Oil and Gas Developments in New York in 1985

Abstract

In 1985, 534 wells were reported as completions in New York. This is a 25% decrease from 1984. In existing fields, 126 oil wells and 354 gas wells were completed. Exploratory drilling resulted in 4 Queenston gas field discoveries, 15 gas field extensions, 2 shallow oil field extensions, and 1 gas field extension by a new-pool wildcat. Two deep tests in Cayuga County were unsuccessful. In Cortland County, 2 deep wildcats were also unsuccessful. A deep well in Madison County and another in Oswego County were dry. Significant Queenston gas production is being developed in central Seneca County. One Medina test and 1 deep test along the Clarendon-Linden fault trend in central Wyoming County were plugged and abandoned. Oil production in 1985 was 1,071,000 bbl; gas production was 34,500 mmcf. At year end, the price for New York crude was $26/bbl. In 1985, 73 crew-weeks of reflection seismic work were accomplished in New York. Field and exploratory drilling is expected to decline sharply in 1986, perhaps by as much as 50%. Some drilling will continue in known fields with good productivity potential.