APPENDIX E 

____________________________________

ALTERNATIVES B AND C 

STIPULATIONS 

AND REQUIRED OPERATING 

PROCEDURES
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APPENDIX E 

ALTERNATIVES B AND C STIPULATIONS 

AND REQUIRED OPERATING PROCEDURES 

Definitions 

The following definitions in the context of this document, apply to general lease stipulations and 

site specific stipulations (K-Stipulations) and Required Operating Procedures (ROPs): 

Active Floodplain: The lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters, 

including the flood-prone areas of offshore islands, composing, at a minimum, that area subject 

to a 1 percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year (also referred to as the 100-year or 

base floodplain). 

Authorized Officer (AO): A position of authority for approval of various activities through 

delegation from the Secretary of the Interior. Currently, the designated AOs in the State of 

Alaska for leasing, surface use, and permitting are 1) State Director, 2) Manager of the 

Fairbanks District Office in Fairbanks, and 3) Deputy State Director of the Division of Energy 

and Solid Minerals. 

Body of Water or Waterbody: A lake, river, stream, creek, or pond that holds water 

throughout the summer and supports a minimum of aquatic life. 

Consultation: Consultation, as it is referenced in the stipulations, does not infer formal 

consultation as required under other legal mandates such as “Section 7 Consultation” under the 

ESA. Rather, consultation implies that the BLM or the Lessee/Permittee will contact other 

agencies or entities to either inform them of potential actions and/or to seek input on noted 

topics. This includes informal contacts, and written, electronic, and/or verbal communication. 

General Lease Stipulation: Mitigation developed through BLM planning process/NEPA 

process that is specifically attached to any lease issued in the Northeast Planning Area. 

Restricted Surface Occupancy: No permanent oil and gas facilities, except pipelines and in 

some cases roads, will be allowed. 

Permanent Oil and Gas Facilities: Production facilities, pipelines, roads, airstrips, 

production pads, docks and other bottom-founded structures, seawater-treatment plants, and 

other structures associated with an oil and gas operation that occupy land for more than one 

winter season. Material sites, exploration wellheads, and seasonal facilities such as ice roads 

and ice pads are excluded, even when the pads are designed for use in successive winters. 
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Required Operating Procedure: Mitigation developed through the BLM planning 

process/NEPA process that is not attached to the oil and gas lease but is required, implemented 

and enforced at the operational level for all authorized (not just oil and gas) activities. 

Compliance with Required Operating Procedures: Required Operating Procedures were 

developed with various mechanisms in place to ensure compliance. These mechanisms 

include the following: 

1) Some ROPs are pre-application requirements; therefore compliance will precede

approval of the proposed activity. For example, ROP H-1 (a) requires consultation 

with affected communities prior to submission of an application for relevant 

activities within the Northeast Planning Area. If consultation has not taken place, 

the application will be rejected or will be considered incomplete until such time that 

the consultation has occurred. 

2) Other ROPs are required design features, and would have to be incorporated into the 

applicant’s proposal. As an integral part of the proposal and the authorization, the 

requirement does not need to be stipulated to be enforceable. For example, a 

minimum pipeline height of 7 feet for above ground pipelines is a required design of 

any approved above ground pipeline (ROP E-7). Since the authorization (a ROW in 

this case) authorizes a pipeline with a minimum height of 7 feet, anything less 

(unless specifically approved through additional NEPA analysis and the permit) is 

not in compliance and enforcement actions may be taken even if the permit does not 

specify a minimum of 7 feet. 

3) Other ROPs will become conditions of approval on post oil and gas lease land use 

authorizations and they would be enforceable. For example ROP C-1 prohibits heavy 

equipment used for cross-country moves within 1⁄2 mile of occupied grizzly bear dens. 

Site Specific Lease Stipulation (K-Stipulations): A mitigation measure developed through 

the BLM planning process/NEPA process attached only to leases issued within spatially defined 

areas in the Northeast Planning Area (see maps 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4). 

Applicability of Requirements/Standards 

All surface disturbing activities such as exploratory drilling, road/pipeline construction, seismic 

acquisition, and overland moves require additional authorization(s) issued subsequent to 

leasing. The stipulations and ROPs require that certain protections of resources and uses be 

achieved. Requirements and standards listed with the stipulations and ROPs represent BLM’s 

current understanding of how lessees/permittees would achieve the objectives of the stipulation 

or ROP. 

A lessee/permittee may propose a deviation from the requirements/standards of stipulations and 

ROPs as part of an authorization application. Prior to approving an alternative procedure as 

part of the authorization, BLM’s staff would analyze the proposal and determine if the proposal 

incorporating the alternative procedure would achieve the objectives of the stipulations and 

ROPs. If the BLM determines that the alternative procedure proposed by the applicant would 

meet the stipulation’s or ROP’s objective, BLM could approve the alternative procedure. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

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If BLM determines that the alternative procedure proposed by the applicant is unlikely to meet 

the objectives of a stipulation or ROP, the AO may allow a deviation from the objectives and 

requirement/standard in a new decision document supported by additional NEPA analysis. 

BLM could independently require different actions than those listed under 

requirements/standards. If, after experience or additional study, BLM concludes that a 

requirement/standard is not achieving or is unlikely to achieve the protective objective when 

applied to a specific future on-the-ground action or would not do so as well as the use of recently 

proven technology or techniques, BLM could at the permitting stage and under the terms of the 

stipulation or ROP, impose other restrictions to meet the objective. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

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Stipulations and Required Operating Procedures 

Waste Prevention, Handling, Disposal, Spills and Public Safety: 

A-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect the health and safety of oil field workers and the general public by avoiding 

the disposal of solid waste and garbage near areas of human activity. 

Requirement/Standard: Areas of operation shall be left clean of all debris. 

A-2 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize impacts on the environment from non-hazardous waste generation. 

Encourage continuous environmental improvement. Protect the health and safety of oil field 

workers and the general public. Avoid human-caused changes in predator populations. 

Requirement/Standard: Lessees/permittees shall prepare and implement a comprehensive 

waste management plan for all phases of exploration and development, including seismic 

activities. The plan shall be submitted to the AO for approval, in consultation with federal, 

state, and NSB regulatory and resource agencies, as appropriate (based on agency legal 

authority and jurisdictional responsibility), as part of a plan of operations or other similar 

permit application. Management decisions affecting waste generation shall be addressed in the 

following order of priority: 1) Prevention and reduction, 2) recycling, 3) treatment, and 4) 

disposal. The plan shall consider and take into account the following requirements: 

a. Methods to avoid attracting wildlife to food and garbage. All feasible precautions shall be 

taken to avoid attracting wildlife to food and garbage. (A list of approved precautions, specific 

to the type of permitted use, can be obtained from the AO.) 

b. Disposal of putrescible waste. Requirements prohibit the burial of garbage. Lessees and 

permitted users shall have a written procedure to ensure that the handling and disposal of 

putrescible waste will be accomplished in a manner that prevents the attraction of wildlife. All 

putrescible waste shall be incinerated, backhauled, or composted in a manner approved by the 

AO. All solid waste, including incinerator ash, shall be disposed of in an approved wastedisposal facility in accordance with USEPA and ADEC regulations and procedures. The burial 

of human waste is prohibited except as authorized by the AO. 

c. Disposal of pumpable waste products. Except as specifically provided, the BLM requires 

that all pumpable solid, liquid, and sludge waste be disposed of by injection in accordance with 

USEPA, ADEC, and the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission regulations and 

procedures. On-pad temporary muds and cuttings storage, as approved by ADEC, will be 

allowed as necessary to facilitate annular injection and/or backhaul operations. 

d. Disposal of wastewater and domestic wastewater. The BLM prohibits wastewater 

discharges or disposal of domestic wastewater into bodies of fresh, estuarine, and marine 

water, including wetlands, unless authorized by the NPDES or state permit. 

