Anadarko reaping large Bossier gas volumes in East Texas, North Louisiana

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Jan. 30 -- The East Texas Bossier play made what main operator Anadarko Petroleum Corp. termed a "remarkable turnaround" in 2003.
Estimated ultimate recovery in East Texas now stands at more than 2.1 tcf, Anadarko said.

Gross production climbed 65 MMcfd to a record daily average of 309 MMcfd in August 2003, a level not seen since 2001. Net 2003 production averaged 211 MMcfd, up more than 6% from 2002. Gross production averaged 275 MMcfd in the fourth quarter.

The company reached these levels with only 90 new completions, including its 500th well. Activity centered on Dowdy Ranch field with 50 of the new wells.

The company said it is testing several new exploitation and exploration concepts, holds more than 354,000 net acres, and plans an active development program in 2004.

Anadarko drilled 44 wells last year in Vernon field, Jackson Parish, La., bringing EUR there to more than 1.4 tcf and daily production to more than 200 MMcfd.

These figures make Vernon one of the largest US onshore gas discoveries in the last 10 years.
Anadarko's leasehold totals 113,000 net acres, 26,000 of which are producing.

The company's pilot tests on 40-acre spacing are positive. In addition to the unconventional Bossier gas, it initiated development of shallower Cretaceous Hosston sands and plans more such activity in 2004.