Single New Permit Approved for EOG in McKenzie County

North Dakota's Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) approved one new drilling permit in filings from Friday, October 9, 2026, according to the daily activity report. The sole permit was issued to EOG Resources, Inc. for the WEST CLARK 135-2513H well in the Clarks Creek field of McKenzie County.

The report also noted two wells were released from confidential status, a procedural step that typically follows the completion of initial drilling or fracking operations. In McKenzie County, Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC's AN-LONE TREE-152-95-1207H-5 well was released. In Mountrail County, Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C.'s SCHA 33-34 6H well in the Alger field was also released from confidential status.

The single permit approval continues a pattern of measured activity in the Bakken formation. EOG Resources remains one of the core operators in the region, with its latest permit focused on the prolific Clarks Creek field in western McKenzie County. This area has historically been a high-production zone within the Williston Basin.

The release of wells from confidential status provides a glimpse into ongoing development work by other major players. Hess's activity in McKenzie County and Devon's operation in Mountrail County indicate sustained completion and production work across different areas of the Bakken. The movement of wells out of confidential status often precedes the reporting of initial production data to state regulators.

For royalty owners and service companies, the daily permit count is a key indicator of near-term drilling activity and capital expenditure plans by operators. The current level of permitting suggests operators are maintaining a focused development strategy rather than embarking on a significant expansion of drilling campaigns.

The Bakken formation, spanning western North Dakota, continues to be the state's primary oil-producing region. Operator activity remains concentrated in the core counties of McKenzie, Mountrail, Williams, and Dunn. The DMR's daily activity report is a critical source for tracking the pace of drilling and completion work across these counties.