A-3 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize pollution through effective hazardous-materials contingency planning. 

Requirement/Standard: For oil- and gas-related activities, a Hazardous Materials Emergency 

Contingency Plan shall be prepared and implemented before transportation, storage, or use of 

fuel or hazardous substances. The plan shall include a set of procedures to ensure prompt 

response, notification, and cleanup in the event of a hazardous substance spill or threat of a 

release. Procedures applicable to fuel and hazardous substances handling (associated with 

transportation vehicles) may consist of Best Management Practices (BMPs) if approved by the 

AO. The plan shall include a list of resources available for response (e.g., heavy-equipment 
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operators, spill-cleanup materials or companies), and names and phone numbers of federal, 

state, and NSB contacts. Other federal and state regulations may apply and require additional 

planning requirements. All staff shall be instructed regarding these procedures. 

A-4 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the impact of contaminants on fish, wildlife, and the environment, 

including wetlands, marshes and marine waters, as a result of fuel, crude oil, and other liquid 

chemical spills. Protect subsistence resources and subsistence activities. Protect public health 

and safety. 

Requirement/Standard: Before initiating any oil and gas or related activity or operation, 

including field research/surveys and/or seismic operations, lessees/permittees shall develop a 

comprehensive spill prevention and response contingency plan per 40 CFR § 112 (Oil Pollution 

Act). The plan shall consider and take into account the following requirements: 

a. On-site Clean-up Materials. Sufficient oil-spill-cleanup materials (absorbents, containment 

devices, etc...) shall be stored at all fueling points and vehicle-maintenance areas and shall be 

carried by field crews on all overland moves, seismic work trains, and similar overland moves 

by heavy equipment. 

b. Storage Containers. Fuel and other petroleum products and other liquid chemicals shall be 

stored in proper containers at approved locations. Except during overland moves and seismic 

operations, fuel, other petroleum products, and other liquid chemicals designated by the AO in 

excess of 1,320 gallons in storage capacity shall be stored within an impermeable lined and 

diked area or within approved alternate storage containers, such as over packs, capable of 

containing 110 percent of the stored volume. 

c. Liner Materials. Liner material shall be compatible with the stored product and capable of 

remaining impermeable during typical weather extremes expected throughout the storage 

period. 

d. Permanent Fueling Stations. Permanent fueling stations shall be lined or have 

impermeable protection to prevent fuel migration to the environment from overfills and spills. 

e. Proper Identification of Containers. All fuel containers, including barrels and propane 

tanks, shall be marked with the responsible party's name, product type, and year filled or 

purchased. 

f. Notice of Reportable Spills. Notice of any reportable spill (as required by 40 CFR § 300.125 

and 18 AAC § 75.300) shall be given to the AO as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours 

after occurrence. 

g. Identification of Oil Pans (“duck ponds”). All oil pans shall be marked with the responsible 

party’s name. 

A-5 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the impact of contaminants from refueling operations on fish, wildlife and 

the environment. 

Requirement/Standard: Refueling of equipment within 500 feet of the active flood plain of any 

fish-bearing water body and 100 feet of non-fish-bearing water bodies is prohibited. Small 

caches (up to 210 gallons) for motorboats, float planes, ski planes, and small equipment, e.g. 

portable generators and water pumps, will be permitted. The AO may allow storage and 

operations at areas closer than the stated distances if properly designed to account for local 

hydrologic conditions. 

A-6 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the impact on fish, wildlife, and the environment from contaminants 

associated with the exploratory drilling process. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-8

Requirement/Standard: Surface discharge of reserve-pit fluids is prohibited unless authorized 

by applicable NPDES, ADEC, and NSB permits (as appropriate) and approved by the AO. 

A-7 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the impacts to the environment of disposal of produced fluids recovered 

during the development phase on fish, wildlife, and the environment. 

Requirement/Standard: Procedures for the disposal of produced fluids shall meet the following 

requirements: 

a. In upland areas, including wetlands, disposal will be by subsurface-disposal techniques. The 

AO may permit alternate disposal methods if the lessee demonstrates that subsurface disposal 

is not feasible or prudent and the alternative method will not result in adverse environmental 

effects. 

b. In marine waters, approval of discharges by the AO will be based on a case-by-case review of 

environmental factors and consistency with the conditions of an NPDES permit. Discharge of 

produced fluids will be prohibited at locations where currents and water depths, in 

combination with other conditions, are not adequate to prevent impacts to known biologically 

sensitive areas. Alternate disposal methods will require an NPDES permit certified by the 

state. 

A-8 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize conflicts resulting from interaction between humans and bears during 

leasing and associated activities. 

Requirement: Oil and gas lessees and their contractors and subcontractors will, as a part of 

preparation of lease operation planning, prepare and implement bear-interaction plans to 

minimize conflicts between bears and humans. These plans shall include measures to: 

a. Minimize attraction of bears to the drill sites. 

b. Organize layout of buildings and work areas to minimize human/bear interactions. 

c. Warn personnel of bears near or on drill sites and identify proper procedures to be followed. 

d. Establish procedures, if authorized, to discourage bears from approaching the drill site. 

e. Provide contingencies in the event bears do not leave the site or cannot be discouraged by 

authorized personnel. 

f. Discuss proper storage and disposal of materials that may be toxic to bears. 

g. Provide a systematic record of bears on the site and in the immediate area. 

Water Use for Permitted Activities: 

B-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Maintain populations of, and adequate habitat for, fish and invertebrates. 

Requirement/Standard: Water withdrawal from rivers and streams during winter is prohibited. 

B-2 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Maintain natural hydrologic regimes in soils surrounding lakes and ponds, and 

maintain populations of, and adequate habitat for, fish and invertebrates, and waterfowl. 

