to base this optimistic forecast. To date USGS estimates have not 



been released regarding undiscovered recoverable petroleum resources for 



Bristol Bay. 



Status of PCS Operations 



Industry has been conducting exploratory activities in Bristol Bay 

 to improve its geophysical data. During the summer of 1975, 33 companies 

 headed by Skelly Oil Co. conducted a "group shoot" of the region to 

 provide detailed information of previously mapped areas and regional 

 mapping where little or no previous seismic work had been done. 114 In 

 addition ARCO has plans to drill a stratigraphic test well in Bristol 

 Bay. 115 



BLM had originally scheduled a lease sale for Bristol Bay in 

 December of 1977 but has since indefinitely postponed this sale. 



Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts 



Information regarding OCS impacts from a Bristol Bay sale is 

 limited to Waldrop's general impact predictions. 116 These are: 



1. There will be 4.0 to 10.2 billion barrels of oil recovered 

 from Bristol Bay. 



2. Seven to ten exploratory rigs will be used directly employing 

 500 to 700 people. 



3. Three to five support/supply installations and one LNG plant 

 will be constructed onshore during the development phase. 



4. 1,500 to 2,400 acres of land will be needed to site energy- 

 related facilities. 



5. Four hundred and fifty miles of pipeline will be constructed. 



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