"Are they going to run a liner over that existing section which...

"Are they going to run a liner over that existing section which alleviates the issues of sticking for that section and should 'clean' up the hole in some way or will the potential for snags still exist in that section?"

Liner won't be run until 8-1/2" sidetrack has been drilled and logged.

- Differential sticking will be addressed by drilling with lower mud weight.
- Time dependent hole deterioration will be addressed by adjusting mud parameters and shortening time hole is open before MDT is run.
- wireline tools hanging up on ledges associated with washed out coals _may_ be addressed by adjusted mud parameters, vertical hole and having tools on wireline. This still remains a risk IMO but often with ledges and bridges its a case of running in with the tools and trying to work through the ledges.