Enap resubmits EIAs for US$61.5mn drill campaign

Chile's state oil and gas company Enap has resubmitted EIAs for its US$61.5mn drilling campaign after authorities in southernmost region XII raised concerns over the impact of fracking and the exact location of the 35 wells. Authorities halt evaluation of the campaigns original three EIAs and requested the NOC provide more details about the "hazardous chemicals" to be used in the fracking fluid and their management; the campaign's water and frack fluid usage, catchment and disposal; and its affect on surface waters. Unlike the original documents, the resubmitted EIAs make no mention of fracking and postpone the start of operations. Now in November Enap looks to start work on a 15-well exploration program in the Lynch B, Cullen and Fortuna areas (five wells each) of the Intracampos block, which is expected to cost US$18mn. At the same time the firm hopes to begin a US$6mn five-well campaign on the Victoria-Las Vegas area of the Arenal block, the same block where the NOC successfully fracked for tight gas in June. And starting in December Enap plans to invest US$37.5mn in drilling 15 exploratory wells in the Punta Baja, Lautaro and Maule Oeste areas (five each) of the Arenal block.