available concerning potential impacts is small and unsatisfactory. 

 Most information concerning OCS impacts has come from two studies, BLM's 

 environmental impact statement and Mathematical Science's report prepared 

 for the Gulf of Alaska Operator's Committee. 



Exploration of the northern Gulf OCS is expected to take from 4 to 7 

 years. During this period storage depots, work cargoes, port facilities 

 and roads will be constructed onshore. Peak employment levels should 

 reach 1,000 to 2,000 jobs and occur in 1978 or 1979. Because petroleum 

 personnel work 2-week shifts most new employees will probably live in 

 the Anchorage area. But several hundred employees may settle in the 

 small coastal towns adjacent to offshore activities. Even a population 

 increase of this size will strain the capabilities of towns like Yakutat 

 to provide necessary public services. Exploration activities will also 

 increase land prices, affect small community lifestyles, and increase 

 pressures on fish, wildlife and recreational resources. 



Pollution from exploratory drilling will occur from discharges of 

 muds, drill cuttings, and petroleum. There is also risk of well blowouts 

 given the harsh climate, and earthquake hazards of the region. Marine 

 and terrestrial wildlife will be affected by disturbances from seismic 



• • 3 9 



blasting and pollution from sewage, solid wastes, and oil spills. 



The risk of well blowouts and offshore impacts from the discharge 

 of drilling muds and cuttings will increase during the development phase 

 when from 900 to 1,800 development wells will be drilled. The discharge of 

 drilling muds and cuttings may damage the marine environment by increasing 

 turbidity, smothering benthic life, and contaminating lower organisms of 

 the food chain. 



The development phase will see a sharp increase in onshore activity 

 and construction operations. BLM's final impact statement predicts the 



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