RDC comments on Donlin pipeline proposal

By Marleanna Hall

In recent comments to the State of Alaska Pipeline Coordinator’s Office, RDC supported approval of the Donlin Gold, LLC (Donlin) gas pipeline right-of-way lease request.

The right-of-way lease application is for a natural gas pipeline from Cook Inlet to the proposed mine north of Crooked Creek. It is for a 14-inch diameter, 315-mile line beginning at the Beluga gas field 30 miles west of Anchorage and ending at the proposed Donlin mine site.

RDC wrote, “The gas pipeline will provide a stable source of energy for the Donlin project, and has the potential to offer the same to local communities if they choose to tie into the gas pipeline at a later date.”

The pipeline will bring natural gas closer to rural Alaska, and potentially offer lower cost energy options to the region and job opportunities leading to reduced out-migration.

RDC further highlighted benefits of a gas pipeline to Southwest Alaska, such as jobs, and the opportunities that could arise from the construction of gas pipeline infrastructure along the proposed corridor.

Donlin proposed the gas pipeline as an alternative after residents along the Kuskokwim expressed concerns about barge traffic delivering diesel to the project. The pipeline will reduce expected barge traffic on the river.

RDC noted the footprint of the proposed pipeline is narrow as to reduce environmental impact. Permanent infrastructure of the pipeline will be minimal, and winter construction will reduce impacts to other uses, including sport and subsistence hunting.

Additionally, Donlin has committed to burying much of the pipeline to reduce visual impact and environmental footprint, as well as reclaiming temporary infrastructure, such as roads and landing strips.

The proposed pipeline project includes designs to mitigate potential seismic disturbances at the Denali Fault crossing, and manual check valves about every 20 miles to protect against leaks.

RDC highlighted Donlin’s stakeholder involvement efforts, including keeping The Iditarod Trail Committee, Iditarod Sled Dog Race, the Iron Dog Race, and other users informed of the proposed project and pipeline. The route has been optimized to reduce overlap with the historic Iditarod Trail, including rerouting through the Jones River valley – which ultimately will reduce 50 miles of overlap with the trail. Full comments can be found online akdrc.org.

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