An ADN article of Feb. 9 states, "Exxon became the unit operator for the Point Thomson unit in 1977," and "the case is another chapter in the long saga between Alaska regulators and companies holding leases at Point Thomson." Listed are Exxon's associates, which for 35 years have produced promises, not oil and/or gas. These resources belong to Alaskans, not multinational contractors.
On Sept. 15, ADN reprinted Wesley Loy's article in Petroleum News stating Exxon is requesting a permit to discharge sewage and "treated" wastewater into the Beaufort Sea or a nearby freshwater lake. The Alaska DEC is considering the permit, Alaska officials are pushing the Army Corps to issue the permit; the Corps is hopeful for a Sept. 21 decision. "Assuming it can get all the permits on a timely basis, Exxon Mobil expects first production by the winter of 2015-16..."
What's the rush? If these technology-based companies used the Web, they would find 99,100,100 search results for, "number of patents for human waste technology." Where there is money there's a better way.
-- Caroline Bolar
Anchorage
