ConocoPhillips Proposes New CD8 Drill Pad in Alaska
The energy developer aims to extend the Colville River unit lifespan by 10 years through the new project.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc. has moved forward with its proposal to develop a new CD8 drill pad at the Colville River unit to access untapped oil reserves. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a draft environmental impact statement for the project on October 16, 2026, opening the plan to public comment.
Why it matters
The project aims to extend the production lifespan of the 134,000-acre Colville River unit by up to 10 years by accessing resources in the Narwhal reservoir. For regional energy operators and suppliers, this development represents a significant long-term capital commitment to North Slope infrastructure.
Production at the Colville River unit reached 30,028 barrels per day in August 2026, marking a 63.51% increase compared to 18,365 barrels per day in August 2025. The proposed CD8 project is estimated to produce 93 million barrels of oil over a 30-year operational lifespan.
The players
ConocoPhillips Alaska Inc.
A major integrated energy producer operating extensive drilling and processing assets across Alaska's North Slope.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The federal agency responsible for overseeing environmental permitting and impact studies for large-scale energy infrastructure projects.
The details
The CD8 pad, located 2.1 miles east-northeast of Nuiqsut, is designed to extract resources from the Narwhal reservoir that are currently unreachable from existing sites. ConocoPhillips plans to drill 20 to 40 wells at the location. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently hosting public open house meetings to collect feedback on the draft environmental impact statement before finalizing the permitting process.
Timeline
1998: The Colville River unit was formed.
Early 2025: ConocoPhillips began the permitting process for the CD8 pad.
April 8, 2026: The Alaska Department of Natural Resources approved the 28th plan of development.
October 16, 2026: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the draft environmental impact statement.
2030: The company expects the start of first oil production.
Market Landscape
The proposed CD8 development is subject to the rigorous review protocols required under the National Environmental Policy Act for energy infrastructure on state and federal lands. This project follows a series of multi-year operational plans designed to sustain output within the existing Colville River unit footprint.
Operators in the region should monitor the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public comment outcomes, as these will dictate the final project timelines and permitting requirements. Businesses should also factor in the planned 2030 production start date when forecasting long-term supply chain and logistics capacity.
The takeaway
The project serves as a key indicator of long-term investment into the North Slope’s existing reservoir assets to maintain production density. Operators should track the public hearing schedule managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to understand potential local project adjustments.
Further reading
For broader trends in state energy output, view Alaska Oil and Gas.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petroleum News.
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