Oil and Gas Developments in New York in 1986

Abstract

In New York in 1986, only 192 wells were reported as completed, a 64% decrease from 1985. In existing fields, 12 oil wells and 172 gas wells were completed. Only 3 exploratory wells were reported during 1986. One was a noneconomic Oriskany discovery, another was a Medina discovery, and the third was a Queenston dry hole. Data for several unreported wells drilled prior to or during 1986 revealed 4 Oriskany dry holes, 1 Medina discovery, and 1 Oriskany discovery in Allegany County. Unreported drilling also included 3 Trenton tests and a geothermal well in Cayuga County, a Precambrian dry hole in Madison County, 2 dry outposts to Sangerfield field in Oneida County, 2 deep tests in Schuyler County, an outpost-extension to Fayette field in Seneca County, a successful deep gas test in Steuben County, and 2 Oriskany wildcats in Tioga County. Oil production in 1986 was 852,564 bbl; the preliminary figure for gas production is 33,678 mmcf. The average price for New York crude oil during 1986 was $15.67/bbl. In 1986, 32 crew-weeks of reflection seismic work were accomplished in New York. Drilling will decline again in 1987, probably by 20-25%. Drilling for direct sale or transportation to end users will increase.