On March 1, 2012, ConocoPhillips proposed a plan to drill exploration wells, beginning in the summer of 2014, on leases the company maintains in the Chukchi Sea. Under federal regulations [30 CFR 250.231], BOEM’s Alaska Region was required to review the exploration plan, and either deem it submitted or request additional information from ConocoPhillips, by March 22.
Upon reviewing the plan, BOEM determined that it required additional information in order to formally deem the plan submitted, and requested this information from ConocoPhillips. BOEM will not release copies of the plan until the bureau receives the additional information requested, and subsequently deems the exploration plan submitted.
When and if the plan is deemed submitted, it will be posted to this page. After a plan is deemed submitted, BOEM will have 30 days to approve, reject or require modification to the exploration plan. The exploration plan must be approved before a company can operate under the plan. Questions about the process may be directed toward the Alaska OCS Region at (907) 334-5200.
NOTE: ConocoPhillips has requested that BOEM defer any further processing of its Exploration Plan and/or Oil Spill Response Plan.
CHRONOLOGY
May 10, 2013: ConocoPhillips delivers to BOEM a letter requesting that the agency defer any further processing of its Exploration Plan and/or Oil Spill Response Plan.
June 26, 2012: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management verification of ConocoPhillips worst-case-discharge model for its Devils Paw Exploration Plan
June 21, 2012: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management request for additional information from ConocoPhillips before the Devils Paw Exploration Plan is deemed submitted
May 18, 2012: Bureau of Ocean Energy Management finding that no historic properties will be affected by the Devils Paw Exploration Plan
May 8, 2012: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Revised Biological Opinion and Conference Opinion for Oil and Gas Activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Sea Planning Areas
Mar. 19, 2012: ConocoPhillips letter to Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement regarding the Oil Spill Response Plan