The Belly River is a well-recognized gas producer in southern Alberta. Due to the effects of invasion during drilling and a poor understanding of the controls on gas emplacement and trapping, pay zones in the Belly River are often missed. However, a multi-disciplinary approach involving stratigraphy, hydrochemistry, and hydrogeology can be very effective in overcoming the problems associated with exploiting the Belly River.

The specific goals of the study were:

• Construct a consistent and integrated set of geologic and hydrogeologic maps, cross-sections and databases.
• Produce an understanding of the relationship between geology and hydrogeology.
• Determine the hydrocarbon potential for the Belly River (Foremost) Formation in this area.
• Provide specific recommendations of areas in which further detailed work should be conducted to develop drilling and recompletion prospects.