Big spike comming.29 Dec 2014 05:54
This Winter Exploration Program is expected to include the following major activities, with all activities to take place between December 2014 and May 2015:
• Build ice driveways and roads from the Dalton Highway to the locations of Alkaid #1 (approximately 3 miles) and Talitha #1 (approximately 3 – 4 miles) and an ice driveway off the Dalton Highway to Phecda #1.
• Build ice pads at all 3 locations.
• Transport equipment, materials and personnel from North Slope oilfield infrastructure to
and between the well site locations along the Dalton Highway and ice roads.
• Possibly perform short-term production flow tests and, depending on well results,
stimulating production using hydraulic fracturing and pumping.
• Truck limited liquids production, if any, to Prudhoe Bay and flare or vent associated gas,
using a vertical flare approximately 100 feet off the ground.
• Demobilize rig and equipment at end of winter drilling season.
These activities may overlap in certain instances, such as drilling at one well while the ice road or pad is being built for another location. Great Bear expects that Alkaid #1 will be the first well drilled followed by Talitha #1 and then Phecda #1; however, the order in which the wells are drilled may depend upon various circumstances such as weather, drilling time of prior well, well results, additional analysis, etc. Great Bear intends to place the camp facilities at the Phecda pad location for the duration of the 2014-2015 Winter Exploration Program; however, if Great Bear deems advisable, the camp may be relocated to Alkaid #1 or Talitha #1 during drilling of those wells.
Drilling operations will be conducted at the three separate locations using the same drilling rig, the Nabors 106AC rig. If available and deemed more appropriate, a different rig may be used to drill one or more laterals at any of the sites. In the event this occurs, Great Bear will advise DNR-DOG of the specific rig prior to mobilization of the rig.
The planned well designs will be similar to that employed in previous Great Bear North Slope exploration wells and in accordance with Permits to Drill from the AOGCC. Due to the exploratory nature of the wells, nearly all information regarding the downhole aspects of the well is confidential.
Depending on results from initial drilling, and time remaining in the drilling season, Great Bear may drill lateral wells, sidetracks, or additional penetrations from the same exploration pad. In addition, Great Bear may stimulate production using hydraulic fracturing techniques.
Production tests may be performed as deemed appropriate. Testing may include extended flow periods to determine the productivity of the well. Testing will be accomplished in accordance with approved techniques and approved by the AOGCC. Testing will likely be conducted after the rig has been moved to a different drill site.
A designated Great Bear representative will be located onsite du