ODNR issues four new permits for horizontal wells

Hilcorp Eyes Two More Wells in Columbiana County

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Co. has applied for permits that would allow the company to drill two new in Columbiana County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

The two wells are slated for the Baker farm in Elkrun Township on Fairmont and Lusk Lock roads, according to ODNR records.  ODNR must still approve the permits.

ODNR last approved well permits in Columbiana County in March, when Hilcorp secured two permits for the Auer well pad in Elkrun. 

As of May 18, ODNR reported there were 18 oil and gas rigs operating across the Utica.

Permit activity was light, as just two permits were issued to Ascent Resources LLC for a well in Belmont County and another in Jefferson County, according to ODNR. 

To date, ODNR has issued permits for 3,080 wells across the Utica/Point Pleasant formations in eastern Ohio, of which 2,600 are drilled and 2,186 are in production.

No permits were issued in Mahoning or Trumbull counties, where many of the wells are less productive, according to ODNR records.

There were no new Utica permits issued in neighboring Lawrence and Mercer counties in western Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

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