Drilling Down
CSU Study Finds 'Moderate' Shale Activity in Valley
Friday, January 10, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio --A quarterly study released by Cleveland State University shows that Mahoning and Trumbull counties demonstrate "moderate" oil and gas activity in eastern Ohio's Utica shale, while other counties to the south are experiencing stronger returns.
The Ohio Utica Shale Gas Monitor, written by Edward N. Hill and Kelly Kinahan of CSU's Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, also notes that while overall revenues from sales taxes have increased among shale-active counties, the level of employment has not yet matched that pace.
Analysts: Pa. Court Gives Ohio More Shale Potential
Thursday, January 09, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- A recent decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court that empowers municipalities in that state to regulate oil and gas exploration could lead to more drilling and business opportunities in Ohio, consultants say.
"There are more than 5,000 municipalities in Pennsylvania," says Steve Franckhauser, director of HbK Energy, based in Boardman. "Each municipality is now free to create its own drilling industry rules."
Area Wells Lag Results from Others in Utica
Thursday, January 09, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Third-quarter oil and gas production among major drillers exploring in Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties lagged far behind the other parts of eastern Ohio’s Utica shale, according to a new report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Chesapeake Energy Secures 5 New Permits in Utica
Wednesday, January 08, 2014YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Chesapeake Exploration LLC, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy Corp., continues to be the most aggressive exploration company in terms of permitting and drilling in the Utica shale, according to government records.
Last week, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued five new permits for horizontal wells in the Utica, all to Chesapeake, according to state data.
The Oklahoma City-based company secured one permit Jan. 2 for a new well at the Briceland Trust pad in Franklin Township in Columbiana County, ODNR reports.