Abstract: Overlooked Shallow Exploration Targets in Southeastern Coshocton County, Ohio; a Geologic, Engineering and Economic Overview

BOSTON, WILLIAM B., DARYL W. PORTER, and LESLIE W. MORRISON
Newstar Energy USA, Inc., Thornville, OH

Southeastern Coshocton County has been an active area for exploration since the early 1900s. Geologic mapping has identified a major shallow structure associated with the Cambridge Arch. This structure has proven to contain several shallow reservoirs, which Newstar Energy is currently trying to economically develop.

Newstar currently has conducted production tests on the Bass Island, Helderberg, Oriskany, Ohio Shale and Berea intervals with varying degrees of success, resulting in multiple pay zones in 3300 ft. wells. Well site geologic evaluation is primarily based on gas detector shows and well logs. The use of free standing gas detectors during drilling and reliance on temperature logs in an air hole environment have been one of the traditional techniques used in Coshocton County since the late 70s and early 80s. A re-evaluation of the early e-logs and mud logs from wells in the surrounding area has indicated the presence of hydrocarbons in these overlooked reservoirs.

A primary complication of this type of exploration is the need for significant infrastructure upgrades. Most of this is the result of the relatively low initial rock pressures of the shallow producing horizons. However the offset development well potential of these zones may provide an economics of scale that will produce viable economic returns to the prudent operator.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90930©1998 AAPG Eastern Section, Columbus, Ohio