehicles driving along the TAPS. The emission factors in 

grams/mile were multiplied with VMT estimates to produce the patrol truck emissions. 

Wintertime idling emissions were not estimated for this category. 

e. Prudhoe Bay

A considerable amount of on-road motor vehicle fuel (i.e., gasoline and ULSD) is transported 

across the Dalton Highway from Fairbanks up to Prudhoe Bay. Staff from NSB provided an 

estimate of the amount of motor vehicle fuel transported in 2012 (2,775,000 gallons of gasoline) 

(Monnin, 2014). These staff indicated that the ULSD should be covered by the relevant Title V 

permits; therefore, emissions were estimated only for gasoline-fueled vehicles. Neither Prudhoe 

Bay VMT nor vehicle population was available. Due to the absence of better data, the 

corresponding VMT and population of trucks was estimated based on the total gasoline using the 

corresponding activity proportions from the Barrow analysis, but accounting for higher rates of 

wintertime idling. The assumed rate of wintertime idling in Prudhoe Bay was 1,140 hours of 

idling per vehicle per year (60 hours per week, six months per year). 

Emissions factors developed for Barrow for gasoline-fueled light commercial trucks from the 

“general on-road” and “wintertime idle” analysis were multiplied by the activity in Prudhoe Bay. 

5. Nonroad Mobile Sources 

Nonroad mobile source emissions in the North Slope were estimated using EPA’s 

NONROAD2008a model (U.S. EPA, 2009b) to derive emission factors based on fuel 

consumption. Custom inputs to NONROAD specific to the North Slope were used where 

available; otherwise, NONROAD default data were used. The custom inputs to NONROAD are 

discussed below: 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-35 

• Meteorological Data: Village-specific meteorological data were used to run the 

NONROAD2008a model. Monthly temperature data were obtained from the National 

Climatic Data Center (NCDC) (NCDC, 2014). 

• Fuel Characteristics: The nonroad mobile source fuel inputs were synchronized with the 

MOVES inputs provided by ADEC. The gasoline sulfur content was 30 ppm and the 

ULSD sulfur content was 15 ppm. Based on ADEC’s input, gasoline Reid vapor pressure 

(RVP) was assumed to be 12.4 from May to September and 14.69 from October to April 

(ADEC, 2012). 

• Daily and Monthly Data: Based on discussions with NSB personnel (Slatton, 2014b), the 

monthly and daily activity distribution for some key nonroad equipment was updated 

from the NONROAD defaults in the SEASON.DAT file. The following monthly activity 

data adjustments were made: 

o 2-stroke gasoline snowmobiles – October through April. 

o 4-stroke ATVs – May through September. 

o 4-stroke recreational marine motors – June through September. 

The weekday/weekend allocations were set equal for these nonroad equipment types. 

Emissions Estimation Methodology

After the NONROAD inputs were updated with local data specific to the North Slope, the 

NONROAD model was run to estimate annual emissions for each area and month for the year 

2012. The model produced both emissions estimates and fuel consumption estimates for each 

source classification code (SCC). Based on discussions with NSB personnel concerning 

conditions in the North Slope (Slatton, 2014b), only the following types of nonroad equipment 

were included in the emission estimates: 

• 2-stroke gasoline snowmobiles (see Figure III-14). 

• 4-stroke ATVs. 

• 4-stroke recreational marine (inboard/sterndrive). 

• Diesel rollers. 

• Diesel graders (see Figure III-15). 

• Diesel off-highway trucks. 

• Diesel tractors/loaders/backhoes. 

• Diesel dumpers/tenders. 

The NONROAD model estimates emissions for CAPs, only. Emissions for HAP were estimated 

using a modified version of the NONROAD reporting utility, which applies speciation factors 

obtained from the EPA’s NMIM model. Using these NONROAD outputs, ton/gallon emission 

factors were developed for each SCC and pollutant combination. The NONROAD outputs were 

also used to calculate the fraction of total fuel consumption for each SCC. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-36 

Figure III-14. Snowmobiles in Front of a 

Barrow Residence 

Figure III-15. Grader Leveling Barrow 

Unpaved Road 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), September 8-9, 2014 

The amount of annual gasoline and diesel fuel consumption for nonroad equipment was then 

allocated to each SCC based on the fuel use fraction calculated from the NONROAD outputs. 

The amount of nonroad gasoline and diesel fuel consumption was determined by subtracting the 

amount of on-road gasoline and diesel from the total gasoline and diesel quantities. Once the 

amount of fuel used by each piece of equipment was calculated, the tons per gallon emission 

factor derived from the NONROAD outputs were applied, resulting in a total emissions estimate 

for each SCC and pollutant combination. 

6. Road Dust 

Dust emissions are generated from vehicle and equipment travelling over unpaved roads located 

in villages and other areas within the North Slope. Figure III-16 shows one of the major roads in 

Barrow (Eben Hopson Street) and its unpaved road surface. Although paved road dust is also 

typically included in regional emissions inventories, no sufficiently important paved areas were 

identified in the North Slope. 

Figure III-16. Eben Hopson Street, Barrow, and the Unpaved Road Surface 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), September 7, 2014 

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-37 

Emissions were estimated by multiplying unpaved road VMT by emission factors derived from 

empirical equations found in AP-42, Section 13.2.2 (U.S. EPA, 1995). The annual average daily 

VMT for Barrow was estimated at 16,163 VMT based on the AADT, which was then 

extrapolated to the other villages based upon population. 

Detailed vehicle traffic information was available for the Dalton Highway. Based upon 

ADOT&PF data, there are 20,588 daily VMT from the Atigun River to Deadhorse – 

approximately 82 percent of this VMT was determined to be from trucks (ADOT&PF, 2013). 

As described in Section III.C, two daily surveillance patrols were assumed to traverse the entire 

length of the TAPS pipeline. These patrols correspond to daily VMT of 354 miles and annual 

VMT of 129,564 miles. 

As described in Section III.D.4, a total of 2,775,000 gallons of gasoline are consumed annually 

in the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas field; this quantity of gas corresponds to 23,339,562 VMT. 

Unpaved road dust emissions for the North Slope villages were calculated using the following 

two equations (U.S. EPA, 1995): 

   	 	 
 	 	  1	


2,000	


  

	 	  

12



	  

30







0.5

! " #$ 	 1 " %&

'

(

where: 

 Eur = Emissions from unpaved road dust (tons) 

 VMTur = Unpaved road VMT (miles) 

 EFur = Unpaved road dust emission factor (lbs/VMT) 

 s = Surface material silt content (%) 

 S = Mean vehicle speed (mph) 

 M = Surface material moisture content (%) 

 C = Emission factor for exhaust, brake wear, and tire wear (0.00047 lb/VMT 

 for PM10; 0.00036 lb/VMT for PM2.5) 

 k = Empirical particle size multiplier (1.8 lb/VMT for PM10; 

 0.18 lb/VMT for PM2.5) 

 a = Empirical constant (1.0 for PM10 and PM2.5) 

 c = Empirical constant (0.2 for PM10 and PM2.5) 

 d = Empirical constant (0.5 for PM10 and PM2.5) 

 P = Number of “wet” days during averaging period with ≥ 0.01 inches 

 precipitation 

 N = Number of days in the averaging period (i.e., 365 for annual). 

The following alternative emission factor equation for unpaved surfaces at industrial sites was 

used for the Dalton Highway, the Prudhoe Bay oil and gas fields, and the TAPS patrols: 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-38 


  	 	  

12



	 )

3



*

	 1 " %&

'

(

where: 

 EFur = Unpaved road dust emission factor (lbs/VMT) 

 s = Surface material silt content (%) 

 W = Mean vehicle weight (tons) 

 k = Empirical particle size multiplier (1.8 lb/VMT for PM10; 

 0.18 lb/VMT for PM2.5) 

 a = Empirical constant (1.0 for PM10 and PM2.5) 

 b = Empirical constant (0.45 for PM10 and PM2.5) 

 P = Number of “wet” days during averaging period with ≥ 0.01 inches 

 precipitation 

 N = Number of days in the averaging period (i.e., 365 for annual) 

Although silt content samples were not collected on the North Slope in this study, ERG 

identified a silt content value of 25 percent that was previously collected on the Dalton Highway 

(Walker and Everett, 1987). This value was used for all unpaved dust calculations. An average 

speed of 35 mph was assumed for vehicle travel in the villages. Because moisture content 

samples were not collected, a default value of 0.5 percent (i.e., the unadjusted correction 

parameter when local moisture content was not measured) was used for the village unpaved road 

dust emission calculations (U.S. EPA, 1995). 

Both emission factor equations presented above include a correction factor that accounts for the 

number of days with ≥0.01 inches of precipitation. These precipitation days suppress the 

production of entrained road dust emissions. Although there are some days during the winter 

when there is no measureable precipitation, residual snow and ice cover due to extremely low 

temperatures also prevents the unpaved road dust emissions. Discussions with NSB Public 

Works Department staff revealed that entrained road dust emissions primarily occur during the 

summer, between May and October 

(Lowery, 2014). This temporal adjustment 

was applied to the annual emissions by 

multiplying annual emissions by a factor of 

0.418 (i.e., 153 days from May to October 

divided by 366 days [in 2012]). 

7. Waste Burning 

Municipal solid waste (MSW) (i.e., paper, 

plastics, wood, glass, rubber, leather, textiles, 

and food wastes) is widely burned in the 

North Slope landfills to reduce the overall 

waste volume and to discourage scavenging 

by wild animals (see Figure III-17). 

Emissions were estimated by multiplying Figure III-17. Open waste burning at 

Wainwright Landfill 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), September 10, 2014
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-39 

landfilled waste quantities by EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a) and 2011 U.S. 

NEI emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013b). 

Waste in Barrow is burned at the Barrow Thermal Oxidation System (TOS) Facility; incinerated 

MSW quantities were provided by NSB Department of Public Works staff (Heath, 2014). As 

described in Section III.D.2, the NSB also operated the Service Area 10 Incinerator plant in 

2012. However, the quantity of waste burned at the second facility could not be identified, so 

emissions from this facility were limited to fuel combustion only. 

In the remaining seven villages, waste is burned at the community landfills either in a burn box, 

burn cage, or a trench (as shown in Figure III-17). As far as can be determined, waste is not 

burned in burn piles or burn barrels located at individual residences in the North Slope villages. 

For each village landfill, NSB Department of Public Works staff provided the quantity of waste 

hauled and the quantity of waste landfilled (Heath, 2014); the difference of these two quantities 

was assumed to be the quantity of waste burned (included in Table A-21 of Appendix A). The 

provided village waste quantities were for the 2013 fiscal year (i.e., July 2012 through June 

2013). It was assumed that these quantities were representative of the 2012 calendar year. 

All waste burning emissions were estimated on an annual basis. Specific location coordinates 

were identified for the Barrow TOS Facility and the village landfills. 

8. Wastewater Treatment 

Wastewater treatment is conducted in each of the eight North Slope villages. The Barrow 

wastewater treatment plant is a bioreactor membrane filtration system with ultraviolet 

purification, while the other village wastewater treatment plants are simpler package plants based 

on an extended activated sludge process. Treated wastewater effluent quantities were provided 

by NSB Department of Public Works staff (Winalski, 2014a). The NSB also operates a 

wastewater treatment plant in Service Area 10; however, treated wastewater effluent quantities 

could not be identified. 

Emissions were estimated for VOC, NH3, and HAP. VOC and NH3 emissions were estimated by 

multiplying treated effluent quantities by EPA WebFIRE emission factors (U.S. EPA, 2013a); 

HAP emission were estimated using speciation fractions from the SPECIATE database (U.S. 

EPA, 2014c). 

9. Fuel Dispensing 

In addition to the non-oil/gas stationary point, area, and mobile sources listed above, some 

additional sources were identified. The methods used to estimate emissions from these sources 

are described below. 

Both on-road motor vehicles and nonroad mobile sources are refueled in each of the eight North 

Slope villages, as well as in the oil and gas fields. Because of the relative higher volatility of 

gasoline compared to ULSD, only gasoline refueling emissions were estimated. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections 

III-40 

Barrow is the only village with a “gasoline station” (i.e., ASRC SKW Eskimos); other villages 

have simple free-standing gasoline and ULSD pumps (see Figure III-18). In Anaktuvuk Pass, 

Atqasuk, Nuiqsut, Point Lay, and Wainwright, these pumps are located at the village tank farm, 

while in Kaktovik and Point Hope, they are located at a different location separate from the tank 

farm (Winalski, 2014b). In the oil and gas fields, vehicles are primarily refueled from refueling 

trucks. 

Refueling emission factors were estimated using the MOVES model without Stage II controls 

(i.e., no gasoline dispensing pump vapor control devices). The refueling emissions estimates 

include both displacement vapor and spillage losses. ERG calculated emission factors in units of 

grams/gallon of gasoline by month. These emission factors were multiplied by the volume 

throughput at each village gasoline dispensing facility. Emissions were estimated for VOC and 

HAP. 

Figure III-18. (Left) ASRC SKW Eskimos Gasoline Station in Barrow; (Right) Village Fuel 

Pump in Wainwright 

Photo courtesy of M. Wolf (ERG), September 7 and 10, 2014 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-1 

IV. DEVELOPMENT OF EMISSIONS INVENTORY PROJECTIONS 

ERG estimated future year emissions for the sources and activities that are reasonably 

foreseeable and expected to continue for an extended period of time. The projections reflect a 

future full-buildout scenario as defined by BOEM (BOEM, 2014b). The projections also include 

anticipated increases in future emissions from certain onshore sources including: operation of 

new production facilities; increased TAPS throughput; increased airport activities necessary to 

support offshore production; and construction and operation of new onshore pipelines to 

transport the anticipated offshore oil produced. Finally, the projections reflect decreased 

emissions for a few stationary and area sources that are anticipated to convert to exclusive use of 

ULSD in the future. 

Note that the projected emissions for the future scenario that are described in this section do not 

represent the total future year projected onshore and offshore emissions. The projections include 

only the sources and activities that are expected to change (i.e., increase or decrease) in the 

future. Furthermore, the future year projected emissions should not simply be added to the 

baseline emissions of the sources that are not expected to change to calculate total future year 

emissions because onshore oil and gas emissions from existing facilities, and emissions from 

construction and operation emissions from new facilities will likely not all occur during the same 

year. Future work by ERG and ENVIRON during the modeling phase of the BOEM Arctic AQ 

study will define which specific sources should be modeled to determine future air quality 

impacts; at that time, the total future year inventory will be calculated. 

A. Offshore Oil/Gas Related Sources 

The offshore projection emissions inventory represents a single future year when offshore 

operations are “fully built out” and includes operations such as: 

• Seismic, geotechnical, geohazard, and on-ice surveys. 

• Exploratory drilling. 

• Platform construction. 

• Gravel island construction. 

• Pipelaying. 

• Active production platforms. 

• Potential spill events. 

BOEM developed the offshore projection scenario by BOEM (BOEM, 2014b) for two sites in 

the Chukchi Sea, and four sites in the Beaufort Sea as noted in Figure IV-1. (The figure also 

shows the anticipated location of the Liberty (gravel) Island, discussed below in Section IV.B). 

Table IV-1 summarizes the details concerning the offshore component of the projection scenario. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-2 

Figure IV-1. Offshore Projected Development Areas 

Data Source: BOEM, 2014b 

Because the projection scenario does not identify specific vessels and aircraft to be used, actual 

periods of activities, or actual vessel traffic patterns, a number of assumptions were made. As a 

result, there is considerable uncertainty associated with the offshore oil and gas projected 

emission estimates. Actual emissions may be larger than the estimates reported here if, for 

example, larger vessels or aircraft are used, or the frequency or duration of the activity is greater 

than predicted. Conversely, actual emissions may be lower than the estimates reported here if 

smaller vessels or aircraft are used in a more efficient, coordinated logistics operation (e.g., trip 

sharing), vessels and aircraft are equipped with newer more fuel-efficient engines, or alternative 

biofuels or LNG are used. 

Activities not addressed in this future year scenario include non-oil and gas offshore activities 

such as CMVs and research vessel operations, as any prediction of future activities for these 

sources would be highly speculative at this time. 

1. Survey Operations 

As noted in Section II of this report, seismic survey vessels are used in the Arctic to evaluate the 

possible locations of oil-bearing strata (seismic surveys), assess geologic risk to constructed 

structures (geohazard surveys), and provide seabed data for platform design and construction 

(geotechnical surveys). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-3 

Table IV-1. Full Build-Out Projections Scenario for Offshore Oil and Gas Activities

Beaufort Sea Chuk

Projected Production

Production: Gas BCF/yr 167 

Production: Oil, Condensate MMbbl/yr 132 2

Total Platform wells 215 2Total Subsea Wells 34 

Projected Activities and Duration

(B1, B2, B3, and B4 = Development Areas in the Beaufort Sea; C1 and C2 = Development Areas in the Chukchi Sea

Offshore Pipeline Construction July – October 

• 44 miles of new construction 

• Includes pipelaying vessel, dredge ships, support vessels, 

helicopters 

• 40 miles of new const• Includes pipelaying v

support vessels, helic

Seismic Surveys July – October 8-week run includes survey vessel, support and scout vessels 4-week run includes sur

scout vessels 

December – May 1 on-ice operation lasting 4 weeks None 

Geohazard Surveys July – October 8-week run includes survey and support vessels 8-week run includes surGeotechnical Surveys 8-week run includes survey and support vessels 8-week run includes surExploratory Drilling July – October 

• 1 jackup at B3 and 1 jackup at B4 

• Includes support vessels, icebreaker, spill response team, 

helicopter support 

• 2 drill ships at C1 • Includes support vess

response team, helico

Platform Construction 

July – October 

(Gravel island 

construction 

December – May) 

• 1 gravity-base system constructed at B1 

• 1 gravity-base system constructed at B2 • 1 gravel island at Liberty location • Includes support vessels, icebreaker, helicopter support, 

gravel trucks 

• 1 gravity- based syste• Includes support vess

support 

• Subsea well construction 

• 2 jackups at B2 and 1 jackup at B3 • Includes support vessels, helicopter support 

• Subsea well construct• 1 jackup and 2 drill sh• Includes support vess

Production Platform Operation 

Throughout the 

Year 

• 1 platform at B1; 27 on platform wells 

• 2 platforms at B2; 81 on platform wells, 23 subsea wells 

• 1 platform at B3; 54 on platform wells, 11 subsea wells 

• 1 platform at B4; 54 on platform wells, providing a total of 

215 on platform wells and 34 subsea wells 

• Includes platform equipment, support vessels, helicopter 

support 

• 2 platforms at C1; 26

subsea wells 

• Includes platform equ

helicopter support 

• Production at Liberty Island; 32 wells 

• Includes platform equipment, support vessels 

None

BCF/yr = billion cubic feet per year; MMbbl/yr = million barrels per year. Source: BOEM, 2014b 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-4 

For the projection scenario, it was assumed that each seismic survey vessel will require a support 

vessel and an ice-breaker/scout vessel. Similar to the approach for the 2012 seismic survey 

vessel activity estimates, the seismic survey and support vessels are assumed to have the same 

characteristics as the M/V Geo Arctic and the Polar Prince. The scout vessels was assumed to 

have a power rating of 1,268 kW (BOEM, 2013). For the geohazard and geotechnical surveys, it 

was assumed that two survey vessels with an average power rating of 1,519 kW each and six 

support vessels with an average power rating of 824 kW each will be used, based on Arctic 

survey fleet data compiled by BOEM (BOEM, 2014c). 

Table IV-2 summarizes BOEM’s projected survey activities including the location and type of 

survey to be implemented, duration of each survey trip, and composition of each survey fleet. 

Table IV-2. Projection Scenario for Seismic Survey Operations 

Survey Type Duration Fleet Vessel Composition

Beaufort Sea 

Seismic Surveys 8 weeks 1 survey vessel, 1 support vessel, 1 scout

Geohazard Survey 8 weeks 2 survey vessels, 6 support vessels

Geotechnical Survey 8 weeks 2 survey vessels, 6 support vessels

Chukchi Sea 

Seismic Surveys 4 weeks 1 survey vessel, 1 support vessel, 1 scout

Geohazard Survey 8 weeks 2 survey vessels, 6 support vessels

Geotechnical Survey 8 weeks 2 Survey vessels, 6 support vessels

Source: BOEM, 2014b

Based on the vessel power rating assumptions listed above and BOEM’s projection scenario, the 

survey vessel activity (kW-hrs) was estimated by multiplying the vessel power rating by hours of 

operation and the load factor for each vessel, using the same methodology that was used for the 

2012 seismic survey vessel activity estimates (see Section II of this report). Table IV-3 

summarizes the survey vessel activity for the projection scenario. 

Table IV-3. Projection Scenario Seismic Survey Vessel Activity Data 

Survey 

Type 

Vessel 

Type 

Vessel 

Power 

Rating (kW) 

Operation 

(Hours) 

Load 

Factor 

Number of 

Vessels kW-hrs 

Beaufort Sea 

Seismic 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 7,576 1,344 90% 1 9,163,930

Support vessel 3,820 1,344 62% 1 3,170,294

Scout 1,268 1,344 62% 1 1,052,073

Geohazard 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 1,519 1,344 90% 2 3,675,732

Support vessel 824 1,344 62% 6 4,101,216

Geotechnical 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 1,519 1,344 90% 2 3,675,732

Support vessel 824 1,344 62% 6 4,101,216

Chukchi Sea 

Seismic 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 7,576 672 90% 1 4,581,965

Support vessel 3,820 1,344 62% 1 1,585,147

Scout 1,268 1,344 62% 1 526,036

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-5 

Table IV-3. Projection Scenario Seismic Survey Vessel Activity Data (Continued) 

Survey 

Type 

Vessel 

Type 

Vessel 

Power 

Rating (kW) 

Operation 

(Hours) 

Load 

Factor 

Number of 

Vessels kW-hrs 

Geohazard 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 1,519 1,344 90% 2 3,675,732

Support vessel 824 1,344 62% 6 4,101,216

Geotechnical 

Surveys 

Survey vessel 1,519 1,344 90% 2 3,675,732

Support vessel 824 1,344 62% 6 4,101,216

Sources: BOEM, 2014b; BOEM, 2012b; BOEM, 2012c; BOEM, 2013; Wilson et al., 2014.

