Permitting Services

Well Permitting

Types of Wells in Energy and Resource Development

Modern subsurface engineering relies on specialized wells designed for exploration, production, storage, and sustainability. 

1. U.S. State-Level Permits

  • Primary Authority: State oil and gas commissions (e.g., Texas Railroad Commission).
  • Common Permit Types:
    • Drilling & Recompletion Permits: Typically require well design details, spacing compliance, and operator credentials.
    • Injection & Disposal Wells: Regulated under the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program, requiring mechanical integrity tests, geologic evaluations, and environmental safeguards.
    • Special Uses: Brine mining, geothermal injection, and underground gas storage often need additional technical documentation.

2. Federal Permits

  • Onshore Federal Lands: Managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Operators must submit an Application for Permit to Drill (APD), which includes:
    • NEPA environmental review
    • Cultural and archaeological assessments
    • Engineering and safety plans
  • Offshore Operations: Governed by BSEE under 30 CFR Part 250. Permits include:
    • APD for drilling
    • APM for modifications (workovers, completions)
    • Platform and pipeline installation approvals

3. Global Permitting Framework

  • Most countries require:
    • Exploration Permits for initial drilling
    • Development/Production Licenses for commercial operations
    • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) as part of the application
  • International standards often align with ISO environmental and safety guidelines, but local laws dictate specifics.

4. Well Types and Specialized Permits

  • Production Wells: Standard drilling permits with reservoir data and casing programs.
  • Injection Wells: Classified under UIC:
    • Class I: Hazardous/non-hazardous waste disposal
    • Class II: Oil and gas-related fluid injection
    • Class III: Solution mining
    • Class VI: CO₂ sequestration for carbon capture and storage (CCS)
  • Disposal Wells: Require detailed geologic and seismic risk analysis.
  • Mining Wells: Additional permits for mineral extraction and groundwater protection.

Key Considerations

  • Documentation Load: Injection, disposal, and CCS wells demand extensive geological, seismic, and environmental studies.
  • Compliance Risk: Failure to meet permit conditions can result in delays, fines, or revocation.
  • Global Trend: Increasing emphasis on carbon storage permits and environmental sustainability.
Selection of rock core samples in a box, used for geological analysis in the well permitting process, illustrating the geological investigations required for underground injection and disposal wells.
El Capitan peak in the Guadalupe Mountains, representing the geological features studied in petrophysical interpretation, formation top correlation, and geological mapping for onshore well permitting services.

Geological Services Provided:

  • Petrophysical interpretation of electric well logs and well log correlation.
  • Picking and correlating formation tops and creating formation structure maps.
  • Generating geological maps and cross-sections, including structural cross-sections.
  • Conducting historical seismicity investigations and analyzing historic seismic events.
  • Injection and seismic monitoring services after operations commence.

Engineering Services Provided:

  • Reviewing and recommending casing design and cementing requirements.
  • Conducting bottom hole pressure tests and other pressure tests to meet regulatory standards.
  • Performing geotechnical analysis of the injection zone.
Oil rig with a truck and satellite dish on-site, representing engineering services such as casing and cementing requirements, pressure testing, and geotechnical analysis for onshore well permitting.
Oil pump jack in the Permian Basin with a colorful sunset reflected in a puddle, symbolizing the integration of archeological investigations and environmental assessments for onshore well permitting in West Texas.

Archeological Services Provided:

  • Conducting required archaeological investigations or historical reviews.
  • Identifying historically significant sites or artifacts.
  • Preparing and submitting necessary documentation and reports.

Regulatory Services Provided:

  • Identifying and completing the required permit applications (e.g., disposal permits, drilling permits).
  • Issuing public notices through certified mail, newspapers, or other required media.
  • Verifying documents and attachments in the permit application process.
  • Filing permits with the regulatory agency on behalf of the client (e.g., Class II, Class VI, and UIC wells).
  • Responding to regulatory communications, including requests for additional data or RAD letters.
Oil drilling rig set against a cloudy sunset sky in West Texas, illustrating regulatory services including permit application, documentation verification, and communication with regulatory agencies for onshore well permitting.
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B-geO MILESTONES

Below are some examples of our achievements 

In 2008, we developed the first shallow hazards report submitted under new government regulations and approved by the Minerals Management Service (MMS) as part of the operators exploration plan.

In 2015, a Shallow Hazards Assessment (SHA) was completed and approved by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) utilizing a seismic depth volume

Successful execution of field investigations is critically dependent of proper planning.  In 2016 we facilitated a geophysical and ROV field program for a potential subsidence study in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

In 2016 the riserless section of a well was successfully drilled without any affect from significant shallow hazards based on our assessment of potential drilling conditions.

We are the exclusive provider of SHA work for several clients. This is based on our diligent work effort and timeliness.