Developments in East-Central States in 1968

Abstract

With most of the younger strata explored, attention has turned to the Lower Ordovician and Cambrian in the 4 east-central states (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee). Two Knox tests were drilled at the northern edge of the Fairfield basin in Illinois, and numerous Knox tests were drilled in central Kentucky. Of deep tests drilled in eastern Kentucky, 3 reached basement, and 1, in Garrard County, found gas in the Rome Formation (Cambrian); many additional wells have been scheduled to test the Rome. Deep drilling activity is expected to be high in central and eastern Kentucky in 1969; in western Kentucky, Daviess, Union, Hopkins, and Henderson Counties should be focal points for exploratory efforts. A well in Henry County, Tennessee, was drilled to a total depth of 0,748 ft, the deepest test in the state. It did not reach basement. Oil production in the 4 states was 79.2 million bbl, down 7.8% from 1967. Gas production, nearly all from Kentucky, was 89.3 Bcf, about the same as in 1967. The total number of wells drilled for oil and gas was 2,702, a decrease of 18% from 1967. Successful exploratory tests did not add significantly to reserves.