Requirement/Standard: Water withdrawal from lakes may be authorized on a site-specific basis 

depending on lake size, water volume, and depth, and fish population and species 

diversification. Water withdrawal requirements specify: 

a. Lakes that are ≥7 feet with sensitive fish (any fish except ninespine stickleback or Alaska 

blackfish), water available for withdrawal is limited to 15% of calculated volume deeper than 7 

feet; lakes that are between 5 and 7 feet with sensitive fish, water available for withdrawal 

would be calculated on a case by case basis. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

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b. Lakes that are ≥5 feet with only non-sensitive fish (i.e., ninespine stickleback or Alaska 

blackfish), water is available for withdrawal is limited to 30% of calculated volume deeper 

than 5 feet. 

c. Any lake with no fish present, regardless of depth, water available for withdrawal is up to 

100% as specified within the permit. 

d. A water-monitoring plan may be required to assess draw down and water quality changes 

before, during, and after pumping any fish-bearing lake or lake of special concern. 

e. The removal of naturally grounded ice may be authorized from lakes and shallow rivers on a 

site-specific basis depending upon its size, water volume, and depth, and fish population and 

species diversification. 

f. Removed ice aggregate shall be included in the 15 percent or 30 percent withdrawal 

limits⎯whichever is the appropriate case⎯unless otherwise approved. 

g. Any water intake structures in fish bearing or non-fish bearing waters shall be designed, 

operated, and maintained to prevent fish entrapment, entrainment, or injury. Note: All water 

withdrawal equipment must be equipped and must utilize fish screening devices approved by 

the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR).

h. Compaction of snow cover or snow removal from fish-bearing water bodies shall be 

prohibited except at approved ice road crossings, water pumping stations on lakes, or areas of 

grounded ice.

The following lease stipulations and ROPs apply to overland moves, seismic work, and any 

similar cross-country vehicle use of heavy equipment on non-roaded surfaces during the winter 

season. These restrictions do not apply to the use of such equipment on ice roads after they are 

constructed.

Winter Overland Moves and Seismic Work: 

C-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect grizzly bear, polar bear, and marine mammal denning and/or birthing 

locations. 

Requirement/Standard: 

a. Cross-country use of heavy equipment and seismic activities is prohibited within 1⁄2 mile of 

occupied grizzly bear dens identified by the ADFG unless alternative protective measures are 

approved by the AO in consultation with the ADFG. 

b. Cross-country use of heavy equipment and seismic activities is prohibited within 1 mile of 

known or observed polar bear dens or seal birthing lairs. Operators shall consult with the 

USFWS and/or NOAA Fisheries, as appropriate, before initiating activities in coastal habitat 

between October 30 and April 15. 

C-2 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect stream banks, minimize compaction of soils, and minimize the breakage, 

abrasion, compaction, or displacement of vegetation. 

Requirement/Standard: 

a. Ground operations shall be allowed only when frost and snow cover are at sufficient depths 

to protect the tundra. Ground operations shall cease when the spring snowmelt begins 

(approximately May 5 in the foothills area where elevations reach or exceed 500 feet and 

approximately May 15 in the northern coastal areas). The exact dates will be determined by 

the AO. 

b. Only low-ground-pressure vehicles shall be used for on-the-ground activities off ice roads or 

pads. A list of approved vehicles can be obtained from the AO. Limited use of tractors equipped 

with wide tracks or “shoes” will be allowed to pull trailers, sleighs or other equipment with 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

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approved undercarriage. Note: This provision does not include the use of heavy equipment 

such as front-end loaders and similar equipment required during ice road construction.

c. Bulldozing of tundra mat and vegetation, trails, or seismic lines is prohibited; however, on 

existing trails, seismic lines or camps, clearing of drifted snow is allowed to the extent that the 

tundra mat is not disturbed. 

d. To reduce the possibility of ruts, vehicles shall avoid using the same trails for multiple trips 

unless necessitated by serious safety or superseding environmental concern. This provision 

does not apply to hardened snow trails for use by low-ground-pressure vehicles such as 

Rolligons. 

e. The location of winter ice roads shall be designed and located to minimize compaction of 

soils and the breakage, abrasion, compaction, or displacement of vegetation. Offsets may be 

required to avoid using the same route or track in the subsequent year. 

C-3 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Maintain natural spring runoff patterns, avoid flooding, prevent streambed 

sedimentation, protect water quality and protect stream banks. 

Requirement/Standard: Crossing of waterway courses shall be made using a low-angle 

approach. Snow and ice bridges shall be removed, breached, or slotted before spring breakup. 

Ramps and bridges shall be substantially free of soil and debris. 

C-4 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Avoid additional freeze-down of deep-water pools harboring over-wintering fish and 

invertebrates used by fish. 

Requirement/Standard: Travel up and down streambeds is prohibited unless it can be 

demonstrated that there will be no additional impacts from such travel to over-wintering fish or 

the invertebrates they rely on. Rivers and streams shall be crossed at shallow riffles from point 

bar to point bar whenever possible. 

Oil and Gas Exploratory Drilling: 

D-1 Lease Stipulation 

Objectives: Protect fish-bearing rivers, streams, and lakes from blowouts and minimize 

alteration of riparian habitat. 

Requirement/Standard: Exploratory drilling is prohibited in rivers and streams, as determined 

by the active floodplain, and fish-bearing lakes, except where the lessee can demonstrate on a 

site-specific basis that impacts would be minimal, or it is determined that there is no feasible or 

prudent alternative. 

D-2 Lease Stipulation 

Objective: Minimize surface impacts from exploratory drilling. 

Requirement/Standard: Exploratory drilling shall be limited to temporary facilities such as ice 

pads, ice roads, and ice airstrips, unless the lessee demonstrates that construction of permanent 

facilities such as gravel airstrips, storage pads, and connecting roads is environmentally 

preferable or necessary to carry out exploration more economically. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

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Facility Design and Construction: 

E-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect subsistence use and access to traditional subsistence hunting and fishing 

areas and minimize the impact of oil and gas activities on air, land, water, fish and wildlife 

resources. 

Requirement/Standard: All roads must be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to 

create minimal environmental impacts and to protect subsistence use and access to traditional 

subsistence hunting and fishing areas. Subject to approval by the AO, the construction, 

operation and maintenance of oil field roads is the responsibility of the lessee. Note: This 

provision does not apply to intercommunity or other permanent roads constructed with public 

funds for general transportation purposes. This preserves the opportunity to plan, design and 

construct public transportation systems to meet the economic, transportation, and public health 

and safety needs of the State of Alaska and/or communities within the National Petroleum 

Reserve - Alaska.

E-2 Lease Stipulation 

Objective: Protect fish-bearing water bodies, water quality, and aquatic habitats. 

Requirement/Standard: The design and location of permanent oil and gas facilities within 500 

feet of fish-bearing or 100 feet of non-fish-bearing water bodies will only be approved on a case 

by case basis if the lessee can demonstrate that impacts to fish, water quality, and aquatic and 

riparian habitats are minimal. Note: Also refer to Area-Specific Stipulations and ROPs for 

Rivers Area (Lease Stipulation K-1) and Deep Water Lakes (Lease Stipulation K-2).

E-3 Lease Stipulation 

Objective: Maintain free passage of marine and anadromous fish and protect subsistence use 

and access to traditional subsistence hunting and fishing. 

