Oil-impregnated sandstone mapping project Nine Mile Canyon area Carbon and Duchesne Counties, Utah: A field examination for the Utah Geological Survey

A reconnaissance survey of tributaries to Nine Mile and Argyle canyons in the southern Uinta Basin showed widespread but erratic distribution of oil-impregnated sandstones. The occurrences are mainly in the Deltaic facies of the Green River formation. The bituminous material is believed to have been derived from richly organic lacustrine shales in the Parachute Creek member which overlies but interfingers with the Deltaic sands. The volume of impregnated sand increases toward the large deposits in the Book Cliffs near Sunnyside but significant amounts are found far from there. It is recommended that mapping of the oil sands be completed and the better occurrences evaluated. Reserve estimates should be made in view of possible future exploitation. In the interim land ownership and mineral rights should be determined and well data appraised. A library search and inquiries to companies and individuals concerned with the area might prove fruitful.