OGCC Secretary Update

Mick Thomas

Division Administrator, Oil & Gas

Secretary to the Oil & Gas Conservation Commission

This update was sent to the Commission on Friday, November 15. 

Current Items:
IGS Meeting
Town Hall Outcome
Well Activity – Additional Logs and Plug and Abandon
News Article(s) of Interest

IGS Meeting
Last week I attended the annual Idaho Geological Survey Advisory Board meeting on behalf of the Land Board. The IGS is designated in Idaho Code 47-201 to be the lead state agency for the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of geologic and mineral data for Idaho. This includes geological data related to Oil and Gas.

Towards that end, the IGS is wrapping up a project on the Western Snake River Plain in SW Idaho. This project discusses Basin Analysis, Reservoir Characterization and Performance, and Source Rock Evaluation. The project is near completion and will be linked on the OGCC website for review.

Town Hall Outcome
Last Wednesday’s town hall was well attended. The department provided an update regarding the recently plugged wells, as well as answers to questions from Payette County residents and other concerned citizens. Commissioner Shigeta was in attendance.

Well Activity –Additional Logs and Plug and Abandon
1. The Department contacted the operator regarding logs for the Schwarz #1-10. The operator responded within 24 hours and those historical logs are now posted at : https://ogcc.idaho.gov/well-files/uswn-11-075-20008-schwarz-1-10/

2. The department continues to monitor plug and abandon activity in Western Idaho. The Espino #1-2, State #1-17, ML Investments #1-10, Island Capitol #1-19, White #1-10, and Korn #1-22 are plugged and the Tracy Trust #3-2 well plug is set while the wellhead and casing remain in place.

Abandonment procedures are ongoing. Once the Department receives the final plugging report, and after a final post reclamation inspection we will consider the wells to be plugged and abandoned.

Below is the current status:

a. Espino #1-2: plugged: well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Pad reclamation has commenced, the sequence will be based on landowner’s requests. This well is located in a cultivated field.

b. State #1-17: plugged: well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Landowner has requested to utilize the pad for future use and is negotiating with operator regarding fencing and other production facility equipment.

c. ML Investments #1-10: plugged; well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Gathering lines are being utilized for the ML Investments #3-10 so concrete barriers will be re-installed around surface lines. This well is located within the Little Willow Gathering Facility.

d. Island Capitol #1-19: plugged; well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Landowner has requested to utilize the pad for future use.

e. White #1-10: plugged: well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Pad reclamation has commenced, the sequence will be based on landowner’s requests. This well is located in a cultivated field.

f. Korn #1-22: plugged: well head and security cage removed, casing cut off six feet below ground level and surface plug set. Pad reclamation has commenced, the sequence will be based on landowner’s requests. This well is located in a cultivated field.

g. Tracy Trust #3-2: downhole plug set; wellhead and casing remain in place. This well is showing a slight amount of pressure at the surface (12 psi on the 9 5/8 casing annulus, 2 psi on the 5 ½ casing annulus, steady after 1-3 days). The pressure is being monitored and recorded by the operator. The Department is in communication with the operator and will discuss possible additional measures early next week if the pressure does not bleed off naturally or begins to rise.

News Article(s) of Interest
BLM halts leases after sage grouse, climate legal brawl (PDF).