Though it had originally planned to complete five wells in its plans for Arctic off shore drilling, Shell has taken its plans down a few notches and is now aiming to complete only two in 2012. Unfortunately though, it’s ambitious plan of drilling ten wells in two years remains in place, according to spokesman Curtis Smith.
Shell’s plans were delayed by several factors. The first and probably most significant, is the need to build an emergency spill containment barge, which is now required by federal law. The barge will hold a very important containment dome to be lowered on a wellhead if a spill were to occur. Oil would then be carried through an attached hose from the dome to the barge for processing.
Shell is also experiencing problems obtaining a necessary air pollution permit, called for upon the discovery that Shell’s drill ship’s generators were testing above acceptable levels for ammonia and nitrous oxide. Smith said his company would reach an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency, but environmental and Alaskan Native groups are posing a challenge. They claim the vessels will pollute the air and contribute to Arctic warming.
The company is also dealing with Mother Nature, who is keeping the sea ice attached to Alaska’s coastline with a firm grip. But the company says the ice is moving away, leaving only the EPA to get in the way of Shell’s plans.
Even drilling the two wells still planned for 2012 is expected to be difficult. Deadlines of September 24 and October 31 are set for drilling in parts of the Chukchi Sea and Beaufort Sea, respectively. The company will also have to halt operations in the Beaufort Sea while Alaskan natives hunt the migrating bowhead whale. Shell Alaska Vice President Pete Slaiby admitted “it’s going to be a challenge.”
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