SolstenXP’s experience in permitting exploration drilling and production operations in Alaska is extensive.  We have permitted drilling and other E&P activities for many companies including Amerada Hess Corporation (non-resident operator), Conoco Phillips Alaska, Inc. (then Phillips Alaska, Inc.), ExxonMobil, BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Anadarko, TotalFinaElf and various independents.  Our permitting approach is results oriented as we realize that permit acquisition is only part of a larger project.  We also draw on our operations background to prepare permitting submittals that not only meet or exceed regulatory requirements but also are operationally workable in the field.

SolstenXP executed the entire drilling permit package for TotalFinaElf’s exploration wells, Caribou 09-11 #1 and Caribou 26-11 #1 in the NPRA.  This work included preparation of all permitting submittal documentation necessary for the planning and permitting of drilling operations, ice road and pad construction and final completion reporting.

SolstenXP entered into a turnkey contract with ARCO Alaska, Inc. (now ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.) for the drilling and evaluation of the Warthog #1 remote directional exploration well on the OCS in the Beaufort Sea.  The permitting was included as part of the turnkey project and consisted of complete site clearance work and all permitting submittals for the drilling, testing and final plug and abandonment under both MMS and State of Alaska regulations.  In a rapid response program, SolstenXP commenced permitting activities in March and mobilized the rig and spudded the well in November the same year – only nine months from the initiation of permitting work.

SolstenXP was contracted by Anadarko to provide drilling permitting services for their Altamura #1 exploration well.  After the determination was made to plug and abandon that well, SolstenXP also provided the permitting for decommissioning of the well including sundry approvals, ice road and pad construction permits and well completion reporting.

For Aurora Gas, LLC’s Moquawkie and Long Lake well work program, SolstenXP provided complete drilling permitting for the reentry of five abandoned or suspended exploration wells (Long Lake #1, Mobil Moquawkie #1, Simpco Moquawkie #1, West Moquawkie #1 and Simpco Moquawkie #2) and for the drilling of four grassroots exploration wells (NCU #9, NCU #7, Lone Creek No. 3 and Kaloa No. 2).  Additional permitting was coordinated for the installation of surface production facilities which included installation of compression, dehydration and line heating facilities, piping from existing wells to facilities and another 4” pipeline to the CIGGS common carrier pipeline.

SolstenXP developed an Emergency Action Plan for all of Arco Alaska, Inc.'s (now ConocoPhillips Alaska, Inc.) exploration drilling projects during the 1999/2000 drilling season.  This comprehensive plan covered pre-mobilization, rig moves, drilling and testing phases for personnel and equipment operating at remote locations.

During the 2000/2001 drilling season SolstenXP provided permitting and regulatory compliance for 80 miles of sea ice road and tundra ice road to support BP Alaska’s Trailblazer exploration well location in NPRA.