The CAP and GHG emissions factors for these survey vessels are for combusting ULSD fuels 

(15 ppm) and are the same as those shown in Section II, Table II-2. HAP speciation profiles were 

applied to the PM emissions for metallic HAP and VOC emissions for organic HAP. 

CAP and GHG emissions were estimated by multiplying kW-hrs and the emission factor for each 

vessel, which is the same method used to estimate the 2012 seismic survey vessel emissions (see 

Section II of this report). CAP and GHG emissions were calculated as follows: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hr) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for seismic survey vessel in the Beaufort Sea for the projection year were 

9,163,930 kW-hrs. The emission factor for NOx is 9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 9,163,930 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 99 tons 

In addition to survey and support vessels, support helicopters visit the survey vessels to deliver 

supplies and transfer personnel. This section addresses emissions from the cruise portion of flight 

between the airport and the survey vessel as well as the LTOs at the survey vessels. (Increased 

airport LTOs associated with these flights are covered in the onshore projections.) It was 

assumed that, during the 120-day open water season when the sea ice has melted (July through 

October), helicopters will fly from the airport to the area where the survey vessels operate three 

times a week, at a cruising speed of 100 mph. Therefore the total hours per season was calculated 

to be 174.86 hours. The emissions from the LTOs were calculated using the FAA’s EDMS for a 

Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk (FAA, 2013). Engine load factors specific for cruising operations of a 

Sea Hawk were not identified there for, the takeoff mode emission factors (100 percent load) 

were adjusted to 80 percent load to represent cruising engine load conditions, providing a 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-6 

conservative value similar to an equivalent turboprop engine (SDMC, 2014) 

Projected activity and emissions were allocated to large shapefiles of the Beaufort and Chukchi 

Seas. (Specific locations within specific lease blocks to be assigned based on BOEM guidance.) 

2. Exploratory Drilling 

For the projection scenario, exploratory drilling and subsea well construction are expected to 

continue; both activities will require use of drilling rigs, specifically drillships and jackups. The 

anticipated drilling activity locations (B1, B2, B3, B4, C1 and C2) are noted in red on Figure IV2. 

Figure IV-2. Location of Projected Drilling Operations 

Data Source: BOEM, 2014b 

Using the drilling data (Shell, 2011) and fleet information provided by BOEM (see Section III of 

this report) daily emission factors were developed for drillships, jackups, and a support fleet. 

There were no jackup data in the North Slope exploration plans, so average jackup kW ratings 

from the Gulf of Mexico were used. 

BOEM provided projected daily activity (BOEM, 2014b), which is summarized in Table IV-4. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-7 

Table IV-4. Projected Drilling Activity 

Activity 

Type 

Development 

Areas Vessel Type Number of Vessels 

Wells per 

Vessel 

Days per 

Well 

Total 

Days 

Exploratory 

B3 Jackup 1 2 38 76

Support Fleet 1 2 38 76

B4 Jackup 1 1 38 38

Support Fleet 1 1 38 38

C1 Drillship 2 2 38 152

Support Fleet 1 2 38 76

Subsea Well 

B2 Jackup 2 3 38 228

Support Fleet 1 3 38 114

B3 Jackup 1 3 38 114

Support Fleet 1 3 38 114

C1 

Drillship 2 3 38 228

Jackup 1 3 38 114

Support Fleet 1 3 38 114

Source: BOEM, 2014b

The total number of drilling days was calculated using the following equation: 

TDays = V × W × D 

where: 

TDays = Total number of drilling days 

V = Number of vessels 

W = Number of wells per vessel 

D = Number of construction days per well 

Example Calculation: 

For site B3 jackups, the number of vessels is 1, the number of wells per vessel is 2, and the 

number of construction days per well is 38. 

TDays = 1 × 2 × 38 

TDays = 76 days 

Drilling rig emissions were estimated as follows: 

EM = EF × TDays 

where: 

EM = Emissions (tons) 

EF = Emission factor (tons/day) 

TDays = Total number of days of activity 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-8 

Example Calculation: 

For site B3 exploratory jackups, the total number of drilling days is projected to be 76, and the 

emissions factor for NOx is 4.899 tons per day. 

EM = 4.899 × 76 

EM = 372.324 tons of NOx

Projected drilling operations will also include helicopters and airplanes. Projected emissions 

from these sources are described in Section IV.C, below. 

At the Chukchi sites, the helicopters were assumed to fly 12 round trips a week from Barrow 

Airport to the drilling sites at three hours per trip. Airplanes were assumed to fly four times a 

week between Wainwright Airport and Barrow Airport to bring supplies to the helicopters at 

Barrow Airport (Shell, 2011). The Saab 340-B cruising speed is 290 mph and the distance 

between the airports is 86.66 miles. At the Deadhorse Airport, helicopters were assumed to fly 

12 round trips a week at three hours per trip based on offshore permit data. Wildlife monitoring 

aircraft were assumed to fly seven times a week at six hours a trip. It was also assumed that when 

the helicopters fly to the drilling sites, they will land at more than one drilling rig; therefore, each 

trip will have multiple LTOs at the drilling sites but only one LTO at the airport. Helicopters and 

airplanes were assumed to fly for the entire 120-day open water season when the sea ice has 

melted (July through October). 

Airplane and helicopter LTO emissions were estimated using the FAA’s EDMS (FAA, 2013). 

For the cruise portion of both, the takeoff mode emission factors (at 100 percent load) were 

adjusted to 80 percent load, to represent cruising engine load conditions and provide a value 

similar to an equivalent turboprop engine (SDMC, 2014). 

Drilling emissions were allocated to the latitude and longitude coordinates of the development 

area sites, as shown in Figure IV-2, above. Support vessel emissions were assigned to shapefiles 

between the development area sites and the nearest port, and helicopter and aircraft emissions 

were assigned to shapefiles between the development area sites and the nearest airport. 

3. Pipelaying and Associated 

Support Vessels 

Pipelines link offshore platforms to onshore 

refineries and storage facilities and connect to other 

pipelines. Pipelines are constructed using special 

pipelaying vessels. There are two types of 

pipelaying vessels: vessels installing flexible pipe 

that is unwound from giant reels (S lay), and 

vessels installing ridged pipe that is welded 

together while at sea (Figure IV-3). Pipelaying 

vessels also install underwater valves and pumps, 

which requires using large heavy-lift cranes. 

Figure IV-3. S Lay Pipelaying Vessel 

Allseas’ Soltaire 

Image from Allseas’ Equipment Gallery. © Used by 

Permission. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-9 

Pipelaying vessels can be self-propelled ships equipped with Category 2 or 3 propulsion engines 

and Category 2 auxiliary engines or they can be non-self propelled barges that require tugs to 

tow them to the site. These barges are specifically designed to lay pipe and equipped with large 

auxiliary engines. 

Pipelaying vessel emissions include estimates for vessels providing pipeline construction 

services, as well as associated support vessels and dredges. The pollutants estimated for these 

vessels are NOx, SO2, VOC, CO, PM10, PM2.5, Pb, GHGs, HAP, and NH3. CAP and GHG 

emissions were estimated by applying emission factors to activity data for the projection scenario 

provided by BOEM. HAP emissions were estimated by applying HAP speciation profiles to PM 

emissions for metallic HAP and VOC emissions for organic HAP. 

The projected pipelaying activity data were derived from the vessel power rating, load factor, 

and hours of operation in terms of kW-hrs. The vessel power rating is assumed to be 67,200 kW 

based on a representative ice class pipelaying vessel (Saipem, 2014), and 3,820 kW for 

associated support vessels (BOEM, 2012b). The hours of operation were based on total pipeline 

length in miles constructed in both the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas (BOEM, 2014b). Table IV-5 

lists the projected pipeline length for the projection year. 

Table IV-5. Projected Offshore Pipeline Lengths (miles) 

Location Pipeline Length (miles)

Beaufort Sea 44

Chukchi Sea 40

Source: BOEM, 2014b

Each pipelaying vessel was assumed to require four support vessels (BOEM, 2014b). The 

pipelaying vessels and their associated support vessels were also assumed to operate 24 hours per 

day laying pipe at a rate of 1 mile per day (Athmer and Gijzel, 2006). The total vessel hours were 

estimated based on the following equation: 

Tpi = Li × 1 mile/day × 24 hrs/day 

where: 

Tpi = Total vessel time involved in pipelaying for Sea i (hours) 

Li = Length of new pipeline within the boundaries of Sea i (miles) 

Example Calculation: 

The total length of pipeline in the projection scenario for Beaufort Sea is 44 miles. 

Tpi = 44 × 1 × 24 

Tpi = 1,056 vessel-hours 

The projected vessel-hours associated with new pipeline construction total 1,056 vessel-hours for 

the Beaufort Sea and 960 vessel-hours for Chukchi Sea. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-10 

It was assumed that two dredging vessels are 

also required for pipelaying activities: one 

cutter suction dredger, such as the DCI Dredge 

Aquarious (shown Figure IV-4) and one 

trailing hopper dredger, such as the Kaishuu

(shown in Figure IV-5). The cutter suction 

dredger is used to dredge down into the sea 

bed prior to pipelaying. Once pipelaying is 

complete, the trailing hopper dredge covers the 

pipeline to protect it from ice flow in shallow 

waters. Each dredge type was assumed to 

operate 24 hours a day for 30 days, which 

assumes a dredging rate of 100 cubic meters 

per hour for a trench three meters deep by 

three meters wide extending from shore 

approximately 4.5 miles (CEDA, 2014). 

Based on an inventory of representative cutter 

suction dredges (Athmer and Gizel, 2006), the 

average vessel power rating for cutter suction 

dredges was assumed to be 16,575 kW with an 

average cruising speed of 11.3 knots. Similarly, 

the average vessel power rating for trailing 

hopper dredges was assume to be 16,981 kW 

with an average vessel cruising speed of 

14.3 knots. 

The following load factors for these vessels 

were assumed: 80 percent for pipelaying 

vessels, 62 percent for support vessels 

(Marintek, 2010), and 63 percent for dredge 

vessels (U.S. EPA, 2009c). Pipelaying vessel 

activity was estimated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs × Nv

where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kilowatt) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel 

Nv = Number of vessels 

Figure IV-4. DCI Dredge Aquarious 

Online image from Dredgepoint.org. 

https://www.dredgepoint.org/dredgingdatabase/owners/zanen-verstoep

(Accessed November 24, 2014.) 

Figure IV-5. Kaishuu 

Online image from Dredgepoint.org. 

https://www.dredgepoint.org/dredgingdatabase/owners/zanen-verstoep

(Accessed November 24, 2014.)
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-11 

Example Calculation:

Total hours of operation for the pipelaying vessels in the Beaufort Sea were 1,056. The power 

rating was 67,200 kW, and the load factor was 0.80.

kW-hrs = 67,200 × 0.80 × 1,056 × 1 

kW-hrs = 56,770,560 

Table IV-6 summarizes the pipelaying activity. 

Table IV-6. Projected Pipelaying Activity Data 

Location Vessel Type kW-Hrs

Beaufort Sea 

Pipelaying 56,770,560

Support 9,963,782

Dredge - Cutter 7,518,193

Dredge - Trailing Hopper 7,702,582

Chukchi Sea 

Pipelaying 51,609,600

Support 9,057,984

Dredge - Cutter 7,518,193

Dredge - Trailing Hopper 7,702,582

Total 157,843,476

Sources: BOEM, 2014b; Athmer and Gijzel, 2006; CEDA, 2014; Marintek, 

2010; U.S. EPA, 2009c 

These activity data were applied to the GREET’s CAP and GHG emission factors and HAP 

speciation profiles. The emissions factors associated with the pipelaying, support, and dredging 

vessels were based on use of ULSD fuels (15 ppm) as noted in the Shell Exploration Plan (Shell, 

2011). The CAP emission factors applied to the pipelaying vessel activity data are shown above 

in Section II, Table II-2. 

CAP and GHG emissions were estimated by multiplying kW-hrs by the emission factor for each 

vessel type. HAP speciation profiles were applied to PM emissions for metallic HAP and VOC 

emissions for organic HAP. CAP and GHG emissions for pipelaying vessels and associated 

support and dredging vessels were calculated as follows: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 x 10-6 ton) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-12 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for the pipelaying vessel in the Beaufort Sea for the projection year were 6,770,560 

kW-hrs. The emission factor for NOx is 9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 56,770,560 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 613 tons 

Pipelaying emissions were allocated to shapefiles between the development area sites and the 

nearest port. 

4. Platform Construction 

Various types of offshore platforms such as 

fixed platforms, floating spars, and tension 

leg platforms are used for offshore extraction 

such as fixed platforms, floating spars, and 

tension leg platforms. In BOEM’s scenario it 

is anticipated that the platforms to be 

constructed offshore of the North Slope will 

be gravity-based structures (GBS) built to 

withstand winter ice flows (see Figure IV-6; 

Malyutin and Kalinsky, 2007). Globally there 

are about 35 GBS operating. 

GBS platforms are typically constructed offsite at a dry dock or adjacent to a protected harbor. 

The base and topside are constructed separately. The base is typically towed to a deep water 

location where water is pumped into the structure allowing it to sink below the surface. Next, the 

topside structure is positioned above the base, and compressed air is added allowing the base to 

rise, connecting it to the topside structure. The combined base and topside structure are then 

towed to the site where the GBS will operate. Once the GBS is at the site, the platform is 

carefully positioned and ballast water is added to the base allowing it to slowly sink to the sea 

bed. Then the ballast water is displaced with denser material such as stone, sand, or concrete to 

provide the necessary mass needed to secure the base to floor of the sea (PetroWiki, 2013; Vos, 

1995). 

The projected year emissions inventory includes vessels involved in towing the GBS to the site, 

positioning the platform, ballasting the base, as well as support vessel and helicopter activities 

necessary to complete the platform construction. 

In developing emission estimates for the projected offshore platform construction, ERG 

identified other applications similar to those expected in the Arctic (EMCP, 2010), and 

determined the Hibernian Platform off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, to be an appropriate 

model on which to base Arctic GBS activities (Offshore-Technology, 2011; SubseaIQ, 2011; 

Kverner, 2011). The Hibernian is larger than what would be needed because it was designed for 

Figure IV-6. Gravity Base System 

Image from Sonistics.com. © Used by Permission. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-13 

75-foot waves and icebergs, while in the Arctic the maximum wave height is 16 feet, and there 

are no icebergs, although all Arctic platforms must be able to withstand extended periods of ice 

flow. Therefore, the Hibernian construction vessel fleet was adjusted (e.g., the number of tugs 

used to tow the GBS to the site was reduced from six puller tugs and three steering tugs to four 

puller tugs and two steerer tugs, and two icebreakers were added). 

As with other GBSs, it is assumed that the platforms in the Arctic will be constructed offsite (not 

on the North Slope as special dry docks or deep water locations are needed), probably elsewhere 

in Alaska or the western coast of Canada and transported to offshore locations in the Beaufort 

and Chukchi Seas. During towing, a platform will travel at 2 mph. BOEM has developed maps 

of the most direct routes to the projected platform construction sites using GIS mapping tools. 

This mapping activity provides an estimate of the travel distances with which to calculate the 

period of time each GBS would be towed to site. Table IV-7 summarizes the various distances 

from the western edge of the Chukchi Sea to the oil platform sites (BOEM, 2014b). 

Table IV-7. Distances from Construction Sites to Projected Platform Sites 

Site Number of 

Platforms Miles 

Beaufort Sea: B1 1 712.7

Beaufort Sea: B2 1 647.3

Chukchi Sea: C2 1 208.7

Source: BOEM, 2014b

It was assumed that it will take 40 hours (compared to the 70 hours for the Hibernian) for the 

tugs to set the platform in place. After the platform is set, two support tugs will be needed for 

transporting ballast material (i.e., rock, sand, or cement) to the platforms for one month 

(compared to the two-month period for the Hibernian). Lastly, it is assumed that two support 

vessels will continue activities during the remaining open water season (2.5 months), to transfer 

supplies and crew changes to complete platform construction. 

Table IV-8 summarizes the specific units, operational characteristics, and activity data 

anticipated for the various vessels used for GBS platform construction (AT, 2014; BOEM, 

2014b; Bruijn, 1998; Shell, 2011). 

Table IV-8. Units, Operational Characteristics, and Activity Predicted for GSS Platform 

Construction Vessels in the Arctic 

Site Vessel Unit Types Hours Engine Power 

(kW) Load Activity(kW-hrs) 

B1 

Ice-breakers Propulsion and Generation 793 37,816 0.6 17,986,797

Ice-breakers Heaters and Boilers 793 895 0.8 567,502

Towing Tugs Propulsion and Generation 2,378 4,325 0.6 6,171,472

Ballasting Tugs Propulsion and Generation 1,440 2,983 0.6 2,577,136

Resupply 

Ship/Support Propulsion and Generation 3,527 2,983 0.6 6,312,789

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-14 

Table IV-8. Units, Operational Characteristics, and Activity Predicted for GSS Platform 

Construction Vessels in the Arctic (Continued) 

Site Vessel Unit Types Hours Engine Power 

(kW) Load Activity(kW-hrs) 

B2 

Ice Breakers Propulsion and Generation 727 37,816 0.6 16,503,106

Ice Breakers Heaters and Boilers 727 895 0.8 520,690

Towing Tugs Propulsion and Generation 2,182 4,325 0.6 5,662,401

Ballasting Tugs Propulsion and Generation 1,440 2,983 0.6 2,577,136

Resupply 

Ship/Support Propulsion and Generation 3,593 2,983 0.6 6,429,819

C1 

Ice Breakers Propulsion and Generation 289 37,816 0.6 6,549,800

Ice Breakers Heaters and Boilers 289 895 0.8 206,653

Towing Tugs Propulsion and Generation 866 4,325 0.6 2,247,310

Ballasting Tugs Propulsion and Generation 1,440 2,983 0.6 2,577,136

Resupply 

Ship/Support Propulsion and Generation 4,031 2,983 0.6 7,214,912

Derived from BOEM, 2014b (activity data); Wilson et al., 2014 (load factors). 

GSB platform construction vessel activity was calculated as follows: 

kW-hrs = kW × LF × hrs × Nv

where: 

kW = Vessel power rating (kW) 

LF = Load factor (%) 

hrs = Adjusted number of operating hours for each vessel 

Nv = Number of vessels 

Example Calculation: 

The ice-breaker vessels at site B1 have a power rating of 37,816.2 kW. The number of operating 

hours was 396.36 hours per vessel, the number of vessels was 2, and the load factor was 60 

percent. 

kW-hrs = 37,816.2 × 0.6 × 396.36 × 2 

kW-hrs = 17,986,797 kW-hrs 

These activity data are applied to the GREET marine vessel CAP and GHG emission factors 

(ANL, 2013; Shell, 2011) and speciation profiles for engines using ULSD fuels, which were also 

used for the drilling vessels. Emissions from platform construction include NOx, SO2, VOC, CO, 

PM10, PM2.5, Pb, GHGs, HAP, and NH3. 

The platform construction vessel emissions were calculated as follows: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-15 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 x 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

The ice-breaker vessels at site B1 are projected to have a total of 17,986,797 kW-hrs. The 

emission factor for NOx is 1.6 g/kW-hr. 

E = 17,986,797 × 1.6 × 0.00000110231 

E = 31.7 tons of NOx from ice breakers’ propulsion and generation 

This projected platform construction scenario also assumes three helicopter trips weekly for 

personnel transfers using a Sikorsky S-61N. This helicopter model is not included in the FAA’s 

EDMS; therefore, a similar helicopter, the Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk, was used as a surrogate. 

The helicopter LTO emissions were estimated using the FAA’s EDMS (FAA, 2013). Engine 

load factors specific for cruising operations of a Sea Hawk were not identified, therefore, the 

takeoff mode emission factors (100 percent load) were adjusted to 80 percent load to represent 

cruising engine load conditions, providing a conservative value similar to an equivalent 

turboprop engine (SDMC, 2014). 

Construction emissions were allocated to shapefiles of the shipping lane used to tow the 

platforms from the western border of the Chukchi Sea to the development area sites (e.g., in the 

Beaufort Sea, B1 and B2 and the Chukchi Sea, C2). Support vessel emissions were assigned to 

shapefiles between the development area sites and the nearest port, while helicopter emissions 

were assigned to shapefiles between the development area sites and the nearest airports. 

5. Platform Operation and Associated Support Vessels 

Constructed platforms are put into operation to drill production wells, extract crude and gas from 

the sea bed, re-inject gas to maintain site production rates, and pump product to shore. The 

process of extracting and pumping oil and gas to shore creates combustion and evaporative 

emissions from the following emission units (Wilson, et al., 2014): 

• Boilers/heaters/burners • Mud degassing 

• Diesel engines • Natural gas engines

• Drill rig system • Natural gas turbines

• Combustion flares • Pneumatic pumps 

• Fugitive sources • Pressure/level controllers

• Glycol dehydrators • Storage tanks 

• Loading operations • Cold vents 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-16 

Amine units, used to remove sulfur from the crude, are sometimes used on offshore platforms. 

However, it is assumed that these will not be used on production wells offshore in the Arctic 

because amine units are not used in similar offshore oil and gas production platforms in the Cook 

Inlet, Alaska. 

Because there are currently no production platforms in the Chukchi or Beaufort Seas, details 

concerning the actual unit process configurations for Arctic platforms are unknown. Emission 

profiles for projected offshore production platforms were derived from available data from some 

of the larger offshore platforms operating in Cook Inlet. The representative Cook Inlet platforms 

are the following: Dolly Varden, Grayling, King Salmon, and Steelhead. 

Emissions data for these platforms were compiled from the EPA’s 2011 NEI and the GHGRP, 

and the GHGRP subpart C (combustion sources) and subpart W (petroleum and natural gas 

systems) data submittals for RY2012. The number of wells for each platform was obtained from 

the Cook Inlet Facility Assessment: Report, Final Draft (CH2MHILL, 2013). 

An emissions profile was developed for each pollutant at each production platform (Tables IV11 and IV-12), using the equation below, then averaged to obtain an estimate of average 

emissions per well. 

