Civitas Permian Operating, LLC has cleared another milestone in its West Texas growth strategy. The company recently secured approval for a new air permit covering its NICE MARMOT facility in Reeves County, Texas (Project #398014). The permit, issued September 10, 2025, reflects Civitas’ continued investment in the Permian Basin and supports future oil and gas production from the lease.
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The NICE MARMOT lease has already seen active development this summer, with five wells drilled between June and August 2025. These wells, all targeting the Phantom (Wolfcamp) field, reach projected depths of 10,300 to 11,300 feet and are tightly spaced for efficient multi-well pad development. With lease names including NICE MARMOT A, B, C, State D, and State E, this activity signals the company’s commitment to fully developing its Reeves County position.
Summer Drilling Momentum
The summer drilling campaign demonstrates Civitas’ ability to move quickly from permitting to production. By aligning regulatory approvals with aggressive drilling timelines, the operator has advanced multiple horizontal wells on the lease. Despite infrastructure challenges—such as regional water takeaway constraints—the company successfully kept rigs turning and brought new pads online.
Insights from the Midland Basin
Civitas’ most recent quarterly call shed more light on the Midland Basin’s role as the engine of oil growth. Key highlights included:
- Drilling Efficiency: Averaged >1,850 ft/day per well in Q2, showcasing improved cycle times.
- Operational Hurdles: Overcame water takeaway constraints without slowing development pace.
- Co-Development Strategy: Executed the first co-development in the northern Midland, targeting Middle Spraberry through Wolfcamp A.
- Wolfcamp D Success: Strong well performance reported in Glasscock and Reagan counties.
- Oil Growth Mix: Virtually all Q2 oil growth came from the Midland Basin.
- Cost Improvements: Well costs declined ~5% versus early 2025, driving stronger returns.
The Bigger Picture
Taken together, the NICE MARMOT permit approval, the active summer drilling program in Reeves County, and the company’s Midland Basin call commentary underscore Civitas’ position as a leading growth operator in West Texas. With efficiency gains, stacked-pay co-development, and reduced costs, the company is steadily building momentum heading into the back half of 2025.
