KENAI -- Buccaneer Energy said it has started drilling operations on a second well in the Kenai Loop development field.

The Peninsula Clarion reported the firm will explore out from its first well in the area for natural gas and will drill from the same pad.

The company said it will take about a month to drill the well to 11,000 feet. Testing will take another two weeks, putting them ahead of schedule. If regulatory approval is given, the company could start selling gas to Enstar by December.

Buccaneer has applied for a permit for a third well, and that is under consideration by the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. The commission will decide by Tuesday if a hearing is needed for that.