Oil and Gas Developments in the East-Central States in 1989

Abstract

With the exception of a 13% increase in permitting in Tennessee, all other oil and gas activity indicators (oil and gas production, permitting, completions) were again down in the east-central states in 1989. In Illinois, the Geological Survey processed reports on 986 oil and gas tests, 118 service wells, and 2 structure tests. Oil and gas tests included 291 exploratory wells and 695 development wells. Exploratory wells were 5.8% successful; development wells had a success rate of 60.4%. One new oil field, 10 extensions to existing fields, and 8 new pay zones were reported during 1989, as were 27 wells with initial production of 100 BOPD or more. Crude oil production is estimated at 20.4 million bbl, the lowest total in more than 50 years. Natural gas production is estimated at 1.3 bcf. During 1989 significant development of Radom Southeast field, discovered in 1988, took place. In Cumberland County, the first phase in the development of a direct-access oil mine has been almost com leted. In Indiana, oil production totaled 3.309 million bbl, down 200,000 bbl from 1988. The average price rose to $18.38/bbl, $2.41/bbl more than in 1988. Drilling declined sharply; 218 completions were reported for 1989. Exploratory wells were 24% successful; development wells had a 66% success rate. One new oil field was reported. Ninety-one wells were plugged in 1989, leaving Indiana with an estimated 7550 oil wells at year end. Drilling activity in Kentucky continued to decline in 1989, with 1265 well completions reported and a success rate of 67%. The number of drilling permits for 1989 declined 6% to 1561; 401 permits were allowed to expire. Oil production decreased 2% to 5.33 million bbl. The number of oil wells plugged (443) exceeded the number of new oil producers reported (334). Gas production in 1989 was 72.4 bcf, a 2 % decrease from 1988. In 1989, 283 exploratory wells were drilled, resulting in the discovery of 30 new fields and pools, 17 deeper pools, 14 shallower pools, and 57 extensions of existing pools. Total footage drilled during 1989 was 2,488,814 ft, with an average well depth of 1967 ft. Well completions in Tennessee dropped 40% from 1988 to a total of 210 reported completions. Oil production totaled 531,000 bbl, down 11%; gas production for 1989 was down 10% at 1.9 bcf. Permitting increased 13% over 1988.