EPi = EM / n 

where: 

EPi = Emissions per well by pollutant, i 

EM = Compiled emissions (tons/yr) 

n = Total number of wells per production platform 

This approach assumes the ratio of production versus injector wells for the Arctic offshore 

platforms will be similar to the Cook Inlet platforms. In addition, the NEI includes only the most 

important sources on the platform (i.e., minor or sources that occur occasionally are not included 

in the NEI data); therefore, actual emissions from production platforms may be slightly larger 

than the values calculated for this study. 

Example Calculation: 

In 2011, NOx emissions from the Dolly Varden Platform for natural gas turbine engines totaled 

180.08 tons, and the number of wells for this platform was 37. 

EPi = 180.08 / 37 

EPi = 4.87 tons of NOx per well 

The CAP and GHG emissions per well for Cook Inlet platforms are listed in Tables IV-9 and 

IV-10, respectively. As stated above, these average emissions per well for the Cook Inlet 

platforms were applied to the projected number of production wells for each development area 

(e.g., B1, B2, B3, B4, and C1) included in BOEM’s projection scenario to obtain emissions for 

the Arctic platforms. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-17 

Table IV-9. Average Criteria Pollutant Emissions per Well for Cook Inlet 

Description Dolly Varden 

Platform 

Grayling 

Platform 

King Salmon 

Platform 

Steelhead 

Platform 

CO (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.06 0.06 0.06 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.15

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 2.74 2.05 1.30 1.31

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.03 - 0.0004 - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.43 0.74 0.58 0.51

NOx (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.07 0.07 0.08 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.15 0.17 0.25 0.68

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 4.87 9.32 4.73 5.73

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.12 - 0.001 - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.08 0.14 0.11 0.09

PM10 (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.01 0.01 0.01 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 0.14 0.20 0.13 0.21

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.004 - - - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.04

PM2.5 (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.01 0.01 0.01 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 0.14 0.20 0.13 0.21

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.004 - - - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.04

SO2 (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.12 0.02 0.13 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.001 0.0003 0.01 0.01

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 3.37 0.98 3.27 0.003

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.005 - - - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.19 0.07 0.25 - 

VOC (tons)

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 MMBtu/hr 0.004 0.004 0.004 - 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.04

Natural Gas Turbine Engine 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.07

Large Bore Diesel Engine 0.003 - - - 

Natural Gas Production Flares 0.07 0.13 0.10 0.09

Natural Gas Boiler, >10 MMBtu/hr - - - 0.04

MMBtu/hr = million British Thermal Units per hour. Source: ADEC, 2013 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-18 

Table IV-10. Average GHG Emissions per Well for Cook Inlet 

Description Dolly Varden 

Platform 

Grayling 

Platform 

King Salmon 

Platform 

Steelhead 

Platform 

CH4 (tons)

Combustion Flares 3.38 2.83 3.08 1.28 

Mud Degassing - - - 22.3 

Fugitive Emissions 120 197 127 297 

Combustion Sources 0.08 0.11 0.07 0.12 

CO2 (tons)

Combustion Flares 148 125 137 60 

Mud Degassing - - - 0.004 

Combustion Sources 4,435 5,933 3,954 6,054 

N2O (tons)

Combustion Flares 0.81 0.68 0.74 0.32 

Combustion Sources 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 

“-“ indicates pollutant not reported for the platform. Sources: ADEC, 2013; CH2MHill, 2013 

The average Cook Inlet platform emissions per well were applied to the projected number of 

production wells for each development area (e.g., B1, B2, B3, B4, and C1) in BOEM’s 

projection scenario as noted in Table IV-11, using the following equation: 

EMp = EPi × N 

where: 

EMp = Projected emissions per developmental area (tons/yr) 

EPi = Average emissions per well by pollutant, i 

N = Projected number of wells per developmental area 

Table IV-11. Projected Number of On-platform and Subsea Production Wells 

Location Well Type Development 

Areas 

Number of 

Wells 

Beaufort Sea On-platform B1 27

Beaufort Sea On-platform B2 81

Beaufort Sea On-platform B3 54

Beaufort Sea On-platform B4 54

Beaufort Sea Subsea B2 23

Beaufort Sea Subsea B3 11

Chukchi Sea On-platform C1 260

Chukchi Sea Subsea C1 9

Liberty Islanda

- - 32

a

 Liberty Island data are provided as a production unit with 32 wells and in 

Section IV.B.3 where construction and drilling are addressed. 

Source: BOEM, 2014b 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-19 

Example Calculation: 

The projected number of on-platform wells in the developmental area B1 was 27, and the 

average emissions per well for NOx was 6.16 tons per year for natural gas turbine engines. 

EMp = 6.16 × 27 

EMp = 166 tons of NOx 

In addition to emission sources located on each production platform, support helicopters also 

visit the production platforms to drop off supplies and transfer personnel. Three helicopter trips 

per week were assumed to occur for personnel transfers using a Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk (i.e., 

used as a surrogate). 

For the cruise portion of the helicopter emissions, the takeoff mode emission factors (100 percent 

load) was adjusted to 80 percent load to represent cruising engine load conditions providing a 

conservative value similar to an equivalent turboprop engine (SDMC, 2014). These emissions 

were allocated at the most direct flight path between the airport and the site. Support vessels 

regularly visit the platforms to deliver supplies, equipment, and personnel. Table IV-12 

summarizes the assumed activity per site based on two support vessels per platform at each site 

operating 24 hours a day for the 120-day season. 

Table IV-12. Projected Support Vessel Activity (kW-hr) Associated 

with Platform Production 

Site Total Hours Power Rating 

(kW) 

Load 

Factor 

Total

kW-Hrs 

C1 11,520 2,983 80% 27,489,933

B1 5,760 2,983 80% 13,744,966

B2 11,520 2,983 80% 27,489,933

B3 5,760 2,983 80% 13,744,966

B4 5,760 2,983 80% 13,744,966

Derived from Wilson et al., 2014

To estimate emissions, these support vessel activity data (kW-hrs) were applied to the CAP, 

GHG, and NH3 emission factors. HAP speciation profiles were applied to PM and VOC 

estimates to quantify the HAP emissions. The emissions factors used for support vessels were 

based on using ULWD fuels (15 ppm). The CAP emission factors applied to the support vessel 

activity data are shown in Section II, Table II-2. 

CAP and GHG emissions for support vessels and associated dredging and support vessels were 

calculated as follows: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-20 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 × 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

The total kW-hrs at site C1is projected to be 27,489,933 kW-hrs. The emission factor for NOx is 

9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 27,489,933 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E = 297 tons of NOx

Production emissions were allocated to the appropriate development area sites. Support vessel 

emissions were assigned to shapefiles between the development area sites and the nearest port, 

while helicopter emissions were assigned to shapefiles between the development area sites and 

the nearest airports. 

6. Spills 

BOEM anticipates that there may be emissions associated with spills from oil and gas 

exploration and production activities in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. This includes 

evaporation from the spill and emissions associated with operating the spill response vessels. 

Oil spills can occur at any time, but recovery efforts will be particularly challenging during 

periods of extreme cold, which may include the presence of sea ice, high winds, strong water 

currents, and limited visibility due to short daylight hours during the winter months. 

To estimate air emissions from offshore oil spills, BOEM provided the following volumes of 

crude and diesel that would be spilled was provided by BOEM (BOEM, 2014b): 

• 1,700 barrels of crude leaked from underwater pipeline. 

• 5,100 barrels of crude spilled from offshore platform. 

• 48 barrels of diesel spilled from offshore platform. 

It was assumed that wind speeds in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas will average from 5 to 9 mph, 

be directed primarily to the southwest and south (Woodgate et al., 2004; Hopcroft et al., 2008), 

and increase during the summer and fall when sea ice is at its annual minimum. Surface water 

currents in the central Chukchi Sea flow northward, while currents along the North Slope 

coastline flow northward along the coast to Point Barrow and then either northward or eastward 

along the North Slope shore. Given these typical wind and water currents, it is expected that 

when there is no sea ice, spills in the Chukchi Sea will be driven by wind away from the coast or 

along the coast, while spills in the Beaufort Sea will be driven toward the shore. When the 

surface is covered in sea ice, spills may be trapped in sea ice. 

It was assumed that the composition of the crude oil used in modeling emissions from spills in 

the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas will be equivalent to that produced on the North Slope (Wang, et 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-21 

al., 2003). North Slope crude oil is heavy crude with a VOC content of 33 percent and a HAP 

content of 3.26 percent (API, 2011). The composition of diesel used in modeling emissions from 

spills will be a commercial diesel with a VOC content of 55 percent and a HAP content of 2 

percent (API, 2011; Environment Canada, 2001). Evaporative emissions from the volume of oil 

and diesel spilled were developed using evaporative emission curves that quantified the range of 

emissions from an offshore spill for different water temperatures. Film thickness of the spill is 

not considered in evaporation calculations, as both crude and diesel spread quickly on water. 

The percentage of evaporation versus amount of time occurring after crude oil and diesel spills 

associated with winter water temperatures (-2°C) and summer water temperatures (5°C) are 

shown in Figure IV-7 (Wang, et al., 2003; Fingas, 2002) and Figure IV-8 (Environment Canada, 

2001; Fingas, 2002). These curves indicate that, even in the coldest months, the majority of the 

volatile content of spilled crude oil and diesel will evaporate within one to two days. Since most 

toxic substances in oil tend to be those of lightest molecular weight, the air emissions of the first 

few days will include the majority of the HAP (U.S. EPA, 1999). Given the quick evaporation of 

the volatile components of crude oil and diesel, the response time of spill recovery teams will 

have a direct impact on the total amount of evaporative emissions from any spill. Spills can 

disperse over a wide area quickly in rough seas (ITOPF, 2014). The experience of cleanup crews 

in Cook Inlet suggests that diesel spills will fully disperse within two days (Whitney, 2002). 

Figure IV-7. Evaporative Emission Curves – Crude Oil 

Data Sources: Wang, et al., 2003; Fingas, 2002 

Figure IV-8. Evaporative Curves - Diesel Fuel 

Data Sources: Environment Canada, 2001; Fingas, 2002 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-22 

a. Emissions from Oil Spill Responses

In addition to evaporative emissions from the spill, combustion emissions from the spill response 

vessels will occur. These vessels include a variety of ships that provide different services, 

including the following types of vessels: 

• Oil spill response vessel. 

• Tug and oil spill containment system barge (operated offshore). 

• Skimmer boats. 

• Work boats. 

Oil spill response vessels vary in size 

and capacity. Vessels operating in 

Arctic waters are larger and with greater 

spill cleanup capacity and have greater 

holding capacity for recovered 

petroleum products than similar vessels 

operating in less extreme environments. 

The North Slope oil spill response fleet 

includes the M/V Nanuq, a U.S.-flagged 

300-foot ice-class oil spill response 

vessel, built for Shell by Edison Chouest 

(Figure IV-9). It is large enough to carry 

three 34-foot work boats, several skimming boats, and a containment boom. It is equipped with 

two propulsion engines rated at 3,748 kW. (No data for auxiliary engines on the M/V Nanuq

were available.) 

In addition to the M/V Nanuq, the M/V Aiviq is a 

360-foot U.S.-flagged ice management vessel 

used for towing and laying anchors for drilling 

rigs and is also equipped for oil spill response, 

having a 3,200-barrel holding capacity (Figure IV10). The vessel is intended to operate in 

conjunction with the M/V Nanuq in response to oil 

spills. 

The M/VAiviq was built in 2012 and is equipped 

with four Caterpillar C280-12 4-stroke medium 

speed engines that provide total propulsion power 

of 16,240 kW. There are also two 2,000-kW shaft 

generators and four 1,700-kW Caterpillar 3512C 

auxiliary diesel generators that provide power for 

onboard consumers, including the firefighting system (Meredith, 2012). 

Figure IV-9. M/V Nanuq 

Image from Royal Dutch Shell Plc. © Used by Permission. 

Figure IV-10. M/VAiviq 

Online image from Wikipedia. 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aiviq. (August 6, 

2014.) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-23 

The U.S.-flagged Arctic Endeavor is also part of the 

North Slope spill response fleet. This vessel is a 

205-foot ice-strengthened oil spill response barge 

operating in the Beaufort Sea with a holding 

capacity of 16,800 barrels. The barge also has a 

suite of skimmers, work boats, containment booms, 

and other equipment for use in oil spill cleanup. 

The barge is towed by available tugs such as the 

Point Barrow (Figure IV-11), which is a U.S.-

flagged 85-foot tug equipped with two Caterpillar 

3512 V-12 propulsion engines rated at 1,500 kW 

each and two Caterpillar 3304 auxiliary engines 

with a maximum power rating of 75 kWs each. 

Skimmer boats are small, 75-foot boats with 

built-in oil skimmers, and are designed to be 

fast and maneuverable in and around ice. The 

Uniaq Corporation has developed a 

lightweight skimmer equipped with two 

Volvo D6 330 engines providing a total 

power of 500 kW (Figure IV-12). 

Six work boats were included in the oil spill 

emissions estimates. These smaller vessels 

help set booms that confine and consolidate 

product floating on the surface. 

Spill recovery fleets often include tankers to 

store and transport the crude oil, emulsion, 

and free water that may be recovered from an oil spill. Given the relatively small volumes of 

product spilled in these oil spill scenarios, the available storage capacity associated with the 

Nanuq, Aiviq, and Arctic Endeavor is assumed to be more than sufficient to store the oil 

recovered. Given the volume of the spills and typical wave action, this assessment did not 

include the option of in situ burning of spilled material as it was not considered appropriate. In 

addition, there is evidence that dispersants are not suitable for cold water spill responses and are 

not approved for use in Alaska; therefore, vessels associated with applying dispersants were not 

included in this analysis. 

To assess emissions from the spill response activities, power ratings of vessels currently in the 

fleet were compiled for propulsion and auxiliary engines. Typical operating loads were also 

included along with an assumption that these vessels will be at sea for three days for a 1,700-

barrel pipeline leak; five days for a 5,100-barrel offshore platform crude spill; and two days for a 

48-barrel diesel spill. The larger vessels were assumed to operate 24 hours per day, while the tug 

and other boats were assumed to operate 12 hours per day. Table IV-13 summarizes operational 

characteristics for the oil response fleet. 

Figure IV-11. Point Barrow Tug 

Online image from Tugboatinformation.com. 

http://www.tugboatinformation.com/tug.cfm?id=1

115. (Accessed November 24, 2014.) 

Figure IV-12. Skimmer Boat 

Online image from Munson Boats. 

http://www.munsonboats.com (Accessed: August 15, 2014.)
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-24 

Table IV-13. Summary of Oil Spill Response Fleet and Operations 

Vessel Power rating ( kW) Operating Load Factor 

(%) Hours of 

Operation 

Total kW-Hrs

Propulsion Auxiliary Propulsion Auxiliary Propulsion Auxiliary

Nanuq 7,496 70 50 144 1,079,424

Aiviq 16,240 1,080 70 50 144 2,338,560 155,520

Point Barrowa

(towing Arctic 

Endeavor) 

3,000 150 60 50 72 216,000 10,800

Skimmer boat 500 - 70 - 72 36,000

Work Boats (6) 100 - 80 - 432 43,200

a

Propulsion power is associated with the Point Barrow tug and auxiliary power is associated with the Arctic 

Endeavor barge. 

Sources: Shell 2013; BOEM, 2014b

These activity data (kW-hrs) were applied to the CAP, GHGs, and NH3 emission factors. HAP 

speciation profiles were applied to the PM components and VOC emissions to quantify the HAP 

components. The emissions factors used for vessels associated with the oil and gas industry were 

assumed to be based on ULSD fuels (15 ppm). The CAP emission factors applied to the vessel 

activity data are shown in Section II, Table II-1. 

Spill response vessels emissions were calculated using the following equation: 

E = kW-hrs × EF × CF 

where: 

E = Emissions (tons) 

kW-hrs = Annual activity data (kilowatt-hours) 

EF = Emission factor (g/kW-hrs) 

CF = Conversion factor (g = 1.10231 × 10-6 ton) 

Example Calculation: 

Total kW-hrs for Aiviq’s propulsion engine are 2,338,560. The emission factor for NOX is 

9.8 g/kW-hr. 

E = 2,338,560 × 9.8 × 0.00000110231 

E =25.3 tons 

Activity and emissions were allocated to the centroid of the closest active lease block to shore. 

Factors that will affect uncertainty in the spill emissions estimates include the following: 

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-25 

• Daylight and day length. 

• Presence or absence of sea ice. 

• Spill detection time and recovery team response time. 

• Wind speed and direction. 

• Water temperature, current, and direction. 

• Type and amount of oil/fuel spilled. 

Some of these factors vary seasonally. Because a spill can occur at any time of the year, changes 

in monthly temperature and wind speed can impact the emission rate and ability of the spill 

response fleet to address the spill. Strong wave action is a function of wind speed, and rough seas 

will impede or prevent recovery. Wave action mixes spilled materials into the water column, 

which will affect both emissions and recovery. The emission estimates developed here are 

derived from the volume of material spilled and the VOC content of the spilled material; 

therefore, the evaporative estimates should be reasonable, although the period of the release may 

be shorter when temperatures are warmer, wind speeds are higher and waves are larger, 

compared to colder calmer periods with ice coverage. 

B. Onshore Oil/Gas and Non-Oil/Gas Related Sources 

The onshore projected emissions represent anticipated future year emissions for sources that can 

reasonably be expected to be constructed and/or operated in during a future year that is 

consistent with the offshore projection scenario. These sources, which are also listed in Table IV14 along with general assumptions used to estimate emissions, include the following: 

• Onshore oil/gas related sources: 

o Future new production facilities. 

o New pipelines to transport future new offshore production from locations in the 

Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, across the North Slope to the TAPS and other 

existing pipelines. 

o Liberty Island. 

• Airports, aircraft, and a supply boat terminal to support increased offshore activities. 

• TAPS fugitive emission increases due to increased throughput. 

• Non-oil/gas stationary point and area sources. 

Sources and activities not addressed in this future year scenario include existing onshore oil and 

gas production facility activities and several non-oil/gas related stationary point and mobile 

sources, as any prediction of future activities for these sources would be highly speculative at 

this time. Also, note that no future (post-2012) regulations are anticipated to reduce future 

emissions from the existing onshore oil and gas production facilities and the existing non-oil/gas 

related stationary point and mobile sources, with one exception: Tier 4 diesel manufacturer 

emission standards coming into effect in 2014. Although these standards will serve to reduce 

emissions from affected engines after 2012 as older engines are replaced, the rate of turnover is 

difficult to predict. Therefore, ERG did not estimate these reductions, which will provide a 

conservatively high estimate of these emissions for modeling. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-26 

Table IV-14. Projections Scenario for Onshore Sources 

Group and Category Growth Factor Basis (Post-2012) Control Factor Basis C

Federal Reg. State Reg.

Onshore Oil/Gas Related Sources 

Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 

First production expected in 2017 

Potential revisions to the NSPS OOOO regulations will be reflected in permit 

As shown in EIS (BLM, 2014b) 

Future new source, proNo ADEC permit yet, emissions to be less thpollutant. 

Point Thomson Production Facility 

First production expected in 2016 

As permitted Future new source. Pro

permit limits (current pwith an amendment in Permit limits emissioneach criteria pollutant. 

CD-5 Satellite at Alpine 

First production expected in 2015/2016 

As permitted Future new source. Pro

permit limits (current pan amendment SeptemPermit limits emissioneach criteria pollutant. 

New processing production base facility on Chukchi coast 

New processing plant to be built and operated (BOEM, 2014b) 

Potential revisions to the NSPS OOOO regulations will be reflected in permit 

Facility likely to be major for PSD and subject to case-by-case BACT limits 

• Construction emiss

Tooth Unit 1 facilit

• Operation emission

Alpine Central Procoperating on the Noproduction, scaled u

New pipelines constructed and operated to transport new offshore production 

20 miles of new pipeline from Beaufort coast to existing pipelines New Tier 4 diesel manufacturer emission 

standards effective beginning in 2014 (>56 kW) 

None • Construction emiss

Tooth Unit 1 facilit

• Fugitive emissions 

same method as wapipelines. 

75 miles of new pipeline from Chukchi coast across North Slope to existing pipelines 

None • Construction emiss

Tooth Unit 1 facilit

• Fugitive emissions 

same method as wapipelines. 

Liberty Island Construction New Tier 4 diesel 

manufacturer emission standards effective beginning in 2014 (>56 kW) 

None Construction emission

Tooth Unit 1 facility. 

Drilling None Emissions based on pe

operations. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-27 

Table IV-14. Projections Scenario for Onshore Sources (Continued) 

Group and Category Growth Factor Basis (Post-2012) Control Factor Basis C

Federal Reg. State Reg.

Liberty Island (continued) 

Production Potential revisions to the 

NSPS OOOO regulations will be reflected in permit 

Facility likely to be major for PSD and subject to case-by-case BACT limits 

Operation emissions bestimates as noted in themissions may be less they are dependent on 

Airports, Aircraft, and Supply Boat Terminal 

Airports Increased operations to 

support increased offshore exploration and production 

EDMS emission factors include compliance with federal and international engine exhaust standards 

No applicable state standards for aircraft emissions operating in state air space 

Growth factors based o(FAA, 2014) 

Chukchi Exploration, Air Support, Search & Rescue Bases 

New facility New Tier 4 diesel 

manufacturer emission standards effective beginning in 2014 (>56 kW) 

None Construction emission

Tooth Unit 1 facility 

Chukchi Supply Boat Terminal 

New facility None Construction emission

Tooth Unit 1 facility. (covered above in Secti

TransAlaska Pipeline System 

• Pump stations 

• Fugitives (TAPS 

and natural gas supply line) 

Growth based on increased throughput (BOEM, 2014b) 

None None Projection based on in

compared to BOEM futhroughput remains un(from 1988) and any e

Non-Oil/Gas Stationary Area Sources 

• Residential, 

Commercial/ institutional fuel combustion 

• 7 NSBSD schools 

• 4 LRRS facilities 

• 5 power plants 

• Service Area 10 

Incinerator Plant 

No growth Full ULSD 

implementation 

None These sources have sw

high sulfur content (2,low sulfur diesel (15 p

Source: BOEM, 2014bADEC = Alaska Department of ConservationBACT = best available control technology EIS = Environmental Impact Statement kW = kilowatt 

LRRS = long-range radar siteMMbbl/yr = million barrels per year NSBSD = North Slope Borough School District NSPS = New Source Performance Standard 

ppm = parts per millionPSD = Prevention of SiULSD = ultra-low sulfuTAPS = TransAlaska P
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-28 

1. New Production Facilities 

Projected emissions from future onshore oil and gas exploration and production facilities were 

estimated using a combination of available information on the planned facilities and emissions 

data for existing facilities. The four future production facilities of interest are: 

• Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1. 

