Compton's Callum/Cowley Foothills Gas Plant. Click image for full-size view.

Our Callum-Cowley area is unique in western Canada consisting of a series of over pressured, thrusted, low permeability, water-free, Belly River sands. This play is largely exploratory at this time with approximately 15 wells being drilled over the life of this property. Based on our initial detailed geological, geophysical, and engineering analysis of seismic, cores, well logs, and test and production data, Callum appears to exhibit many similarities to the deep unconventional gas pools of the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.

 

In 2008, Compton drilled and fracture stimulated two horizontal wells, targeting select thrusted Belly River sands. In 2010, Compton drilled two additional wells in the Callum/Cowley area. The first well resulted in initial production of 750 mcf/d and the second well is in the process of being evaluated. The wells are following the typical production profile for tight horizontal gas sands. The contortion of the tight sand layers creates fractures, greatly enhancing permeability while creating conduits to the tighter gas-charged portion of the rock. Compton targets its drilling to access locations with these fractures, which is crucial to better access natural gas flows and increase the economics of the play. While there is substantial well core data in the area, additional geochemical work is being done to determine placement of the gas, characteristics of the rock and proper extraction techniques. The use of 3-D seismic is essential to effectively target the structurally complex fractured sands, following individually mapped fractured Belly River channels.

 

Compton treats the southern Alberta Foothills region as a unique environmental eco-system.  In conjunction with a number of southern Alberta ranching operations, we have completed a rangeland health assessment that addresses optimal ways to restore these systems to their natural state.  This included funding of studies on native rough fescue grasses by the University of Alberta, as well as working closely with both industry and landowner work groups.  Surface impact on all proposed wells will be minimized by using existing drill pads or by selecting surface areas on sites previously disturbed by the agriculture industry.