ECMC compliance unit details 2025 inspections, tech upgrades and orphan‑well program
Loading...
Summary
ECMC’s compliance unit reported more than 29,000 well inspections submitted and more than 15,000 location inspections in 2025, described new audit‑oriented procedures and field technology (drones, STARLINK mobile connectivity, 3‑D location models, 360° ground scans) and said it is piloting an orphan‑well inspection/training program.
The ECMC compliance unit presented a year‑in‑review and a technology roadmap to the commission on April 8, highlighting inspection volume, new methods and staffing changes.
Jason Gomez, compliance unit manager, said the unit submitted over 29,000 well inspections and conducted more than 15,000 location inspections in 2025. Craig Carlisle described the unit’s shift toward an “audit” approach that includes site verification of operator submissions, and the compliance unit reported it responded to 162 public complaints during the year.
Presenters said the unit is adopting advanced inspection techniques — thermal imagery, targeted sound studies, ground scans, drones and drone‑derived 3‑D models — and expanded mobile connectivity using STARLINK so inspectors have field access to well histories, forms and previous violations. Video shown at the hearing illustrated a mobile satellite unit that lets an inspector view a full interactive 3‑D site history and a 360° “ground scan” that documents every pipe, valve and sign for a permanent record at the inspection time.
Speakers highlighted program achievements: an orphan‑well inspection program to build staff capacity, a new compliance‑unit website for training material and institutional knowledge, and plans to develop QR‑code tools for emergency response site maps and responder information. Presenters said consolidated modern pads now replace many legacy locations and that inspecting larger, more complex consolidated facilities requires more technical time per site.
Commissioners praised the presentation and the compliance unit’s outreach and use of technology; Commissioner Cross noted positive feedback from West Slope task‑force participants on the compliance group’s collaborative approach to operators.
What happens next: ECMC staff said it will continue piloting the new technologies and roll out the orphan‑well inspection program; staff committed to sharing outcomes of pilots and suggested follow‑up briefings.
Sources: ECMC compliance unit presentation, April 8, 2026 hearing.
