Utica- with the fresh USGS report out there Upper Ordovician Utica interval discussion is ramping up. Actually it should be termed – debate.

1)    Of course after billions of investment in the Marcellus Utica potential has been assessed.

2)    The Purcell Limestone is middle Devonian age.

3)    Note the USGS criteria – technically recoverable – without consideration to economics or accessibility.

4)    The upper lip of PA has Trenton & Black River intervals potential, however it is spotty and not a continuous formation. Drilling for TRB has plunged, higher risk and higher cost wells compared to the Marcellus. However if seismic uncovers a real promise, a gascco may go for it. Glad to hear there is some pursuit in Tioga County. Tioga County also has some Tuscarora interval potential see May 2006 Marshlands.

5)    In our opinion internet forums can be gleaned for ideas  but any important facts used in decision making should be verified outside the web. FACT- there are very few Utica test wells drilled in NEPA including Bradford and Susquehanna Counties and even Wyoming Counties and ther are not drilling anymore which tells us deeper is un-likely to be prospective for something-gas or hydrocarbon.

6)    MATURITY—anyone assessing Utica potential needs to be familiar with the Maturity of the formation and the limits it imposes on commercial potential.