State extending comment deadlines

The state Division of Oil and Gas is extending the comment period on two matters - a request from ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. to expand the Colville River unit and a request from Hilcorp Alaska LLC to expand and rename the South Middle Ground Shoal unit.

The state will now accept comments on both proposals through July 25.

ConocoPhillips wants to include three leases onto the southwestern border of the North Slope unit. The additional 5,085 acres would create a shared boundary between the Colville River unit and the ConocoPhillips-operated Greater Mooses Tooth unit, making it easier and simpler for the company to gradually extend oil development to the west.

The request from Hilcorp would expand the South Middle Ground Shoal unit to include a neighboring operation acquired from XTO Energy Inc. The request is part of a largest attempt by the company to consolidate operations throughout the Cook Inlet region.

- ERIC LIDJI