Tracts are selected for lease and the selections are finalized. During this time, geophysical seismic exploration may take place on selected tracts. This will permit prospective lessees the opportunities to incorporate new subsurface seismic, additional well data from around the NPR-A, and current state of the art analytical techniques. Much has been learned about data processing and Arctic geology in the past 15 years. Cost saving developments in site construction have evolved significantly between the Prudhoe Bay facilities and those now proposed for the Alpine unit.
Costs are lower and potential surface disturbances are markedly less.