🛢️ MHA OAT 4892 21-19 4B

Enerplus Resources USA Corporation · Dunn County, ND · File #43052 · Generated 2026-08-22 02:29

API: 3302505211
Target Formation: Middle Bakken
Confidence: High

📊 Signals (9)

Tier	Signal	Date	Service Impact
Tier 2	Approval conditional on 500' north/south and 150' east/west setbacks within 2560-acre spacing unit, with east setback based on production liner cemented in lateral with wet shoe and ability to frac out the shoe. 📄 Stipulations section, first page Specific setback requirements tied to a unique wellbore construction (wet shoe) that enables a particular completion technique, indicating a deliberate engineering choice to manage boundary constraints.	Unknown	Completions / Frac
Tier 2	Cementing program for production liner includes 'wet shoe' configuration with intentional over-displacement creating ~400' of uncemented annulus at toe to allow pump-down perforating guns on wireline. 📄 Wellbore Construct Features and Cementing Program sections Specific completion design choice to reduce cost by avoiding tubing-conveyed or tractor perforating for first stage.	Unknown	Completions / Frac
Tier 3	Bureau of Indian Affairs approves amendment to right-of-way (FBOG101061) on 06/16/2026, adding five additional well bores to existing Grains Pad with no new surface disturbance. 📄 BIA memorandum and amendment documents Federal right-of-way amendment finalized, legally enabling multi-well pad development without expanding footprint, indicating coordinated surface planning.	2026-06-16	Drilling Rigs
Tier 3	NDIC Petroleum Engineer Nathaniel Erbele emails operator on 3/3/2026 noting permit may be subject to Federal permit, instructing contact with BLM Dickinson office.⏰ TIME-SENSITIVE 📄 Email dated 3/3/2026 8:28 AM Late-stage regulatory flag for potential federal oversight, introducing an additional agency coordination step post-state approval.	2026-03-03	Drilling Rigs
Tier 3	Operator requests waiver from notifying adjacent operator for drilling from surface location outside spacing unit, as Enerplus is the operator of the adjacent unit. 📄 Letter dated Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Explicit regulatory strategy to streamline approval by leveraging common ownership, avoiding a standard notification step.	2025-11-04	Regulatory / Permitting
Tier 3	Anticollision report shows multiple Level 3 separation factor warnings with existing wells (e.g., EXIST HZ FINCH, EXIST HZ WHEAT, MHA BARLEY, etc.), indicating tight wellbore spacing. 📄 Anticollision Report section Detailed anti-collision analysis reveals high-density drilling environment with specific nearby wellbores flagged for close approach.	2025-10-15	Directional Drilling
Tier 3	Operator asserts 'closed mud system with no cuttings pit' and requires remote/automatic shutoff devices on all equipment. 📄 Stipulations section, first page Non-standard environmental and safety controls mandated, exceeding basic regulatory minimums.	Unknown	Mud / Fluids
Tier 3	Operator must contact NDIC Field Inspector Clark Schackelford at 701-495-2034 prior to location construction.⏰ TIME-SENSITIVE 📄 Stipulations section, first page Direct, named inspector contact is required before pad construction begins, indicating heightened regulatory oversight or specific site conditions.	Relative	General Oilfield Services
Tier 3	If pad is expanded, Enerplus must receive additional approval from Dunn County for section line encroachment pursuant to NDCC 24-06-28. 📄 Stipulations section, first page Pre-conditions any pad expansion on county approval, indicating potential for future pad growth but with a regulatory gate.	Relative	General Oilfield Services

💡 Operator Intent

Maximize pad density and capital efficiency by adding multiple wells under an existing right-of-way without new surface disturbance.

BIA amendment adds five well bores to existing pad with no new disturbance; multi-well pad layout shows numerous well slots; operator requested waiver for drilling from outside spacing unit due to owning adjacent unit.
Employ cost-saving completion techniques for toe initiation using a 'wet shoe' design to enable wireline pump-down perforating.

Document describes wet shoe configuration to avoid more expensive tubing-conveyed or tractor perforating for first stage.
Prioritize regulatory and surface owner coordination for operations on Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.

Multiple documents show engagement with BIA, BLM, and Three Affiliated Tribes for right-of-way amendments and approvals; surface owner is Bureau of Indian Affairs.

🔧 Service Operator Relevance

Directional Drilling & Surveying

Anti-collision report shows Level 3 warnings with existing wells; precise wellbore placement is critical. High-accuracy MWD and real-time survey services are needed immediately for drilling.

Cementing & Liner Services

Wet shoe configuration requires precise cement over-displacement; specialized liner hangers and cement blends are specified. Opportunity exists for vendors experienced in this technique.

Wireline Perforating

Wet shoe design enables pump-down wireline perforating for Stage 1, creating a specific opportunity for wireline companies during completion phase.

Environmental & Solids Control

Closed mud system with no cuttings pit and licensed cuttings disposal facilities are mandated. Services for closed-loop systems and approved waste hauling are required at spud.

Regulatory & Land Coordination

BLM coordination flagged as pending; BIA right-of-way just approved. Services to navigate federal and tribal approvals are time-sensitive to avoid delays.