File #41356 | Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation (Chord Energy) | McKenzie County
API
33-053-10425
Target Formation
Middle Bakken
Permit Explained
Yes
Permit Cycle Assessment
The permit approval dated 2024-11-20 is justified by contemporaneous pre-permit documentation that directly conditions the approval. The waiver to omit open hole logs (approved 2024-11-22, two days after permit issuance) is supported by offset well availability. Anti-collision analysis demonstrating 1.2 separation safety factor supports the permit's allowance for close proximity to 24 offset wells. Drill-back notification to Zavanna LLC (2024-11-19) and BLM federal mineral coordination notification (2024-09-09) establish the regulatory framework governing the 1920-acre spacing unit. The permit's setback conditions (Order No. 33461) directly tie to the wellbore geometry defined in the directional drilling plan and anti-collision report. The wet-shoe casing configuration is explicitly referenced in the permit conditions as justifying the north setback allowance. All material permit conditions are supported by engineering submissions that pre-date or accompany the approval.
Permit Cycle Signals (5)
Open Hole Log Waiver Approved - NDIC Rule 43-02-03-31 (2024-11-22)
Operator requested waiver to omit open hole logs based on availability of logs from offsetting well (Dobias State Unit 1, within 1 mile). Only GR-CBL to run TD to ground level. Approved by Ross Edison, NDIC Geologist.
Federal Mineral Interest Notification - BLM Dickinson Office (2024-09-09)
Spacing unit (1920 acres: Sections 19, 30, 31, T152N, R103W) contains federal minerals requiring BLM coordination. Kuchar directed operator to contact BLM Dickinson at (701) 227-7713. This is a pre-permit coordination signal tied to spacing unit geometry.
Drill-Back Notification to Adjacent Operator (Zavanna LLC) - Order No. 31848 (2024-11-19)
Operator notified adjacent operator (Zavanna LLC) that wellbore will enter Bakken Petroleum System outside target spacing unit, per Order No. 31848 drill-back policy. Notification included directional drilling plan, formation tops, casing design, cementing details, and commencement date.
Anti-Collision Analysis with 1.2 Separation Safety Factor (2024-07-17)
Operator evaluated 24 offset wells and maintained industry-standard 1.2 separation safety factor during intermediate drilling. AC report shows closest approach separation factors (SF) ranging from 2.077 to 8.449 ft with all wells. Surveys planned at 93–100 ft intervals, increasing frequency near lateral crossings.
Permit Approval Condition - Spacing Unit & Setback Requirements (Order No. 33461) (2024-11-20)
Permit issued subject to Commission Order No. 33461. Wellbore portions not isolated by cement must be no closer than 150 ft setback (north/south) and 500 ft setback (east/west) within 1920-acre spacing unit (Sections 19, 30, 31). North setback conditioned on production liner cemented with wet shoe and frac-out capability. Glass Bluff-Bakken Pool defined as 50 ft above Bakken top to 50 ft below Three Forks top.
Historical Non-Routine Signals (5)
Core and Sample Preservation Requirements - ND Century Code §38-08-04 (2024-11-25)
Operator must submit all drill cuttings samples (30 ft intervals vertical/build, 200 ft intervals lateral) within 30 days of drilling completion to ND Geological Survey Core Library, Grand Forks. Cores must be forwarded within 180 days. Violation subject to civil penalty up to $12,500 per day. This is a standing obligation regardless of production or completion status.
Filter Sock Disposal Container Requirement - NDAC 43-02-03-19.2 (Effective 2014-06-01) (2014-06-01)
Operator must maintain leakproof, covered, placard-marked container on well site from spud through completion and flow-back for filter disposal. Applies to all filtration operations. Non-compliance violates solid waste transport regulations (ND Admin Code §33-20-02.1-01). This obligation persists through all operational phases.
Digital Log Submission Format (TIFF and LAS) - NDIC Digital Logs Policy (Unknown)
Operator must submit all logs as one digital TIFF and one digital LAS formatted copy to digitallogs@nd.gov free of charge. This applies to any logs run during drilling or completion phases. Non-compliance blocks regulatory file closure.
Casing/Completion Changes Require Prior NDIC Approval - Bakken-Three Forks Petroleum System (Unknown)
Any changes to casing point depth, total depth, or completion technique within the Bakken-Three Forks system require prior written approval from NDIC Director. This constrains operational flexibility during drilling and completion phases and extends beyond current permit term.
Sidetrack Contact Requirement - NDIC Field Inspector Notification (2024-11-20)
Operator acknowledged obligation to contact NDIC Field Inspector Will Ryan (701-770-6684) prior to any sidetrack operations to confirm plug-back procedures. A sidetrack was executed on 2025-04-09 (documented in well log). This obligation applies to any future sidetracks and affects operational approval workflow.
Historical Operator Profile
Total Wells:N/A
Active Wells:N/A
Notable Patterns:None identified
Confidence Assessment
Level: High Rationale: Permit approval date (2024-11-20) is explicit. Pre-permit coordination documents (waiver 2024-11-22, BLM notification 2024-09-09, drill-back affidavit 2024-11-19, anti-collision analysis 2024-07-17) are all dated and signed. Directional survey reports (original wellbore 2025-04-07, sidetrack 2025-04-09) provide as-drilled confirmation. Geological report (dated 2025) and well sundry forms confirm spud date (2025-03-31) and actual drilling progression. Formation tops, casing points, and directional target data cross-verified across multiple documents. No missing dates in permit-cycle chain. Setback conditions and spacing unit definition are explicit in Order No. 33461. The well file demonstrates continuous regulatory engagement from pre-permit through drilling completion.