An independent evaluation by Xodus Group Ltd in September 2015, available on our website, calculated that the MW oil field contains an oil initially in place of between 32.7 and 61.8 million barrels. The average estimate was 46.6 million barrels.
Oil in place does nor mean that this is the oil that can be recovered. The amount of recoverable oil is likely to be significantly less. This statement is misleading as it implies a larger amount of oil than would actually be recovered. The Competent Persons report estimates that 5% - 7.5% could be recovered. We have seen some estimates that are even lower.
All the data measurements and assumptions are provided in the Transport Statement. The Markwells Wood-1 discovery well was drilled in 2010. Well casing has therefore already been transported to the site. The same transportation route and site access track are planned to be used as in 2010.
This assumes the same equipment. Will this actually be the case? If the drilling rig is higher than the previous one, will that involve longer and heavier vehicles.
There were already complaints about the effect on local traffic on the previous occasion. With five drilling phases the length of time that this traffic will encroach locally will be longer. The volume of fast traffic, especially all the delivery vans on this route are likely to have increased since 2010.
There are two phases of drilling. The rig will be erected and present on site during both drilling phases and will be dismantled and removed at the end of each phase. Note that in the event that the first or subsequent wells of Phase 2 do not prove commercial rates and volumes then the there will likely be no further drilling and the rig removed. However, it will not be left in situ any longer than necessary.
So, presumably if the first or subsequent wells of Phase 2 do prove commercial rates and volumes there will be further drilling. So back to the original question-.Will the rig be erected and dismantled and removed from site each time a new well is drilled ?
Drivers will be instructed to drive slowly and carefully, avoiding grass verges. UKOG will ensure any damage to grass verges and ditches is repaired.
Does that mean Northern Petroleum did not give their drivers these instructions? Local residents experienced the contrary.
Details of flaring will be included, as required, in the future Environment Agency permit application. UKOG intends to use a fully enclosed flare, with flaring of associated gas during the Phase 1 EWT. There will be no flaring of gas following the drilling of the Phase 2 wells.
Why will details of the flaring not be provided for the Planning Application itself? The SDNP needs information about the levels of CO2 emissions the drilling will produce to make an informed decision.
Presumably the drilling of the Phase 2 wells has the potential for five periods of drilling. This is not likely to be an insignificant amount of flaring.
The Phase 1 Extended Well Test is expected to last up to 6 months. When the well is flowing, small volumes of associated gas will be flared. Note that the field does not contain any free gas, only low volumes of dissolved (associated or solution) gas within the oil. The crude produced in 2011 from the MW-1 test showed low solution gas volumes well below 100 standard cubic feet of gas per barrel, being near identical to that shown in the adjacent producing Horndean oil field.
What about before the well is flowing? Are the drilling phases likely to release escaping gases? If so, will these be flared?
The flare will be fully enclosed, meaning the flame will not be visible. Details of gaseous emissions will be provided in the EA application, as required. Flaring of gas leads to much reduced greenhouse gas emissions versus venting. The flare emissions will be required to meet, and demonstrate that it meets, EA’s specifications.
Why are details of gaseous emissions not provided for the Planning Application itself? The SDNP need this information to make an informed decision.
Details of wastes produced during drilling, their volumes and how they will be disposed of will be included in the EA application, as required.
Why are details of wastes and their disposal not provided for the Planning Application itself? The SDNP need this information to make an informed decision.
Drilling
What guarantees - in case of planning permission going through - can they give that the length and extension of the undertaking will not be any longer than the proposed 20 months?
Per UKOG’s Planning Statement (Table 4.3), drilling in Phase 1 is expected to have a duration of 40 days and 162 days in Phase 2.
Does this mean no guarantees?
Details of the drilling fluids: composition and volumes will be included in the EA application, as required.
Why are details of the drilling fluids not provided for the Planning Application itself? The SDNP need this information to make an informed decision.
Acidisation is a standard process to clean up a well (including water abstraction wells), using 15% hydrochloric acid by weight in 85% water. Acidisation was carried out in 2011/12. NB: it is a single, one-off process when the well is first put into production, not continuous. The acid is neutralised when it comes into contact with the calcium carbonate grains of the reservoir rock producing water, calcium chloride, a naturally occurring compound within sea water, and carbon dioxide. The resultant neutralised products of the reaction are flowed to surface and put into tankers and removed to a EQ waste water disposal facility.
There are several levels of acidisation of which the “acid wash” you describe is the least invasive. More intensive techniques used to stimulate tight oil are matrix acidisation and acid fracking.
Elsewhere you refer to the innovative stimulation techniques you intend to employ to get at the oil. What are these? Are they either matrix acidisation or acid fracking?
Details of all chemicals and drilling fluids need to be supplied to, and approved by EA. This includes any change of chemical or drilling fluid.
Why are details of the chemicals and drilling fluids not provided for the Planning Application itself? The SDNP need this information to make an informed decision.