Public Comment Period: Beluga River Gas Storage Pad Water Quality Certification (POA-2026-00416 v1.0)

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a public notice regarding an application from Hilcorp Alaska, LLC for a Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification. The application, referenced as POA-2026-00416 v1.0, concerns the construction of a new gas storage pad and infrastructure within the Beluga River Unit in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. The project aims to support expanded natural gas storage operations. The proposed project involves placing approximately 17,682.3 cubic yards of gravel fill to create a 7.38-acre pad. This activity will result in the direct filling of 2.35 acres of palustrine wetlands. The applicant plans to utilize existing permitted gravel sources and has proposed mitigation strategies, including the use of silt fencing, 2V:1H side slopes to minimize the footprint, and standard erosion control best management practices. The project is scheduled to take place between October 26, 2026, and April 30, 2027. The DEC is currently accepting public comments on the water quality impacts of the project until November 6, 2026. Interested parties may submit comments via the DEC website or email, and may also request a public hearing.