Battlement Concerned Citizens are enduring a summer of suspense as they await a final decision from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) on a proposal to drill 24 natural gas wells 500 feet away from homes and the Colorado River. The so-called “A Pad” is the latest pad proposed by Ursa Resources and has been deemed the “most reckless and dangerous” proposal in the state due to its proximity to homes, waterways, and the water treatment system in Battlement Mesa.

Earlier this year, the Garfield County affiliate groups of Western Colorado Alliance — Battlement Concerns Citizens and the Grand Valley Citizen’s Alliance — rallied with residents across the state to submit hundreds of comments against the proposal, asking that the COGCC move the pad further away from the Tamarisk Village neighborhood.

As a result of increased pressure and scrutiny, Ursa has at least moved the pad back to the required 500 feet minimum distance from the nearest home. However, the overall plan remains unchanged and residents have maintained their opposition to the pad. A final decision from the COGCC could be made any day.

Ballot initiative would increase setbacks

In the meantime, BCC members have not been idle. Residents are still fighting to keep oil and gas development a safe distance away from occupied structures and have been circulating petitions for ballot Initiative 97. This initiative aims to prevent new oil and gas development within 2500 feet of occupied structures and environmentally vulnerable areas. With BCC’s help, we hope to increase protections for people living near oil and gas development.

BCC and GVCA are also working to improve air quality monitoring and air quality protections both in their community and at a state level. As drilling occurs closer and closer to homes, residents have been exposed to bad air and unpleasant odors, resulting in health problems including nosebleeds and headaches. The health issues seem to flare whenever these odors are particularly intense.

Pushing for better air quality

In an effort to address these concerns, BCC has pressured drilling companies to do something to control these awful odors and are working to improve the air quality monitoring systems in Battlement.

BCC’s local efforts dovetail with statewide efforts to update and strengthen air quality rules related to oil and gas production. Since February, Alliance members have been participating in an Air Quality Control Commission task force to strengthen air pollution standards for oil and gas facilities, requiring annual testing and prompt repairs when leaks are detected. We are also pushing for tighter emission requirements when drilling occurs next to homes. Work on these rules will continue throughout the year, so stay tuned for the next opportunity to comment in support of clean air.

This August, our Alliance will also be working with EarthWorks Action to see leaks from oil and gas equipment first-hand. We’ll be out in the field, using a forward looking infrared radiometer (FLIR) to look at oil and gas sites in Garfield and Routt Counties. Using this equipment, we will be able to see leaks containing methane and many other gases that are invisible to the human eye.

Get in touch with Troy Redding at 970.256.7650 if you would like more information about the FLIR trip or are interested in participating!