Marathon plans exploration gas well north of Ninilchik

Kristen Nelson

Marathon Oil Co. has begun permitting an exploration gas well nine miles north of Ninilchik on the Kenai Peninsula.

The Grassim Oskolkoff No. 1 will be directionally drilled to a target in the Tyonek sand at 8,500 feet. Marathon said in state applications that the measured depth of the well is expected to be 11,717 feet.

Civil construction will begin in early September, drilling in early October.

A gravel pad about 350 feet square will be built with gravel from an existing pit on the same private property as the pad. The drilling pad for the former Texaco Ninilchik No. 1 well, on the same private property, will be used as an equipment staging area.

The schedule is dependent on completion of previously scheduled Kenai gas field and Cannery Loop unit drilling.

Marathon has negotiated a surface use agreement with the property owner. A private road will be used and extended 1,500 feet to the site of a gravel drilling pad which will be constructed for the project. Gravel from an existing pit on the property will be used for construction of the road and pad.

A water well will be drilled to make and maintain drilling muds. Four trailer house type structures will house service company personnel.

A drilling pad for the former 1 Texaco Ninilchik well is also on the property and will be used for equipment staging.

The project is expected to require about 90 days of drilling and testing and should be completed by the end of the year.