THE TRENTON-BLACK RIVER NATURAL GAS PLAY IN NEW YORK

The search for natural gas in the Trenton-Black River of New York intensified in the year 2000, with 37 wells permitted and 29 spud by November 30. Drillers are most active in Steuben, Schuyler, Chemung and Yates Counties, with prospective total depths of seven to ten thousand feet. Fifteen Trenton-Black River wells produced nearly three billion cubic feet of natural gas during 1999, representing nearly 20% of New York's total natural gas production from fewer than 1% of the total number of wells. Production statistics for the year 2000 will be releasable July 1, 2001, and are expected to show an even larger Trenton-Black River contribution.

Experience has shown that successful wells in the Trenton-Black River play will drain more than 40 acres; unit sizes as large as 320-640 acres have been established through the public hearing process that is required by law on a field-specific basis. Review of geology and reservoir characteristics to ensure that wells are appropriately spaced has proven to be a significant, yet interesting, challenge for both operators and regulators.