AOGCC amends well branch regulations

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is proposing to change its regulations dealing with well branches, clarifying the information needed for a drilling permit for a well branch and clarifying the definition of well branch to make clear that it applies where an initial bottomhole location is changed by plugging back and redrilling.

The definition of well branch would be amended in the commission’s regulations to read: “… that portion of a well drilled below the structural or conductor casing to access a given objective in a well with more than one bottom-hole location or whose bottom-hole location is being or has been changed by plugging back and redrilling.” The commission will hold a hearing on the proposed amendments Sept. 6 at its Anchorage offices beginning at 9 a.m. Written comments will be accepted through Sept. 13. Copies of the proposed regulation changes are on the commission’s Web site at http://www.aogcc.alaska.gov.