State approves changes to Alpine PA

The state has approved a change to the boundaries of the Alpine participating area at the Colville River unit to accommodate drilling activities at the new CD-5 pad.

In a decision dated May 9, Division of Oil and Gas Director Chantal Walsh allowed operator ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. to contract a portion at the northeast corner of the Alpine participating area and expand the participating area along its western border.

The change essentially brings recent CD-5 drilling into the participating area boundaries.

The Alpine participating area is the largest producing segment of the Colville River unit and often referred to as the “main Alpine field,” as opposed to the Alpine satellites.

- ERIC LIDJI