The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission honored WPX Energy, Swift Energy Operating and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe - Department of Energy as Outstanding Operators and Anadarko Petroleum for its 2013 Outstanding Oil and Gas Operations program.
Each year, the COGCC places a call for nominations for outstanding operations awards, which are intended to recognize the achievements of the oil and gas industry in Colorado in several operational, environmental, and community involvement categories. This round of awards marks the 18th year the agency has highlighted the actions of top operators.
These awards honor year 2013 projects that merit special recognition and this year, three out of the four award winners are local producers. WPX Energy, Swift Energy Operating and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe - Department of Energy received awards for the following:
Community engagement - Swift Energy Operating
In 2013, Swift Energy permitted and drilled one of the first exploratory horizontal oil wells in the Niobrara formation in La Plata County. Swift proactively engaged with the public, local government, and COGCC; prior to and during drilling, they hosted public informational meetings in town and on-site at the location. Swift also demonstrated strong environmental stewardship in a variety of ways: site and access road construction practices and interim reclamation were exemplary; existing roads were expanded, grading and storm water management. A noxious weed plan, grading, hydro-mulching, and traffic controls were used to protect wildlife and control dust. Swift's program resulted in zero public complaints during construction and drilling of the location.
Technological advancement - WPX Energy
In April 2013 WPX Energy introduced the Aztec 1000 rig, fueled exclusively by natural gas produced on location. The Aztec 1000 is the result of a partnership between Aztec Drilling and WPX Energy. The rig can meet the flexible multi-well pad drilling requirements of the Piceance Basin, as well as future horizontal wells. The rig is equipped with four Jenbacher J-320 engines providing the horsepower needed to drill vertical and horizontal well depths between 8,000 to 15,000 feet. The environmental benefits of the Aztec 1000 rig include a 24-percent reduction in total air emissions and an 80-percent reduction in ozone-forming compounds compared to diesel rigs. The Aztec 1000 also reduces fuel consumption and costs. During initial operations in 2013, WPX's fuel use was reduced by 85 percent, resulting in a daily average savings of over $7,100 in fuel costs.
Environmental protection and greenhouse gas reduction - Southern Ute Indian Tribe - Department of Energy.
The Vent Well project consists of a series of shallow Fruitland Coal Bed Methane (CBM) wells located along the western portion of the Fruitland Outcrop on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in La Plata County. The purpose of the project is to mitigate methane seepage from the outcrop by intercepting the gas as it migrates from the basin towards the outcrop. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and the Vent Well project serves to mitigate the environmental impacts while maximizing an important resource. During 2013, the project reduced GHG emissions by approximately 47,691 metric tons of carbon dioxide (equivalent) (MtCO2e). This amount is equal to the GHG emissions associated with burning approximately 256 railcars worth of coal or 4,351 homes' energy use for one year. Total GHG emissions reduction since the project began totals 173,842 MtCO2e.
