Petroleum News Bulletin released 9:59 am, Alaska time...

Petroleum News Bulletin released 9:59 am, Alaska time (GMT-9).

For what it's worth, I'm guessing "constant" is a typo for "consistent" or "consonant". The PN releases News Bulletins quickly and then refines the story (and the typing) in the weekly issue released each Friday (after the close on the ASX and usually after the close of the markets in the US.

Tracking exploration: BLM issues Merlin drilling permit, more

Emerald House, operator of the Merlin 2 well, has accepted the conditions of its drilling permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, clearing the way for it to mobilize the Arctic Fox Rig to the drill site in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska.

Emerald House is one of 88 Energy's four Alaska subsidiaries - all are run by Erik Opstad, vice-president Alaska.

This morning, Opstad told Anchorage-based BLM Branch Chief Robert Brumbaugh:"After reviewing all 404-pages of APD ID #104000811366 as approved by the BLM, Emerald House finds that the BLM's Conditions of Approval (COA's) and other general terms, are constant with our drilling program goals and objectives, as well as being in accordance with established industry best practices. In that regard, Emerald House accepts the Permit, without reservation, and intends to move forward to implement it by drilling the Merlin-2 well, which we now expect to spud in early March."

- KAY CASHMAN

See full story in Feb. 13 issue of Petroleum News, available online Feb. 10 at www.petroleumnews.com

For information on PN's news bulletin service, call 907-522-9469.

PO Box 231647, Anchorage AK 99523-1647