Cassandra Energy begins permitting process for Katalla exploration wells

Petroleum News Alaska Staff

Cassandra Energy Corp. has begun the state permitting process for up to three oil and gas exploration wells in the east Copper River Delta region near the old Katalla town site. The area is approximately 56 miles southeast of Cordova in the Chugach National Forest in sections 27, 28 and 36 of township 5 east, range 19 south, Copper River Meridian. The Division of Governmental Coordination said Cassandra proposes to use an ocean going barge to off-load equipment and supplies at a 2.5-acre site on the west side near the mouth of the Katalla River. The equipment storage area will be on state lands; the drill site and crew camp will be on private lands. Water-based drilling muds and cuttings from the exploration well will be mixed with cement to create an inert waste monofill. Prior to solidification, drilling wastes will be stored in a lined pit inside an on-pad structure.

Review of the application was initiated June 13 and the division said it expects to make a final determination by August 1.