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North Slope Borough LEPC
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1. Geographic Location: The
North Slope Borough is one North America’s most unique regions. Bordered by the
foothills of the Brooks Range to the south and the Arctic Ocean on the north and west, the
area encompasses 89,000 square miles. Fifteen percent of Alaska’s land mass lies in
this region, all of which is located above the Arctic Circle.
Located within the responsibilities of the
North Slope Borough LEPC, geographically the largest political subdivision in North
America, are the first class city of Barrow; the second class cities of Atqasuk, Anaktuvuk
Pass, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, and Wainwright; the incorporated city of Point Lay;
and the petroleum/industrial complex of Prudhoe Bay/Kuparuk.
The North Slope Borough was incorporated as
a first class Borough on July 2, 1972 under the laws of the State of Alaska. A Home Rule
Charter was adopted by the Borough on April 30, 1974. The Borough maintains a regional
local government, analogous to the county form of government in many "lower-48"
states.
2. Size and Activity: Borough-wide population as of the 1993 census was 6538. The projected population for the
year 2000 is 8000 residents. A majority of the cities are coastal with the exception of Atqasuk, 50 miles south of Barrow, and Anaktuvuk Pass, 258 miles southeast of Barrow.
Borough Incorporation provided North Slope
residents with a means to levy property taxes on oil and gas industry facilities in the
Prudhoe Bay area. With the tax base being the only revenue for the North Slope government,
the government became the major employer providing all services to the communities. When
the North Slope School District is included in the employment figures, more than 62% of
the region’s work force is employed by or funded by the Borough. Other major
employers are the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation, and
other ANCSA village corporations and their subsidiaries.
3. Communities: The North
Slope Borough LEPC’s service area includes eight villages, Prudhoe Bay and numerous
subsistence camps located within the 89,000 square miles. All communities are involved in
subsistence activities to supplement a chosen life style. Barrow, with a population of
3,908 is the twelfth largest city in Alaska. 60% of the Borough’s population live in
Barrow. The seven villages exclusive of Barrow and Prudhoe Bay have a combined population
of 2,630. The largest village community is Point Hope, with a population of 699. The
smallest North Slope village is Point Lay with a population of 192. The other villages in
decreasing order of population size are: Wainwright-584, Nuiqsut-318, Anaktuvuk Pass-270,
Atqasuk-237, and Kaktovik (Barter Island)-230.
4. Hazards Analysis: Moderate
to High Risk. The North Slope LEPC’s areas of responsibility include oil production
facilities and approximately 200 miles of oil pipeline. Additionally, all villages are
heavy users of fuel and fuel derivatives for heating, vehicles, and power generation. The
high volume of fuel usage requires fuel storage and the transfer of the fuel is a very
high risk for spillage. The residents are also aware of the dangers of fire, floods,
earthquakes, and chemical disasters. The LEPC’s plan is to promote awareness and take
proactive procedures for the safety and well-being of North Slope Borough residents.
5. Staffing: Volunteer and Community Paid: Disaster
Coordinator and Disaster Technician. Both positions are funded by the Borough.
6. Status
of Emergency Planning Process:
| Emergency Operations
Plan |
Yes |
| Initial Hazard
Analysis |
Yes |
| Hazardous Materials
Annex to EOP |
Yes |
7. Plan
focus: All Hazards
8.
LEPC Grant Awards: SFY 2008
| Baseline Grant of |
$11,125.00 |
| Special Project
Grant of |
$0.00 |
10.
Government/Industry Support
or Matches: There is no formal
government Borough or city in this area. No support from any local governmental
entity.
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