Notice of Issuance of the Kenai Loop Gas Field Storage Lease Preliminary Written Finding of the Director and Request for Comments

What is this notice about?

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Oil and Gas, has made an early decision that leasing about 500 acres of state-owned underground gas storage space in the Kenai Loop Gas Field, in the City of Kenai, is in the state's best interest. The public can send written comments on this preliminary finding until 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2026. Only people who send written comments during this period will be able to appeal the final decision.

Why was this notice issued?

State law requires public notice and a comment period when DNR issues a preliminary written finding on a gas storage lease (AS 38.05.945(a)(3)(A), AS 38.05.180(u), and 11 AAC 83.500–520).

What action is being taken?

The Division of Oil and Gas has issued a Preliminary Written Finding of the Director that issuing a gas storage lease for the state's portion of the Kenai Loop Gas Field storage reservoir (about 500 acres in Sections 32, 33, and 34, Township 6 North, Range 11 West, Seward Meridian) is in the state's best interest. After the comment period, the division will revise the finding as needed and issue a final written finding. The lease may not interfere with any existing oil and gas lease and must include a fee and surface damage provision. The lessee must get approval from agencies with jurisdiction, including the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, before storing any gas.

Who is involved: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas; Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; holders of existing oil and gas leases in the area; City of Kenai area residents. The notice does not name the proposed lessee.

How can the public respond?

Respond by Fri, Nov 13, 2026 5 days from today.

“Comments must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., November 13, 2026, to be considered.”

Ways to respond

Mail Best Interest Findings, 500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501
Email dog.bif@alaska.gov

What to include

Clearly mark your submission as "Comment on Kenai Loop Gas Storage Lease" or "Agency Information on Kenai Loop Gas Storage Lease". Comments must be in writing. To be eligible to appeal the final finding, you must send written comments during this comment period. The division will send a copy of the final finding to anyone who requests one and provides written comment. The preliminary finding can be read at: https://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Document/Download/034A91BF914342ABB642C3F5B12DBC70/Kenai%20Loop%20Gas%20Storage%20Lease%20Preliminary%20Decision.pdf

Contact

Best Interest Findings
Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas
dog.bif@alaska.gov
907-269-8800
500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

Oct 13, 2026: Preliminary written finding issued and notice published; comment period opens.
Oct 30, 2026: Last day for people with disabilities to request accommodations by calling the Division of Oil & Gas at 907-269-8800.
Nov 13, 2026: Written comments due by 5:00 p.m.

Original notice text

Notice of Issuance of the Kenai Loop Gas Field Storage Lease Preliminary Written Finding of the Director and Request for Comments The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Oil and Gas (DO&G) hereby gives notice under AS 38.05.945(a)(3)(A) that it has issued the Kenai Loop Gas Storage Lease Preliminary Written Finding of the Director under AS 38.05.180(u) and 11 AAC 83.500–520. The director has found that issuing a gas storage lease in the Kenai Loop Gas Field is in the best interests of the state. The lands in the proposed storage area are located in the City of Kenai and contain approximately 500 acres of State of Alaska owned subsurface gas storage reservoir. State storage lands are located in portions of the following lands: Township 6 North, Range 11 West, Seward Meridian: Sections 32, 33, and 34. Only the State’s portion of the gas storage reservoir is proposed for lease. The gas storage lease may not interfere with any existing oil and gas lease and must include a fee and surface damage provision (11 AAC 83.505). The lessee must obtain approval from agencies with jurisdiction, including the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission prior to any gas storage. The preliminary best interest finding is now available for public comment. The finding will be revised as needed and any relevant information and issues brought up during the public comment period will be incorporated in the final finding as necessary. Following this comment period DO&G will issue a final written finding. To be eligible to appeal this finding, a person must provide written comments during this comment period. DO&G will send a copy of the final finding to any person who requests one and provides written comment. The Preliminary Best Interest Finding is available on DO&G’s website and is available for review at: https://dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Document/Download/034A91BF914342ABB642C3F5B12DBC70/Kenai%20Loop%20Gas%20Storage%20Lease%20Preliminary%20Decision.pdf How to Submit Comments to DO&G Comments may be submitted by postal mail or electronic mail (e-mail). Clearly mark submittal(s) as “Comment on Kenai Loop Gas Storage Lease”, or “Agency Information on Kenai Loop Gas Storage Lease” and send to: Best Interest Findings 500 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1100 Anchorage, AK 99501 or email to: dog.bif@alaska.gov Comments must be received on or before 5:00 p.m., November 13, 2026, to be considered. The State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This publication will be made available in alternative formats upon request. If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodation to participate in this process, please contact the Division of Oil & Gas at 907-269-8800 no later than October 30, 2026, to ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.