LISBON — The Hilcorp Energy Co. continues to be the most active and oil and gas developer in Columbiana County.

Last week, the Houston-based company received Ohio Department of Natural Resource approval to drill two horizontal wells at the Baker pad off Fairmont and Lusk Lock roads in Elkrun Township.

This is a new pad, bringing to 90 the total number of separate drilling pads (sites) in the county, with multiple wells capable of being drilled at each pad.

Elkrun Township now has the second most drilling pads at 12, two less than Hanover Township, which is first with 14.

Following is the breakdown for other townships in the county: Butler, 6; Center, 7; Fairfield, 11; Franklin, 10; Knox, 4; Madison, 2; Middleton, 6; Salem, 6; Unity, 3; Washington, 4; Wayne, 1; West, 2; and Yellow Creek, 2.