Oil, Gas, and Mineral Law Commons^™

Agenda: Workshop On Directional Drilling In The Rocky Mountain Region, University Of Colorado Boulder. Natural Resources Law Center, Colorado School Of Mines

Workshop on Directional Drilling in the Rocky Mountain Region (November 13)

The Rocky Mountain region is seeing a large increase in the amount of exploration and production of oil and gas resources. Many people are interested in the use of directional and horizontal drilling technology but not much is understood about these technologies outside of the oil and gas industry. Many hold out the promise that directional drilling can minimize environmental impacts and the footprint of development. The technological, environmental, legal and policy implications of directional drilling for oil and gas in the Rocky Mountain region are the focus of this workshop.

Slides: Directional Drilling: The Promise And The Peril, Alfred W. Eustes Iii

Workshop on Directional Drilling in the Rocky Mountain Region (November 13)

Presenter: Dr. Bill Eustes, Ph.D., P.E., Department of Petroleum Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO

63 slides

Abstract: What is it, where can it be done and how does it fit into full field development for oil and gas? This segment will set the foundation and bring everyone up to a basic level of understanding of the technology of directional drilling.

Slides: Untitled [British Petroleum], Rusty Riese

Workshop on Directional Drilling in the Rocky Mountain Region (November 13)

Presenter: Dr. Rusty Riese, Consulting Geologist, BP American Production Co.

6 slides

Abstract: For companies doing directional drilling, what are the direct and indirect costs and benefits? When is it economical and what factors does industry take into account in making the decision to utilize directional drilling?

Slides: Untitled [Western Resource Advocates], Mike Chiropolos

Workshop on Directional Drilling in the Rocky Mountain Region (November 13)

Presenter: Mike Chiropolos, Attorney, Western Resource Advocates

10 slides

Abstract: What are the environmental considerations involved with directional drilling? How should the NEPA analysis take this technology into account? When should it be analyzed as an alternative to conventional vertical drilling?

Slides: Untitled [Colorado Attorney General's Office], Carol Harmon

Workshop on Directional Drilling in the Rocky Mountain Region (November 13)

Presenter: Carol Harmon, Colorado Attorney General's Office

8 slides

Abstract: When does the State require directional drilling? Can landowners require it in Surface Use Agreements? What does Colorado's version of the accommodation doctrine mean for directional drilling?

Coalbed Methane In The San Juan Basin Of Colorado And New Mexico, Catherine Cullicott, Carolyn Dunmire, Jerry Brown, Chris Calwell

Coalbed Methane Development in the Intermountain West (April 4-5)

35 pages (includes color illustrations and maps).

Contains 6 pages of endnotes.

Keynote Address, John Watts

Coalbed Methane Development in the Intermountain West (April 4-5)

5 pages.

Federal, State, And Local Regulatory Framework For Permitting Of Cbm Development, Kate Zimmerman

Coalbed Methane Development in the Intermountain West (April 4-5)

17 pages.

Contains 5 pages of endnotes.

Hydraulic Fracturing: Stimulating Your Well Or Trespassing?, Laura H. Burney

Faculty CLE

Many courts may determine hydraulic fracturing to be an impermissible trespass. Hydraulic fracturing is a common method used to increase production from oil and gas wells. However, the extent of wellbore fractures can only be determined by theoretical calculations. This reality affects the application of the legal doctrines of the rule of capture, common law trespass, and implied covenants in the oil and gas lease. When these controversies reach the court, a traditional policy conflict is also at play: whether to protect property rights or to encourage oil and gas production.

Without express legislative endorsement of fracturing as promoting valuable …