Revised Katmai operations plan for the Katmai scientific drilling project

Sandia National Laboratories; Sattler, A; Blankenship, D

This document describes the operations, logistics, and permitting requirements for constructing three scientific core holes in the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park, Alaska. Two of the core holes will be located close to Novarupta Dome near the center of the vent for the historic volcanic eruption of 1912. One core hole near the dome will be drilled vertically to approximately 4,000ft. The other core hole will deviated 30 degrees from the vertical hole and will reach a depth of approximately 3,300 ft. The third core hole will be remote from the dome site, will also be deviated 30 degrees, and will reach a depth of approximately 660 ft. The objectives of the proposed core holes are to determine the chemincal and physical behavior of magma in its host rock during eruption and intrusion, to determine the source, mechanism, and conditions of metals transport, and to measure the current subsurface temperature distribution to test models for the cooling of igneous systems. The well designs include conductor and surface casing strings, a string of intermediate casing, and a full blowout prevention system. The drilling and coring operations will occur over two summer seasons with a shutdown during the intervening winter. Because of the remoteness of the field site, the operation must be mobilized, supplied, and demobilized by helicopter and supported by a camp near the dome. Baseline data provided for the area include descriptions of the geology, geochemistry, hydrology, climatology, air quality, flora and fauna. Environmental safeguards and operational safety will be emphasized. Environmental safeguards will include procedures for environmental preservation and plans for fluid management, spill prevention, monitoring, and site reclamation. Ensuring operational safety will include professional conduct standards, well control, helicopter safety, and emergency training. The project will be conducted in a manner that has negligible long-term impact on the environment. The Interagency Coordinating Group (ICG) for Continental Scientific Drilling is responsible for the planning and funding of this project, as well as for accompanying scientific studies. The ICG consists of representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy/Office of Basic Energy Sciences (DOE/OBES), the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation. The drilling and coring will be principally funded through the DOE/OBES. The ICG has requested a permit from the National Park Services (NPS) to conduct the operation. The project will also require permitting by other federal agencies and the State of Alaska. The NPS is considering the ICG permit request through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. The original version of this document was prepared in part to begin the NEPA process. This revised Operations Plan provides an updated project description that is required to complete the Environmental Impact Statement.