Requirement/Standard: Causeways and docks are prohibited in river mouths or deltas. Artificial 

gravel islands and bottom-founded structures are prohibited in river mouths or active stream 

channels on river deltas. Causeways, docks, artificial islands, and bottom-founded structures 

shall be designed to ensure free passage of marine and anadromous fish and to prevent 

significant changes to nearshore oceanographic circulation patterns and water quality 

characteristics. A monitoring program may be required to address the objectives of water 

quality and free passage of fish. 

E-4 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the potential for pipeline leaks, the resulting environmental damage and 

industrial accidents. 

Requirement/Standard: All pipelines shall be designed, constructed, and operated under an AOapproved Quality Assurance/Quality Control plan that is specific to the product transported. 

E-5 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize impacts of the development footprint. 

Requirement/Standard: Facilities shall be designed and located to minimize the development 

footprint to the maximum extent practicable considering environmental, economic, safety, and 

social impacts. Note: Where aircraft traffic is a concern, consideration shall be given to 

balancing gravel pad size and available supply storage capacity with potential reductions in the 

use of aircraft to support oil and gas operations. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

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E-6 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Reduce the potential for ice-jam flooding, impacts to wetlands and floodplains, 

erosion, alteration of natural drainage patterns, and restriction of fish passage. 

Requirement/Standard: Stream and marsh crossings shall be designed and constructed to 

ensure free passage of fish, maintain natural drainage, and minimize adverse effects to natural 

stream flow. Note: Bridges, rather than culverts, are the preferred method for crossing rivers. 

When necessary, culverts can be constructed on smaller streams, if they are large enough to 

avoid restricting fish passage or adversely affecting natural stream flow.

E-7 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize disruption of caribou movement and subsistence use. 

Requirement/Standard: Pipelines and roads shall be designed to allow the free movement of 

caribou and the safe, unimpeded passage of the public while participating in traditional 

subsistence activities. Listed below are the accepted design practices: 

a. Above ground pipelines shall be elevated a minimum of 7 feet as measured from the ground 

to the bottom of the pipeline at vertical support members. 

b. In areas where facilities or terrain may funnel caribou movement, ramps over pipelines, 

buried pipelines, or pipelines buried under roads may be required by the AO after consultation 

with federal, state, and NSB regulatory and resource agencies (as appropriate, based on 

agency legal authority and jurisdictional responsibility). 

c. A minimum distance of 500 feet between pipelines and roads should be maintained when 

feasible. Separating roads from pipelines may not be feasible within narrow land corridors 

between lakes and where pipelines and roads converge on a drill pad. 

E-8 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the impact of mineral materials mining activities on air, land, water, fish, 

and wildlife resources. 

Requirement/Standard: Gravel mine site design and reclamation will be in accordance with a 

plan approved by the AO. The plan shall consider: 

a. Locations outside the active flood plain. 

b. Design and construction of gravel mine sites within active flood plains to serve as water 

reservoirs for future use. 

c. Potential use of the site for enhancing fish and wildlife habitat. 

E-9 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Avoidance of human-caused increases in populations of predators of ground nesting 

birds. 

Requirement/Standard: Lessee shall utilize best available technology to prevent facilities from 

providing nesting, denning, or shelter sites for ravens, raptors, and foxes. The lessee shall 

provide the AO with an annual report on the use of oil and gas facilities by ravens, raptors and 

foxes as nesting, denning, and shelter sites. 

E-10 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Prevention of migrating waterfowl, including species listed under the Endangered 

Species Act, from striking oil and gas and related facilities during low light conditions. 

Requirement/Standard: Except for safety lighting, illumination of higher structures shall be 

designed to direct artificial exterior lighting inward and downward, rather than upward and 

outward. All drilling structures, production facilities, and other structures that exceed 20 feet in 

height shall be illuminated as outlined above. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

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E-11 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the take of species listed under the Endangered Species Act and minimize 

the disturbance of other species of interest from direct or indirect interaction with oil and gas 

facilities. 

Requirement/Standard: In accordance with the guidance below, before the approval of facility 

construction, aerial surveys of breeding pairs of the following species shall be conducted within 

any area proposed for development. 

Special Conditions in Spectacled and/or Steller’s Eiders Habitats:

a. Surveys shall be conducted by the lessee for at least 3 years before authorization of 

construction, if such construction is within the USFWS North Slope eider survey area and at 

least 1 year outside that area. Results of aerial surveys and habitat mapping may require 

additional ground nest surveys. Spectacled and/or Steller’s eider surveys shall be conducted 

following accepted BLM-protocol during the second week of June. 

b. If spectacled and/or Steller’s eiders are determined to be present within the proposed 

development area, the applicant shall consult with the USFWS and BLM in the design and 

placement of roads and facilities in order to minimize impacts to nesting and brood-rearing 

eiders and their preferred habitats. Such consultation shall address timing restrictions and 

other temporary mitigating measures, construction of permanent facilities, placement of fill, 

alteration of eider habitat, aircraft operations, and introduction of high noise levels. 

c. To reduce the possibility of spectacled and/or Steller’s eiders striking above ground utility 

lines (power and communication), such lines shall either be buried in access roads, or 

suspended on vertical support members, to the extent practical. Support wires associated 

with communication towers, radio antennas, and other similar facilities, shall be clearly 

marked along their entire length to improve visibility for low flying birds. Such markings 

shall be jointly developed through consultation with the USFWS. Overhead power and/or 

communication lines for oil and gas activities will be limited to the following circumstances. 

Special Conditions in Yellow-billed Loon Habitats:

a. Aerial surveys shall be conducted by the lessee for at least 3 years before authorization of 

construction of facilities proposed for development which are within 1 mile of a lake 25 acres 

or larger in size. These surveys along shorelines of large lakes shall be conducted following 

accepted BLM protocol during nesting in late June and during brood rearing in late August. 

b. Should yellow-billed loons be present, the design and location of facilities must be such 

that disturbance is minimized. Accepted mitigation is a 1-mile buffer around all recorded 

nest sites and a minimum 1,625-foot (500-meter) buffer around the remainder of the lake 

shoreline. Development may be prohibited within buffers or activities curtailed while birds 

are present. 

E-12 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Use ecological mapping as a tool to assess wildlife habitat before development of 

permanent facilities, to conserve important habitat types during development. 

Requirement/Standard: An ecological land classification map of the development area shall be 

developed before approval of facility construction. The map will integrate geomorphology, 

surface form, and vegetation at a scale, level of resolution, and level of positional accuracy 

adequate for detailed analysis of development alternatives. The map shall be prepared in time 

to plan one season of ground-based wildlife surveys, if deemed necessary by the AO, before 

approval of the exact facility location and facility construction. 

E-13 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect cultural and paleontological resources. 
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Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-14

Requirement/Standard: Lessees shall conduct a cultural and paleontological resources survey 

prior to any ground-disturbing activity. Upon finding any potential cultural or paleontological 

resource, the lessee or their designated representative shall notify the AO and suspend all 

operations in the immediate area of such discovery until written authorization to proceed is 

issued by the AO. 

