|
Colorado's Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) has voted to approve a plan to drill 166 new oil and gas wells in a suburban area near a reservoir and a Superfund site. The ECMC voted 3-1 to approve a "comprehensive area plan" proposed by Civitas Energy to move forward with its plan to drill up to 166 wells on state-owned land that is less than a mile away from homes and schools. The project area borders the Lowry Landfill Superfund site, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expressed concerns that drilling near the site "could lead to a significant unintended release of hazardous substances." The project area is also near the Aurora Reservoir, which serves as both a drinking water source and a recreation area.
ECMC Commissioners expressed concerns with the proposal. "I do have concerns that not enough cumulative analysis has been done," said Commissioner Brett Ackerman. "I do see concerns with the CAP, and I do think there’s additional work that could have and probably should have been done," said Commissioner Mike Cross, though both Cross and Chair Jeff Robbins described the plan as "approvable." Ackerman, Cross, and Robbins ultimately voted to approve the proposal. Commissioner John Messner, the sole vote against the proposal, criticized the proposal's "vague and noncommittal efforts" to minimize the impacts of drilling. "I’m not sure the applicant has met the burden of proof in this application," Messner said.
Civitas must still secure individual permits for each new drilling location, and the ECMC still has the option to deny permits for wells closest to residential areas. The approval of the comprehensive area plan also includes conditions to attempt to address the concerns of the nearby community, including a requirement that Civitas use electric drilling equipment and install sound walls to reduce noise. However, the comprehensive area plan is designed to streamline the permitting process, and its approval by the ECMC smooths the way for new oil and gas drilling.
|
I’m worried about all of our environmental statutes if the mindset is, ‘How do we gut any environmental protections?’ We as a society are going to pay a price for that.”
