Company plans more flights over leaking Cook Inlet pipeline

ANCHORAGE — A leaking underwater pipeline continues to spew natural gas into Cook Inlet.

The gas is bubbling from an 8-inch Hilcorp Alaska, LLC, pipeline that supplies processed natural gas to four drilling platforms.

The Department of Environmental Conservation says Hilcorp flew over the pipeline Saturday and Sunday but could not see bubbles from the gas because of pans of ice on the water.

A helicopter crew spotted the leak Feb. 7. The pipe is in 80 feet of water about four miles from shore.

Hilcorp estimates 210,000 to 310,000 cubic feet of natural gas are flowing from the pipe daily.

If weather is favorable, Hilcorp plans a flight Thursday to assess effects on wildlife from the leak.

The Coast Guard has warned mariners to stay at least 1,000 feet away.

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