Use of Aircraft for Permitted Activities: 

F-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize the effects of low-flying aircraft on wildlife, traditional subsistence 

activities, and local communities. 

Requirement/Standard: The lessee shall ensure that aircraft used for permitted activities 

maintain altitudes according to the following guidelines: 

a. Aircraft shall maintain an altitude of at least 1,500 feet above ground level (AGL) when 

within 1⁄2 mile of cliffs identified as raptor nesting sites from April 15 through August 15 and 

within 1⁄2 mile of known gyrfalcon nest sites from March 15 to August 15, unless doing so 

would endanger human life or violate safe flying practices. Permitees shall obtain information 

from the BLM necessary to plan flight routes when routes may go near falcon nests. 

b. Aircraft shall maintain an altitude of at least 1,000 feet AGL (except for takeoffs and 

landings) over caribou winter ranges from October 1 through May 1, unless doing so would 

endanger human life or violate safe flying practices. Caribou wintering areas will be defined 

annually by the AO. 

c. The number of takeoffs and landings to support oil and gas operations with necessary 

materials and supplies should be limited to the maximum extent possible. During the design 

of proposed oil and gas facilities, larger landing strips and storage areas should be considered 

so as to allow larger aircraft to be employed, resulting in fewer flights to the facility. 

d. Use of aircraft, especially rotary wing aircraft, near known subsistence camps and cabins or 

during sensitive subsistence hunting periods (spring goose hunting and fall caribou and moose 

hunting) should be kept to a minimum. 

e. Aircraft used for permitted activities shall maintain an altitude of at least 2,000 feet AGL 

(except for takeoffs and landings) over the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area (Map 2-2) 

from May 20 through August 20, unless doing so would endanger human life or violate safe 

flying practices. Aircraft use (including fixed wing and helicopter) by oil and gas lessees in the 

Goose Molting Area (Map 2-2) should be minimized from May 20 through August 20, unless 

doing so would endanger human life or violate safe flying practices. 

Oil Field Abandonment: 

G-1 Lease Stipulation 

Objective: Ensure the final disposition of the land meets the current and future needs of the 

public. 

Requirement/Standard: Upon abandonment or expiration of the lease, all oil- and gas-related 

facilities shall be removed and sites rehabilitated to as near the original condition as 

practicable, subject to the review of the AO. The AO may determine that it is in the best interest 

of the public to retain some or all facilities. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-15

Subsistence Consultation for Permitted Activities: 

H-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Provide opportunities for participation in planning and decision making to prevent 

unreasonable conflicts between subsistence uses and oil and gas and related activities. 

Requirement/Standard: Lessee/permitee shall consult directly with affected communities using 

the following guidelines: 

a. Before submitting an application to the BLM, the applicant shall consult with directly affected 

subsistence communities, the NSB, and the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska Subsistence 

Advisory Panel to discuss the siting, timing and methods of proposed operations. Through this 

consultation, the applicant shall make every reasonable effort, including such mechanisms as 

conflict avoidance agreements and mitigating measures, to ensure that proposed activities will 

not result in unreasonable interference with subsistence activities. 

b. The applicant shall submit documentation of consultation efforts as part of its operations 

plan. Applicants should submit the proposed plan of operations to provide an adequate time 

for review and comment by the National Petroleum Reserve - Alaska Subsistence Advisory 

Panel and to allow time for formal Government-to-Government consultation with Native 

Tribal governments. The applicant shall submit documentation of its consultation efforts and 

a written plan that shows how its activities, in combination with other activities in the area, 

will be scheduled and located to prevent unreasonable conflicts with subsistence activities. 

Operations plans must include a discussion of the potential effects of the proposed operation, 

and the proposed operation in combination with other existing or reasonably foreseeable 

operations. 

c. A subsistence plan addressing the following items must be submitted: 

1. A detailed description of the activity(ies) to take place (including the use of aircraft). 

2. A description of how the lessee/permitee will minimize and/or deal with any potential 

impacts identified by the AO during the consultation process. 

3. A detailed description of the monitoring effort to take place, including process, procedures, 

personnel involved and points of contact both at the work site and in the local community. 

4. Communication elements to provide information on how the applicant will keep 

potentially affected individuals and communities up-to-date on the progress of the activities 

and locations of possible, short-term conflicts (if any) with subsistence activities. 

Communication methods could include holding community meetings, open house meetings, 

workshops, newsletters, radio and television announcements, etc. 

5. Procedures necessary to facilitate access by subsistence users to conduct their activities. 

In the event that no agreement is reached between the parties, the AO shall consult with the 

directly involved parties and determine which activities will occur, including the timeframes. 

During development, monitoring plans must be established for new permanent facilities, 

including pipelines, to assess an appropriate range of potential effects on resources and 

subsistence as determined on a case-by-case basis given the nature and location of the facilities. 

The scope, intensity, and duration of such plans will be established in consultation with the AO 

and Subsistence Advisory Panel. 

H-2 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Prevent unreasonable conflicts between subsistence activities and geophysical 

(seismic) exploration. 

Requirement/Standard: In addition to the consultation process described above for permitted 

activities, before applying for permits to conduct geophysical (seismic) exploration, the applicant 

shall consult with local communities and residents. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-16

Orientation Programs Associated with Permitted Activities: 

I-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Minimize cultural and resource conflicts. 

Requirement/Standard: All personnel involved in oil and gas and related activities shall be 

provided information concerning applicable stipulations, ROPs, standards, and specific types of 

environmental, social, traditional, and cultural concerns that relate to the region. The 

lessee/permitee shall ensure that all personnel involved in permitted activities shall attend an 

orientation program at least once a year. The proposed orientation program shall be submitted 

to the AO for review and approval and should: 

a. provide sufficient detail to notify personnel of applicable stipulations and ROPs as well as 

inform individuals working on the project of specific types of environmental, social, traditional 

and cultural concerns that relate to the region. 

b. Address the importance of not disturbing archaeological and biological resources and 

habitats, including endangered species, fisheries, bird colonies, and marine mammals, and 

provide guidance on how to avoid disturbance. 

c. Include guidance on the preparation, production, and distribution of information cards on 

endangered and/or threatened species. 

d. Be designed to increase sensitivity and understanding of personnel to community values, 

customs, and lifestyles in areas in which personnel will be operating. 

e. Include information concerning avoidance of conflicts with subsistence, commercial fishing 

activities, and pertinent mitigation. 

f. Include information for aircraft personnel concerning subsistence activities and 

areas/seasons that are particularly sensitive to disturbance by low-flying aircraft. Of special 

concern is aircraft use near traditional subsistence cabins and campsites, flights during spring 

goose hunting and fall caribou and moose hunting seasons, and flights near North Slope 

communities. 

g. Provide that individual training is transferable from one facility to another except for 

elements of the training specific to a particular site. 

h. Include on-site records of all personnel who attend the program for so long as the site is 

active, though not to exceed the 5 most recent years of operations. This record shall include 

the name and dates(s) of attendance of each attendee. 

i. Include a module discussing bear interaction plans to minimize conflicts between bears and 

humans. 

