Cumulative Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Activities on Alaska's North Slope (2003) / Chapter Skim
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11. Major Effects and Their Accumulation
11. Major Effects and Their Accumulation
Pages 155-160
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From page 155... ...
Since the 1960s, industrial activity on the North Slope has grown from a single operational oil field at Prudhoe Bay to an industrial complex that stretches from the Alpine field near the mouth of the Colville River on the west to the Badami oil field, about 39 km (23 mi) from the borders of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the east.
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From page 156... ...
Effects on hydrology, vegetation, and animal populations occur at distances up to several kilometers, and cumulative effects on wildland values especially visual ones extend much farther, as can the effects on marine mammals of sound generated by some offshore activities. All effects attributable to the structures and the activities associated with them accumulate, and many will persist as long as the structures remain, even if industrial activity ceases.
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From page 157... ...
The nature and condition of permafrost in the 157 Brooks Range foothills is poorly characterized, and the hilly topography increases the likelihood that vehicles will damage vegetation, especially on knolls and riverbanks, causing increased erosion, exposing bare soil, and promoting development of thermokarst. This exploration will probably be carried out in a warming climate, with milder winter temperatures.
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From page 158... ...
The number of vulnerable species cannot be determined because demographic information does not distinguish source and sink habitats, but several species of birds could be adversely affected. As a result of conflicts with industrial activity during calving and an interaction of disturbance with the stress of summer insect harassment, reproductive success of Central Arctic Herd female caribou in contact with oil development from 1988 through 2001 was lower than for undisturbed females, contributing to an overall reduction in herd productivity.
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From page 159... ...
Whether the benefits derived from oil 159 and gas activities justify acceptance of the foreseeable and undesirable cumulative effects is an issue for society as a whole to debate and judge. However, if informed decisions are to be made, the nature and extent of possible effects must be fully acknowledged and incorporated into regulatory strategies and decision-making processes.
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From page 160... ...
Estimating Future Accumulation of Effects Industrial Noise If oil- and gas-related activities continue in the Alaskan waters of the Beautort Sea, the major noise will be generated with marine seismic exploration. Other significant noise will continue to be produced by exploratory and production drilling, island construction, and vessel transit.
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