ADEC opens public comment on Hilcorp Z Pad air permit revision

A revision to an existing air quality permit for Hilcorp North Slope LLC's Z Pad at the Milne Point Unit has received preliminary approval from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, which is now accepting written public comments before issuing a final decision.

The notice, filed July 18, covers air contaminant emissions from oil and gas operations at Z Pad. This is a revision to an existing minor permit, not a new permit. ADEC prepared a draft permit and a technical analysis report documenting the basis for its preliminary approval. Both documents are available at ADEC's Air Permits Program offices in Juneau and Anchorage.

Any interested person may submit written statements relevant to the draft documents within the public comment period. Any person may also request a public hearing. ADEC will hold one if it finds good cause exists.

ADEC's public notice states that the agency "will consider all comments received and make any changes ADEC finds beneficial or necessary to assure compliance with 18 AAC 50 or State Law" before issuing a final decision to approve or deny the permit.

The Milne Point Unit sits on Alaska's North Slope, where Hilcorp operates multiple production pads. ADEC has issued a series of preliminary air permit decisions for Hilcorp facilities across the state in recent months, including actions covering Cook Inlet platforms and a Prudhoe Bay LNG facility.

How to Comment

The source notice sets a public comment deadline and provides contact information for submitting written statements or hearing requests. Interested parties should consult the official ADEC notice for the Hilcorp North Slope LLC – Z Pad Air Quality Control Minor Permit AQ1690MSS02 at the Alaska Online Public Notices system to confirm the closing date and obtain copies of the draft permit and technical analysis report.