Northern Oklahoma oil field has growing potential

“It is a very significant play that will be a material driver for growth in the U.S. for some time,” said Reynolds

Increased drilling in northern Oklahoma is part of an ongoing oil boom in the state.

Drilling activity in the Cana Woodford formation in Western Oklahoma has led to renewed growth in Elk City and other communities.

Oklahoma City-based Continental Resources this fall announced that it is focusing much of its future drilling in what it calls the South Central Oklahoma Oil Province, or SCOOP, which stretches from Chickasha to Ardmore.

The Mississippi Lime has attracted producers because it is relatively thick and shallow, both of which can make drilling less expensive.

One challenge, however, is that the rock itself is highly variable, so one well may be a success while another nearby may not. Also, most of the rural drilling sites are in areas with limited or no access to electricity, natural gas pipelines and other infrastructure.

While producers are still working to address some of the more technical challenges, they are hopeful the field's success will continue.

“The Mississippi play is viewed as a — if not the — prime economic driver of the Oklahoma economy for the next several years,” said Bob Sullivan, a third-generation oilman and owner of Tulsa-based Sullivan and Co. “I'm counting on it to serve a fourth generation of Sullivans as well.”