PDC Energy Inc. has received approval from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) for its Spinney Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP) permit application, the company said on Oct. 6.

The Spinney, an eight-well pad in rural Weld County, Colorado, marks PDC’s first approved permit under the new rules, which were enacted in January 2021. As of September 30, and inclusive of the Spinney OGDP, PDC's estimated combined approved permits and drilled but uncompleted wells (DUCs), reflect all projected turn-in-line activity through 2023.

“The approval of our first OGDP under the new rules marks a tremendous accomplishment for PDC and reflects the incredible work of our internal working team, which includes members of our land, regulatory, planning and development, operations and EHS teams, among others,” Bart Brookman, PDC president and CEO, said. “Thanks to our partnerships and collaboration with local communities, Weld County and the COGCC, we are confident the Spinney is merely the first step in further securing permits for our future undeveloped Wattenberg drilling inventory.”

“I think this is a strong application for eight wells in Weld County,” COGCC Chairman Jeff Robbins said at the hearing. “I am appreciative that it has received Weld County approval and I’m appreciative of the fact that there is informed consent from all the nearby residences. I think the application shows PDC worked closely in Weld County and with other state agencies...I think it’s a thoughtful approach to permitting and responsible development and it’s a good example of how this can work in Colorado.”

The company submitted its application for the Kenosha OGDP in late September and is making continuous progress towards the targeted year-end submittal of its Guanella comprehensive area plan (CAP). The Kenosha OGDP, a 70-well, multipad development plan and Guanella CAP, which includes an estimated 450 future drilling locations, are each located in rural Weld County and represent the company’s planned turn-in-line activity into 2027.

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