A. Lee Graham Reporter lgraham@bizpress.net Norstra Energy Inc. of Southlake has appointed an operator for its South Sun River project in Montana. Agreeing to serve the role by operating the project’s first three roles is Summit West Oil LLC of Spokane, Wash. “We are very pleased to secure the services of Summit West Oil LLC,” said Norstra president and CEO Glen Landry, commenting in a news release. “Summit West is an experienced operator, with great industry connections and a very good reputation with the authorities in Montana,” Landry said. Summit West already served as operator for three wells in Montana in 2012, Landry pointed out. As part of its newly announced Norstra duties, Summit West will create a cost estimate for drilling and completion expenses of the first well. The firm also will secure drilling subcontractors. The cost estimate, which will include final bids, is expected to be finalized within a month. During that time, Landry and his technical advisers plan to determine the first drill location based on seismic lines and other technical data. After reviewing previously available seismic line information and meeting with Norstra’s geophysical consultants, the company ordered the prospect’s first targeted seismic data. After Norstra and its geophysicist determine the first drill location, Norstra will design the drilling pad and start the permitting process. Norstra Energy Inc. is an oil and gas exploration company with interests spanning more than 10,000 acres in the Bakken Shale in Montana. More information is available at www.norstraenergy.com.