Endangered Species Act—Section 7 Consultation Process: 

J: The lease areas may now or hereafter contain plants, animals, or their habitats determined 

to be threatened, endangered, or to have some other special status. BLM may recommend 

modifications to exploration and development proposals to further its conservation and 

management objective to avoid BLM-approved activities that will contribute to the need to list 

such a species or their habitat. BLM may require modifications to or disapprove a proposed 

activity that is likely to result in jeopardy to the continued existence of a proposed or listed 

threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of a 

designated or proposed critical habitat. BLM will not approve any ground-disturbing activity 

that may affect any such species or critical habitat until it completes its obligations under 

applicable requirements of the Endangered Species Act as amended, 16 USC § 1531 et seq., 

including completion of any required procedure for conference or consultation. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-17

Lease Stipulations that Apply in Biologically Sensitive Areas: 

K-1 Lease Stipulation - Rivers 

Objective: Minimize the disruption of natural flow patterns and changes to water quality; the 

disruption of natural functions resulting from the loss or change to vegetative and physical 

characteristics of floodplain and riparian areas; the loss of spawning, rearing or over-wintering 

habitat for fish; the loss of cultural and paleontological resources; the loss of raptor habitat; 

impacts to subsistence cabin and campsites; the disruption of subsistence activities; and 

impacts to scenic and other resource values. 

Requirement/Standard: Permanent oil and gas facilities, including gravel pads, roads, airstrips, 

and pipelines, are prohibited in the streambed and adjacent to the rivers listed below at the 

distances identified. With the exception of the Ikpikpuk River, these setbacks are measured 

from the bank of the river as determined by the hydrology at the time of application. The 

standard setback is 1⁄2 mile (from the bank’s highest high water mark) and increased to 3⁄4 mile 

(from the bank’s highest high water mark) where subsistence cabin and campsites are 

numerous. Along the Colville River and a portion of the Ikpikpuk a 1-mile (from the bank’s 

highest high water mark) setback is required to protect important raptor habitat (for locations 

along rivers where setback distances change). On a case-by case basis, and in consultation with 

federal, state, and NSB regulatory and resource agencies (as appropriate, based on agency legal 

authority and jurisdictional responsibility), essential pipeline and road crossings to the main 

channel will be permitted (unless noted otherwise) through setback areas. The above setbacks 

may not be practical within river deltas. In these situations, permanent facilities shall be 

designed to withstand a 200-year flood event. 

a. Colville River: a 1-mile setback from the northern bluff (or bank if there is no bluff) of the 

Colville River extending the length of that portion of the river located within the Planning 

Area. Note: The Planning Area excludes conveyed Native lands along the lower reaches of the 

Colville River. Development of road crossings intended to support oil and gas activities shall 

be consolidated with other similar projects and uses to the maximum extent possible. Note: 

This provision does not apply to intercommunity or other permanent roads constructed with 

public funds for general transportation purposes. This preserves the opportunity to plan, 

design, and construct public transportation systems to meet the economic, transportation, and 

public health and safety needs of the State of Alaska and/or communities within National 

Petroleum Reserve - Alaska.

b. Ikpikpuk River: a 3⁄4-mile setback from each side of the centerline (11⁄2 miles total) of the 

Ikpikpuk River extending from the mouth south to Sec. 19, T. 7 N., R. 11 W., U.M. (Umiat 

Meridian). From Sec. 19, T. 7 N., R. 11 W., U.M., to Sec. 4, T. 3 N., R. 12 W., U.M., a 1-mile 

setback is required. Beginning at Sec. 4, T. 3 N., R. 12 W., U.M., a 1⁄2-mile setback from the 

centerline (1 mile total) will be required to the confluence of the Kigalik River and Maybe 

Creek. Note: The setback distances only apply to the east bank where the Ikpikpuk River is 

the Planning Area boundary.

c. Miguakiak River: a 1⁄2-mile setback from the bank’s highest high water mark.

d. Kikiakrorak and Kogosukruk Rivers: Note: The following discussion refers only to 

portions of the Kikiakrorak River downstream from T. 2 N., R. 4 W., U.M. and the Kogosukruk 

River (including the four tributaries off the southern bank) downstream from T. 2 N., R. 3 W., 

U.M.. No permanent oil and gas surface facilities, except essential transportation crossings, 

would be allowed within 1 mile of the top of the bluff (or bank if there is no bluff) on either side 

of the rivers and several of the Kogosukruk tributaries. 

e. Fish Creek: No permanent oil and gas surface facilities, except essential transportation 

crossings, would be allowed within 3 miles (from the bank’s highest high water mark) of the 

creek downstream from the eastern edge of Sec. 31, T. 11 N., R. 1 E., U.M. or within 1⁄2 mile 

(from the bank’s highest high water mark) of the creek farther upstream.
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-18

f. Judy Creek: a 1⁄2-mile setback from the banks’ highest high water mark extending from the 

mouth to the confluence of an unnamed tributary in Sec. 8, T8N., R.2W., Umiat Meridian. 

g. Tingmiaksiqvik River: No permanent oil and gas surface facilities, except essential 

transportation crossings, would be allowed within 1⁄2 mile (from the bank’s highest high waster 

mark) of this river from its headwaters within Sec. 13, T. 7 N., R. 1 W., U.M. downstream to 

its confluence with Fish Creek. Note: This stipulation applies only to Alternative B. 

K-2 Lease Stipulation--Deep Water Lakes 

Objective: Minimize the disruption of natural flow patterns and changes to water quality; the 

disruption of natural functions resulting from the loss or change to vegetative and physical 

characteristics of deep water lakes; the loss of spawning, rearing or over wintering habitat for 

fish; the loss of cultural and paleontological resources; impacts to subsistence cabin and 

campsites; and the disruption of subsistence activities. 

Requirement/Standard: Permanent oil and gas facilities, including gravel pads, roads, airstrips, 

and pipelines, are prohibited on the lake or lakebed and within 1⁄4 mile of the ordinary high 

water mark of any deep lake as determined to be in lake zone III (i.e., depth greater than 13 feet 

[4 meters]; Mellor 1985). On a case-by case basis, and in consultation with federal, state and 

NSB regulatory and resource agencies (as appropriate based on agency legal authority and 

jurisdictional responsibility), essential pipeline, road crossings, and other permanent facilities 

may be permitted through or in these areas where the lessee can demonstrate on a site-specific 

basis that impacts would be minimal or if it is determined that there is no feasible or prudent 

alternative. 

K-3 Stipulation - Teshekpuk Lake 

Teshekpuk Lake contains sensitive biological resources and/or subsistence concerns. The 

standard(s) for exploration and development activities are set high with the burden of proof 

resting with the lessee to demonstrate to the AO that granting an approval for exploration and/or 

development is warranted. 

Objective: Protect fish and wildlife habitat, preserve air and water quality, and minimize 

impacts to traditional subsistence activities and historic travel routes on Teshekpuk Lake. 

