Four Delta Junction-Big Delta shallow gas leases filed

Kristen Nelson

The Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas has received four applications for shallow natural gas leases in the Delta Junction-Big Delta area.

Natural resource manager Pirtle Bates told PNA that one of the applications is from Dave Lappi; the other three are from Jennifer L. Orell — both holders of shallow natural gas leases in this area.

Bates said the Lappi application is for acreage just north of Delta Junction, while the Orell applications are for acreage west of Delta Junction. The new applications are for areas adjacent to existing shallow gas leases.

Shallow gas leases are for state-owned natural gas from surface to a depth of 3,000 feet for an initial term of three years.

The state has received more than 300 applications since the program began last year. Four leases have been issued for acreage near the Red Dog mine. Sixty-five leases were issued in Interior Alaska, with Dave Lappi as the notification address for all 65.

Bates said the division is still working on lease applications for the Cook Inlet basin, with mitigation issues and some other things still undetermined.