The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public comment on two draft wastewater discharge permits for oil and gas exploration activities in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas in the state of Alaska.
Once the public comment period ends on 30 March 2012, EPA will review and address public comments before making the final decisions on general permits.
The proposed Clean Water Act permits place limits and conditions on the types and amounts of pollution companies can discharge in wastewater during oil and gas exploration activities to protect public health and the marine environment.
EPA said the wastewater discharge permits are national pollutant discharge elimination system general permits.
As part of the proposed permits, the companies will conduct environmental studies before, during and after drilling discharges occur to ensure compliance with permit limits.
EPA is proposing one general permit for the Chukchi Sea and one for the Beaufort Sea.
The agency said the existing Arctic general permit, which covered oil and gas exploration discharges for both seas, expired in June 2011.
EPA requires the firms currently covered under the expired Arctic general permit to reapply for coverage and comply with the new terms and conditions under the final Beaufort and Chukchi General Permits.
The final Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea General Permits are expected to be re-issued by EPA in October 2012.
Image: EPA is proposing to issue one general wastewater discharge permit for the Chukchi Sea area. Photo: P199.