• Point Thomson Production Facility. 

• CD-5 Satellite at Alpine. 

• Planned Chukchi coast processing production base facility. 

The methodology used to estimate projected emissions from each of these facilities is based on 

ADEC construction permits, BLM EIS, and actual emissions estimates for similar facilities 

already in operation on the North Slope. Each of these facilities is discussed separately below. 

a. Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1

The Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 project is being undertaken by ConocoPhillips. Unit 1 will be 

located in the Alpine satellite field located in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), 

to the west of the current Alpine Central Processing Facility. Emissions data for the proposed 

project is available through the BLM (BLM, 2014b). Emission sources at this location will 

include a permanent line heater, fugitive equipment leaks, and emissions from well intervention 

and maintenance activities. 

b. Point Thomson Production Facility

The Point Thomson project is being undertaken by ExxonMobil approximately 20 miles east of 

the current Badami Production Facility. Unlike the current North Slope fields, Point Thomson is 

primarily a natural gas play with an estimated 8 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas and 200 million 

barrels of condensate. Construction on this facility commenced in 2008 and initial condensate 

production into the TAPS is expected to begin in late 2015 or early 2016. 

ADEC issued a revised construction permit for this facility on August 7, 2014 (AQ1201CPT03) 

(ADEC, 2014). Emission estimates for the Point Thomson Production Facility are based on the 

PTE for the greater emitting units listed in the permit (as documented in the Technical Analysis 

Report), and the emission characterization profiles developed for existing sources as described in 

Section III.A.3 of this report. As no operating permit for this facility will be issued until after it

begins production, emission estimates for nonroad engines associated with the facility are not 

available (not required for construction permits). Therefore, estimates for potential emissions 

from nonroad engines are based on the emissions analysis data for existing facilities presented in 

Table III-3. Actual emissions are estimated to be 38, 55, 41, 19, and 52 percent of potential 

VOC, NOx, CO, SO2, and PM10 emissions, respectively, as described in Section III.A.3.a. PM2.5

emissions are assumed to be equal to PM10 emissions, and VOC and PM10 were used as 

surrogates to scale emissions of volatile organic and metal HAP/PM2.5, respectively, using the 

Alpine Production facility HAP emissions profile and as described in Section II.A.3.a. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-29 

c. CD-5 Satellite at Alpine

The CD-5 Satellite project is being undertaken by ConocoPhillips and will consist of a new 

production drill site and well pad located approximately 6 miles west of the existing Alpine field 

in the NPR-A. Fluids from this well pad will be processed at the existing Alpine Central 

Processing Facility. First production is expected in late 2015. 

ADEC issued a revised construction permit for this facility on September 17, 2009 

(AQO945MSSO1 Revision 2) (ADEQ, 2014). Emission estimates for the Alpine Satellite CD-5 

facility are based on the PTE listed in the permit (as documented in the Technical Analysis 

Report), and the emission characterization profiles developed for existing sources as described in 

Section III.A.3 of this report. However, unlike the Point Thomson Production Facility, the 

Technical Analysis Report for this facility does include potential emission estimates for nonroad 

engines. Estimates of actual emissions are estimated to be 38, 55, 41, 19, and 52 percent of 

potential VOC, NOx, CO, SO2, and PM10 emissions, respectively, based on the analysis 

conducted on existing permits as described in Section III.A.3.a. PM2.5, volatile organic and 

HAP/PM2.5 emissions were estimated in the same manner as for the Point Thomson Production 

Facility. 

d. New Processing Production Base Facility – Chukchi Coast

This new facility will be located on the western coast of the North Slope and will process fluids 

from offshore platforms operating in the Chukchi Sea. No permit or existing data is available for 

this potential facility, which will have an estimated maximum peak production of 200 million 

barrels per year. Current oil production on the North Slope is slightly less than 200 million 

barrels per year. 

Construction emissions for the new processing facility were estimated based upon construction 

emissions associated with Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 (AECOM, 2013). Based upon aerial 

images of the largest existing North Slope processing facility (i.e., the Alpine Central Production 

Facility), the identified facility footprint was visually estimated to be 0.1 square miles (i.e., 0.5 

miles by 0.2 miles). Although the throughput for the proposed processing facility has been 

estimated to be eight times larger than the Alpine Central Production Facility, it is unlikely that 

the footprint of the proposed processing facility will be eight times larger. ERG assumed that 

facility footprint of the proposed processing facility will be 0.25 square miles (or 160 acres); 

construction emissions for Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 were scaled up based on the ratio of the 

proposed facility footprint divided by the Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 pad footprint (i.e., 11.8 

acres). Only emissions from the ice roads, gravel roads and pads, and facilities installation 

construction activities (both on-road motor vehicle and nonroad equipment) were used for this 

estimate. All of these construction activities at Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 occurred over a 

2-year period; it was assumed that this would also occur with the construction of the new 

processing facility. Therefore, all estimated construction emissions were multiplied by a factor of 

0.50. 

Emission estimates from operation of this facility are based on the emissions data generated for 

the Alpine Central Production Facility as described in Section III.A.3.a, scaled up to reflect the 

larger capacity of the planned Chukchi coast processing facility. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-30 

2. New Pipeline Construction and Operation 

Construction emissions for the two new pipelines to be constructed and operated to transport new 

offshore production to TAPS and the existing feeder pipelines were estimated based on 

construction emissions associated with Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 (AECOM, 2013). A total 

of 20 miles of pipeline will be built for the Beaufort Sea and 75 miles will be built for the 

Chukchi Sea. Construction emissions for Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 were scaled up based on 

the ratio of the proposed pipeline length divided by the pipeline length associated with Greater 

Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 (i.e., 8.4 miles). Only emissions from the pipelines, power lines, fiber 

optics, ice roads, and gravel roads and pads, and facilities installation construction activities 

(both on-road motor vehicle and nonroad equipment) were used for this estimate. The pipelines, 

power lines, and fiber optics construction activities occurred over a one-year period and the ice 

roads and gravel roads and pads construction activities occurred over a two-year period. It was 

assumed that this would also occur with the construction of the new processing facility. The 

estimated construction emissions for the ice roads and gravel roads and pads construction 

activities were multiplied by a factor of 0.50; the estimated construction emissions for the 

pipeline, power lines, and fiber optics construction activities were unadjusted. 

Operation emissions from the two new pipelines were estimated by scaling the TAPS operation 

emissions by the ratio of pipeline. The only TAPS operation emissions that were scaled were 

pipeline fugitives, pigging operation emissions, and on-road patrol vehicle emissions; emissions 

from other TAPS operations (i.e., aerial surveillance aircraft, natural gas supply lines (fugitives), 

and pipeline replacement and repair) were not estimated as these are not expected to increase 

with increased throughput. 

3. Liberty Island Construction and Drilling 

Liberty Island will be a self-contained offshore drilling/production facility located on a 

conventional gravel island with pipelines to shore. The island will be built in Foggy Island Bay 

in the Beaufort Sea in approximately 21 feet of water. 

The future emissions expected to be emitted by Liberty Island will be due to its construction, 

followed by drilling and production operations. These are described separately below. 

Construction emissions for Liberty Island were estimated based upon construction emissions 

associated with Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 (AECOM, 2013). Construction emissions for 

Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 were scaled up based on the ratio of the amount of gravel to be 

used for Liberty Island (i.e., 790,000 cubic yards) (BP, 2000) divided by the amount of gravel to 

be used for Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 pad footprint (i.e., 130,000 cubic yards). Only 

emissions from the ice roads, gravel roads and pads, and facilities installation construction 

activities (both on-road motor vehicle and nonroad equipment) were used for this estimate. All of 

these construction activities at Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 occurred over a two-year period; it 

was assumed that the construction of Liberty Island would follow the same timeline. Therefore, 

all estimated construction emissions were multiplied by a factor of 0.50. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-31 

The emissions estimates for the Liberty Island drilling operation were derived from the Kuparuk 

River Transportable Drilling Rigs Renewal Application (ADEC, 2012b), and the peak number of 

production wells to be drilled as provided in the BOEM scenario (BOEM, 2014b). 

The PTE data from the Kuparuk Application is for 30 wells; therefore, the per-well calculation 

for each pollutant is based off the following equation:

EPi = EM / n

where:

EPi = Production drilling emissions factor for pollutant, i (tons per well) 

EM = Emissions (tons/yr)

n = Total number of wells (30)

Example Calculation:

The projected number of wells for Kuparuk is 30 and the potential emissions for NOx are 2,664 

tons per year for nonroad engines. 

EPi = 2,664/30 

EPi = 88.8 tons/yr per well 

The BOEM AQ Scenario (BOEM, 2014b) provided an estimate of peak production well drilling 

at Liberty Island (eight wells). The projected peak drilling emissions were calculated using the 

following equation:

ELi = EPi × nLI

where:

ELi = Drilling emissions at Liberty Island for pollutant, I (tons/yr) 

EPi = Production drilling emissions factor for pollutant, i (tons per well)

nLI = Peak number of wells at Liberty Island (wells per year: eight) 

Example Calculation: 

The projected number of wells for the Liberty Island project is eight wells per year, and the perwell emissions for NOx from the Kuparuk data are 88.8 tons/yr. 

ELi = 88.8 × 8 

ELi = 710.4 tons per year for all wells at Liberty Island 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-32 

C. Airports, Aircraft, and Supply Boat Terminal 

As offshore activities increase on the North Slope, aviation is anticipated to increase 

proportionally for transporting supplies and personnel. Additional local helicopter and small 

aircraft activities are also anticipated to increase to provide necessary support to the offshore 

platforms, as well as wildlife and pipeline surveillance. This section of the projection scenario 

includes aviation-related emissions that occur in the vicinity of the airports, while the emissions 

for the aircraft and helicopters that occur at/near the drilling rigs, survey vessels, and 

construction platforms are described in Section IV.B. 

The airport emissions were projected into the future using the FAA’s Air Traffic Activity (FAA, 

2014) from the FAA’s Aerospace Forecast Fiscal Years 2012-2032. Note these activities are 

provided in terms of one LTO cycle comprising two separate operations, landings and takeoffs. 

For this study, operations were used only to develop the growth factors; to estimate aviation 

emissions, LTO data were used for airports and platforms. The FAA projection activity data 

account for changes in activity by aircraft type (commercial air carriers, air taxis, and general 

aviation). The projected aircraft-type growth factors were calculated by dividing year 2020 

national activity data (assumed to provide a conservatively high level of growth, and 

commensurate to a year that could be expected for the BOEM full-buildout scenario) by the year 

2012 national data for each aircraft type. The projected growth factors were then applied to the 

2012 emissions data for each airport based on the aircraft categories. 

The airport emissions growth factors were estimated as follows: 

GF = PA/ BA 

where: 

GF = Growth factor 

PA = Projected year activity (operations) 

BA = 2012 activity (operations) 

Example Calculation: 

Commercial aircraft has 15,432.3 operations for the projected year and 12,887.3 operations for 

2012. 

GF = 15,432.3/12,887.3 

GF = 1.1975 

The LTOs associated with offshore support helicopters were added to the FAA’s projected 

airport commercial and general aviation activities, listed in Table IV-15. This table includes 

activity for aircraft as well as APUs, which are small jet engines built into the aircraft to provide 

power and assist with engine start-up and GSE, which are nonroad engines involved in moving 

the aircraft, transferring bags and luggage, fueling activities, resupplying water and food, and 

removing waste. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-33 

Table IV-15. Projected Airport Activities 

Airport Type LTOs 

Badami 

Aircraft 270

APU 270

GSE 270

Barter Island LRRS 

Aircraft 1,919

APU 1,919

GSE 1,919

Deadhorse Aircraft 17,037

Galbraith Lake 

Aircraft 92

APU 92

GSE 92

Helmericks 

Aircraft 11

APU 11

GSE 11

Kavik River 

Aircraft 186

APU 186

GSE 186

North Kuparuk 

Aircraft 1,129

APU 1,129

GSE 1,129

Nuiqsut 

Aircraft 1,035

APU 1,035

GSE 1,035

Point Lay LRRS 

Aircraft 1,177

APU 1,177

GSE 1,177

Wainwright 

Aircraft 634

APU 634

GSE 634

Wiley Post-Will Rogers 

Aircraft 7,123

APU 7,123

GSE 7,123

Sources: FAA, 2013; BTS, 2014; U.S. EPA, 2013b 

The projected LTOs were compared to the 2012 LTOs; these growth factors were applied to the 

2012 emissions to project emissions. These emissions were assigned to the location for the 

appropriate airport. 

In support of increased aircraft activities, a number of additional facilities will need to be built, 

including the following: an Exploration Base, an Air Support Base, and a Search and Rescue 

Base. Also, a new Supply Boat Terminal will be built to support increased offshore production in 

the Chukchi Sea. ERG assumed that the Exploration Base, the Air Support Base, and the Search 

and Rescue Base will all be built as an expansion to an existing airport. It was also assumed that 

the Supply Boat Terminal was collocated with the production base processing facility, even 

though it is a separate and distinct facility. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

IV-34 

The exact size of these four facilities is not known. Because these facilities will be adjacent to 

other existing or proposed facilities, the facilities are not expected to be extremely large. The 

following facility sizes were assumed: 

• Exploration Base – 20 acres. 

• Air Support Base – 20 acres. 

• Search and Rescue Base – 15 acres. 

• Supply Boat Terminal – 10 acres. 

Construction emissions from these four facilities were based on construction emissions for 

Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1, scaled based on the ratio of the proposed facility footprint divided 

by the Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 pad footprint (i.e., 11.8 acres). Only emissions from the ice 

roads, gravel roads and pads, and facilities installation construction activities (both on-road 

motor vehicle and nonroad equipment) were used for this estimate. All of these construction 

activities at Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 occurred over a two-year period; it was assumed that 

this would also occur with the construction of these four new facilities. Therefore, all estimated 

construction emissions were multiplied by a factor of 0.50. 

D. TransAlaska Pipeline System 

The future year increased production (i.e., 200 million barrels per year) will affect some of the 

existing emissions associated with the TAPS. According to APSC statistics, the 2012 TAPS 

throughput was 200,518,907 barrels (Alyeska, 2013), so the future year increased production will 

effectively double the TAPS throughput. 

ERG assumed that the following emissions sources associated with the TAPS will increase with 

increased production throughput: pump stations, pipeline fugitives, and natural gas supply line 

fugitives. A review of five pump station inventories (i.e., 2002, 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2013) 

from ADEC’s on-line Point Source Emissions Inventory (ADEC, 2014) indicated a general trend 

of decreased pump station emissions with decreasing throughput. Conversely, increased 

throughput should result in increased emissions. Future year emissions for pump stations, 

pipeline fugitives, and natural gas supply line fugitives were estimated by doubling the 2012 

emissions. It was assumed that future year emissions did not increase for on-road patrols, aerial 

surveillance, pigging operations, and pipeline replacement and repair. 

E. Non-Oil/Gas Stationary Point and Area Sources 

With regard to the non-oil and gas sources (i.e., sources in the North Slope villages), use of 

ULSD in all equipment and vehicles is expected by 2017. Year 2012 emissions modeling of onroad motor vehicles and nonroad mobile sources was conducted using ULSD; however, a 

number of point sources (i.e., seven schools, four Air Force LRRS facilities, five power plants, 

and the Service Area 10 incinerator) and two area source categories (i.e., 

commercial/institutional fuel combustion and residential fuel combustion) used heating oil with a 

higher sulfur content (i.e., 0.25 percent or 2500 ppm). To account for the use of ULSD in these 

sources, their future year SO2 emissions will be reduced by 99.4 percent (i.e., corresponding to a 

shift from 2500 ppm sulfur content of heating oil to 15 ppm sulfur content of ULSD). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-1 

V. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL ACTIVITIES 

In preparing the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory, ERG closely followed the 

procedures outlined in the Quality Assurance Plan for Arctic Air Quality Impact Assessment 

Modeling Study: Emission Inventory. 

As outlined in the Quality Assurance Plan, ERG’s QA Coordinator conducted the following QA 

coordination and data management activities: 

• Ensured that archival procedures, backups, and alternate storage facilities were in place 

for each specific dataset developed during the study. 

• Ensured that datasets are formatted properly for use in near- and far-field modeling, and 

for use in evaluating the emissions exemption thresholds. 

• Ensured secure transfer of data files for all data from BOEM and within the ERG 

inventory. 

• Reviewed the QC procedures conducted by the ERG inventory team. 

• Ensured the data utilized were of known and high quality such that the project objectives 

and data quality objectives (DQOs) were met. 

• Audited the project files to ensure that the ERG inventory team used appropriate 

methodologies to document the data quality and the deliverable review process. 

A. Data Collection 

Development of the emissions inventory consisted of identifying onshore and offshore emissions 

source categories to be included in the inventory, and collecting, compiling, and reviewing 

secondary data such as activity data (e.g., hours of operation, fuel usage, production data) for 

each emission source category and emission factor data for each emission source. This project 

did not include collecting any primary data (e.g., source testing, surveys). The ERG inventory 

team collected and reviewed activity data and emission factor data to determine usefulness in 

developing inventory estimates for each source category. Priority was given to quantitative data 

that were reasonable, complete, and defensible. 

Data collection efforts were coordinated so that all ERG inventory team members understood the 

project goals and DQOs. Following the kickoff discussions with BOEM staff and submittal of 

the Protocol, ERG had an internal team meeting to discuss and verify data collection efforts for 

each emission source category. The ERG inventory team discussed the key data needs and 

quality requirements relating to developing the emission inventory for the BOEM Arctic 

Modeling Study and defined the procedures that would be used to identify these data. The ERG 

Project Manager confirmed that each team member had a clear understanding of the project 

objectives and deliverables and the data (and their quality) needed to support those deliverables. 

All original information gathered during the course of this project has been retained in the 

project file and includes reports, spreadsheets, databases, and other data gathered for emission 

inventory development, and all other pertinent data and information relating to this project. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-2 

B. QA/QC Activities Implemented 

After collecting and compiling the secondary data for each emission source category, the ERG 

inventory team members reviewed the data to identify missing data and outliers. In addition, the 

team attempted to verify the activity data and emission factors by replicating them from a second 

reference source. In addition, a staff member who was not involved in the initial identification 

and collection of the data independently checked each data point to verify the correct value and 

units. 

All information used to develop the emission estimates was checked and verified for 

reasonableness to the extent possible, primarily by replicating the values through independent 

sources. All calculations were checked by a second staff member who attempted to replicate the 

values by independently applying the input values and assumptions to see if the same results 

could be produced. Data that were found to be questionable were examined in greater detail to 

determine what errors might be present and what adjustments were needed. If data were revised 

or rejected, the procedures and assumptions used were thoroughly documented. The Project 

Manager and Principal Investigators (PIs) reviewed and approved all data adjustments. 

In cases where quantitative data were created, the ERG inventory team checked them to ensure 

their accuracy and reasonableness (i.e., avoiding extremely low or high values that are indicative 

of errors). Data that were found to be questionable were examined in greater detail to determine 

what errors might be present and what adjustments were needed. If data were revised, the 

procedures and assumptions used were thoroughly documented. The Project Manager and PIs 

reviewed and approved all data adjustments. All QC findings were documented in the project file 

and in this final report. 

Table V-1 summarizes the emission source categories included in the inventory, the data used to 

develop emission estimates, and the QA/QC activities implemented. 

Table V-1. Data Gathering, Emission Estimation, and QA/QC Activities Implemented 

for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory 

Source 

Category Emission Source Activity Data Activity Data Sources 

QA/QC 

Activities 

Onshore Oil 

and Gas 

Fields 

• Drilling/exploration 

• Well pads 

• Processing plants, 

gathering centers, flow 

stations 

• Support facilities 

(injection, seawater 

treatment) 

• Well production 

data 

• Well completion 

and drilling data 

• 2011 ADEC 

point source 

inventory 

• Permits and 

permit 

applications 

• 2011 NEI 

• EPA Oil and 

Gas Tool 

• Independent 

calculations 

• 10% data 

check 

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-3 

Table V-1. Data Gathering, Emission Estimation, and QA/QC Activities Implemented 

for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory (Continued) 

Source 

Category Emission Source Activity Data Activity Data Sources 

QA/QC 

Activities 

Offshore Oil 

and Gas 

Activities 

• Seismic survey vessels 

• Drilling rigs 

• Spill response vessels 

• Supply vessels 

• Tugs/barges 

• Crew boats 

• Shuttle tankers 

• Pipelaying vessels 

• Production platforms 

• Offshore vessel 

fleet 

• Active lease 

blocks 

• Survey vessel 

routes 

• Harbor 

vessel/activity 

data 

• Projected activity 

data 

• Offshore 

drilling permits 

• Seismic Survey 

Environmental 

Assessment 

• BOEM 

information 

(full-buildout 

scenario) 

• Community data 

• Arctic Council 

research plans 

• Independent 

review of 

calculations/

database 

queries 

• Comparison 

with 

comparable 

arctic data 

TAPS • Pumping stations 

• On-road patrol vehicles 

• Aerial surveillance 

aircraft 

• TAPS fugitives 

• Natural gas supply line 

fugitives 

• Pigging operations 

• Pipeline replacement 

• Survey flight 

activity data 

• Road patrol 

activity data 

• Operational 

information 

• Pigging 

measurements 

• Construction 

equipment 

activity 

• ADEC 

• APSC 

• Alyeska 

aviation 

surveillance 

data 

• Independent 

review of 

calculations/

database 

queries 

Onshore NonOil and Gas 

Sources and 

Activities 

• Commercial/institutional 

fuel combustion 

• Residential fuel 

combustion 

• On-road motor vehicles 

• Nonroad mobile sources 

• Paved road dust 

• Unpaved road dust 

• Waste burning 

• Power plants 

• Other stationary sources 

• Supply vessels 

• Research vessels 

• Fuel statistics 

• VMT 

• Vehicle/ 

equipment 

populations 

• Fuel sales and 

characteristics 

• Speed 

distribution 

• Meteorological 

data 

• Silt loading/ 

content 

• Waste quantities 

• Tribe/village 

corporation 

• ADOT&PF 

• Alaska DMV 

• NSB 

• AEA 

• Independent 

calculations 

Airports • Commercial aviation 

aircraft 

• General aviation aircraft 

• Ground support 

equipment 

• Deicing 

• Heating 

• Aircraft maintenance 

• Aviation fuel storage & 

distribution 

• Aircraft/ 

helicopter 

activity data 

• Aircraft fleet 

data 

• Deicing 

operations 

• Fuel oil 

consumed 

• Aviation fuel 

through put 

• Airport 

operators’ local 

data 

• FAA TAF data 

• EPA airport 

data 

• Helicopter 

service 

company data 

• Independent 

review of 

calculations/

database 

queries 

• Comparison 

of operator 

data with 

FAA and 

EPA data 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-4 

Table V-1. Data Gathering, Emission Estimation, and QA/QC Activities Implemented 

for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study Emissions Inventory (Continued) 

Source 

Category Emission Source Activity Data Activity Data Sources 

QA/QC 

Activities 

Oil spills • OCS pipeline spill 

• Platform spill 

• Pipeline/Platform 

throughput 

• BOEM modeled 

spill rate 

• BOEM spill 

model data 

• BOEM 

projected 

production rate 

• Independent 

review of 

calculations/

database 

queries 

• Comparison 

with 

comparable 

arctic data 

Source: ERG

1. Spreadsheets and Databases 

Electronic spreadsheets and databases developed in the project conformed to ERG’s internal 

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Each spreadsheet and database contains documentation 

of the project name, contract number, ERG internal tracking number, who prepared the sheet, 

and on what date. All spreadsheet data fields are fully and properly labeled. All assumptions, 

constants, conversion factors, equations, etc. used in the spreadsheet or database and calculations 

are clearly defined. All data are fully explained and completely transparent and reproducible. At 

least 10 percent of calculations were independently replicated to ensure accuracy. References for 

all input data parameters are provided in the spreadsheets and databases. 

