Abstract: Potential for New Conventional Gas-Storage Fields in New York State

G. Sarwar, J. P. Bass, B. Guo, G. M. Friedman

New York State has 22 operating storage fields, all of which are of conventional base-load type converted from depleted gas fields with a new field under development. Most of these conventional fields are in the Lower Silurian Medina sandstone, followed by Lower Devonian Oriskany sandstone, and Middle Devonian Onondaga and Tully limestones.

Preliminary assessment of more than one hundred remaining gas fields in New York shows that as many as fourteen fields have sufficient total projected capacity to be considered for gas storage. Fifteen other gas fields have sufficient capacities but since these fields merge with one another and have poorly defined boundaries, it is difficult to assess their potential as storage fields. However, detailed log analysis of these fields, as well as the Lakeshore field, that underlies all of Chautauqua County and a portion of Cattaraugus County in southwestern New York may reveal reservoirs suitable for gas storage. In addition, the oil/gas fields of the Bass Island Trend in Chautauqua County have enough capacities and good structural closures to be considered for gas storage once drilling or oil becomes uneconomical. Further study is required to test the integrity of all the potential storage fields.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90954©1995 AAPG Eastern Section, Schenectady, New York