Active rigs: 183

RBN Energy: the science behind shale exploration; Apache, CLR in the Anadarko -- a very nice article covering a lot of bases, including an update on the Kansas and Oklahoma Anadarko, the science behind the exploration, and an overview of some of the more prominent operators in the Anadarko --

The Anadarko basin is similar to the Permian Basin in that it contains multiple layers of oil-bearing formations that can be exploited by drilling at different depths  The Anadarko is not a “new” oil and gas basin but has already been extensively and successfully exploited for decades using conventional vertical drilling technology. Apache and other producers are now exploiting these proven assets using new horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing technology. But the effort is directed towards extracting known resources at the least cost in a systematic manner.

Director's Comment On Permitting Process In Bismarck

From the October Director's Cut:

Drilling permit activity was up in August and September, and will remain high through October as we help operators plan for winter. The goal is to have a sufficient permit inventory to accommodate multi-well pads through the end of load restrictions in 2014 as well as the time required to deal with federal hydraulic fracturing rules if required.

From my data base:

• As of today, the NDIC reports 2,054 permits for calendar year 2013. At this rate, there would be 2,603 permits for calendar year 2013. 
• One year ago, as of October 15, 2012, there were 1,992 permits recorded which put the state on track for 2,525 permits. The state actually issued 2,251 permits for calendar year 2012; about 30 were canceled during the year. 
• I don't see a whole lot of difference between 2,054 permits and 1,992 permits (actual), or much of a difference between 2,603 and 2,525 (projected).

Disclaimer: my data base may be at variance with the state's database. I often collect this data when I am in a hurry (taking care of the granddaughters) and I generally do not double check my data. It is what it is. I'm a big picture sort of guy and often get the details wrong. Whatever. 

Director's Update On The Federal Fracking Rule

From the October Director's Cut:

Draft BLM regulations for hydraulic fracturing on federal lands were published last year. BLM received over 177,000 comments and withdrew the rule. 

A new proposed rule was published in the federal register on May 24, 2013 and the comment period ended August 23, 2013. This time BLM received 1.2 million comments. 

Thanks to all who provided comments in support of a “states first” policy.

The Daily Mail Probably Has The Best Analysis To Date Of Where We Stand -- Day 15 Of The Government Shutdown

The link is here.

The top part, in "white," is the news story.

The better part, in "blue," at the bottom, is the analysis. It is incredibly easy to understand and to follow. The Brits, as I've always said, are the best writers in the English language. Among the Brits, I include the English, the Scots, and the Irish, not necessarily in that order.

Director's Cut Is Out; Twelve (12) New Permits; Slawson Has A Great Well In Big Bend

The Director's Cut for August, 2013, data has been posted.

The Dickinson Press reports.

Active rigs: 183

Twelve (12) new permits --

• Operators: CLR (6), OXY USA (3), SM Energy, Enerplus, Hess,
• Fields: Antelope (McKenzie),  Sadler (Divide), West Ambrose (Divide), Murphy Creek (Dunn)
• Comments: that looks like another 6-well pad for CLR; a 3-well pad for OXY USA; Hess has a permit for wildcat in Tioga oil field;

Wells coming off the confidential list were posted earlier today; see sidebar at the right.

Wells coming off the confidential list on Wednesday:

• 22931, 142, EOG, Redmond 27-3932H, Clearwater, middle Bakken, 8,576 feet; 48 stages; 10 million lbs;  t4/13; cum 49K 8/13;
• 23066, 261, EOG, Bear Den 102-1708H, Spotted Horn, t6/13; cum 11K 8/13;
• 23083, 1,828, Whiting, Stenehjem 41-3H, Bully, t4/13; cum 32K 813;
• 24013, 385, CLR, Mathewson 3-30H,  Oliver, t8/13; cum 11K 8/13;
• 24267, 107, Samson Resources, Titan 3625-6TFH, Ambrose, t7/13; cum 4K 8/13;
• 24275, 951, Whiting, Stenehjem 41-3-2H, Bully, t4/13; cum 30K 8/13;
• 24287, 3,247, Oasis, Morrison 5200 11-30T, Camp, t4/13; cum 47K 8/13;
• 24307, drl, HRC, Fort Berthold 148-94-29A-32-4H, Eagle Nest, no production data,
• 24926, 282, OXY USA, Eleanor Twist 2-3-10H-143-95, Murphy Creek, t8/13; cum 9K 8/13;
• 25050, drl, Slawson, Alamo 3-19-18H, Big Bend,    

********************************

22931, see above, EOG, Redmond 27-3932H, Clearwater:

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
8-2013	10338	2290
7-2013	11468	3122
6-2013	10361	2903
5-2013	13670	953
4-2013	2175	0

23083, see above, Whiting, Stenehjem 41-3H, Bully:

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
8-2013	4140	8222
7-2013	5231	10125
6-2013	5520	10627
5-2013	8533	15662

24287, see above, Oasis, Morrison 5200 11-30T, Camp:

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
8-2013	5038	7501
7-2013	6921	5214
6-2013	9083	8514
5-2013	15286	2878
4-2013	10576	239

25050, see above, Slawson, Alamo 3-19-18H, Big Bend:

Date	Oil Runs	MCF Sold
8-2013	20286	2497
7-2013	19316	74
6-2013	8073	0