The Hunter 2016 May/June Issue | Page 3

NANA Methane seeps in the NANA region A s resource developers were looking for oil and other natural resources in Alaska in the 1950s, stories started to emerge of natural gas under pressure in the area that would become the NANA region. Exploration efforts for resources during this time were not focused on development of natural gas, so they weren’t investigated further. In April, NANA's Natural Resources department travelled to communities in the region to gather lo cal knowledge of possible methane and oil seeps. Methane seeps, or puvlaks, can be identified by holes in the ice that don’t freeze over until late winter, or by bubbles in the ice. Both of these surface features are caused by the release of natural gas from below permafrost. Elders in Noorvik and Buckland shared stories from when they were younger that fit the description of a seep. Using these stories and a map, communities identified many locations of potential seeps. a location is found and confirmed, it will have to be studied to see how viable it is as a source of energy for regional communities. If enough natural gas exists at a location, sub-permafrost methane could be a potential source of local energy in the future through new technology that could help NANA capture the natural gas released from a seep. Like with all resource development, once If you want to share location information about potential methane seeps or to share stories and observations regarding potential seeps, please contact Anausuk Janelle Sharp at [email protected], or call 907-265-3716. ■ BE PART OF A REGIONAL ENERGY SOLUTION repo r t me th a n e s e e p s EXA M PLES O F M E T H A N E S E E P S NANA wants you to: What smells bad? Report any methane leaks you see so Natural Resources staff can investigate their energy generating potential. Air around methane seeps can be smelly due to their release of methane gas. They smell like sewer or rotten eggs. Po s s i b l e S e e p L o ca t i o n s Kobuk Delta Kotzebue Peninsula Here’s what to look for: Be careful! Circular holes form in the ice as the lakes freeze over. These holes eventually freeze by midwinter, then are the first to thaw in the spring. Methane gas is highly flammable! Make sure you don’t have any open flames around the seeps. What is a methane seep? Methane (CH4) is also called “natural gas.” It is a naturally occurring chemical compound that can be used as a source of energy. Natural leakage of methane from traps in Northwest Alaska can be collected for energy use with limited processing, and could be used to power local communities and facilities. Report a methane seep to NANA Northern Seward Peninsula Janelle Sharp Environmental Technician, NANA Regional Corporation Inc. [email protected] (907)265-3716 Lance Miller, Ph.D. Vice President of Resources, NANA Regional Corporation Inc. [email protected] (907)265-4360 Aerial Photo of a Seep 5m (16.4 ft.) Aerial photos of seep hole in Mackenzie Delta, Northwest Territories of Canada. Hole has diameter of approximately 5m (16.4 ft.). United States Coast Guard Admiral visits region In April, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Admiral McAllister met with regional leadership in Northwest Alaska. McAllister is the new Rear Admiral for District 17 Command (Alaska/Arctic) and Pacific Area Commander. In 2013, USCG opened a Forward Operation Location (FOL) in Kotzebue, Alaska, in preparation for the increase of maritime activities in the Bering Strait and Arctic Seas. The FOL crews conduct search and rescue, law enforcement patrols and homeland security missions to protect mariners and the United States. “This was a great opportunity to welcome in the next leader of the Coast Guard’s operations in Arctic and share what opportunities we see to support safe maritime transportation and national security,” said Qaulluq Liz Cravalho, senior director of Community & Government Affairs at NANA. “Part of NANA’s business strategy is to strengthen the defense of the opening American Arctic. As an Arctic region, Northwest Alaska’s geographic position provides the nation with a strategic point in which to defend the country. We are excited to work with Admiral McAllister on national security priorities.” NANA staff, along with the City of Kotzebue, travelled with Adm. McAllister out to Cape Blossom via snow machine to view ringed seals and herds of caribou on the ice migrating north. The group also visited the mouth of the Noatak River to explain the importance of subsistence activities like ice fishing for sii fish. The NANA team used the opportunity to discuss the timing of subsistence activities with the Coast Guard. USCG District 17’s objectives for summer 2016 are to perform missions and activities in the Arctic, enhance Arctic maritime Admiral McAllister was escorted out to Cape Blossom via snow machine to view wildlife and experience the importance of subsistence activities in the region. (l to r) USCG Rear Admiral Abel, Admiral McAllister, and Kotzebue Fire Chief Sean Ralston. domain awareness, broaden partnerships, and enhance and improve preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities. For more information about Coast Guard operations and activities, please visit their information site at www.d17.uscgnews.com or blog site at www.alaska.coastguard.dodlive.mil. ■ HUNTER  2016 MAY / JUNE 3