AOGCC recommends preliminary meeting

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is recommending that operators schedule preliminary meetings with AOGCC staff to expedite permitting of exploratory wells.

In an Oct. 20 industry guidance bulletin the commission said the purpose of the preliminary meetings “is to provide an overview of the project with an eye toward avoidance of regulatory issues that could cause costly delays.” The commission is recommending review meetings six months prior to the expected spud date for onshore exploratory wells and nine to 12 months in advance of offshore exploratory wells.

The commission said operators should be prepared to address a number of issues at the preliminary meeting: shallow hazards survey; site survey (for offshore wells); drilling hazards; casing design and selection of casing points; kick tolerance; rig selection/diverter layout; disposal plan for drilling waste and production-test fluids; well testing plans; spacing issues; reservoir targets (primary and secondary); logging program; and variances.

Preliminary meetings may be scheduled by contacting the commission at 907-279-1433.

- Petroleum News