Exhibit 99.17(a)



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS

     As independent oil and gas  consultants,  Ryder Scott Company,  L.P. hereby
consents  to: (a) the use of our report  setting  forth our  estimates of proved
reserves  and future  revenue,  as of  December  31,  2002,  to the  interest of
Tengasco,  Inc.  ("Tengasco")  in certain  oil and gas  properties;  and (b) all
references to our firm included in or made a part of Tengasco's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.


                                                   /s/ Ryder Scott Company, L.P.

                                                       RYDER SCOTT COMPANY, L.P.


Houston, Texas
March 20, 2003