ARCO submits plans for wells in western Prudhoe Bay unit

Kristen Nelson

ARCO Alaska Inc. has submitted winter exploration plans to the state for one appraisal well and one exploration well in the Northwest Eileen area in the western portion of the Prudhoe Bay unit.

Each well will be drilled from an ice pad accessed by a short ice road spur off of existing North Slope gravel roads.

The 3-01 Northwest Eileen is described as an appraisal well and the 4-01 Northwest Eileen as an exploration well.

ARCO said two reservoir penetrations — one well and one sidetrack — are possible at each location.

Work would begin Dec. 1 and continue until spring breakup.