Requirement/Standard (Exploration): Requests for approval of any activities must be submitted 

in advance and must be accompanied by evidence and documentation that demonstrates to the 

satisfaction of the AO that the actions or activities meet all of the following criteria: 

a. Exploration activities will not unreasonably conflict with traditional subsistence uses or 

significantly impact seasonally concentrated fish and wildlife resources. 

b. There is adequate spill response capability to effectively respond during periods of broken ice 

and/or open water or, the availability of alternative methods to prevent well blowouts during 

periods when adequate response capability cannot be demonstrated. Such alternative methods 

may include improvements in blowout prevention technology, equipment, and/or changes in 

operational procedures, and “top-setting” of hydrocarbon-bearing zones. 

c. Reasonable efforts to avoid or minimize impacts related to oil spill response activities, 

including vessel, aircraft, and pedestrian traffic will be made to minimize additional impacts 

or further compounding of “direct spill”-related impacts on area resources and subsistence 

uses. 

d. The location of exploration and related activities shall be sited so as to not pose a hazard to 

navigation by the public using high-use traditional subsistence-related travel routes on 

Teshekpuk Lake, recognizing that marine and near-shore travel routes change over time, 

subject to shifting environmental conditions. 

Requirement/Standard (Development): With the exception of linear features such as pipelines 

and causeways, permanent oil and gas platforms or production equipment would not be 

permitted on or under the water within 3⁄4 mile of the shoreline, and on land 1⁄4 mile landward of 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-19

the shoreline of Teshekpuk Lake. Activities will only be permitted if they can meet all the 

following criteria: 

a. Design and construction of facilities shall minimize impacts to traditional subsistence uses, 

travel corridors, and seasonally concentrated fish and wildlife resources. 

b. Daily operational activities, including use of support vehicles, watercraft, and aircraft 

traffic, alone or in combination with other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable activities, 

shall be conducted to minimize impacts to traditional subsistence uses, travel corridors, and 

seasonally concentrated fish and wildlife resources. 

c. The location of oil and gas facilities, including artificial islands, platforms, associated 

pipelines, ice or other roads, bridges or causeways, shall be sited and constructed so as to not 

pose a hazard to navigation by the public using traditional high-use subsistence-related travel 

routes into and through Teshekpuk Lake. 

d. Demonstrated year-round oil spill response capability, including the capability of adequate 

response during periods of broken ice or open water, or the availability of alternative methods 

to prevent well blowouts during periods when adequate response capability cannot be 

demonstrated. Such alternative methods may include seasonal drilling restrictions, 

improvements in blowout prevention technology, equipment and/or changes in operational 

procedures, and “top-setting” of hydrocarbon-bearing zones. 

e. Reasonable efforts will be made to avoid or minimize impacts related to oil spill response 

activities, including vessel, aircraft, and pedestrian traffic that add to impacts or further 

compound “direct spill” related impacts on area resources and subsistence uses. 

K-4 Lease Stipulation - Goose Molting Area 

Objective: Minimize disturbance to molting geese and loss of goose molting habitat in and 

around lakes in the Goose Molting Area. 

Requirement/Standard: In goose molting habitats, the following standards will be followed for 

permitted activities: 

a. Water extraction from any lake used by molting geese shall not alter hydrological conditions 

that could adversely affect identified goose-feeding habitat along lakeshore margins. 

Considerations will be given to seasonal use by operators (generally in winter) and geese 

(generally in summer), as well as recharge to lakes from the spring snowmelt. 

b. From May 20 through August 20 drilling other than from current production pads is 

prohibited. The intent of this rule is to restrict exploration drilling during the period when 

geese are present. There are no seasonal restrictions on development or exploration drilling for 

fields in operation. 

c. Oil and gas exploration and development activities will avoid alteration (e.g., damage or 

disturbance of soils, vegetation, or surface hydrology) of critical goose-feeding habitat types 

along lakeshore margins (grass/sedge/moss), as identified by the AO in consultation with the 

USFWS. 

d. Permanent oil and gas facilities (including gravel roads, pads, and airstrips but excluding 

pipelines) and material sites will be sited to meet the stated objective. With the exception of 

linear features such as pipelines and causeways, permanent oil and gas platforms or 

production equipment would not be permitted on or under the water within 3⁄4 mile of the 

shoreline, and on land 1⁄4 mile landward of the shoreline of goose molting lakes. Goose Molting 

Area lakes shall be identified by the AO in consultation with appropriate federal, state, and 

NSB regulatory and resource agencies. 

e. Oil and gas facility layout located within 11⁄2 miles of a Goose Molting Area lake from May 

20 through August 20 shall incorporate features (e.g., temporary fences, siting/orientation) 

that screen/shield human activity from view of any Goose Molting Area lake, as identified by 

the AO in consultation with appropriate federal, state, and NSB regulatory and resource 

agencies. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-20

f. Major construction activities using heavy equipment (e.g., sand/gravel extraction and 

transport, pipeline and pad construction, but not drilling from existing production pads) shall 

be suspended within 11⁄2 mile of the Goose Molting Area lakes from May 20 through August 20, 

unless approved by the AO in consultation with the appropriate federal, state, and NSB 

regulatory and resource agencies. 

g. Strategies to minimize ground traffic will be implemented from May 20 through August 20. 

These strategies may include limiting trips, use of convoys, different vehicle types, etc. to the 

extent practicable. 

h. Nonessential helicopter overflights by oil and gas lessees and all other users shall be 

reviewed and may be suspended in and around Goose Molting Area lakes from May 20 

through August 20. 

i. Within the Goose Molting Area, use of fixed-wing aircraft by authorized users shall be 

restricted from May 20 to August 20. Restrictions may include 1) limited to two round-trip 

flights/week, and 2) restricted to flight corridors will be established by the BLM after 

discussions with appropriate federal, state, and NSB regulatory and resource agencies. Note: 

This site-specific stipulation is not intended to restrict flights necessary to survey wildlife to 

gain information necessary to meet the stated objective of this stipulation. However, flights 

necessary to gain this information would be restricted to the minimum necessary to collect 

such data. 

K-5 Lease Stipulation - Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area

Objective: Minimize disturbance and hindrance of caribou, or alteration of caribou movements 

through portions the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area that are essential for all season 

use, including calving and rearing, insect-relief, and migration. 

