Notice of Public Hearing
STATE OF ALASKA
ALASKA OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION
RE: Docket Number: OTH-25-014
Hilcorp Alaska, LLC (Hilcorp), by letter received March 21, 2025, filed an application to the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) requesting a hearing for a waiver to 20 AAC 25.036 (c)(2)(A)(iv) coil tubing unit operations where at least one preventer equipped with pipe rams that fit the size of the tubing, liner, or casing being used, except that pipe rams need not be sized to BHAs and drill collars.
AOGCC regulations require coiled tubing unit operations comply with 20 AAC 25.036(c)(2)(A)(iv), which mandates at least one preventer equipped with pipe rams that match the size of the pipe, tubing, or casing in use. On January 13, 2025, Hilcorp submitted a variance request with supporting documentation for 20 AAC 25.036(c)(2)(A)(iv). After review, the information provided did not adequately justify granting a variance to this regulation. While the proposed mitigations reflect good well control practices for open-hole casing operations, a variance under 20 AAC 25.036(f) requires an equally effective alternative means of well control. On January 16, 2025, the AOGCC responded to Hilcorp’s variance request with the following: Coil drilling operations must comply with 20 AAC 25.036(c)(2)(A)(iv), which mandates at least one preventer equipped with pipe rams that match the size of the pipe, tubing, or casing in use.
This notice does not contain all the information filed by Hilcorp. To obtain more information, contact the AOGCC’s Special Assistant, Samantha Coldiron, at (907) 793-1223 or samantha.coldiron@alaska.gov.
A public hearing on the matter has been scheduled for May 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The hearing, which may be changed to full virtual, if necessary, will be held in the AOGCC hearing room located at 333 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501. The audio call-in information is (907) 202-7104 Conference ID: 322 641 595#. Anyone who wishes to participate remotely using MS Teams video conference should contact Ms. Coldiron at least two business days before the scheduled public hearing to request an invitation for the MS Teams.
In addition, written comments regarding this application may be submitted to the AOGCC, at 333 west 7th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501 or samantha.coldiron@alaska.gov. Comments must be received no later than the conclusion of the May 29, 2025, hearing.
If, because of a disability, special accommodations may be needed to comment or attend the hearing, contact Samantha Coldiron, at (907) 793-1223, no later than May 22, 2025.
Jessie L. Chmielowski Gregory C. Wilson
Commissioner Commissioner