Ohio sets new quarterly records for oil and natural gas production

During the third quarter of 2019, Ohio’s horizontal shale wells produced more than 7.2 million barrels of oil and 674 billion cubic feet of natural gas, both new state records for quarterly oil and natural gas production since quarterly reporting began in 2013.

The figures released in December by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) show increases in production for both oil and natural gas over the same period in 2018.

Oil production increased by nearly 30% and natural gas production showed a 11% increase over the third quarter of 2018.

The ODNR quarterly report lists 2,470 horizontal shale wells, 2,419 of which reported oil and natural gas production during the quarter. Of the wells reporting oil and natural gas results:

• The average amount of oil produced was 2,977 barrels.
• The average amount of natural gas produced was 278,612 Mcf.
• The average number of second quarter days in production was 87.

All horizontal production reports can be accessed at oilandgas.ohiodnr.gov/production.

Ohio law does not require the separate reporting of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) or condensate, ODNR said, adding that oil and gas reporting totals listed on the report include NGLs and condensate.

The ODNR release says the department “ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all.”

Critics of horizontal hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, have warned of potential negative impacts on air, land and water quality.