This is a clarification on my earlier post regarding fracking of the Belfry well. This is an important development and it is critical to be precise. I have new information from Northern Plains Resource Council that clarifies exactly what is going on.

As we indicated, on July 7 Energy Corporation of America gave notice of “intent to perforate” the well. In addition they have filed an “intent to stimulate or chemically treat the well.”

Both of these are steps toward hydraulic fracturing. What they are doing is continued testing as they move toward fracking. This means that they have not yet made the decision to frack, but are taking steps in that direction.

According to Jim Halverson of the Montana Board of Oil and Gas (BOGC), ECA has told him that they plan on monitoring the results of the perforations for 30 days, then will apply to frack if they want to move forward.

As indicated in our last post, this requires 48 hours notice.

Bottom line: it appears fracking is not imminent, and it remains possible that ECA will not find what they are looking for. However, it is clear they are encouraged enough by the results of their earlier drilling to proceed toward hydraulic fracturing.

Watch this space for more detail.

Previous post on this well, and a history of activity related to it.