Increase in production

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reported that third-quarter production in the Utica Shale exceeded production levels recorded in 2012.

ODNR listed 285 wells, with 245 reporting production results. Forty wells reported no production in the third quarter because operators are waiting on the supporting pipeline infrastructure.

The 245 producing wells yielded a total of 1.3 million barrels of oil and 33.6 million mcf (1,000 cubic feet) of natural gas.

On average, wells produced 5,439 barrels of oil and 137,168 mcf of natural gas over 55 days in production.

Gulfport Energy’s Stutzman well in Belmont County had the highest natural-gas production totals, yielding 1.2 million mcf during 89 days of production.

Gulfport Energy also led the way in oil production from horizontal shale wells, with the Boy Scout well in Harrison County producing 41,617 barrels over 70 days.

Radio Disney ends support of program

AKRON

Radio Disney says it will no longer be involved with the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program after activists complained that it inappropriately promoted shale-gas drilling.

The Akron Beacon Journal reported that the decision came after 21 Ohio environmental groups signed a letter criticizing Radio Disney for supporting the Rocking in Ohio program in schools.

A statement from Radio Disney said it would pull out of the final installments of the program after being “inadvertently drawn into a debate that has no connection” with the intended goal of fostering kids’ interest in science and technology.

Vagt takes position with Rice Energy

PITTSBURGH

The president of the Heinz Endowments is taking a position as chairman of a gas-drilling company.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Robert Vagt will become chairman of Rice Energy Inc., which is based in Canonsburg. Vagt’s last day at the Endowments was Jan. 24. He has led the charity, which is not a part of the global food company, since 2008.

Vagt played a key role in the formation last year of the Center for Sustainable Shale Development, a coalition of foundations, environmental groups and natural-gas drillers. But other leading environmental groups criticized the effort.

Endowments spokeswoman Carmen Lee said a search is underway for a new president, but there’s no timetable.

Plant permit approved

CASPER, WYO.

The Casper Star-Tribune reported that state environmental regulators approved a permit for a plant in Wyoming, clearing the way for construction to start.

The Converse County Natural Gas Processing Plant in Douglas will be jointly owned by Access Midstream Partners of Oklahoma City and Houston- based Crestwood Midstream Partners. An Access spokeswoman estimated that the plant will be operating by the second half of the year.

There currently aren’t enough pipelines and facilities to handle gas being produced in the county, forcing operators to flare gas they can’t ship.

Residents are worried that plant pollution could harm people and livestock. Regulators say the permit’s requirements are more stringent than federal standards.

Wyo. officials to vote on grant for station

JACKSON HOLE, WYO.

Wyoming’s top state officials planned to vote this month on a $767,000 state grant to help build a compressed natural-gas station in Jackson to fuel up buses and other vehicles specially equipped to run on the gas.

The Wyoming Business Council previously recommended funding the project with a loan rather than a grant. Local officials say a loan won’t work financially.

The proposal before the five-member State Loan and Investment Board is for a grant. At least two statewide officials — State Auditor Cynthia Cloud and State Treasurer Mark Gordon — support the project, the Jackson Hole News & Guide reported.