Utah hits all-time natural gas mark

By Sun Advocate

Utah’s natural gas producers set an all-time monthly record in March.
According to the latest data compiled by the Utah Department of Natural Resources, operators reported producing more than 35 billion cubic feet at drilling sites throughout the state.
The total represents an adequate amount of natural gas to supply fuel to one-half of a million homes annually, noted the state agency.
In addition, statewide oil development experienced the industry’s highest monthly production level since May 1994.
Operators reported producing more than 1.7 million barrels of oil in March 2008.
“Market conditions continue to drive production,” pointed out Gil Hunt, associate director for the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining. “Although the division has been processing fewer applications to drill, high prices and increasing demand continue to fuel energy development.”
Uintah County is the state’s largest producer of natural gas, with operators recovering more than 218 billion cubic feet last year.
Carbon County followed in second place with operators recording a natural gas production level of more than 90 billion cubic feet during 2007.
Duchesne County produced slightly more than 25 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Last year, Duchesne jumped to the number one spot on the state’s oil production chart, followed by Uintah and San Juan County, indicated the Utah Division of Natural Resources.
The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining maintains environmental requirements for energy development activities at locations throughout the state and assumes the responsibility of preventing waste of the non-renewable natural resources.