Developments in Michigan in 1946

Abstract

Results of exploratory drilling in Michigan in 1946 were disappointing for the second consecutive year. Of the 259 wildcat wells drilled during the year, 26 were completed as producing wells. Twelve oil fields and 6 gas fields were discovered, 5 oil fields and 2 gas fields were extended, and a new pay zone was found in 1 field. Only one of the new fields, Brenner, Allegan County, was sufficiently developed to add appreciable new oil reserves. A second oil discovery, Stony Lake, Oceana County, completed late in November, gave indications of a promising field although at the year's end no tests other than the discovery had been developed. During 1946, 822 drilling permits were issued, an increase of 67 over 1945. Well completions totaled 823 compared with the 801 of the previous year. Forty-four per cent of the wells were productive. Average initial production of oil wells was 651 barrels per well, and average initial production of gas wells was 7,371,000 cubic feet per well. Total footage drilled was 1,705,694 feet, approximately 15 per cent less than in 1945. Wildcat footage was 608,839 feet. Oil production declined approximately 1 per cent to a 4-year low of 17,074,518 barrels. Gas production, however, showed an increase of 2 per cent for a new high of 23,774,495,000 cubic feet. Some seismograph surveys were made in the Thumb and east-central Michigan, but core drilling continued to be the most common method of exploration. Permits were issued for 186 geological tests, of which 60 per cent were in western Michigan. The Sun Oil Company started work on 2 secondary-recovery projects in Michigan in 1946. The Edenville oil field, Midland County, is to be water-flooded and the East Norwich oil field, Missaukee County, is to be repressured with gas.