Project Management Principles & Technology Applied to Tight Gas Development: A Case History from the Piceance Basin

Chevron holds more than 75,000 acres in Skinner Ridge, Colorado, located in the westernmost part of the Piceance Basin. As hydraulic fracturing technology and the regional unconventional resource assessment matured, Chevron’s teams recognized the potential for significant tight gas production from Upper Cretaceous fluvial sands of the Williams Fork member of the Mesaverde group. GIP is estimated at 4.5 TCF and ultimate recovery at 3 TCF from a core focus area of 35,000 acres. We have completed two stages of development drilling, drilling 9 pads with 195 wells. The wells have been completed with an average of 8 frac stages. Current production is 26 MMcf/D. The success of the project has been realized by applying project management principles, integrating appropriate technology and a relentless focus on efficiency and cost reduction.