ConocoPhillips is considering drilling up to five exploration wells on the North Slope during the coming winter, company spokeswoman Amy Burnett has told Petroleum News. The drilling plans are still subject to final budget and permit approvals, Burnett said.
Three of the wells would target a better definition of the oil potential in the greater Willow area in the northeastern National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. One well would target potential new resources southwest of the village of Nuiqsut. The fifth well is the Putu well, within the so-called Tofkat leases, a newly approved extension to the Colville River unit.
ConocoPhillips has also applied for permits for a seismic survey to be conducted in leases issued by the state in July, Burnett said.
- ALAN BAILEY

See story in Sept. 17 issue of Petroleum News, available online Friday, Sept. 15 at www.PetroleumNews.com