Monkman Paleozoic Play in Northeast British Columbia

Richard Green¹, Robert Grenier², Pradeep Bhatnagar², Mazhar Qayyum², Normand Bégin³, and Tom Borthwick^3
1 Talisman Energy Inc, Calgary, AB
² Talisman Energy Inc,
³ Talisman Energy Inc

The Monkman area in N. E. British Columbia lies within the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Talisman Energy Inc. and its predecessor BP Canada Inc. have been exploring for hydrocarbons in this area since the 1950's and have been very successful finding natural gas in Triassic Pardonet/Baldonnel reservoirs. After developing the Triassic play for many years (~2 TCF gas to date), Talisman and partners are now exploring vigorously for deeper targets (4000 - 5000 m TVD) in the Paleozoic. A significant discovery at Brazion (b-60-E/93-P-5) has resulted from this effort. The well (Talisman 80%, Seneca Energy Canada Inc. 20%) tested at a stabilized, restricted rate of ~40 mmcf/d. The flow rates and pressure data suggest that this well could have upwards of 200 BCF OGIP.

Talisman's Paleozoic play is focused on reservoirs in the Permian to upper Mississippian Ishbel-Stoddart Group. Secondary targets exist in the Mississippian Rundle Group. These complexly folded carbonate reservoirs with narrow crests and steep forelimbs typically have low matrix porosity (3%-4%) and rely on a fracture network at the crestal position on the fold to improve deliverability. Dolomitization of the reservoir is also important for enhancing primary and fracture porosity. Talisman has been pursuing the play with 2-D seismic data to date. The seismic imaging of these structures is poor but sufficient enough to direct the wellbore towards the crestal position. During subsequent directional drilling, the well trajectory is modified using MWD Gamma and dipmeter data for best results.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005