Escopeta Oil Jack Up Rig Calls Cook Inlet Home

Escopeta Oil says operations will begin next week, now that their Jack Up Rig is legs are planted solidly in the Kitchen Lights Unit.

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By KTVA CBS 11 News

Story Created: Aug 12, 2011 at 3:39 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 12, 2011 at 3:39 PM AKDT

After a 17,500 nautical mile journey Escopeta Oil finally has gotten its Jack-Up Rig in place in Cook Inlet.

Swift tides in the Inlet forced the crews to make three attempts to get the legs of the rig planted solidly.

The rig is located in the Kitchen Lights Unit, just 10 miles north of Nikiski.

Steve Sutherlin, Escopeta Spokesman, states that operations should begin next week.

"We won't be drilling in a week but we'll be driving protective casing. We'll drive 30-inch casing that's an inch and a half thick into the upper zones where they may be some potential for gas and that will prevent any problems from a gas blow-out. And we'll drill through that casing," said Sutherlin.

Sutherlin also states, he hasn't heard anything from the federal government about a penalty for violating the Jones Act, which requires American Vessels to transport goods between American ports.

The Jack-Up Rig was hauled from Texas to Canada by a Chinese Vessel. From there, it was taken to Cook Inlet by three American flagged tugs.

No word yet on what fines, if any, Escopeta may face.

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Alaskas getting hosed said on Saturday, Aug 13 at 8:44 PM

They just ignoring everyone. March right into the bay and get that oil to Canada so they can resell it back to you at jacked up cost. Who is getting paid for this cracked up deal?

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How much are they charged? said on Saturday, Aug 13 at 8:34 PM

Did the Government go ahead and give them a tax break anyway? I do not see much improvement around town. No raises, no street repairs, no new firestations. What are we getting for their right to drill? NOTHING!

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