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Oil production a record, but less than forecast

"We've reached our cruising altitude. So it's safe to get up and walk around, but you really should stay in your seat with your seat belt fastened, 'cause there will be turbulence."

That’s how state mineral resources director Lynn Helms describes the current activity in the Bakken.

In his monthly “Director’s Cut” report, Helms says June oil production set a new all time high at 821,415 barrels a day. However, that was below his forecast. Helms says the reason: load restrictions on the roadways were in place until mid-June.

"I've been talking to operators, and they concurred," said Helms. "When load restrictions are on, it isn't reasonable at all to try to mobilize a frac crew, and all the sand, water and equipment that they have to move. So only the wells that are right along the main roads get fracked."

Helms says 185 rigs are now working in the Bakken. And he says 490 wells were awaiting completion at the end of June. The state now has 9,071 producing wells.

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