MMS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: ONGOING STUDIES
MMS OCS Region: Alaska
Title: Continuation of Arctic Nearshore Impact Monitoring in Development Area (cANIMIDA)
Total Cost:

$3,491,124

 Period of Performance: FY 2003-2008
Conducting Organization: Battelle-Columbus, OH (Contact: Greg Durell)
MMS Contact:

Chief, Alaska Environmental Studies Section
Description:
Background

The Arctic Nearshore Impact Monitoring in Development Area (ANIMIDA), a five-year study started in 1999, has provided baseline data and monitoring results for chemical contamination, turbidity, and subsistence whaling in the vicinity of Northstar and Liberty development sites. Northstar is in State waters, but includes production of some OCS oil through directional drilling. Liberty, if approved, will be the first offshore OCS development project in the Beaufort Sea or elsewhere in the Alaska OCS. ANIMIDA monitoring for Northstar includes pre-construction, and construction, and early production periods. The last field sampling for ANIMIDA occurred in 2003. This continuation study began with an initial planning phase funded and procured under FY 03 appropriations.
Objectives

This study will gather long term monitoring data which will provide a basis of continuity and consistency in evaluation of potential effects from site-specific, recently initiated development and upcoming production in the Beaufort Sea OCS. Currently, these site-specific areas include the Northstar and Liberty areas, other prospects would be included if proposed for development. Priority monitoring issues will be established through public and interagency comment, and coordinated with lessees and other organizations. At minimum, we expect cANIMIDA to continue the following ANIMIDA objectives:

  1. Hydrocarbon and metal characterization of sediments, bivalves, and amphipods in the study area.
  2. Annual assessment of subsistence whaling near Cross Island.
  3. Sources, concentrations, and dispersion pathways for suspended sediment.
  4. Monitoring the Boulder Patch.
  5. Characterization of anthropogenic contaminants in upper tropic biota.
Methods

Field logistics for both phases include helicopter support and small vessel (e.g. MMS Launch 1273) support in the “open” water season and snow machine/rolligon support in winter/spring. Samples will be collected from construction gravel pits, artificial islands, rivers, barrier islands, and sediment from ANIMIDA offshore stations and along the proposed Liberty pipeline route.


Turbidity, total suspended sediment, current velocity measurements are being made in the vicinity of construction, spoils dumps and other sites including local rivers and the Boulder Patch. Sediment and suspended sediment samples will be analyzed for PAH, trace metals, and supporting chemistry using methods consistent with prior ANIMIDA analyses. Biota sampling (species and contaminants measured) will be based on results and recommendations from ANIMDIA. Kelp productivity will be monitored in the Boulder Patch and will use the inherent optical properties of the ice and water to evaluate the effect of sediment resuspension on kelp productivity. Optical-related measurements will include spectral irradiance, light scattering coefficients, and total suspended solids. The reporting program for Cross Island whaling, which records information on whaling locations, success, and whaler perceptions, will be supported. Field programs will be scheduled in 2004-2006. A fourth year of field programs would require additional funding. Year 5 (FY2008) will be devoted to reporting of monitoring results.
Importance to MMS

Northstar construction started during the ANIMIDA study and production started in November 2001. Liberty, if approved, could start construction sometime during the period of cANIMIDA. Development of these Units is generating public concerns regarding effects on nearshore biota and environment. Interagency reviews of related EIS’s and Development and Production Plans recommend monitoring effects of Northstar and the possible Liberty development.
Current Status:

The first year field season has been completed, and annual reports are being written.
Final Report Due: 7/29/2009
Publications:
Affiliated WWW Sites:
Revised date:

June 28, 2005
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