Purcell takes aggressive view of Fort Liard

Canadian junior Purcell Energy will press its partners to step up their commitments to the Fort Liard natural gas play of the lower Northwest Territories.

Having sorted out water problems that constrained production in 2002, Purcell told shareholders at its May meeting that it anticipated further growth over the balance of 2003. Infrastructure improvements to water-handling capacity over the winter helped to increase output from the M-25 and F-25 A wells.

In addition, the 2K-29 development well, operated by Chevron Canada Resources, was drilled to 11,800 feet and came in 20 percent below budget.

Purcell said the success of that well reinforces its belief that the eight-mile-long pool needs more drilling to optimize production and reserve recovery.

Purcell president CEO Jan Alston said “there is more to be had,” and his company “push our partners” to improve management of the field and improve recovery.