An Alaska state agency has advanced a processing facility for the controversial Willow Project in the Alaskan Arctic.

On March 10, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) proposed an initial draft construction permit for ConocoPhillips' Willow Processing Facility. This facility would be part of the larger Willow Project, which will be the largest proposed oil and gas development on U.S. federal lands.

ConocoPhillips plans for Willow to produce 600 million barrels of oil over 30 years once fully operational. If built, the Willow Processing Facility would be able to process up to 170,000 barrels of oil per day.

ADEC is accepting public comments on the draft permit until April 9. See the public notice for more information.