Wes-Tex leads in 4th quarter well starts

By BOB BRUCE / Senior Staff Writer

Wes-Tex Drilling of Abilene led drilling contractors with 111 well starts during the fourth quarter in the Southwest Region, Petroleum Information Corp. said in its weekly report.

Patterson Drilling of Snyder was second with 97 starts, PI said.

Three other Abilene area contractors ranked in the top 10. Riley Drilling of Big Spring was fourth with 66 starts while Bandera Drilling and Win-Tex Drilling, both of Abilene, were eighth with 35 starts each.

PI also reported that Scurry County ranked sixth with 79 drilling permits during the fourth quarter. The leading county was Eddy County, N.M., with 177 permits.

PI's report covers regional activity in most of West Texas and southeast New Mexico.

Burns to report on EPA, Legislature

Oil executive Morris Burns will speak to the Society of Petroleum Engineers at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Petroleum Club.

Burns will discuss the Environmental Protection Agency and how its operations affect the oil and gas industry.

With a substantial budget increase, it appears the EPA is making plans to become more active in the enforcement of environmental regulations, Burns said.

Burns is executive vice president of the West Central Texas Oil & Gas Association in Abilene.

He also plans to report on the current session of the Texas Legislature and the outlook for state legislation affecting oil and gas.

To make reservations, call the Petroleum Club at 677-5218.

AGS to hear Midland geologist

Independent geologist Dean Hamilton of Midland will speak to the Abilene Geological Society at noon Thursday at the Petroleum Club.

Hamilton will discuss the War-Wink Cherry Canyon Trend in Winkler County.

For more information, call Ard Drilling Co. Inc. at 677-3664.

Area rig count drops by 6

The Abilene area rig count declined by six rigs, Petroleum Information/Dwights said Wednesday in its weekly drilling activity report.

Rig counts from West Texas were mixed. The report follows:

-- Abilene - 18 rigs, down from 24 the previous week.

-- San Angelo 48 rigs, up from 47 rigs.

-- Midland 66 rigs, up from 65.

-- Lubbock - 33 rigs, up from 30.

-- Wichita Falls - 10 rigs, down from 13.

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The Reporter-News is interested in news from the oil industry. If you have information, please call Bob Bruce at 673-4271, Ext. 326, or write the Reporter-News at Box 30, Abilene, TX 79604. The deadline is Thursday noon.