Ann: Merlin-2 Operations Update, page-212

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olderwiser

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19/02/22

15:51

Post #: 59680286
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Originally posted by olderwiser ↑

One more step to go if I am interpreting this correctly, after BLM approve the permit, final approval is given by AOGCC
Copied in the main points, but best read it all for yourselves

https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/aogcc/HowtoApply.aspx

A Permit to Drill from the AOGCC is often the last step in the overall approval process, and usually all of the other concerned agencies have given their go-ahead by the time the operating company (defined by 20 AAC 25.990(46) ) applies to the AOGCC for a Permit to Drill.
Permit to Drill Process and Schedule

Introduction

In order to drill a well for oil, gas, or geothermal resources in Alaska, a person must obtain a Permit to Drill from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC). This requirement applies not only to exploratory, stratigraphic test, and development wells, but also to injection and other service wells related to oil, gas, and geothermal activities. Since the AOGCC is one of several state agencies that may have a role in reviewing and approving oil and gas activities, there is sometimes confusion about the AOGCC's precise function. We hope the following explanation helps to clear up any confusion.

First, the AOGCC is not in the business of managing or deciding whether to develop state owned resources. Rather, the AOGCC regulates certain oil and gas operations anywhere in Alaska, whether on state owned, FEDERALLY owned, or privately owned land.

Permit to Drill Timing

The length of the approval process for a Permit to Drill application varies depending on the type of well, complexity of well design, location and ownership issues. Every application submitted to the AOGCC passes through the detailed review process described above. Exploratory wells, stratigraphic test wells, and wells implementing technology that is new to the State of Alaska may receive more intensive review than routine development wells in an already-producing reservoir. Wells to explore for or produce nonconventional gas (coalbed methane, gas hydrates, or gas contained in shales) are subject to special requirements under AS 31.05.030(j), which may also require more time for permit review.
Based on past performance records, the AOGCC's average time to permit routing oil and gas production and injection wells is about 5 working days after a complete and correct Permit to Drill application is received. Exploratory, stratigraphic test, and geothermal wells generally require 15 working days if there are no associated well spacing or correlative rights concerns

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I have been following through on this line of thought, and can now confirm a permit to drill was issued by AOGCC for the Merlin 1 well last year, approved on 26/02/2021, some 28 days after Federal approval was given by the BLM on 29/01/2021.
It is a little more than the 15 working days AOGCC specify in their process flow, but allowing for weekends quite a close alignment.
On this basis this final Merlin 2 drill permit would be due 3/3/22, which again aligns with the early March spud date given by the company
http://aogweb.state.ak.us/Drilling

Apologies in advance for the tiny print, but the only way I could get enough detail

88E Price at posting: 3.9¢ Sentiment: Sell Disclosure: Not Held
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0 Great analysis

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