West Delta Block 27 - Hilcorp

Project Location

The project in question, while not specifically named West Delta Block 27, can be contextualized within Hilcorp's broader operations in Alaska. Hilcorp Alaska, LLC operates in various regions, including the Cook Inlet and the Beaufort Sea Outer Continental Shelf (OCS).

Project Overview

• Liberty Project Context: Although the specific West Delta Block 27 is not mentioned, the Liberty Development Project provides a comprehensive overview of Hilcorp's approach to offshore oil projects. The Liberty Project involves the development of an oil field located on the Liberty Drilling and Production Island (LDPI) in the Beaufort Sea OCS and State of Alaska waters.

Specifics of the Liberty Project (as a proxy)

• Location: The Liberty Pipeline originates on the LDPI, an artificial island in federal waters, and extends approximately 5.68 miles through the Foggy Island Bay of the Beaufort Sea OCS and State of Alaska waters before coming ashore and tying into the existing Badami pipeline.
• Pipeline Details: The Liberty Pipeline is a 12.75-inch diameter pipeline, approximately 7.25 miles in length, with about 5.68 miles of submerged, buried pipe using a pipe-in-pipe (PIP) design. The maximum water depth along the route is 19 feet at the LDPI.

Operational Details

• Flow Rate and Pressure: The pipeline has a maximum flow rate of 70,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD), with a minimum ASME/ANSI Class Rating of 600 and a maximum operating pressure (MOP) of 1,480 psig. The normal operating pressure ranges from 0 to 1,000 psig, and the normal operating temperature is between 90 to 120 °F.
• Safety and Compliance: The project operates under special permits granted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), waiving compliance with specific sections of 49 CFR Part 195, such as 49 CFR 195.563 and 195.573. The project must adhere to strict safety and leak prevention measures, including hydrotesting and continuous monitoring and surveillance.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

• Permits and Approvals: The project requires various permits and approvals, including those from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and PHMSA. The Liberty Development and Production Plan outlines the necessary permits and approvals for the project.
• Environmental Impact: The project involves environmental assessments and mitigation measures to minimize impact. For example, the Liberty Project includes plans for island construction, pipeline installation, and decommissioning, all of which are designed to minimize environmental disruption.

Similar Projects in Cook Inlet

• Cook Inlet Operations: While not directly related to the West Delta Block 27, Hilcorp's operations in Cook Inlet provide insight into their offshore production activities. Hilcorp Alaska owns and operates several production platforms in Cook Inlet, conducting routine construction, development drilling, and production activities. These operations involve in-water activities, support vessels, barges, and helicopters for crew and supply changes.