Pipeline Gas Release Impacts, Frequency, and Scenario Estimates for the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf

Branch: Executive

Category: Executive Agency Publications

SuDoc Class Number: I 72.

Government Author: Interior Department, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management

Personal Author: Roberts B; Culvern C; Devol G; Hubbard M

Series Title: BOEM Environmental Studies

Publication Title: Pipeline Gas Release Impacts, Frequency, and Scenario Estimates for the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf

Date Issued: 2025

Subject: Anthropogenic Properties
Air Quality; Birds; Coastal & Estuarine Habitats; Employment and Income; Fish & Essential Fish Habitat; Marine Archaeological Resources; Marine Benthic Communities; Marine Mammals; Pelagic Communities; Recreation & Tourtism; Vulnerable Coastal Communities; Water Quality
natural gas; pipeline; model; impact assessment; Alaska; Outer Continental Shelf; resources

Obligation Number: M0123P0010

Geographic Scope: Alaska

Report Number: BOEM 2025-003

CSE Reference: Roberts B, Culvern C, Devol G, Hubbard M (ABSG Consulting, Spring, TX). 2025. Pipeline gas release impacts, frequency, and scenario estimates for the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf. Anchorage (AK): U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. 185 p. Report No.: OCS Study BOEM 2025-003. Contract No.: M0123P0010. URL: https://espis.boem.gov/final%20reports/BOEM_2025-003.pdf

Abstract: This report evaluates the threats, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with potential natural gas pipeline releases in the Alaska Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). Through literature review and analysis of historical natural gas pipeline release data from the Gulf of America and Pacific OCS regions, the study examines how traditional pipeline risks intersect with unique Alaska environmental conditions. The research synthesizes technical information on release frequency, spatial and temporal patterns, and consequences of natural gas pipeline releases, with particular focus on fire, explosion, and toxic gas exposure hazards. Analysis of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) data reveals that while equipment failure and corrosion remain primary causes of releases, Alaska-specific factors like low temperatures, ice forces, and permafrost thaw create additional failure mechanisms. These include weather patterns, low temperature effects on materials and human performance, ice-related hazards, and unique seabed deformation processes. The research evaluates potential impacts across resource categories, ranging from physical resources like air and water quality to biological resources and sociocultural and socioeconomic considerations. The findings indicate that while some Gulf-based risk factors decrease in relevance for Alaska operations, different challenges emerge that require specialized design approaches and operational protocols. To quantify these risks, the study employs two complementary modeling approaches. These models are integrated with a qualitative assessment framework evaluating impacts across 12 resource categories ranging from physical and biological resources to sociocultural and socioeconomic considerations.