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Aztec commission approves two Hill Corp drilling permits near Aztec High School
Summary
The Aztec City Commission approved two quasi‑judicial oil‑and‑gas well permits Dec. 9 from Hill Corp Energy Company for wells identified as Gonzalez State #1 and Burlington 15P to be drilled from a single pad; staff reported no public opposition and state permits were on file.
The Aztec City Commission voted Dec. 9 to approve two oil-and-gas drilling applications from Hill Corp Energy Company, allowing the company to drill two wells (Gonzalez State #1 and Burlington 15P) from a single well pad inside city limits.
Ramon Hancock, representing Hill Corp, told the commission the company plans to build a 500-by-330-foot disturbance area that will be reduced to a final pad of about 400-by-230 feet, and that the wells will be drilled diagonally rather than horizontally. Hancock said the proposed wells have planned depths near 6,900 feet and that the site lies about 1,080 feet from Aztec High School. He said the company does not plan to install long-term compression units that would generate continuous noise and that the site will be fenced.
City staff confirmed for the record that certified mailed notices were returned and that they received no letters or public testimony opposing either application. Staff also confirmed that required state permits from the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division (OCD) were on file.
Hancock outlined timing and logistics: pad construction expected in February, drilling in March, and an anticipated first production target in April; he said the project will tie into a nearby pipeline and will use mostly existing roadway access with about 96.5 feet of new access road. He also noted the company would coordinate with nearby construction activity to prevent conflicts on the access route.
Commissioners moved and seconded motions to approve both quasi‑judicial items. Mayor called the roll and both applications were approved; staff recorded that no public opposition had been submitted. No appeals or further legal actions were announced during the meeting.
Why it matters: The permits authorize oil-and-gas activity relatively close to a local high school and residential parcels; commissioners stressed procedural protections for quasi‑judicial land-use hearings and received assurances from the applicant and staff about state permitting, notice and mitigation measures.
What to watch for: Construction of the pad and drilling activity in early 2025, coordination between the company and local construction projects, and any follow‑up submittals or conditions attached to the city’s approvals.
