Diesel Spill Reported After Drilling Rig Tips During Move on Alaska’s North Slope
A drilling rig accident during a move on Alaska’s North Slope triggered a diesel spill response, with state and federal agencies assessing environmental impacts and investigating the cause.
(P&GJ) — State and federal agencies are responding to a diesel spill after a self-propelled drilling rig tipped onto tundra during a rig move on Alaska’s Western North Slope, according to a situation report released by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
The incident occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on Jan. 23 when Rig 26, operated by Doyon Drilling Inc., left a gravel road and toppled onto tundra roughly 6.5 miles northwest of Nuiqsut. Emergency responders confirmed evidence of a diesel spill, though the full extent of released product remains under assessment.
Based on fuel measurements taken roughly 30 minutes before the incident, an estimated 4,000 gallons of diesel were on board at the time of the accident. The rig also carried hydraulic oil and ethylene glycol, though no ongoing leaks were observed, DEC said. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and will be investigated when site conditions allow.
Response efforts initially focused on extinguishing a fire aboard the rig and ensuring personnel safety. Eight workers were treated for minor injuries and released. The site was cleared by the on-scene fire chief later that day, though structural hazards have limited full access for responders.
The Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is leading on-site investigation and coordinating response actions. The drilling module landed in an area covered by 12 to 24 inches of snow, and no nearby oil and gas infrastructure—located about 50 feet away—was impacted.
The spill site is within critical habitat for polar bears and other Arctic wildlife, but no wildlife impacts have been reported. The location is also less than 500 feet from a tributary of the Colville River, heightening environmental sensitivity.
DEC said ongoing monitoring and assessment will continue as weather and safety conditions permit. Additional updates will be issued as more information becomes available.