Chevron applies for Granite Point 3-D survey, plans more drilling at field

Chevron is planning more drilling at the Cook Inlet Granite Point field, Scott Davis, the company’s vice president and mid-continent business unit leader told The Alliance’s Meet Alaska conference Jan. 19.

Chevron has applied to the State of Alaska to do an onshore/offshore 3-D seismic survey at Granite Point.

The survey will be within a 39-square-mile area in western Cook Inlet near Old Tyonek. The survey includes a 10.9 square mile area in northwest Cook Inlet, paralleling the shoreline of Granite Point, and extending from shore into the inlet to an average of one mile in water depths ranging up to 60 feet.

Offshore seismic would be shot using ocean bottom-cable seismic during the spring of 2007. The seismic vessel planned for use is the MN Peregrine Falcon, supported by three to four bow pickers.

Work will follow Beluga River program

The proposed Granite Point seismic operation would be conducted immediately after ConocoPhillips completes its Beluga River seismic survey, as the same vessels and equipment would be used.

Chevron has contracted with Veritas DGC to acquire the seismic data and mobilization of equipment and personnel is expected to begin in early February. Chevron plans to have permits in place so mulching/drilling equipment can be barged to the worksite and survey operations can begin near the first of February.

Mulchers will be used to clear heavy alder and spruce areas for the onshore program without disturbing the top mat of soil. The mulchers will remove unwanted vegetation leaving fine rapidly bio-degradable nutrient-rich mulch. The mulchers will meander through forested areas avoiding old-growth spruce and alders while clearing brush and smaller trees so that the work does not leave long stretches of visible cut line.

—Petroleum News