LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
ConocoPhillips’ application to drill up to 10 exploratory wells over the next five years has been sent back to the company for revision after being deemed incomplete by the Sahtu Land and Water Board (SLWB).

A well pad in the Sahtu. ConocoPhillips, which recently announced it would not be proceeding with any drilling this winter, has been asked by the Sahtu Land and Water Board to be more specific in its current application to obtain licences for up to 10 more exploratory wells over the coming years. - photo courtesy of Husky Energy Inc.

“The board noted there were some issues that needed to be addressed before sending it out for public comment and review,” said Paul Dixon, SLWB executive director. “This (application) seems to be more of a long-term exploration plan,” Dixon added. “We’re accustomed to seeing specific, drilling pad locations, access routes and so on presented in the application.”

Dixon said this application from ConocoPhillips does not conform to the standard set by the company’s previous successful application two years ago to drill two hydraulically fractured wells in the Tulita district.

In addition to specifics regarding drill pad locations and access routes, the SLWB has also asked ConocoPhillips to explain an increase in projected water use per well that exceeds the company’s previous water-use request. Another point of clarification concerns which specific area lakes would be tapped to supply water.

For ConicoPhillips, the request for more information comes as no surprise.

“This initial review is a normal and expected part of the application submission process where the SLWB reviews the information to determine if there is sufficient information to begin the review,” said Lauren Stewart, ConocoPhillips spokesperson.

“ConocoPhillips plans to work with the SLWB staff to ensure the application can be deemed complete as soon as possible so that the regulatory review of the application can begin.”

ConocoPhillips has already announced that it will not be doing any drilling in the Sahtu this winter. Instead, the company will focus on assets elsewhere.

The decision to not drill in the Sahtu this year was described by Stewart as resulting from internal competition for exploratory dollars among global projects the company is working.