Ideas Already Submitted In ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE Category

1.Snow for snow roads.
2.Testing new structures
3.Removing gravel structures


Snow for snow roads
Snow roads are often used in place of gravel, especially for temporary operations or exploration. If the snow road is sufficiently thick, it is assumed not to harm the tundra. Sufficient snow for the roads is sometimes not available until late in the winter. Other years the roads must be vacated early, if there is a warm spring. Snow fences and artificial snow have been used on occasion to build these roads. But little scientific data has been published about them, relative to cost and efficiency.

Testing new structures
Recently Anadarko Petroleum proposed using a lightweight transportable drilling platform on the North Slope to extend their exploration season. The proposal was quickly mired in controversy regarding its environmental impact. Little research or data has been presented, pro or con.

Removing gravel structures
The North Slope oil field infrastructure lays on permafrost, typically with gravel pads, some insulated, some not. Often the gravel, and presumably the underling permafrost, have been contaminated. The oil companies are obliged to remove these gravel pads when the field is retired. At that time, they will likely have to remove the contaminated surface of the permafrost. The insulating efficacy of the active layer was likely destroyed by the gravel surcharge in any case. Removing these could result in the footprint of former gravel works becoming a watercourse or lake. Ideally a fill material could be developed that had insulating capabilities, support for vegetation, and water permeability similar to the former active layer. This may require a combination of material and construction techniques to install the material.