Cabot Oil & Gas reports the completion of its second and third horizontal wells in its Marcellus play in eastern Pennsylvania. Both wells experienced 24-hour initial production rates in excess of 8 Mmcf per day

The Black 1H recorded a 24-hour into sales line production rate of 8.8 Mmcf per day from a seven-stage frac. The Black 2H production rate for the 24-hour period was 8.3 Mmcf per day into the sales line from a four-stage frac.

"These two horizontal wells reinforce our expectation that the Marcellus play is very prolific," said Dan O. Dinges, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We have our first three horizontal wells producing to sales at greater than 20 Mmcf per day. With our continuing completion enhancements and 30 additional horizontal wells scheduled for 2009, I expect significant production and reserve additions from the Marcellus this year."

Cabot's first horizontal well, the Ely 6H, continues to exceed expectations. This well was completed in two three-stage increments, with all six fracs being completed in early December. The 24-hour initial sales production was 6.4 Mmcf per day. "This rate has held up strong, averaging 5.3 Mmcf per day into sales for the first 30 days," commented Dinges. "This well has now been in production for 60 days, and the most recent 24-hour test rate was 5.0 Mmcf, along with consistent pressure levels."

"These three wells have filled Cabot's existing capacity of 21 Mmcf per day, temporarily shutting in the production for our vertical wells," stated Dinges. "We will have added capacity up to 30 Mmcf per day by the end of March, moving to 65 Mmcf per day by the end of May." Dinges added, "We are making every effort to accelerate this expansion, as we have two more horizontal completions scheduled for March."

Tags: Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation