The Upper Silurian Akron Dolomite in western New York has become the focus of exploratory drilling, with the recent discovery of significant volumes of both gas and oil. Depth through the productive zone is commonly less than 3,000 ft (900 m) ad unofficial reports indicate natural production over 10 mmcfgd and at least 500 barrels of high-gravity crude oil per day per well.

Productive wells have been erratic, but at least eight and as many as twelve discoveries have been drilled to date, all located within a narrow northeast-southwest trend spanning the county. Low-angle reserve faulting appears to be the trapping mechanism, with concomitant fracture enhancement of permeability. The haphazard distribution of productive wells within the trend suggests the need for both faulting and intense fracturing in order to create a viable reservoir. The fairway may extend northeastward into Cattaraugus and Erie Counties, New York. Detailed geological and geophysical work is necessary to pinpoint specific prospects. It is predicted that the play will have substantial impact on proven oil and gas reserves in New York State.

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