Requirement/Standard: In the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area the following standards 

will be applied to permitted activities: 

a. Before authorization of construction of permanent facilities, the lessee shall design and 

implement a study of caribou movement unless an acceptable study(s) has been completed 

within the last 10 years. The study shall include a minimum of 3 years of current data on 

caribou movements and the study design shall be approved by the AO and should provide 

information necessary to determine facility (including pipeline) design and location. Lessees may 

submit individual study proposals or they may combine with other lessees in the area to do a 

single, joint study for the entire Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area. Study data may be 

gathered concurrently with other activities. 

b. From May 20 through August 20, exploratory drilling will be allowed only from current 

production pads or platforms sited within a lake body, in compliance with setback 

requirements set forth in other stipulations. 

c. Within the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area, lessees shall orient linear corridors when 

laying out oil field developments to the extent practicable, to address migration and corralling 

effects and to avoid loops of road and/or pipeline that connect facilities.

d. Ramps over pipelines, buried pipelines, or pipelines buried under the road may be required by 

the AO, after consultation with appropriate federal, state, and NSB regulatory and resource 

agencies, in the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area where pipelines potentially impede 

caribou movement. 

e. The following ground-traffic restrictions shall apply to permanent oil and gas-related roads 

in the areas and time periods indicated: 

1. Within the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area, from May 20 through August 20, traffic 

speed shall not exceed 15 miles per hour when caribou are within 1⁄2 mile on the road. 

Additional strategies may include limiting trips, using convoys, using different vehicle types, 

etc., to the extent practicable. 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-21

2. The lessee or a contractor shall observe caribou movement from May 20 through August 

20. Based on these observations, traffic will be stopped temporarily to allow a crossing by 10 

or more caribou. Sections of road will be evacuated when migrations of large numbers of 

caribou appears to imminent. 

3. Major equipment, materials, and supplies to be used at oil and gas work sites in the 

Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area shall be stockpiled prior to or after the period of May 

20 through August 20 to minimize road traffic during that period. 

4. Use of aircraft larger than a Twin Otter by authorized users of the Planning Area, 

including oil and gas lessees, from May 20 through August 20 within the Teshekpuk Lake 

Caribou Habitat Area, shall be for emergency purposes only. 

5. Fixed-wing aircraft takeoffs and landings by authorized users of the Planning Area shall 

be limited to an average of one round-trip flight per day from May 20 through June 20, at 

aircraft facilities within the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Areas. 

6. Aircraft shall maintain a minimum height of 1,000 feet AGL (except for takeoffs and 

landings) over caribou winter ranges from October 1 through May 1, and 2,000 feet AGL over 

the Teshekpuk Lake Caribou Habitat Area from May 20 through August 20, unless doing so 

would endanger human life or violate safe flying practices. 

K-6 Stipulation – Coastal Area

Objective: Minimize hindrance or alteration of caribou movement within caribou coastal insectrelief areas; to prevent contamination of marine waters; loss of important bird habitat; 

alteration or disturbance of shoreline marshes; and impacts to subsistence resources activities. 

Requirement/Standard: In the Coastal Area, permanent oil and gas facilities, including gravel 

pads, roads, airstrips, and pipelines established to support exploration and development 

activities shall be located at least 3⁄4 mile inland from the coastline to the extent practicable. 

Where, as a result of technological limitations, economics, logistics, or other factors, a facility 

must be located within 3⁄4 mile inland of the coastline, the practicality of locating the facility at 

previously occupied sites such as Camp Lonely, various Husky/USGS drill sites, and Distant 

Early Warning (DEW)-Line sites, shall be considered. Use of existing sites within 3⁄4 mile of the 

coastline shall also be acceptable where it is demonstrated that use of such sites will reduce 

impacts to shorelines or otherwise be environmentally preferable. All lessees/permitees involved 

in activities in the immediate area must coordinate use of these new or existing sites with all 

other prospective users. Before conducting open water activities, the lessee shall consult with 

the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, the Nuiqsut Whaling Association, and the NSB to 

minimize impacts to the fall and spring subsistence whaling activities of the communities of the 

North Slope. 

K-7 Lease Stipulation - Colville River Special Area 

Objective: Prevent or minimize loss of raptor foraging habitat. 

Requirement/Standard: If necessary to construct permanent facilities within the Colville River 

Special Area, all reasonable and practicable efforts shall be made to locate permanent facilities 

as far from raptor nests as feasible. Within 15 miles of raptor nest sites, significant alteration of 

high quality foraging habitat shall be prohibited unless the lessee can demonstrate on a sitespecific basis that impacts would be minimal or it is determined that there is no feasible or 

prudent alternative. Of particular concern are ponds, lakes, wetlands, and riparian habitats. 

Note: On a case-by case basis, and in consultation with appropriate federal and state regulatory 

and resource agencies, essential pipeline and road crossings will be permitted through these 

areas where no other feasible or prudent options are available. 

a. The following restrictions apply to overland moves, seismic work, and any similar use of heavy 

equipment (other than actual excavations as part of construction) on tundra surfaces during the 

winter season: 
Northeast NPR-A Supplemental IAP/EIS 

Appendix E: Alternatives B and C 

ROPs and Stips 

E-22

1. Motorized ground-vehicle use shall be minimized within the Colville River Raptor, 

Passerine, and Moose Area from April 15 through August 5, with the exception that use will be 

minimized in the vicinity of gyrfalcon nests beginning March 15. Such use will remain 1⁄2 mile 

away from known raptor nesting sites, unless authorized by the AO. 

K-8 Lease Stipulation - Pik Dunes 

Objective: Retain unique qualities of the Pik Dunes, including geologic and scenic uniqueness, 

insect-relief habitat for caribou, and habitat for several uncommon plant species. 

Requirement/Standard: Surface structures, except approximately perpendicular pipeline 

crossings and ice pads, are prohibited within the Pik Dunes. 

Summer Vehicle Tundra Travel: 

L-1 Required Operating Procedure 

Objective: Protect stream banks and water quality; minimize compaction and displacement of 

soils; minimize the breakage, abrasion, compaction, or displacement of vegetation; protect 

cultural and paleontological resources; maintain populations of, and adequate habitat for birds, 

fish, and caribou and other terrestrial mammals; and minimize impacts to subsistence 

activities. 

Requirement/Standard: On a case-by-case basis, BLM may permit low-ground-pressure 

vehicles to travel off of gravel pads and roads during times other than those identified in ROP 

C-2a. Permission for such use would only be granted after an applicant has: 

a. Submitted studies satisfactory to the AO of the impacts on soils and vegetation of the 

specific low-ground-pressure vehicles to be used. These studies should reflect use of such 

vehicles under conditions similar to those of the route proposed for use and should 

demonstrate that the proposed use would have no more than minimal impacts to soils and 

vegetation. 

b. Submitted surveys satisfactory to the AO of subsistence uses of the area as well as of the 

soils, vegetation, hydrology, wildlife and fish (and their habitats), paleontological and 

archaeological resources, and other resources as required by the AO. 

c. Designed and/or modified the use proposal to minimize impacts to the AO’s satisfaction. 

Design steps to achieve the objectives and based upon the studies and surveys may include, 

but not be limited to, timing restrictions (generally it is considered inadvisable to conduct 

tundra travel prior to August 1 to protect ground-nesting birds), shifting of work to winter, 

rerouting, and not proceeding when certain wildlife are present or subsistence activities are 

occurring. At the discretion of the AO, the plan for summer tundra vehicle travel may be 

included as part of the spill prevention and response contingency plan required by 40 CFR 112 

(Oil Pollution Act) and ROP A-4.