EPA Seeking Comment on Offshore Arctic Drilling Permits

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on two draft waste water discharge permits applicable to oil and gas exploration in the offshore areas near Alaska. The new draft Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea General Permits will replace the Arctic General Permit which expired in 2011. The draft permits would impose new discharge limitations, discharge monitoring obligations, and reporting requirements. Until the new permits are issued, operators can continue coverage under the old Arctic General Permit, but operators will be required to apply for coverage under the new permits once they are issued. 

Comments on the two draft permits are due March 30, 2011. The EPA expects to issue the new permits by October 2012.