Geographical Analysis of Oil Spill Potential Associated with Alaskan Oil Production and Transportation Systems.

The report reviews the probable future development of petroleum production and transportation in Alaska and estimates the magnitude of associated oil pollution problems. The environmental conditions which effect spill cleanup are also summarized. The total recoverable oil reserves in Alaska and its continental shelves and slopes are estimated to exceed 200 billion barrels, of which 70% may be derived from offshore sources. Upper Cook Inlet will remain the only oil producing region until the transalaskan pipeline permits north slope production in 1977-1978. The oil pollution potential will increase until almost every mile of Alaskan coastline is subject to potential oil spills. The magnitude of these spills will depend on the transportation system used, and could exceed 60,000 barrels for a single tanker casualty. (Modified author abstract)