Ascent Resources Strengthens Position in Utica

Hilcorp Seeks New Wells in Columbiana County

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Houston-based Hilcorp Energy Co. has applied for permits to drill four new horizontal wells in Columbiana County, according to the latest data from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

If approved, the wells would be the first permits issued for new wells in the northern tier of eastern Ohio’s Utica shale this year.

According to ODNR, the agency received on March 26 applications for two new wells apiece on the Wertz and Johnston properties in Elk Run Township.

There was no new permit activity reported in Mahoning or Trumbull counties, according to ODNR.

Meanwhile, the agency reported it issued 14 new permits for horizontal wells for the week ended March 24 in Ohio’s Utica.

Ascent Resources Utica LLC secured nine new permits – three in Belmont County, four in Harrison County, and two in Jefferson County. CNX Gas Co. LLC was awarded four permits for wells in Monroe County, while Eclipse Resources LP secured a single permit for a well in Monroe County.

As of March 24, ODNR reported 20 rigs operating in the Utica and had issued 2,797 permits for horizontal wells. Of that number, 2,307 wells are drilled and 1,870 are in production, ODNR reports.

There were no new permits issued in western Pennsylvania’s section of the Utica, which encompasses Lawrence and Mercer counties, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.