To develop techniques and methodologies for increasing the success ratio and productivity of shale gas wells in the New Albany formation, which has not been exploited, to a level at which the otherwise noncommercial wells become commercial producers. Scientific and technical analyses will be combined with field data acquisition, testing, and field validation to produce an integrated project plan for geologic, geochemical, reservoir engineering, and production stimulation studies, as well as a detailed field data acquisition and testing plan addressing all major issues.