Gas Production From Utica, Marcellus Projected to Decline

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Production of natural gas across the Utica/Point Pleasant and Marcellus shale is expected to decline next month, according to the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Natural gas output from horizontal wells drilled across eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – collectively called the Appalachian basin – is projected to decline from 35.345 billion cubic feet a day in July to 35.329 billion cubic feet per day during August, a difference of 16 million cubic feet per day, EIA said in its monthly drilling report.

Oil production across Appalachia is expected to remain flat at 147,000 barrels of oil per day over the next month, EIA reported.

During the first quarter, Columbiana County reported a significant increase in oil production because of four wells that were recently placed into production in Hanover Township. The wells target the Utica/Point Pleasant shale formation in eastern Ohio.

Three of the other six major shale formations in the country project lower natural gas production in August.  The Anadarko in Oklahoma projected a decline of 64 million cubic feet per day. The Eagle Ford in Texas expects a drop of 42 million cubic feet per day. The Haynesville shale in Texas and northwestern Louisiana projects gas production to drop by 50 million cubic feet per day.

Total production among the seven major shale plays is expected to decline by 100 million cubic feet per day in August.

Collectively, these shale regions project oil production to drop by 18,000 barrels per day, according to EIA’s report.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.