Program on the Environment

The Alaska North slope, located in the most northern region of Alaska, is rich in oil resources and holds one of the largest oil fields in the US. This region contains permafrost wetlands which are vulnerable to thawing, and oil production poses as a further threat to the ecological health. Therefore, it is important to assess methods mitigating environmental consequences of oil production. The purpose of this study was to identify environmentally sustainable practices oil-producing industries can implement to minimize negative ecological impacts on permafrost wetlands in Alaska. To investigate this issue, I analyzed a series of monitoring and rehabilitation reports produced by oil companies. Current rehabilitation practices were assessed by comparing results of projects and initial outlined goals, objectives, and performance measures; a GIS map layer was created to display this information along with the location of projects. I also conducted a literature review on ecologically sound oil production practices. Findings indicate rehabilitation projects use a standardized performance measure regardless of the goals and objectives of the site. Additionally, the performance measures are consistently met within a short time period. Implementing sustainable practices at all phases of oil production will minimize the magnitude of impact to the permafrost wetlands.  Investing in damage-preventative practices are recommended as valuable additions to just remediation projects.