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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 50 (1966)

Issue: 3. (March)

First Page: 651

Last Page: 651

Title: Oil and the Asphalt Jungle--Part 2: ABSTRACT

Author(s): Arthur O. Spaulding

Article Type: Meeting abstract

Abstract:

Oil in commercial quantities was first found in Los Angeles in the latter part of the 19th century. Today, several generations later and after most of the exploratory potential of California has been evaluated, the search for new accumulations of oil and gas in the heart of Los Angeles continues at a rapid pace. Indeed, the current tempo of drilling activity in the downtown parts of the city must be considered remarkable in view of the many decades which have passed since the date of initial oil discovery.

The City of Los Angeles in 1946 adopted its present Comprehensive Zoning Plan which, together with subsequent amendments, provides the regulatory framework for urban oil-well drilling and exploration. The first successful urbanized oil-drilling district was created in 1953. Since then, 150 of these supplemental-use districts have been established for the development of oil prospects throughout the city. Three years ago the city enacted a new ordinance permitting the drilling of deep geological core holes as a means of testing these oil prospects without the necessity of forming districts and drilling high-cost, exploratory wells. As a consequence, interest in the oil potential of the densely populated sections of Los Angeles has risen dramatically.

Currently, nine rigs are busy in central Los Angeles drilling either oil wells or core holes. Several more strings should be added in the near future. Production from approximately 185 downtown wells amounts to 22,000 bbls./day of oil and 55,000 Mcf./day of gas. Reserves in excess of 100 million barrels of oil already have been proved in the area extending from City Hall to Santa Monica Bay, and it is likely that 50 million barrels will be added to this estimate as a result of current drilling operations.

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Copyright 1997 American Association of Petroleum Geologists