An enhanced oil recovery project begun in 2000 is expected to increase recovery by more than 10 million net barrels. The 2,000-acre Niakuk field began production in 1994 from an offshore drill site. Permanent production modules became operational in 1995, and waterflooding was started at that time. Facilities include the Kuparuk Operations Center and residence camp. Field installations include three central production facilities that separate oil, gas and water.
Gas is compressed for reinjection.
The producing Kuparuk field is estimated to have 488 net million BOE of remaining recoverable reserves. The Meltwater discovery was announced in May 2000. The field is estimated to contain about 24 million barrels of net recoverable reserves. The field is expected to begin production in 2002 and could be the fourth Kuparuk satellite field. Tabasco is a satellite field in the western section of the Greater Kuparuk Area.