Alpine pipeline asks state to nearly double its metering capacity for Willow oil

Alpine Transportation Company has asked state regulators to nearly double the metering capacity of the pipeline that would carry oil from ConocoPhillips' Willow project. Metering measures oil moving through the line. Alaskans have until 5 p.m. on October 6 to comment.

The company filed September 8 with the Regulatory Commission of Alaska, which opened docket P-26-013 and published notice Tuesday. The application seeks permission to construct new facilities and modify existing infrastructure for the Alpine Sales Oil Pipeline. The commission's notice says the work "will increase the metering capacity of the Alpine Sales Oil Pipeline from 138,000 barrels per day to 274,000 barrels per day," a 98.6 percent increase. Willow is estimated to produce up to 180,000 barrels per day at peak.

Nuiqsut's tribal and city governments, who have opposed Willow, say restricted subsistence access to caribou and moose could force households to spend up to $30,000 more per year on food. No shipper response appears in the filing.

Comments go to the commission. Its regulations direct correspondence to its Anchorage office at 701 W. Eighth Ave., Suite 300, ask for the docket number, and allow comments on paper or electronically. Its number is 907-276-6222.

Accommodation requests are due September 29. The company seeks approval by January 29, 2027.