Six gas companies had active Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in Butler County through June 30, according to a report from the state Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Oil and Gas Management.

Together, wells in the county produced 1.8 million cubic feet of gas during 6,054 drilling days in the 12 months from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010.

A new DEP website launched Nov. 1 provides annual Marcellus Shale production reports for each gas well that has a permit in each county. The reports run from Jan. 1, 2007, through June 30, 2010.

Drillers and operators are required to obtain DEP permits.

The production reports were cross-referenced with a DEP report on Marcellus Shale gas companies to determine the city where each of the county’s active operators are headquartered.

The companies are:

• BLX Inc., Kittanning

• DL Resources Inc., Smicksburg

• Phillips Exploration Inc., Warrendale

• Rex Energy Operating Corp., State College

• Vista OPR Inc., Pittsburgh

• William McIntire Coal Oil & Gas, Shelocta

Since July 1, operators are required to report gas well production every six months.

However, reports for July 1 through Dec. 31, 2010, will not be posted until early spring 2011, along with 2010 annual reports, according to Craig Lobins, regional manager of the northwest region of the DEP’s oil and gas management program.

The production reports can be found at: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/oilgas/oilgas.htm