2. Documentation 

The entire process used to develop the Arctic AQ Modeling Study emission inventory has been 

fully documented from start to finish. All procedures and data sources used to determine 

emission estimates are clearly and transparently presented such that BOEM can replicate any 

part of the process. Providing interim products and incorporating BOEM review comments 

enhanced the completeness and quality of the documentation in the final report. 

The results of all project QA/QC activities are conveyed in this project report in each emission 

source category section, including the QA/QC activities that were performed, the results of the 

investigations, and data corrections that were implemented to address any identified deficiencies. 

3. Peer Review 

The SRG reviewed the Emission Inventory Protocol, and their comments were addressed and 

incorporated. The SRG is concurrently reviewing the results of the draft emission inventory and 

documentation with BOEM. Responses to comments received from both the SRG and BOEM 

will be addressed within the final Arctic AQ Modeling Study emissions inventory. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-5 

In addition to the SRG, ERG used a senior technical peer reviewer to review all methods and 

results of the work. ERG’s senior peer reviewer was involved in the initial planning stages of this 

project to ensure the planned approaches were technically sound and reviewed and checked the 

quality of all final products prior to submittal to BOEM to ensure the project procedures were 

properly implemented. Editorial staff reviewed the project report to ensure its clarity and 

editorial quality. The Project Manager and PIs also reviewed and signed off on all deliverables. 

C. Blending/Merging of Sector Emissions Inventories 

Prior to developing emission estimates, ERG developed emission inventory templates for each 

sector (point, nonpoint, onroad, and nonroad). The templates presented the required and 

necessary data fields, types of data fields (e.g., text, numeric), size of the data field, assigned 

primary keys, and description. The final list of data fields also satisfies the requirements needed 

for air quality modeling in the future. ERG inventory team members populated the templates for 

their respective sectors and submitted the files to the Data Manager. Tables A-22 through A-25 

in Appendix A present these templates. 

All data were housed in a Microsoft Access database, which provided the optimal flexibility in 

data management, QA, reproducibility, and transparency. The ERG Data Manager reviewed 

every emission record to ensure that it met the requirements, as prescribed in the EI Protocol. 

Such checks included: 

• Standardizing consistent information, such as address, city, state, facility identifiers, and 

NAICS codes for the individual facilities. 

• Ensuring that each emission process had a unique SCC and not multiple SCCs per 

process. 

• Checking that the emission inventory codes used were correct. These include SCC, 

pollutant code, emissions type code, emission release type code, and control information 

codes. 

• Checking stack and fugitive parameter parameters for consistency. 

• Applying default stack and fugitive parameters for missing data. 

• Checking interrelationships of the pollutant emissions, such as ensuring that PM10 ≥

PM2.5 emissions. 

• Visually plotting point sources to ensure they reside in the designated areas of interest. 

• Comparing reported pollutants and source categories in the emissions inventory files to 

the ones listed in the EI Protocol. 

When errors or data inconsistencies were identified, the ERG Data Manager conferred with the 

applicable ERG inventory team member for resolution. All submittal files, whether used or not, 

are retained in the project file. 

The ERG Data Manager generated emission summaries and presented them to the ERG 

inventory team members to validate that the emission estimates translated correctly into the 

master database. Discrepancies that were identified were resolved. Once the emissions inventory 

files were finalized, ERG performed two additional post-processing emission estimates: 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

V-6 

• For Coarse PM, the PM2.5 emissions were subtracted from the PM10 emissions. 

• For CO2e, GWP factors were applied to the GHG pollutants as shown in the following 

equation: 

#+,-  	. /0/1	 	 /)&1

where: 

CO2e = Carbon dioxide equivalent, tons/yr 

GHGi = Mass emissions of each greenhouse gas, tons/yr 

GWPi = Global warming potential for each GHG in the inventory (IPCC, 2007) 

(CO2 = 1; CH4 = 25; N2O = 298) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-1 

VI. EMISSIONS INVENTORY RESULTS 

The emissions inventory developed using the methods and data described in this report are 

summarized in the following tables and figures. Inventory uncertainties and recommendations 

for future improvements to the emissions inventory also are discussed. 

A. Baseline Emissions Inventory 

Tables VI-1, VI-2, and VI-3 summarize the baseline emissions inventory for CAP, GHGs, and 

other pollutants (i.e., HAP, H2S, and NH3), respectively. In the baseline emissions inventory, 

offshore sources include emissions from seismic survey vessels, drilling rigs, and survey/drilling 

support aircraft and vessels; CMV; and, research vessels. Onshore sources include oil and gas 

activities (i.e., seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and oil and gas production); airports, 

aircraft, and GSE; TAPS; and non-oil and gas related stationary and mobile sources. 

These tables show that emissions from onshore sources in the baseline inventory are much larger 

(i.e., by two orders of magnitude for most pollutants) than emissions from offshore sources. This 

result is not unexpected given that the offshore sources that operated during this time were 

limited to a very small number of sources as compared to the onshore sources. 

Table VI-1. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Sector 

Pollutant 

NOx SO2 VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 Pb 

Offshore 1,816.3 38.2 106.0 248.6 35.8 27.2 0.005

Onshore 45,733.9 1,235.2 2,886.1 14,001.9 35,643.9 4,770.8 0.325

Total 47,550.2 1,273.3 2,992.0 14,250.5 35,679.7 4,798.0 0.330

Table VI-2. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) 

Sector Pollutant 

CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e

a

Offshore 139,982.5 0.8 6.5 141,932.6

Onshore 13,567,667.1 8,791.9 29.1 13,796,134.6

Total 13,707,649.6 8,792.7 35.6 13,938,067.2

a Calculated using GWPs from IPCC (IPCC, 2007).

Table VI-3. Summary of Baseline Emissions – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Sector 

Pollutant

HAP H2S NH3

Offshore 18.1 0.0 0.7

Onshore 390.2 16.4 4.4

Total 408.4 16.4 5.2
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-2 

Figures VI-1 through VI-6 provide the relative contributions of various sources to the baseline 

emissions inventory for selected CAPs, CO2e, and HAPs, respectively. These figures show that 

onshore oil and gas sources are the largest contributors to the baseline emissions inventory. In 

particular, onshore oil and gas sources are the predominant sources of NOx and CO2e in the 

inventory (i.e., two orders of magnitude larger than other sources). Unpaved road dust 

contributes over 96 percent of the total PM10 emissions, and about 70 percent of the total PM2.5 

emissions. A few other sources are also significant, including other nonroad vehicles/equipment 

(VOC and HAPs); waste incineration, combustion, and landfills (VOC); and onroad gasoline 

trucks (HAPs). 

Figure VI-1. Baseline Emissions by Source – NOx 

Figure VI-2. Baseline Emissions by Source – VOC 

44,134.9

1,142.1

531.1

503.2 471.8

767.0

NOx(tons/yr)

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Oil and Gas - Offshore

Other Facilities

Research Vessels

Electricity Generating 

Facilities

All Other

2,132.8

393.8

144.6

124.0

196.9

VOC (tons/yr)

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Other Nonroad

Waste Incineration, 

Combustion, and Landfills

Onroad Gasoline Trucks

All Other
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-3 

Figure VI-3. Baseline Emissions by Source – PM10 

Figure VI-4. Baseline Emissions by Source – PM2.5 

34,255.8

1,216.6 98.9 108.4

PM10 (tons/yr)

Unpaved Roads

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Waste Incineration, 

Combustion, and Landfills

All Other

3,425.0

1,183.0

98.9 91.2

PM2.5 (tons/yr)

Unpaved Roads

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Waste Incineration, 

Combustion, and Landfills

All Other
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-4 

Figure VI-5. Baseline Emissions by Source – CO2e 

Figure VI-6. Baseline Emissions by Source – HAPs 

Table VI-4 shows the baseline emissions inventory for the onshore oil and gas sector, by source 

category. This table provides the total emission (tons/yr) by pollutant and source category within 

the onshore oil and gas sector, as well as the percentage of the total pollutant emissions 

contributed by each source category. As can be seen, production accounts for the majority of 

emissions generated within the sector. 

13,500,103.8

96,841.1

66,481.8

56,505.5 53,623.4

164,511.6

CO2e (tons/yr)

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Oil and Gas - Offshore

Other Facilities

Residential Heating

Electricity Generating 

Facilities

All Other

187.6

120.6

33.9

32.0

12.3

22.0

HAPs (tons/yr)

Oil and Gas - Onshore

Other Nonroad

Onroad Gasoline Trucks

Waste Incineration, 

Combustion, and Landfills

Oil and Gas - Offshore

All Other
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-5 

Table VI-4. Selected Baseline Emissions from Onshore Oil and Gas, by Source Category 

Pollutant 

Exploratory 

Drilling 

Oil and Gas 

Production 

Seismic Survey 

Equipment Total 

NOx

Tons/yr 1,388.2 42,260.1 144.1 43,792.4

Percent of Total 3% 97% <1% 100%

SO2

Tons/yr 42.1 1,049.0 9.5 1,100.6

Percent of Total 4% 95% 1% 100%

VOC 

Tons/yr 354.2 1,707.2 2.7 2,064.1

Percent of Total 17% 83% <1% 100%

CO

Tons/yr 318.0 8,967.5 31.0 9,316.5

Percent of Total 3% 96% <1% 100%

PM10

Tons/yr 19.0 1,168.6 10.1 1,197.7

Percent of Total 2% 98% <1% 100%

CO2e 

Tons/yr 108,823.1 13,185,512.4 5,390.1 13,299,725.6

Percent of Total <1% 99% <1% 100%

HAP 

Tons/yr 16.4 168.6 0.1 185.1

Percent of Total 9% 91% <1% 100%

B. Emissions Inventory Projections 

Tables VI-5, VI-6, and VI-7 summarize the emissions inventory projections for the CAPs, 

GHGs, and other pollutants (i.e., HAPs, H2S, and NH3), respectively. These tables show 

projection emissions for the offshore sources based on BOEM “fully built out” scenario (BOEM, 

2014b), and for the onshore sources reasonably expected to occur and that are affected by 

increased offshore production and exclusive use of ULSD fuel in selected onshore point and area 

sources. The BOEM scenario, along with the methods, data and assumptions used to estimate the 

projections are described in detail in Section IV of this report. 

Note that the projected emissions described in this section do not represent the total future year 

projected emissions. The projected emissions include only those sources and activities that are 

expected to change (i.e., increase or decrease) in the future. Furthermore, the future year 

projected emissions should not simply be added to the 2012 emissions of the sources that are not 

expected to change to calculate total future year emissions because onshore oil and gas emissions 

from existing facilities, and emissions from construction and operation emissions from new 

facilities will likely not all occur during the same year. Future work by ERG and ENVIRON to 

be conducted during the modeling phase of the BOEM Arctic AQ study will define which 

specific sources should be modeled to determine future air quality impacts; at that time, the total 

future year inventory will be calculated. 

These tables show that the emissions projected for the offshore sources are distributed nearly 

equally across sources anticipated to operate in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the future. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-6 

Table VI-5. Summary of Emissions Projections – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Sector 

Pollutant 

NOx SO2 VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 Pb 

Offshore – Beaufort Sea 7,474.2 561.3 417.8 1,484.6 174.5 144.5 0.017

Offshore – Chukchi Sea 6,961.9 768.5 353.1 1,528.5 173.2 149.7 0.013

Onshorea 17,067.9 341.5 894.1 7,407.7 952.7 879.2 0.105

Total 31,504.0 1,671.3 1,665.0 10,420.8 1,300.4 1,173.4 0.135

a

Includes only emissions from new sources and from sources expected to change under the projection 

scenario (i.e., future new oil and gas production facilities; new pipelines; Liberty (gravel) Island; airports, 

aircraft and supply boat terminal; TAPS; and certain non-oil and gas stationary point and area sources). 

Table VI-6. Summary of Emissions Projections – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) 

Sector 

Pollutant

CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e

a

Offshore – Beaufort Sea 1,293,500.1 52,375.3 181.9 2,657,097.2

Offshore – Chukchi Sea 1,532,252.9 73,618.2 242.4 3,444,957.2

Onshoreb 18,359,826.6 26,601.4 76.8 19,047,753.7

Total 21,185,579.6 152,594.8 501.2 25,149,808.2

a Calculated using GWPs from IPCC (IPCC, 2007).

b

Includes only emissions from new sources and from sources expected to change under the projection 

scenario (i.e., future new oil and gas production facilities; new pipelines; Liberty (gravel) Island; airports, 

aircraft and supply boat terminal; TAPS; and certain non-oil and gas stationary point and area sources).

Table VI-7. Summary of Emissions Projections – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Sector 

Pollutant

HAP H2S NH3

Offshore – Beaufort Sea 68.3 0 2.3

Offshore – Chukchi Sea 55.9 0 1.8

Onshorea71.9 0 0.002

Total 196.1 0 4.1

a

Includes only emissions from new sources and from sources expected to change under the 

projection scenario (i.e., future new oil and gas production facilities; new pipelines; Liberty 

(gravel) Island; airports, aircraft and supply boat terminal; TAPS; and certain non-oil and gas 

stationary point and area sources). 

Tables VI-8, VI-9, and VI-10 show the projected offshore emissions by source for the CAPs, 

GHGs, and other pollutants (i.e., HAPs, H2S, and NH3), respectively. The largest contributors to 

the projected offshore emissions are platform operation, resupply of drilling vessels, pipelaying 

activities, production support, and drilling vessels. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-7 

Table VI-8. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant 

NOx SO2 VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 Pb 

Survey Operations 553.8 0.5 28.3 62.9 8.6 6.3 0.001

Exploratory Drilling 6,550.8 12.3 442.1 1,043.2 138.3 102.2 0.021

Pipelaying and Support Vessels 1,705.1 1.0 87.0 191.4 26.3 19.3 0.004

Platform Construction 537.9 0.6 30.5 62.5 14.0 10.3 0.002

Platform Operations and 

Support Vessels 5,061.7 1,306.0 181.7 1,650.1 159.0 154.8 0.002

Spills 26.8 9.4 1.2 3.1 1.5 1.3 0.0002

Total 14,436.1 1,329.9 770.9 3,013.1 347.7 294.3 0.031

Table IV-9. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant

CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e

a

Survey Operations 36,805.3 0.2 1.7 37,332.2

Exploratory Drilling 572,142.2 3.5 27.0 580,393.1

Pipelaying and Support Vessels 112,413.0 0.7 5.4 114,037.8

Platform Construction 60,024.7 0.4 2.9 60,890.4

Platform Operations and Support Vessels 2,042,439.1 125,988.7 387.3 5,307,451.6

Spills 1,928.6 0.0 0.1 1,949.3

Total 2,825,753.0 125,993.5 424.4 6,102,054.4

a Calculated using GWPs from IPCC (IPCC, 2007). 

Table VI-10. Offshore Emissions Projections by Source – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant

HAP H2S NH3

Survey Operations 4.8 0 0.2

Exploratory Drilling 75.5 0 2.7

Pipelaying and Support Vessels 14.8 0 0.5

Platform Construction 5.2 0 0.3

Platform Operations and Support Vessels 23.6 0 0.3

Spills 0.2 0 0.03

Total 124.2 0 4.1

Tables VI-11, VI-12, and VI-13 show the projected onshore emissions by source for the CAPs, 

GHGs, and other pollutants (i.e., HAPs, H2S, and NH3), respectively. The largest contributors to 

the projected onshore emissions are the new oil and gas production facilities (i.e., CD-5 Satellite 

at Alpine, Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1, Point Thomson Production Facility, and the new 

Chukchi Sea Processing Facility). 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-8 

Table VI-11. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Criteria Air Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant 

NOx SO2 VOC CO PM10 PM2.5 Pb 

New oil and gas production facilities 13,425.3 207.3 541.9 3,431.9 729.1 703.1 

New pipelines 713.1 1.4 55.7 398.4 98.1 53.4 

Liberty (gravel) Island 1,271.9 92.2 83.0 442.1 41.8 41.1 0.001

Airports, aircraft, supply boat 

terminal 391.1 10.3 44.5 510.0 26.6 25.3 0.103

TAPs fugitives 685.1 24.3 137.3 2,435.3 37.9 37.6 0.0004

Selected non-oil/gas stationary 

point and area sources 581.4 5.8 31.7 189.9 19.2 18.8 0.0003

Total 17,067.9 341.5 894.1 7,407.7 952.7 879.2 0.105

Table VI-12. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Greenhouse Gases (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant

CO2 CH4 N2O CO2e

a

New oil and gas production facilities 17,344,350.1 19,654.2 37.4 17,846,864.2

New pipelines 164,394.5 2.5 3.5 165,487.9

Liberty (gravel) Island 230,215.6 6,792.6 22.6 406,763.7

Airports, aircraft, supply boat terminal 94,151.0 1.1 1.4 94,599.1

TAPs fugitives 396,815.3 34.2 10.1 400,677.5

Selected non-oil/gas stationary point and area sources 129,900.1 116.8 1.8 133,361.3

Total 18,359,826.6 26,601.4 76.8 19,047,753.7

a Calculated using GWPs from IPCC (IPCC, 2007).

Table VI-13. Onshore Emissions Projections by Source – Other Pollutants (tons/yr) 

Source 

Pollutant

HAP H2S NH3

New oil and gas production facilities 49.7 0 

New pipelines 4.4 0 0.002

Liberty (gravel) Island 4.1 0 

Airports, aircraft, supply boat terminal 7.6 0 

TAPs fugitives 5.0 0 

Selected non-oil/gas stationary point and area sources 1.2 0 

Total 71.9 0 0.002
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-9 

C. Emissions Inventory Uncertainty 

There are uncertainties associated with the emission estimation methods for the sources 

addressed in the baseline emissions inventory, as well as in the emissions inventory projections. 

Overall, the use of emission factors combined with activity data (e.g., amount of fuel combusted, 

vessel activity kW-hrs, aircraft travel distances, etc.) results in an approximate estimate of 

emissions, and does not reflect actual emissions with the same accuracy that direct source tests 

would yield. In the absence of direct source test data, other limitations are due to the availability 

of source-specific data, such that surrogate data from similar sources is needed to ensure 

completeness of the inventory in terms of sources covered and pollutants included. If the 

surrogate data selected are not fully representative of the intended sources, uncertainty is 

introduced. In using surrogate data, uncertainty also arises based on the assumptions that must be 

made in order for the inventory to be complete. 

1. Baseline Emissions Inventory Uncertainty and Recommendations 

The following discussion highlights some key uncertainties in the data and emission estimation 

methods used to estimate the baseline emissions inventory for the Arctic AQ Modeling Study. 

In terms of priority, the sources that contribute the greatest emissions to the total baseline 

inventory (by pollutant) are the onshore sources, as follows: 

• Oil and gas production (greatest NOx, VOC, SO2, CO, CO2e, and HAP emissions). 

• Unpaved road dust reentrainment (greatest PM10 and PM2.5 emissions). 

The remainder of this discussion focuses on the uncertainties associated with estimating 

emissions from these most important sources, and makes several recommendations to help 

address these uncertainties in the future. ERG also provides a listing of uncertainties associated 

with the smaller sources. 

a. Onshore Oil and Gas Production

The NEI is the best source of data to estimate emissions from onshore oil and gas production 

sources, although the NEI does not include smaller units at covered sources (i.e., Title V 

permitted facilities). Permit data were available for these smaller units; however, for all 

pollutants except HAPs and PM2.5, estimates for these pollutants were developed using HAP and 

PM2.5 data for larger emission units reported under the NEI. The NEI also does not include nonTitle V facilities operating on the North Slope. Emissions for these sources were estimated by 

analyzing emissions and equipment data for the larger facilities in the NEI, combined with 

detailed information available in permits and permit applications for the non-Title V facilities. 

