Pennsylvania’s natural gas production broke another record, coming in just under 2 Tcf in the first half of this year. The total was 1.94 Tcf, about 520 MMcf higher than in the year-ago period, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reported on Monday.

The latest production data, compiled from information reported by the state’s operators, increased from 1.42 Tcf in the first half of 2013 (see Shale Daily, Aug. 20, 2013). Between July and December 2013, operators produced 1.7 Tcf (see Shale Daily, Feb. 20).

In the first half of 2012, gas production totaled 894.8 Bcf, and it totaled 2.04 Tcf for the entire year (see Shale Daily, March 6, 2013).

The gas produced in the first half of this year predominately was from the Marcellus Shale, and most were horizontal wells. Horizontal/vertical drilling also is targeting the Utica and Upper Devonian formations.

Some of the production numbers were staggering, particularly in the drier gas regions. As in previous periods, most of the state’s production came out of southwestern and northeastern Pennsylvania.

Leading the way was Susquehanna County, which reported 456 Bcf in the first six months of this year, followed by Bradford County at 411 Bcf. Lycoming County wells brought in close to 271 Bcf between January and June, while Washington County had close to 198 Bcf total.

Greene County reported 172 Bcf, followed by Wyoming County with 112 Bcf and Tioga County with 107 Bcf.

Westmoreland County for the first six months reported 43 Bcf of gas production, while Butler County produced 37 Bcf. Sullivan County rounded out the Top 10 for gas production at 34 Bcf.

According to the DEP, 1,676 new gas permits were issued between January and June.