Columbiana County Still on Oil and Gas Drillers’ Radar

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Two oil and gas companies that have interests in Columbiana County are still actively pursuing development there.

Hilcorp Energy Co. and EAP Ohio LLC, both based in Houston, have applied for new permits to either deepen existing oil and gas wells or drill new wells in the county, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

According to ODNR, Hilcorp has applied for permits to deepen three wells at its Fairfield-Tarka well pad in Fairfield Township that target the Utica-Point Pleasant formation.

EAP Ohio has submitted applications to deepen four wells at its Sevek pad in Washington Township and has applied for a permit to drill a new horizontal well in Hanover Township, according to ODNR.

The permits for both companies have yet to be approved.

According to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas and oil production across the Appalachian range is projected to increase in September when compared to the previous month.

The Appalachian shale play encompasses the Utica-Point Pleasant in Ohio, and the Marcellus shale in western Pennsylvania and portions of West Virginia.

According to EIA, natural gas production in Appalachia is expected to jump 20 million cubic feet per day in September versus August. Oil production from wells across the region is projected to increase by 1,000 barrels per day.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.