Neither the NEI nor the ADEC permits or permit applications include emissions from 

compressor seals and fugitive equipment leaks. However, emissions from these sources are 

reported under the GHGRP, and so the GHGRP CH4 estimates were used to estimate VOC and 

HAP emissions. Finally, no North Slope oil fields data were available to estimate emissions from 

mud degassing; therefore, emission estimates were taken from EPA’s Nonpoint Oil and Gas 

Emission Estimation Tool. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-10 

Recommendations for alleviating these uncertainties in future versions of the emissions 

inventory for onshore oil and gas production include the following: 

• Evaluate emissions data submitted to ADEC for 2014 to determine if source type 

coverage has been expanded (particularly for drilling sources given pending renewal of 

several Title V drilling permits). 

• Conduct additional research on mud degassing emissions to obtain North Slope-specific 

data. 

• Contact North Slope operators to assess current GHGRP emissions data and coverage of 

sources/facilities as GHGRP reporting requirements change. 

b. Unpaved Road Dust Reentrainment

An important source of uncertainty associated with unpaved road dust is the lack of robust local 

silt and moisture content samples for the North Slope villages. A single measured silt content 

value of 25 percent measured on the Dalton Highway and a default moisture content value of 0.5 

percent was used to estimate unpaved road dust emissions. Examination of the empirical 

unpaved road dust emission estimation equations indicates a linear relationship between silt 

content and the estimated emission factor. A 20 percent increase in silt content (i.e., from 25 

percent to 30 percent) increases the unpaved road dust emission factor by 20 percent; likewise, a 

20 percent decrease in silt content (i.e., from 25 percent to 20 percent) decreases the unpaved 

road dust emission factor by 20 percent. The relationship between moisture content and the 

estimated emission factors is inversely related and smaller than for silt content. A 20 percent 

increase in moisture content (i.e., from 0.5 percent to 0.6 percent) decreases the unpaved road 

dust emission factor by almost 4 percent, while a 20 percent decrease in moisture content (i.e., 

from 0.5 percent to 0.4 percent) increases the unpaved road dust emission factor by slightly more 

than 4 percent. 

To address these uncertainties, ERG recommends that silt and moisture content sampling be 

conducted in the North Slope villages following the sampling procedures detailed in Appendix 

C.1 and C.2 of U.S. EPA’s AP-42 (U.S. EPA, 1995). Sampling should be conducted during time 

periods without measurable precipitation and residual snow/ice cover (i.e., primarily during the 

summer). Additional care should be taken to ensure that representative sampling is conducted 

with consideration of local traffic patterns, periodic road grading, and community dust control 

efforts. 

c. Other Emissions Inventory Uncertainties

Uncertainties associated with the development of the offshore emission estimates for oil/gas 

related sources stem from the assumptions made for seismic surveys regarding the operating load 

factors. In addition, information on exploratory drilling operations in the Beaufort Sea was 

incomplete; Chukchi Sea drilling permit data were used to gap fill for the missing Beaufort Sea 

information. Also, additional vessels not covered under the drilling permit were not included in 

this inventory because details concerning these vessels were not available. These additional 

vessels were brought in to assist with problems the drilling teams encountered during 2012. 

Assumptions were also made for seismic survey and exploratory drilling activities related to 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-11 

helicopters and wildlife surveillance aircraft used, frequency of trips, and flying times. 

Uncertainties in offshore non-oil/gas related source emission estimates are due to the 

incompleteness of data. The AIS data obtained from the Marine Exchange of Alaska were 

specific to the ports vessels visited – it did not include activities outside the port area. More 

specific data are needed to estimate CMV monthly vessel movement to reduce the uncertainty 

associated with the estimated time at sea. Increased time spent at sea due to storms or delays 

associated with rough sea or ice encounters are not reflected in the emission estimates. For 

research vessels, limited data were found to support assumptions made for time spent and 

operating loads during maneuvering, cruising, and at-sea operations. 

Ways to improve the data used to estimate emissions from these offshore sources include the 

following: 

• Request information from Shell to better identify vessel characteristics for the additional 

vessels used in the baseline inventory. 

• Obtain detailed satellite monitoring automatic identification system data for Chukchi and 

Beaufort Seas for support vessels. (This also would improve the estimates for CMV and 

research vessels.) 

• (In the future) use information provided by operators in their “operational plans” required 

to be submitted to BOEM prior to initiating any seismic survey and exploratory drilling 

operations, pipelaying activities, platform construction, and oil and natural gas 

production. This includes consideration of potential increases in time at sea due to 

incremental weather, and mitigation of unforeseen problems encountered. These data can 

be used to update the activity data in the inventory. 

With regard to the North Slope onshore oil and gas seismic survey equipment, this analysis 

considered one project that was similar in scope and size to the most recent active permit for onice survey work (permitted and conducted in 2014) (BOEM, 2014a). For onshore exploratory 

drilling, large drilling rig engines are treated as nonroad engines for purposes of reporting to the 

NEI, and therefore are not subject to the NEI emissions reporting requirements. Drilling rig 

combustion estimates were scaled up based on a comparison of GHGRP emissions data (for 

drilling rig engines) and detailed permit application data for one facility. Uncertainty in the well 

completion estimates is also due to the lack of information. Emission estimates for well 

completions were developed by multiplying the estimates for well completions in one facility 

permit application by the ratio of total North Slope well completions.

Uncertainty in the emissions estimates for the airports may occur due to inaccuracies in the 

available LTO data, time in mode assumptions, and appropriate matching of aircraft to engines. 

Use of local LTO and time in mode data ensures that the best available data were used to develop 

these estimates. Additionally, none of the airport operators provided data on secondary emissions 

sources such as aircraft fuel distribution and refueling and aircraft maintenance. Ground support 

equipment emissions were based on equipment profiles built into FAA’s EDMS, which may 

over- or under-estimate actual equipment populations used at these airports. Very small facilities 

extracted from the 2011 NEI, were based on regression analysis of anticipated air traffic; actual 

activity levels may be different than what the analysis indicates. Ways to improve the data used 

to estimate emissions from these sources include the following: 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-12 

• Visit airports and landing strips to obtain detailed information about refueling, 

maintenance operations, and building heating. 

• Obtain actual flight plans for aircraft and helicopter operations associated with offshore 

oil and gas support. 

With regard to the TAPS emissions, detailed fugitive equipment counts (e.g., valves, pump seals, 

connectors, flanges, open-ended lines, pressure relief valves, compressors, meters, etc.) were not 

available; therefore, national production-based emission factors were obtained from IPCC 

(IPCC, 2006). These factors were applied to the 2012 TAPS crude oil throughput to estimate 

VOC, CO2, and CH4 emissions, and the calculated emissions were scaled by the ratio of the 

TAPS pipeline miles within the North Slope to national crude oil pipeline miles. Similarly, 

assumptions and surrogate data were needed to develop estimates for pigging operations and 

TAPS patrol vehicles. With the exception of the pump station emissions, which are included in 

the NEI, all of the emission estimates associated with TAPS operations should be considered to 

be fairly uncertain due to the inability to obtain detailed information to accurately estimate 

emissions. Although engineering judgment and reasonable assumptions were used to estimate 

these emissions, detailed information would provide more certain estimates. 

For non-oil and gas stationary sources, uncertainties in the village industrial and commercial/ 

institution fuel combustion emission estimates stem from lack of information on the reported fuel 

use between stationary sources and mobile sources. While some fuel is used in community 

buildings, other fuel is used for on-road motor vehicles and nonroad equipment. It was assumed 

that all NSB fuel quantities were used by on-road motor vehicles and nonroad equipment and 

none were used in commercial/institution fuel combustion. For the on-road sources, emission 

estimates for other villages were developed by scaling the estimated Barrow emissions based on 

population, because the number of vehicles was not available. In addition, the quality of the onroad emission estimates is limited based on the assumption made concerning vehicle idling. 

Also, nonroad vehicle and equipment emissions estimates are uncertain because the quantity of 

nonroad fuel use is directly linked with the quantity of on-road motor vehicle fuel use. Ways to 

improve the data used to estimate emissions from these sources include: 

• Further analyze NSB invoice data to attempt to disaggregate fuel use between community 

buildings, on-road motor vehicles, and nonroad equipment. 

• Continue research regarding amount of on-road motor vehicle idling. 

2. Projection Emissions Inventory Uncertainty and Recommendations 

Future year emissions were estimated for the sources and activities that are reasonably 

foreseeable and expected to continue for an extended period of time and reflect BOEM’s future 

full build-out scenario (BOEM, 2014b). In terms of priority, the sources that contribute the 

greatest emissions to the projected emissions inventory (by pollutant) are the following: 

• New oil and gas production facilities (high NOx, VOC, CO, PM10, PM2.5 and CO2e 

emissions) 

• Offshore exploratory drilling, and platform operations and support vessels (high NOx, 

SO2 and VOC emissions) 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-13 

The remainder of this discussion focuses on the uncertainties associated with estimating 

emissions from these most important sources. 

It is important to note that there is an “inherent” uncertainty in emissions projections due to the 

fact that future conditions that will affect emissions cannot be known with certainty. The best 

approach to projecting emissions involves accounting for as many variables that will affect 

future emissions as possible, and documenting those variables well so that adjustments can be 

made if necessary. This report should be used during the modeling phase of the Arctic AQ 

Modeling study to help interpret the modeling results made using the projected inventory. 

a. New Onshore Oil and Gas Production Facilities

Uncertainty related to the projected emission estimates associated with the proposed onshore oil 

and gas facilities described in Section IV primarily involves the planned Chukchi coast 

processing production base facility. The other three projected facilities (Greater Moose’s Tooth 

Unit 1, Point Thomson Production Facility, and CD-5 Satellite at Alpine) have all entered into 

the permitting process, and potential (and permitted) emissions data for these facilities are 

available in the public record. While these facilities are not yet operational, it is unlikely there 

will be major changes in the capacity or design of these facilities moving forward. 

In contrast, there are no data or permitting documents available indicating the size, unit types, or 

controls that may be put in place at the proposed Chukchi coast production facility. Given that 

the projected throughput of the Chukchi facility is equivalent to the total North Slope oil 

production in 2012, it is likely that it will be the largest of its kind in operation on the North 

Slope once it reaches capacity. Until a permit application is submitted or more is known about 

the design of this facility, a great degree of uncertainty will remain concerning expected 

emission levels.

The primary sources of uncertainty associated with projected construction activities of new 

production facilities, new pipelines, Liberty Island, and aircraft and supply boat facilities is 

unknown facility size and the use of construction activity emissions from Greater Moose’s Tooth 

Unit 1 as a basis for extrapolation. The size of the planned Chukchi coast processing production 

base facility was estimated based on a reasonable size compared to the largest existing facility in 

the North Slope (i.e., Alpine Central Production Facility); the size of four other support facilities 

near the Chukchi Sea (i.e., the Exploration Base, Air Support Base, Search and Rescue Base, and 

Supply Boat Terminal) was estimated based on the assumption of co-location with the 

processing production base facility or an existing airport. Estimated construction emissions for 

relevant construction activities (i.e., pipelines, power lines, fiber optics, ice roads, gravel 

roads/pads, and facilities installation) from Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 were scaled based 

upon proposed pipeline length, gravel quantity, and pad footprint size; uncertainty in these three 

parameters will contribute to emissions uncertainty. In addition, it was assumed that the 

construction activities from Greater Moose’s Tooth Unit 1 are comparable to the projected 

construction activities. To the extent that the construction activities are not comparable, then 

additional emissions uncertainty will be introduced. 

The uncertainties associated with the projected emissions from the onshore production facilities 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-14 

are likely to remain in place until additional data become available. In particular, for the three 

facilities that have been permitted to construct (or that have permit and permit application data 

available), once they become operational and receive operating permits, their final emissions 

“cap” will be known and they will likely be required to submit actual annual emission estimates 

to the permitting authority. More importantly, no data are currently available regarding the 

design of the proposed Chukchi coast processing production base facility. An initial construction 

permit application for this facility will be extremely beneficial to inform the projected emissions 

inventory. 

b. Offshore Exploratory Drilling, and Platform Operations and Support Vessels

The offshore projection emissions inventory represents a single future year under BOEM’s “full 

build-out” scenario. As such, these estimates should be considered conservatively high. 

Uncertainties exist due to several reasons, including: 

• Assumptions of the number of support and scout vessels (for surveys, exploratory 

drilling, platform construction, production platforms, and pipelaying). 

• Surrogates used for vessel characteristics, and the number of helicopter trips (for surveys, 

exploratory drilling, platform construction, and production platforms). 

• Assumptions made for all vessel power rating and load factors, dredging vessel operating 

hours, and surrogate dredging vessels (for pipelaying). 

• Assumed gravity based structures used Hibernian as surrogate and adjusted downward 

for Arctic conditions (for platform construction). 

• Surrogate data used from a platform in Cook Inlet (for platform production). 

Three of the largest projected offshore emission sources include drilling, pipelaying, and 

production platforms. One of the elements used to calculate vessel emissions is the power rating 

of the vessels used in these activities. To help understand uncertainty associated with drill ships 

and pipe laying vessels, Table VI-14 shows the variance of vessel power ratings for the global 

fleet. 

Table VI-14. Variances in Vessel Power Ratings 

Vessel Type

Values used in the 

Inventory 

Projections (kW)

Total Engine kW

Minimum Maximum

Drilling Ship 44,532 254 54,000

Pipe Burying Vessel 16,981 2,795 22,505

Pipe Layer Crane Vessel 67,200 1,074 67,200

Source: IHS, 2013

As Table VI-14 indicates, the surrogate vessels used in this report’s projections tend to be some 

of the larger, if not largest vessels, in the fleet, such that actual future emissions may be less than 

estimates developed for this study, if vessels with smaller total power are used. 

As discussed previously, the production platform projected emissions for the Chukchi and 

Beaufort Seas were based on other larger platforms in the Cook Inlet. Therefore, to inform the 

uncertainties in using the Cook Inlet data, ERG compared the variance between the various Cook 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VI-15 

Inlet platforms for NOx, SO2, and VOC emissions; see Table VI-15. The “Average Values” in 

the table are the values used for the production platform emissions projections. For some of the 

processes, there is only one reported value, therefore the minimum, average, and maximum 

values are the same. 

Table VI-15. Comparison of Platform Production Emissions Data 

 Pollutant 

Emissions per Well (tons/yr)

Minimum Average Maximum

Large Bore Diesel Engine NOx 0.001 0.059 0.116 

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 million Btu/hr NOx 0.070 0.073 0.077 

Natural Gas Production Flares NOx 0.078 0.103 0.136 

Natural Gas Turbine Engine NOx 4.734 6.161 9.319 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine NOx 0.150 0.313 0.683 

Large Bore Diesel Engine SO2 0.005 0.005 0.005 

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 million Btu/hr SO2 0.023 0.091 0.128 

Natural Gas Production Flares SO2 0.066 0.169 0.253 

Natural Gas Turbine Engine SO2 0.003 1.907 3.366 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine SO2 0.000 0.007 0.014 

Large Bore Diesel Engine VOC 0.003 0.003 0.003 

Natural Gas Boiler, < 10 million Btu/hr VOC 0.004 0.004 0.004 

Natural Gas Production Flares VOC 0.072 0.096 0.126 

Natural Gas Turbine Engine VOC 0.042 0.054 0.067 

Reciprocating Diesel Engine VOC 0.012 0.023 0.045 

Glycol Dehydrator VOC 0.036 0.036 0.036 

Note: emissions have been normalized relative to each platform’s well count. 

Source: ADEC, 2013 

As shown in Table IV-15, natural gas turbines have the largest range of NOx and SO2 emissions, 

which could be due to operating differences in temperature or fuel sulfur content. Reciprocating 

diesel engines have the largest relative variance for NOx and VOC, which may be to due to the 

variety of diesel engines on the platforms that are being used in different applications. 

Uncertainty associated with these estimates can be addressed in the future when 

Beaufort/Chukchi platform operators apply for air quality permits. During the application 

process, they will be required to document the actual equipment to be used and the hours of 

operation, which can be used to estimate emissions for those platforms (instead of using Cook 

Inlet platform data). Studies to validate emissions such as testing and data logging of activity, 

throughput, and operating load will also be needed to more accurately assess emissions from the 

future Beaufort/Chukchi platforms. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

VII-1 

VII. REFERENCES 

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Environmental Conservation. December 2. 

ADEC, 2012b. Title V Permit Renewal Application: Transportable Drilling Rigs, 

ConocoPhillips, Alaska Inc. (May). 

ADEC, 2013. Air Permits, Approvals & Public Notices. Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation, Division of Air Quality. Internet address: 

http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/AirPermitsApprovalsAndPublicNotices. 

ADEC, 2014. Point Source Emissions Inventory. Internet address: 

http://dec.alaska.gov/Applications/Air/airtoolsweb/PointSourceEmissionInventory/. 

ADL&WD, 2013. Alaska Population Overview – 2012 Estimates. Alaska Department of Labor 

& Workforce Development, Juneau, Alaska (November). Internet address: 

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ADNR, 2014. State Pipeline Coordinator’s Office, North Slope Pipelines. Alaska Department of 

Natural Resources. Internet address: http://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pco/northslopepipelines.htm.

ADOT&PF, 2013. Northern Region Annual Traffic Volume Report 2010-2012. Alaska 

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Northern Region, Fairbanks, Alaska. Internet 

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0_2012.pdf. 

ADOT&PF, 2014. 2012 Northern Region Traffic Map – Barrow. Alaska Department of 

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AP, 2013. Trans Alaska Pipeline System FactBook, 2013. Alyeska Pipeline. Internet address: 

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Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Alaska OCS Region (October). Internet address: 

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BOEM, 2012c. Alaska Region Seismic Survey 12-01, U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of 

Ocean Energy Management (November 21). Internet address: http://www.boem.gov/AboutBOEM/BOEM-Regions/Alaska-Region/Resource-Evaluation/Permits/12_01/index.aspx 

BOEM, 2013. TGS 2013 Geophysical Seismic Survey, Chukchi Sea, Alaska – Environmental 

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Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Alaska OCS Region (July). Internet address: 

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BOEM, 2014b. AQScenarioSummary-rev.docx. Provided by H. Crowley, U.S. Department of the 

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Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-1 

APPENDIX A TECHNICAL REPORT: SUPPORTING DATA FOR 

ARCTIC AIR QUALITY STUDY EMISSIONS INVENTORY 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-2 

Table A-1. 2012 Activity Data by Source for the Chukchi Drilling Site 

Vessel Units Days Hr per Day Total Hours Engine Units kW-hr Lo

Discoverer 

Propulsion 53.00 24 1272 13,288 kW 10,141,397 

Generation 53.00 24 1272 4,916 kW 5,002,629 Emergency Generator 53.00 2 106 0 kW 0 MLC Compressor 8.83 24 212 1,305 kW 221,327 Cranes 26.50 24 636 1,383 kW 703,821 Cement/Logging 19.88 24 477 2,163 kW 825,235 MLC HPUs 53.00 24 1272 21,477 kW 21,854,497 Seldom Used Units 53.00 24 1272 Heaters and Boilers 0.88 24 21.2 16 mBtu/hr Incinerator 48.58 5 242.9 276 lb/hr 

Ice Management Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 19.88 24 477 37,816 kW 10,822,996 

Heaters and Boilers 17.67 24 424 895 Kw 303,535 Seldom Used Units 26.50 24 636 Incinerator 19.88 24 477 308 lb/hr 

Anchor Handler 

Propulsion and Generation 19.88 24 477 22,140 kW 6,336,523 

Heaters and Boilers 26.50 24 636 Seldom Used Units 26.50 24 636 Incinerator 19.88 24 477 308 lb/hr 

Resupply Ship* - transport 

mode Propulsion and Generation 10.60 1 10.6 

2,983 kW 18,971 

0 kW 0 

Resupply Ship* - 

Dynamic Positioning 

mode 

Propulsion and Generation 3.53 24 84.8 

2,983 kW 151,767 

0 kW 0 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-3 

Table A-1. 2012 Activity Data by Source for the Chukchi Drilling Site (Continued) 

Vessel Units Days Hr per Day Total Hours Engine Units kW-hr Lo

OSR Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 53.00 24 1272 7,600 kW 5,800,548 

Seldom Used Units 53.00 24 1272 Incinerator 53.00 24 1272 308 lb/hr 

OSR Work Boats Propulsion and Generation 53.00 24 1272 44,443 kW 33,919,226 

* Permit Data said two ships were possible. Therefore both ships were used but each but shared the activity equally with half the hours. 

Sources: Shell, 2013; IHS, 2014; Wilson et al., 2014. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-4 

Table A-2. 2012 Activity Data by Source for the Beaufort Drilling Site 

Vessel Units Days Hr per Day Total Hours Engine Units kW-hr Load 

Aivig Propulsion 29.00 24 696 16,240 kW 6,781,824 0.6 See 

Auxiliary 29.00 2 58 1,080 kW 50,112 0.8 See 

Kulluk 

Electricity Generation 29.00 24 696 7,719 kW 4,298,209 0.8 Exp

Emergency Generator 29.00 2 58 781 kW 36,227 0.8 ExpMLC Air Compressor 4.83 24 116 1,119 kW 103,801 0.8 ExpDeck Crane 14.50 24 348 895 kW 249,123 0.8 ExpMLC HPU 29.00 24 696 1,119 kW 622,809 0.8 ExpSeldom Used Sources 29.00 24 696 1,230 kW 685,089 0.8 No Heaters and Boilers 0.48 24 11.6 6 mBtu/hr 1 No Incinerator 26.58 5 132.9 276 lb/hr 1 No 

Ice Management Vessel 

1 

Propulsion and Generation 10.88 24 261 37,816 kW 5,922,017 0.6 Exp

Heaters and Boilers 9.67 24 232 895 Kw 166,085 0.8 No Seldom Used Units 14.50 24 348 1 No 

hou

Incinerator 10.88 24 261 154 lb/hr 1 No 

hou

Ice Management Vessel 

2 

/ Anchor Handler 

Propulsion and Generation 10.88 24 261 22,140 kW 3,467,154 0.6 Exp

Heaters and Boilers 14.50 24 348 0 kW 0 0.8 No Seldom Used Units 14.50 24 348 1 No 

hou

Incinerator 10.88 24 261 154 lb/hr 1 No 

hou

Resupply Ship - transport 

mode Propulsion and Generation 5.80 1 5.8 2,983 kW 10,380 0.6 Exp

Resupply Ship - 

Dynamic Positioning 

mode 

Propulsion and Generation 1.93 24 46.4 2,983 kW 83,043 0.6 Exp

OSR Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 29.00 24 696 7,600 kW 3,173,885 0.6 See 

Seldom Used Units 29.00 24 696 0.8 AssIncinerator 29.00 24 696 1 Ass

OSR Work Boats Propulsion and Generation 29.00 24 696 44,443 kW 18,559,576 0.6 See 

* Permit Data said two ships were possible. Therefore both ships were used but each but shared the activity equally with half the hours. 

