Hilcorp Alaska is asking the state to expand a drilling easement at Oliktok Point by 71.91 acres to accommodate new oil wells planned for early June. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 29.

The expansion would allow Hilcorp to drill additional wellbores from its Onshore Production Pad through the Kuparuk River Unit to reach oil in the Nikaitchuq Unit. The company would not produce hydrocarbons from the Kuparuk River Unit itself. The current easement already covers wells drilled from the same pad.

The project is located on the North Slope at Oliktok Point. Hilcorp filed the application on April 28.

The Department of Natural Resources will review the application under state land law. Anyone affected by the final decision may appeal or request reconsideration under state regulations.

Written comments must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on May 29. Send comments to [email protected] or to the Division of Oil and Gas, 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1100, Anchorage, AK 99501. The application is available for review at that address or online at dog.dnr.alaska.gov/Newsroom.

The department will send a copy of the final decision to anyone who submits written comments. For questions about accessibility or to request alternative formats, call 907-269-8411.