GEOLOGY OF THE STOVALL RIDGE GAS FIELD, MERCER COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA

The Stovall Ridge field is a small gas field located in central Mercer County, West Virginia, on the eastern margin of the central Appalachian petroleum province. First developed in 1998, production is primarily from Lower Maxton and Pocono sandstones (Big Injun and Weir) with secondary pays in the Big Lime and Berea and Upper Maxton sandstones. Production is controlled by proximity to a blind thrust that transects the field. Wells producing from the Lower Maxton and Weir sandstones are located west of the thrust in the down-thrown block whereas Big Lime and Big Injun production is predominantly to the east in the up-thrown block. Gas is commingled; therefore, production values from individual pays cannot be determined. Generally, production volumes are low and decline considerably within the first three years after completion. Overall, production volumes are lowest from pays on the up-thrown block.