Sources: Shell, 2013; IHS, 2014; Wilson et al., 2014. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-5 

Table A-3. Emission Factors (g/kW-hrs) by source for the Chukchi Drilling Site 

Vessel Units NOX VOC CO SO2 PM10 PM25 Pb NH4 CO2 C

Discoverer 

Propulsion 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Generation 0.5* 0.15* 0.22* 0.00595 0.0777* 0.0577* 0.00002 0.006 646 0.

Emergency Generator 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

MLC Compressor 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Cranes 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Cement/Logging 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

MLC HPUs 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Seldom Used Units 0.5 0 0.1 0.0002 0 0 0.00002 0.003 

Heaters and Boilers 3.2 0 1.2 0.025 0.4 0.4 0.00002 0.003 

Incinerator 0.7 0.4 4.3 0.35 1.1 1 0.00002 0.003 

Ice Management 

Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 1.6* 0.15* 0.22* 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Heaters and Boilers 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 646 0.

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

Anchor Handler 

Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Heaters and Boilers 0.6 0 0.2 0.0064 0.1 0.1 

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

Resupply Ship - 

transport mode Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Resupply Ship - 

Dynamic Positioning 

mode 

Propulsion and Generation 

9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

OSR Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

OSR Work Boats Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.

Source: ANL, 2013 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-6 

Table A-4. Emission Factors (g/kW-hrs) by source for the Beaufort Sea Drilling Site 

Vessel Units NOX VOC CO SO2 PM10 PM25 Lead NH4 CO2 CH4 N

Aivig Propulsion 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Auxiliary 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Kulluk 

Electricity Generation 0.5* 0.15* 0.22* 0.00595 0.0777* 0.0577* 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Emergency Generator 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

MLC Air Compressor 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Deck Crane 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

MLC HPU 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Seldom Used Sources 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 646 0.004 0

Heaters and Boilers 3.2 0 1.2 0.025 0.4 0.4 

Incinerator 0.7 0.4 4.3 0.35 1.1 1 

Ice Management 

Vessel 1 

Propulsion and Generation 1.6* 0.15* 0.22* 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Heaters and Boilers 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 646 0.004 0

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

Ice Management 

Vessel 2 

/ Anchor Handler 

Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Heaters and Boilers 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 646 0.004 0

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Ice Management 

Vessel 2 

/ Anchor Handler 

(Cont.) 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

Resupply Ship - 

transport mode Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Resupply Ship - 

Dynamic Positioning 

mode 

Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

OSR Vessel 

Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Seldom Used Units 0.3 0 0.1 0.0001 0 0 

Incinerator 0.4 7.7 23.1 0.19 1 0.7 

OSR Work Boats Propulsion and Generation 9.8 0.5 1.1 0.00595 0.151 0.111 0.00002 0.003 646 0.004 0

Source: ANL, 2013 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-7 

Table A-5. Category 1 and 2 Marine Engine HAP Speciation Profiles 

Pollutant 

Code Pollutant Associated basis for speciation Speciation Profile 

Copper PM10 1.75E-03

Zinc PM10 1.00E-03

100414 Ethylbenzene VOC 1.25E-03

100425 Styrene VOC 1.31E-03

107028 Acrolein VOC 2.19E-03

108883 Toluene VOC 2.00E-03

110543 n-Hexane VOC 3.44E-03

118741 HCB PM10 4.00E-08

120127 Anthracene PM2.5 2.31E-05

123386 Propionaldehyde VOC 3.81E-03

129000 Pyrene PM2.5 2.44E-05

1330207 Xylene VOC 3.00E-03

1336363 PCB PM10 5.00E-07

16065831 Chromium III PM10 3.30E-05

18540299 Chromium VI PM10 1.70E-05

191242 Benzo[g,h,I,]Perylene PM2.5 5.63E-06

193395 Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]Pyrene PM10 1.00E-05

205992 Benzo[b]Fluoranthene PM10 1.00E-05

206440 Fluoranthene PM2.5 1.38E-05

207089 Benzo[k]Fluoranthene PM10 5.00E-06

208968 Acenaphthylene PM2.5 2.31E-05

218019 Chrysene PM2.5 4.38E-06

50000 Formaldehyde VOC 9.35E-02

50328 Benzo[a]Pyrene PM10 5.00E-06

540841 2,2,4-trimethylpentane VOC 2.50E-04

56553 Benz[a]Anthracene PM2.5 2.50E-05

628 Dioxin PM10 5.00E-09

71432 Benzene VOC 1.27E-02

7439965 Manganese PM10 1.28E-06

7439976 Mercury PM10 5.00E-08

7440020 Nickel PM10 1.00E-03

7440382 Arsenic PM10 3.00E-05

7440439 Cadmium PM10 5.15E-06

7440473 Chromium PM10 5.00E-05

75070 Acetaldehyde VOC 4.64E-02

7782492 Selenium PM10 5.15E-08

83329 Acenaphthene PM2.5 1.50E-05

85018 Phenanthrene PM2.5 3.50E-05

86737 Fluorene PM2.5 3.06E-05

91203 Naphthalene PM2.5 8.76E-04

Source: U.S. EPA, 2013b
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-8 

Table A-6. Fleet Makeup and Percent Allocation by Air Carriers 

Carrier Name Percent Aicraft Engine 

Alaska Airlines, Inc. 6.76% B737-9 8CM051 

Alaska Airlines, Inc. 14.99% B737-4 1CM007 

Alaska Airlines, Inc. 15.26% B737-7 3CM030 

Alaska Airlines, Inc. 63.00% B737-8 3CM034 

Alaska Central Express 100.00% BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 

Arctic Transportation Services, Inc. 33.33% CASA212-3 TPE10R 

Arctic Transportation Services, Inc. 33.33% PC12 PT6A67 

Arctic Transportation Services, Inc. 33.33% CNA206 TIO540 

Avjet Corporation 3.57% DC8-7 1PW003 

Avjet Corporation 3.57% GULF200 7PW077 

Avjet Corporation 7.14% B737-7 3CM030 

Avjet Corporation 7.14% GULF3 MK511 

Avjet Corporation 7.14% HS125-8 1AS002 

Avjet Corporation 7.14% IAI1124A 1AS002 

Avjet Corporation 21.43% GULF5 4BR008 

Avjet Corporation 42.86% GULF450 11RR048 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% PA31 TIO540 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% BEECH1900-D PT67D 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% BEECH200 PT6A42 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% CASA212-3 TPE10R 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% CNA208 P6114A 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% H500D 250B17 

Bering Air, Inc. 14.29% R44 TIO540 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-D PT67D 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% CNA206 TIO540 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% CNA208 P6114A 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% DHC8-1 PW121 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% PA31 TIO540 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% REIMS406 PT6112 

ERA Aviation, Inc. 12.50% SD330 PT6A4R 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-D PT67D 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% CNA206 TIO540 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% CNA208 P6114A 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% DHC8-1 PW121 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% PA31 TIO540 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% REIMS406 PT6112 

Frontier Flying Service, Inc. 12.50% SD330 PT6A4R 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% BEECH1900-D PT67D 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% CNA206 TIO540 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% CNA208 P6114A 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% DHC8-1 PW121 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% PA31 TIO540

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% REIMS406 PT6112 

Hageland Aviation Services, Inc. 12.50% SD330 PT6A4R 

Lynden Air Cargo LLC 100.00% MIL-C130 T56A15 

Miami Air International, Inc. 100.00% B737-8 3CM034

Northern Air Cargo, Inc. 100.00% B737-1 1PW012 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 2.05% PC12 PT6A67 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 5.34% DC9-3 1PW007 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 10.58% DC3 R1820 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 10.94% EMB120 PW118 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 12.90% PA32 TIO540 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-9 

Table A-6. Fleet Makeup and Percent Allocation by Air Carriers (Continued) 

Carrier Name Percent Aicraft Engine 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 13.36% CNA208 P6114A 

Tatonduk Outfitters Ltd 44.82% DC6 R1820 

Warbelow 100.00% PA31 TIO540 

Wright Air Service, Inc. 5.88% BEECH36 TIO540 

Wright Air Service, Inc. 11.76% CNA206 TIO540 

Wright Air Service, Inc. 17.65% MIL-U10 TIO540 

Wright Air Service, Inc. 17.65% PA31 TIO540 

Wright Air Service, Inc. 47.06% CNA208 P6114A 

Source: FAA, 2011.
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-10 

Table A-7. Compiled Aircraft Activity Data 

Airport Aircraft Engine LTO 

Badami BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 18 

Badami CNA206 TIO540 142 

Badami CNA208 P6114A 1 

Badami DHC2T PT6A60 1 

Badami DHC8-1 PW121 20 

Badami MIL-AH1J T400 17 

Badami MIL-U10 PT6A27 41 

Badami SD330 PT6A4R 1 

Barter Island LRRS PA31 TIO540 127 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 49 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH1900-D PT67D 49 

Barter Island LRRS CNA206 TIO540 49 

Barter Island LRRS CNA208 P6114A 49 

Barter Island LRRS DHC8-1 PW121 49 

Barter Island LRRS PA31 TIO540 49 

Barter Island LRRS REIMS406 PT6112 49 

Barter Island LRRS SD330 PT6A4R 49 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH1900-D PT67D 1 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH200 PT6A42 1 

Barter Island LRRS CASA212-3 TPE10R 1 

Barter Island LRRS CNA208 P6114A 1 

Barter Island LRRS H500D 250B17 1 

Barter Island LRRS PA31 TIO540 1 

Barter Island LRRS R44 TIO540 1 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH36 TIO540 2 

Barter Island LRRS CNA206 TIO540 4 

Barter Island LRRS CNA208 P6114A 14 

Barter Island LRRS MIL-U10 TIO540 5 

Barter Island LRRS PA31 TIO540 5 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 141 

Barter Island LRRS BEECH1900-D PT67D 141 

Barter Island LRRS CNA206 TIO540 141 

Barter Island LRRS CNA208 P6114A 141 

Barter Island LRRS DHC8-1 PW121 141 

Barter Island LRRS PA31 TIO540 141 

Barter Island LRRS REIMS406 PT6112 141 

Barter Island LRRS SD330 PT6A4R 141 

Deadhorse N/A N/A 24,000 

Galbraith Lake DHC8Q-3 PW123B 80 

Helmericks CNA206 TIO540 10 

Kavik River CNA208 P6114A 10 

Kavik River PA23 TIO540 100 

Kavik River DC3 R1820 6 

Kavik River CNA206 TIO540 30 

Kavik River R44 TIO540 20 

Kavik River MAULE7 TIO540 6 

Kavik River N/A N/A 6 

Kavik River PC12 PT6A67 1 

North Kuparuk B737-7 3CM030 54 

North Kuparuk DHC6-1 PT6A20 474 

North Kuparuk CASA212-2 TPE10 187 

North Kuparuk CNA441 TPE10 98 

North Kuparuk BEECH1900-C PT67B 15 

North Kuparuk LEAR35 1AS001 5 

North Kuparuk BEECH200 PT6A42 3 

North Kuparuk B737-2 1PW010 150 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-11 

Table A-7. Compiled Aircraft Activity Data (Continued) 

Airport Aircraft Engine LTO 

Nuiqsut BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 5 

Nuiqsut BEECH1900-D PT67D 5 

Nuiqsut CNA206 TIO540 5 

Nuiqsut CNA208 P6114A 5 

Nuiqsut DHC8-1 PW121 5 

Nuiqsut PA31 TIO540 5 

Nuiqsut REIMS406 PT6112 5 

Nuiqsut SD330 PT6A4R 5 

Nuiqsut BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 107 

Nuiqsut BEECH1900-D PT67D 107 

Nuiqsut CNA206 TIO540 107 

Nuiqsut CNA208 P6114A 107 

Nuiqsut DHC8-1 PW121 107 

Nuiqsut PA31 TIO540 107 

Nuiqsut REIMS406 PT6112 107 

Nuiqsut SD330 PT6A4R 107 

Point Lay BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 5 

Point Lay BEECH1900-D PT67D 5 

Point Lay CNA206 TIO540 5 

Point Lay CNA208 P6114A 5 

Point Lay DHC8-1 PW121 5 

Point Lay PA31 TIO540 5 

Point Lay REIMS406 PT6112 5 

Point Lay SD330 PT6A4R 5 

Point Lay BEECH1900-D PT67D 1 

Point Lay BEECH200 PT6A42 1 

Point Lay CASA212-3 TPE10R 1 

Point Lay CNA208 P6114A 1 

Point Lay H500D 250B17 1 

Point Lay PA31 TIO540 1 

Point Lay R44 TIO540 1 

Point Lay BEECH36 TIO540 1 

Point Lay CNA206 TIO540 1 

Point Lay CNA208 P6114A 2 

Point Lay MIL-U10 TIO540 1 

Point Lay PA31 TIO540 1 

Point Lay BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 122 

Point Lay BEECH1900-D PT67D 122 

Point Lay CNA206 TIO540 122 

Point Lay CNA208 P6114A 122 

Point Lay DHC8-1 PW121 122 

Point Lay PA31 TIO540 122 

Point Lay REIMS406 PT6112 122 

Point Lay SD330 PT6A4R 122 

Wainwright BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 6 

Wainwright BEECH1900-D PT67D 6 

Wainwright CNA206 TIO540 6 

Wainwright CNA208 P6114A 6 

Wainwright DHC8-1 PW121 6 

Wainwright PA31 TIO540 6 

Wainwright REIMS406 PT6112 6 

Wainwright SD330 PT6A4R 6 

Wainwright BEECH1900-D PT67D 1 

Wainwright BEECH200 PT6A42 1 

Wainwright CASA212-3 TPE10R 1 

Wainwright CNA208 P6114A 1 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-12 

Table A-7. Compiled Aircraft Activity Data (Continued) 

Airport Aircraft Engine LTO 

Wainwright H500D 250B17 1 

Wainwright PA31 TIO540 1 

Wainwright R44 TIO540 1 

Wainwright BEECH36 TIO540 1 

Wainwright CNA206 TIO540 1 

Wainwright CNA208 P6114A 1 

Wainwright MIL-U10 TIO540 1 

Wainwright PA31 TIO540 1 

Wainwright BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 63 

Wainwright BEECH1900-D PT67D 63 

Wainwright CNA206 TIO540 63 

Wainwright CNA208 P6114A 63 

Wainwright DHC8-1 PW121 63 

Wainwright PA31 TIO540 63 

Wainwright REIMS406 PT6112 63 

Wainwright SD330 PT6A4R 63 

Wiley Post B737-7 3CM030 1 

Wiley Post DC8-7 1PW003 1 

Wiley Post GULF200 7PW077 1 

Wiley Post GULF3 MK511 1 

Wiley Post GULF450 11RR048 1 

Wiley Post GULF5 4BR008 1 

Wiley Post HS125-8 1AS002 1 

Wiley Post IAI1124A 1AS002 1 

Wiley Post PA31 TIO540 30 

Wiley Post BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 6 

Wiley Post BEECH1900-D PT67D 6 

Wiley Post CNA206 TIO540 6 

Wiley Post CNA208 P6114A 6 

Wiley Post DHC8-1 PW121 6 

Wiley Post PA31 TIO540 6 

Wiley Post REIMS406 PT6112 6 

Wiley Post SD330 PT6A4R 6 

Wiley Post CASA212-3 TPE10R 1 

Wiley Post CNA206 TIO540 1 

Wiley Post PC12 PT6A67 1 

Wiley Post BEECH1900-D PT67D 1 

Wiley Post BEECH200 PT6A42 1 

Wiley Post CASA212-3 TPE10R 1 

Wiley Post CNA208 P6114A 1 

Wiley Post H500D 250B17 1 

Wiley Post PA31 TIO540 1 

Wiley Post R44 TIO540 1 

Wiley Post B737-4 1CM007 645 

Wiley Post B737-7 3CM030 657 

Wiley Post B737-8 3CM034 2,713 

Wiley Post B737-9 8CM051 291 

Wiley Post B737-8 3CM034 167 

Wiley Post BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 181 

Wiley Post BEECH1900-D PT67D 181 

Wiley Post CNA206 TIO540 181 

Wiley Post CNA208 P6114A 181 

Wiley Post DHC8-1 PW121 181 

Wiley Post PA31 TIO540 181 

Wiley Post REIMS406 PT6112 181 

Wiley Post SD330 PT6A4R 181 

Sources: BTS, 2014; FAA, 2013 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-13 

Table A-8. Taxi and Out Times by Airport and Aircraft 

Airport Aircraft EDMS 

Aircraft 

EDMS 

Engine 

Average 

Time on 

Ground 

(Min) 

Count 

Taxi 

Out 

(Min) 

Taxi In 

(Min) 

Badami Agusta SPA AB139 MIL-AH1J T400 13.25 16 9.7 3.6 

Badami AgustaBell AW 139 MIL-AH1J T400 13.25 16 9.7 3.6 

Badami 

AgustaWestland AW 

139 MIL-AH1J T400 13.25 16 9.7 3.6 

Badami Beechcraft 1900C BEECH1900-C PT6A6B 19.25 16 14.1 5.2 

Badami Cessna Caravan CNA208 P6114A 14 1 10.2 3.8 

Badami Cessna TU206C CNA206 TIO540 11.93 60 8.7 3.2

Badami de Havilland Beaver* DHC2T PT6A60 15.54 0 11.3 4.2 

Badami 

de Havilland DHC-8-

103 DHC8-1 PW121 29.76 17 21.7 8 

Badami Helio Courier MIL-U10 PT6A27 13.39 23 9.8 3.6 

Badami Short 330 Sherpa SD330 PT6A4R 92 1 67.2 24.8

North 

Kuparuk N/A N/A N/A 5 N/A 3 2 

* No times were provided by the airport personnel; estimates were made based on aggregated averages of all aircraft 

at Badami. 

Sources: Henning, 2014; Tupper, 2014 

Table A-9. 2012 Subpart W North Slope Onshore Production Emissions (tons/yr) 

Facility CO2 CH4 N2O

Badami Development Facility 420

BP Alaska, 890 - Arctic Slope Basin 36,630 1.49 0.30

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU-ALP Fields 42,404 1.74 0.35

Nikaitchuq Development 12,836 0.52 0.10

Table A-10. Well Completion Emissions 

Pollutant Emissions (tons/yr)

VOC 309.60

CO2 24.42

CH4 636.40

2,2,4-Trimethlypentane 2.90

Benzene 3.73

Ethylbenzene 0.83

n-Hexane 6.88

Toluene 1.46

Xylenes 0.46

H2S 0.053
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-14 

Table A-11. Oil and Gas Point Source Facility Emissions in the 2011 NEIa (tons/yr) 

Facility Name VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10

Alpine Central Processing Facility 28.33 1,098.82 266.82 18.75 32.28

Badami Development Facility (formerly BPXA) 2.44 134.26 159.53 1.93 3.47

Base Operations Center 0.11 3.94 0.89 0.04 0.11

Central Compressor Plant 49.10 8,440.35 1,173.55 117.11 156.13

Central Gas Facility 39.20 5,961.07 835.66 82.00 122.20

Crude Oil Topping Unit 0.55 10.09 10.91 0.51 0.84

Endicott Production Facility 26.13 1,500.49 149.71 199.84 35.96

Flow Station #1 (FS 1) 11.79 1,300.01 565.20 18.11 42.12

Flow Station #2 (FS 2) 9.71 1,281.09 422.58 40.12 32.57

Flow Station #3 (FS 3) 11.09 1,853.90 508.87 23.58 37.97

Gathering Center #1 (GC 1) 14.37 1,718.55 566.91 19.15 45.74

Gathering Center #2 (GC 2) 10.35 937.08 272.65 12.94 29.48

Gathering Center #3 (GC 3) 7.00 839.17 258.92 11.23 20.99

Kuparuk Central Production Facility #1 (CPF1) 48.18 1,932.93 252.48 60.22 56.19

Kuparuk Central Production Facility #2 (CPF2) 27.38 1,587.57 163.51 55.40 49.03

Kuparuk Central Production Facility #3 (CPF3) 19.56 1,008.08 556.04 79.75 40.34

Kuparuk Seawater Treatment Plant 3.89 87.54 6.10 7.89 3.71

Lisburne Production Center 21.44 1,410.74 694.26 79.68 59.47

Milne Point Production Facility 13.55 738.61 108.10 5.53 14.22

Nikaitchuq Development 34.80 191.89 84.42 22.70 10.53

Northstar Production Facility 11.22 345.93 129.50 17.65 27.43

Oooguruk Development Project 14.57 175.48 138.89 8.29 22.41

PBU Central Power Station 13.81 2,359.60 300.68 31.38 42.55

Prudhoe Bay Operations Center / Main 

Construction Camp 0.40 8.60 6.19 0.36 0.57

Seawater Injection Plant East 3.27 707.75 101.54 7.20 9.33

Seawater Treatment Plant, Prudhoe Bay Unit 

(STP) 6.01 89.45 68.03 5.72 8.30

Source: U.S. EPA, 2013b. These emissions are from Version 1 of the 2011 NEI. ERG will monitor availability of the 

Version 2, and will advise BOEM of any future changes.that might affect the emissions inventory in the future. 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-15 

Table A-12. Non-NEI Facility Emissions Estimates (tons/yr) 

Facility Name VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10

Badami RTU 3 Flare Project 2.55 3.94 16.19 1.72 1.21

BPXA Greater Prudhoe Bay Skid 50 Pad 

Transfer Station – Generator 1.23 21.87 3.55 0.90 1.49

BPXA Milne Point S Pad (CHOPS) 1.23 21.87 3.55 0.90 1.49

ConocoPhilips Drill Site #S Palm Development 

Project 13.91 10.76 1.75 0.44 0.73

ConocoPhilips Meltwater Development Project 37.22 19.46 3.16 0.80 1.33

ConocoPhilips Tarn Development Project 36.75 11.22 1.82 0.46 0.76

Grind and Inject Facility (BPXA) 0.33 8.54 5.36 0.34 0.61

Nanuq Inc Arctic Wolf Camp 1.18 20.95 3.40 0.86 1.43

Northstar Caribou Crossing Compressor 

Facility 1.37 17.33 67.15 1.07 0.84

Table A-13. Smaller Emitting Unit and Nonroad Engine Emissions Estimates for NEI 

Facilities (tons/yr) 

