Apache Corporation has received the 2013 Chairman's Stewardship Award from the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission for its use of wireless seismic technology in Alaska's Cook Inlet.
"This was a truly successful team effort and all concerned are to be heartily congratulated," said James
Parr, managing director of New Ventures Exploration.
Apache was nominated for the stewardship award by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA). The company's submission was entitled "Using Wireless Technology to Overcome Environmental Challenges in Alaska's Cook Inlet." It won in the "small-independent" category.
"This award showcases one of the many positive things being done in Cook Inlet," said Kara Moriarty, AOGA executive director. "Apache's commitment to using state-of-the- art technology to minimize impacts to the environment speaks to the type of innovation being employed by Apache."
John Hendrix, general manager Alaska, accepted the award on behalf of Apache at the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission's (IOGCC) annual meeting in Long Beach, Calif.
"By embracing the technology of FairfieldNodal and collaborating with the team led by SAExploration, we were successful in implementing the largest seismic program undertaken in Cook Inlet," Hendrix said.
Apache's Cook Inlet 3-D seismic program employs the industry's first true cable-free wireless seismic technology to acquire 3-D seismic data in order to limit disturbance of communities, wildlife and the environment in the Cook Inlet area.
The company has worked with Alaska Native corporations and tribal councils as well as contractors, stakeholders and government agencies to minimize the impact on Cook Inlet Beluga whales and other marine mammals, including killer whales, harbor porpoises, Steller sea lions and harbor seals.
IOGCC Communications Manager Carol Booth said numerous worthwhile projects were submitted to the commission for consideration in the 2013 Chairman's Stewardship Awards.
"Apache's project is an outstanding example of what the award represents," she said.
The IOGCC is a multi-state government agency that advocates for environmentally sound ways to increase the supply of American energy by providing governors of member states with a unified voice to Congress. The commission also assists states in balancing a multitude of interests through regulatory practices. In 1996, the organization initiated the Chairman's Stewardship Awards, which represent the commission's highest honor for exemplary efforts in environmental stewardship.
About Apache
Apache Corporation is an oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in the United States, Canada, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Australia and Argentina. Apache posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and copies of all press releases on its website.
Apache Corp. press release