By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 6 -- Welding bans in North Texas retarded the connection of Fort Worth basin Mississippian Barnett shale gas wells for a time in Johnson and Parker counties, said Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City.
The counties adopted the welding bans and other fire-control measures in response to a regional drought and lifted them after recent rains. The bans delayed pipeline construction.
Devon said it had 24 wells awaiting pipeline completion on Mar. 31, 2006. The company said the bans reduced its first quarter 2006 Barnett shale production by an estimated 3 bcf.