Facility Name VOC NOx CO SO2 PM10

Alpine Central Processing Facility 20.05 338.98 55.46 3.44 46.50

Badami Development Facility (formerly BPXA) 3.06 322.77 86.71 1.16 0.78

Base Operations Center (BOC) 0.03 0.94 0.13 0.01 0.03

Central Compressor Plant (CCP) 0.07 1.11 0.98 0.02 0.10

Central Gas Facility (CGF) 0.00 0.09 0.03 0.01 0.01

CPF 1, Kuparuk Central Production Facility #1 14.55 463.16 35.72 8.40 13.35

CPF 2, Kuparuk Central Production Facility #2 40.05 376.52 25.68 22.65 26.27

CPF 3, Kuparuk Central Production Facility #3 39.52 284.75 104.93 36.73 24.96

Crude Oil Topping Unit 0.01 0.60 0.07 0.04 0.05

Endicott Production Facility 3.79 112.93 9.00 0.06 7.78

Flow Station #1 (FS 1) 3.56 311.50 79.96 2.53 10.00

Flow Station #2 (FS 2) 14.98 173.63 36.83 5.79 12.40

Flow Station #3 (FS 3) 3.35 444.22 71.99 3.29 9.02

Gathering Center #1 (GC 1) 4.34 411.79 80.20 2.67 10.86

Gathering Center #2 (GC 2) 8.83 236.35 49.58 2.21 16.18

Gathering Center #3 (GC 3) 2.11 201.08 36.63 1.57 4.99

Kuparuk Seawater Treatment Plant (STP) 1.17 20.98 0.86 1.10 0.88

Lisburne Production Center (LPC) 17.13 317.85 100.19 8.91 31.94

Milne Point Production Facility (MPU) 1.19 192.87 11.57 3.72 5.84

Nikaitchuq Development 11.13 1,068.88 165.91 1.69 6.60

Northstar Production Facility (NOR) 1.29 49.21 2.80 0.49 3.49

Oooguruk Development Project 13.57 312.51 37.04 1.72 8.35

PBU Central Power Station (CPS) 4.17 565.40 42.54 4.38 10.11

Prudhoe Bay Operations Center / Main 

Construction Camp (PBOC/MCC) 0.12 2.06 0.88 0.05 0.14

Seawater Injection Plant East (SIPE) 0.99 169.59 14.37 1.00 2.22

Seawater Treatment Plant, Prudhoe Bay Unit 

(STP) 1.81 21.43 9.62 0.80 1.97
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-16 

Table A-14. Subpart W Onshore Natural Gas Processing Emissions (tons/yr) 

Pollutant 

Centrifugal 

Compressors Dehydrators 

Equipment 

Leaks Flares 

Benzene 2.15 NAa1.79 NAa

CH4 1,512 7.70 1,260 1,693

CO2 1,317 3,163 577 332,196

Ethylbenzene 0.13 NAa0.11 NAa

Toluene 1.92 NAa1.60 NAa

VOC 240 NAa200 NAa

Xylenes 0.54 NAa0.45 NAa

H2S 0.12 0 0.10 0

a

Note applicable. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and VOC emissions from these source types 

covered under the NEI and ADEC permit data. 

Source: U.S. EPA, 2014b 

Table A-15. Subpart C North Slope Oil and Gas Facility Emissions 

Facility CO2 CH4 N2O

BPXA Central Compressor Plant 2,858,258 48.35 4.84

BPXA Central Gas Facility 2,059,378 34.81 3.49

BPXA Endicott Production Facility 716,629 11.41 1.15

BPXA Lisburne Production Center 628,393 10.62 1.06

BPXA Northstar Production Facility 302,378 5.83 0.59

BPXA Crude Oil Topping Unit, Prudhoe Bay Operations

Center, Tarmac Camp 29,731 0.51 0.06

BPXA Flow Station #1 484,264 8.16 0.83

BPXA Flow Station #2 544,565 9.11 0.92

BPXA Flow Station #3 663,281 11.21 1.12

BPXA Gathering Center #1 457,870 8.63 0.86

BPXA Gathering Center #2 459,011 8.65 0.87

BPXA Gathering Center #3 331,411 6.26 0.63

BPXA Seawater Injection Plant 239,785 4.06 0.41

TBPXA Seawater Treatment Plant 193,145 3.26 0.33

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF1 584,457 12.10 1.33

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF2 359,426 6.78 0.68

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU CPF3 354,914 6.70 0.67

ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc - KRU STP 86,015 1.62 0.16

Pioneer Natural Resources Alaska - Oooguruk Tie-in Pad 45,059 0.85 0.08

a

 CAP and HAP pollutant emission estimates for these combustion sources are covered under the NEI and ADEC 

permit data. 

Source: U.S. EPA, 2014a
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-17 

Table A-16. 2012 North Slope Village Power Plant Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil 

(gallons) 

Anaktuvuk 

Pass Atqasuk Kaktovik Nuiqsut Point Hope Point Lay Wainwright

January 29,212 25,156 35,165 24,746 42,736 27,783 46,174 

February 26,942 22,761 30,938 12,739 36,570 25,125 43,540 

March 29,845 24,683 33,498 3,980 41,636 27,726 48,147 

April 25,412 22,469 29,877 0 30,833 24,535 39,749 

May 25,160 20,900 28,803 307 32,441 21,445 37,606 

June 21,869 18,411 25,991 246 26,569 19,306 35,650 

July 22,523 20,001 26,234 15,004 28,163 20,191 37,707 

August 22,569 20,262 27,729 16,626 32,587 20,928 36,626 

September 23,584 19,376 28,254 819 34,565 21,439 30,474 

October 25,696 21,331 30,051 2,191 33,562 23,720 35,464 

November 27,567 23,016 30,558 13,437 36,846 24,237 41,613 

December 29,334 25,196 32,461 17,523 42,715 26,283 46,211 

Total 309,713 263,562 359,559 107,618 419,223 282,718 478,961 

Sources: Williams, 2014, except for emissions for Point Hope and Wainwright power plants (U.S. EPA, 2013b)

Table A-17. 2012 North Slope Village School Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil (gallons) 

Nunamiat 

School 

(Anaktuvuk 

Pass) 

Meade 

River 

School 

(Atqasuk) 

Harold 

Kaveolook 

School 

(Kaktovik) 

Nuiqsut 

Trapper 

School 

(Nuiqsut)a

Tikigaq 

School 

(Point 

Hope) 

Kari 

School 

(Point 

Lay) 

Alak School 

(Wainwright)

January 1,226 4,634 7,845 9,106 4,915 12,330 

February 3,884 5,197 9,384 5,154 6,053 

March 2,485 12,656 6,482 794 8,328 6,259 9,742 

April 1,714 7,632 3,560 7,332 7,815 8,758 

May 2,749 3,449 4,690 3,175 6,980 

June 3,898 3,323 723 2,700 6,158 

July 2,504 18 23 

August 3,457 2,740 850 6,527 

September 1,952 2,368 6,932 

October 5,577 976 4,132 3,013 4,286 6,364 

November 4,345 928 4,603 3,690 6,833 7,186 

December 7,146 7,380 7,305 7,693 5,185 6,395 

Total 22,493 44,737 53,809 794 59,085 47,172 83,448 

a Distillate fuel use at Nuiqsut Trapper School is limited because of the availability of natural gas in Nuiqsut.

Source: Slatton, 2014a. 

 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-18 

Table A-18. 2012 North Slope Natural Gas Use (mscf)

Barrow

Nuiqsutc 

Non-Federal 

Generation 

(BUECI Power 

Plant)a

Non-Federal 

Users 

(Residential) 

Federal 

Users 

(Commercial/ 

Institutional) 

UIC/NARL 

Water 

Plant 

Aeronautical 

Radiob

January 76,039 82,774 3,392 10,482 11,000 

February 69,576 72,621 3,721 8,891 12,288 

March 73,539 86,262 3,357 10,887 12,222 

April 65,071 59,731 3,383 7,400 11,139 

May 57,509 47,120 2,174 5,282 8,418 

June 53,157 34,948 1,504 3,275 6,038 

July 52,959 27,452 1,282 2,762 5,811 

August 53,732 24,934 1,231 2,808 5,175 

September 52,595 36,139 1,394 3,748 6,417 

October 58,937 45,636 1,394 5,281 7,843 

November 66,340 59,903 2,638 7,653 11,339 

December 78,024 74,526 3,108 9,747 12,646 

Total 757,478 652,046 28,578 78,216 27,835 110,335 

a

Emissions for the BUECI Power Plant were obtained from the 2011 NEI (U.S. EPA, 2013b) and were not 

estimated using these data. 

b Aeronautical Radio, Inc. natural gas usage was not available on a monthly basis, but was derived from five 

periodic invoices. 

c

Nuiqsut natural gas usage was not available for 2012; 2013 data were assumed to be representative of 2012. 

Source: Nesteby, 2014; Slatton, 2014a.

Table A-19. 2012 North Slope Village Residential Fuel Use – Distillate Heating Oil (gallons) 

Anaktuvuk 

Pass Atqasuk Kaktovik Nuiqsut Point Hope Point Lay Wainwright

January 7,417 7,239 12,017 844 32,524 4,990 19,336 

February 6,850 6,911 8,652 966 21,584 6,185 14,351 

March 13,258 7,523 9,240 1,069 24,728 7,651 18,923 

April 5,263 5,433 5,287 0 16,093 3,903 14,220 

May 0 4,458 5,319 0 11,352 2,131 8,347 

June 0 2,325 1,268 0 6,836 1,609 4,742 

July 0 1,128 1,025 0 5,123 597 3,896 

August 0 2,074 2,549 0 7,550 1,779 5,273 

September 0 2,670 3,125 0 8,993 1,802 6,108 

October 7,618 4,969 6,845 0 12,770 4,839 10,052 

November 7,506 5,344 4,247 0 15,181 4,044 13,135 

December 13,784 6,977 10,234 0 25,554 5,288 19,552 

Total 61,696 57,051 69,808 2,879 188,288 44,818 137,935 

Source: Slatton, 2014a
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-19 

Table A-20. 2012 Barrow AADT Statistics and VMT Calculations 

Street Description AADT 

Length 

(miles) 

VMT 

(Daily) 

Stevenson (between Ahkovak and Ilisagvik entrance) 1,795 2.2 3,949

Ahkovak (between Stevenson and D) 3,600 0.8 2,880

Laura Madison (between Ahkovak and Qaiyaan) 2,670 0.7 1,869

Eben Hopson (between Stevenson and Brower) 4,575 0.4 1,830

Okpik (between Kiogak and D) 1,375 0.8 1,100

Stevenson (between Apayauk and Eben Hopson) 2,070 0.5 1,035

Laura Madison (between Ahkovak and Tahak) 4,225 0.2 845

Stevenson/Brower (between Eben Hopson and Ahkovak) 1,500 0.5 750

Momegana (between Ogrook and Agvik) 2,160 0.3 648

Ahkovak (between Okpik and D) 1,625 0.3 488

Karluk (between Tahak and Ahmaogak) 670 0.7 469

Eben Hopson/Laura Madison (between Brower and Tahak) 2,250 0.1 225

Eben Hopson (between Kiogak and Stevenson) 750 0.1 75

Total 16,163

Source: ADOT&PF, 2014

Table A-21. 2013 Fiscal Year North Slope Village Landfill Open Burning Quantities 

(tons)a,b 

Anaktuvuk 

Pass Atqasuk Kaktovik Nuiqsut 

Point 

Hope Point Lay Wainwright

July 2012 0 52 127 225 192 19 222

August 2012 22 83 54 297 420 0 117

September 

2012 56 75 46 219 560 37 12

October 2012 0 70 99 272 726 76 58

November 

2012 35 48 37 262 551 38 35

December 

2012 0 0 85 262 0 40 35

January 2013 0 52 40 149 0 78 35

February 

2013 0 70 14 245 179 29 32

March 2013 0 53 61 272 534 65 14

April 2013 0 87 63 311 161 0 58

May 2013 18 52 60 222 27 37 32

June 2013 0 52 26 359 52 201 56

Total FY 

2013 131 694 712 3,095 3,402 620 706

a Landfill burning quantities were calculated as the difference between the amount of waste hauled and the amount 

of waste landfilled. 

b Landfill burning quantities were not available for calendar year 2012; fiscal year 2013 data were assumed to be 

representative of calendar year 2012. 

Source: Heath, 2014
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-20 

Table A-22. Point Sources Data Fields 

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE F

STATE_COUNTY_FIPS Y Y TEXT 5 Populate wiSTATE_FACILITY_IDENTIFIER Y Y TEXT 25 Local faciliEIS_FACILITY_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 Emission InFACILITY_REGISTRY_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 Facility RegTRI_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 Toxic ReleaPERMIT_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 ADEC permFACILITY_NAME N Y TEXT 80 Name of facFACILTY_DESCRIPTION N N TEXT 80 

Description Generating 

NAICS_PRIMARY N N TEXT 10 

North AmerSystem iden

LOCATION_ADDRESS N Y TEXT 25 Address of CITY N Y TEXT 40 City nameSTATE_ABBR N Y TEXT 2 2-digit state ZIPCODE N Y TEXT 10 5 or 9-digit EMISSION_UNIT_IDENTIFIER Y Y TEXT 25 Emission unEMISSION_UNIT_DESCRIPTION N N TEXT 40 Description EMISSION_UNIT_PERMIT_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 ADEC permPROCESS_IDENTIFIER Y Y TEXT 25 Emission prPROCESS_DESCRIPTION N N TEXT 40 Description PROCESS_PERMIT_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 25 

ADEC permprocess 

SCC N Y TEXT 10 

Source Clasprocess 

THROUGHPUT_VALUE N N NUMERIC Single Activity datTHROUGHPUT_UOM N N TEXT 15 Unit of MeaTHROUGHPUT_MATERIAL N N TEXT 40 

Material for consumed") 

EMISSION_RELEASE_POINT_IDENTIFIER Y Y TEXT 15 Emission reEMISSION_RELEASE_POINT_DESCRIPTION N N TEXT 40 Description EMISSION_RELEASE_POINT_PERMIT_IDENTIFIER N N TEXT 15 

ADEC permrelease poin

EMISSION_RELEASE_POINT_TYPE N Y TEXT 25 

Type of emfugitive) 

EMISSION_RELEASE_POINT_ANGLE N Y NUMERIC Single 

For stack redegrees = h
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-21 

Table A-22. Point Sources Data Fields (Continued) 

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE F

STACK_HEIGHT N Y NUMERIC Single Height of thEXIT_GAS_TEMPERATURE N Y NUMERIC Single 

Exit gas temFahrenheit 

STACK_DIAMETER N Y NUMERIC Single Diameter of EXIT_GAS_VELOCITY N Y NUMERIC Single Exit gas velEXIT_GAS_FLOW_RATE N Y NUMERIC Single 

Flowrate of second 

FUGITIVE_LENGTH_SIGMAX_FT N Y NUMERIC Single For fugitive FUGITIVE_WIDTH_SIGMAY_FT N Y NUMERIC Single For fugitive FUGITIVE_ANGLE_DEGREES N Y NUMERIC Single 

For fugitive degrees = h

X_COORDINATE N Y NUMERIC Double Longitude iY_COORDINATE N Y NUMERIC Double Latitude in YEAR Y Y TEXT 4 Year of emiPOLLUTANT_CODE Y Y TEXT 20 

CAS Numbpollutant ab

POLLUTANT_DESCRIPTION N Y TEXT 80 Pollutant NEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR N N NUMERIC Double Emission faEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit of Meaemission fa

EMISSION_FACTOR_DENOMINATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit of Meaemission fa

EMISSIONS_TPY N Y NUMERIC Double Emissions oEMISSIONS_TYPE Y Y TEXT 25 

Type of emallowable) 

MODELED_DATA N N TEXT 25 Name of EmCONTROL_STATUS N N TEXT 25 

Control statControlled, 

CONTROL_DEVICE_1_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Primary conCONTROL_DEVICE_1_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Primary conCONTROL_DEVICE_2_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Secondary cCONTROL_DEVICE_2_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Secondary cCONTROL_DEVICE_3_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Third contrCONTROL_DEVICE_3_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Third contrCONTROL_DEVICE_4_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Fourth contCONTROL_DEVICE_4_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Fourth cont
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-22 

Table A-23. Nonpoint Sources Data Fields

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE FI

STATE_COUNTY_FIPS Y Y TEXT 5 Populate with "SUB_COUNTY_AREA Y Y TEXT 40 

City/communitidentifier 

SUB_COUNTY_AREA_TYPE N Y TEXT 40 Describes the tySTATE_ABBR N Y TEXT 2 2-digit state abbSCC Y Y TEXT 10 Source ClassifiTHROUGHPUT_VALUE N N NUMERIC Single Activity data vaTHROUGHPUT_UOM N N TEXT 15 Unit of MeasurTHROUGHPUT_MATERIAL N N TEXT 40 

Material for the consumed") 

YEAR Y Y TEXT 4 Year of emissioPOLLUTANT_CODE Y Y TEXT 20 

CAS Number oabbreviation 

POLLUTANT_DESCRIPTION N Y TEXT 80 Pollutant Name EMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR N N NUMERIC Double Emission factor EMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit of Measurfactor (e.g., "LB

EMISSION_FACTOR_DENOMINATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit of Measuremission factor 

EMISSIONS_TPY N Y NUMERIC Double Emissions of thEMISSIONS_TYPE Y Y TEXT 25 

Type of emissioallowable) 

MODELED_DATA N N TEXT 25 Name of EmissCONTROL_STATUS N N TEXT 25 

Control status oUncontrolled) 

CONTROL_DEVICE_1_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Primary controCONTROL_DEVICE_1_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Primary controCONTROL_DEVICE_2_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Secondary contCONTROL_DEVICE_2_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Secondary contCONTROL_DEVICE_3_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Third control dCONTROL_DEVICE_3_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Third control dCONTROL_DEVICE_4_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Fourth control CONTROL_DEVICE_4_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single Fourth control 
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-23 

Table A-24. Onroad Sources Data Fields

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE 

STATE_COUNTY_FIPS Y Y TEXT 5 PopulSUB_COUNTY_AREA Y Y TEXT 40 

City/cor sha

SUB_COUNTY_AREA_TYPE N Y TEXT 40 

Descrarea 

STATE_ABBR N Y TEXT 2 

2-digwith "

SCC Y Y TEXT 10 

Sourcemiss

THROUGHPUT_VALUE N N NUMERIC Single 

Activemiss

THROUGHPUT_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit ovalue 

THROUGHPUT_MATERIAL N N TEXT 40 

Mater"natu

YEAR Y Y TEXT 4 Year POLLUTANT_CODE Y Y TEXT 20 

CAS criteri

POLLUTANT_DESCRIPTION N Y TEXT 80 PollutEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR N N NUMERIC Double EmissEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit oof the 

EMISSION_FACTOR_DENOMINATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit oof the 

EMISSIONS_TPY N Y NUMERIC Double 

Emissper ye

EMISSIONS_TYPE Y Y TEXT 25 

Type permi

MODELED_DATA N N TEXT 25 

Name applic

CONTROL_STATUS N N TEXT 25 

ContrContr

CONTROL_DEVICE_1_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Prima
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-24 

Table A-24. Onroad Sources Data Fields (Continued)

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE 

CONTROL_DEVICE_1_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Primaperce

CONTROL_DEVICE_2_TYPE N N TEXT 50 SeconCONTROL_DEVICE_2_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Seconin per

CONTROL_DEVICE_3_TYPE N N TEXT 50 Third CONTROL_DEVICE_3_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Third perce

CONTROL_DEVICE_4_TYPE N N TEXT 50 FourtCONTROL_DEVICE_4_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Fourtperce
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-25 

Table A-25. Nonroad Sources Data Fields 

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE FI

STATE_COUNTY_FIPS Y Y TEXT 5 PopuSUB_COUNTY_AREA Y Y TEXT 40 

City/tract

SUB_COUNTY_AREA_TYPE N Y TEXT 40 

Desccoun

STATE_ABBR N Y TEXT 2 

2-digpopu

SCC Y Y TEXT 10 

Sourthe e

THROUGHPUT_VALUE N N NUMERIC Single 

Actiemis

THROUGHPUT_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit throu

THROUGHPUT_MATERIAL N N TEXT 40 

Mate(e.g. 

YEAR Y Y TEXT 4 Year POLLUTANT_CODE Y Y TEXT 20 

CAS or crabbr

POLLUTANT_DESCRIPTION N Y TEXT 80 PolluEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR N N NUMERIC Double EmiEMISSION_FACTOR_NUMERATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit numfacto

EMISSION_FACTOR_DENOMINATOR_UOM N N TEXT 15 

Unit denofacto

EMISSIONS_TPY N Y NUMERIC Double 

Emitons 

EMISSIONS_TYPE Y Y TEXT 25 

Type perm

MODELED_DATA N N TEXT 25 

Namappl
Arctic Air Quality Modeling Study-2012 Emissions Inventory and Future Year Projections

A-26 

Table A-25. Nonroad Sources Data Fields (Continued)

FIELD_NAME PRIMARY_KEY REQUIRED FIELD_TYPE FIELD_SIZE FI

CONTROL_STATUS N N TEXT 25 

Cont(e.g.Unco

CONTROL_DEVICE_1_TYPE N N TEXT 50 PrimCONTROL_DEVICE_1_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Primeffic

CONTROL_DEVICE_2_TYPE N N TEXT 50 SecoCONTROL_DEVICE_2_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Secoeffic

CONTROL_DEVICE_3_TYPE N N TEXT 50 ThirCONTROL_DEVICE_3_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Thirin pe

CONTROL_DEVICE_4_TYPE N N TEXT 50 FourCONTROL_DEVICE_4_EFFICIENCY N N NUMERIC Single 

Foureffic