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Home My WebLink About952129.tiff12/09/95 13:10 COGCC + 3033520242 NO.659 DO1 STATE OF COLORADO OIL & GAS CONSERVATION C;©MMIssION NEWS RELEASE September 12, 1885 For Immediate release post -R- Fax Note 7671 Date ' et^�tiD_4cis IDe°yo_.�►a From 'a:RAM' AM1-.1ker* To Ute t'•Iotoal. te4 Cp./Dept. Co. aCC. Phones Phone a(5.5)(sj-1i cc,. rasa Fax a/go1_oz.IZ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Roy Romer, Governor 1120 Lincoln St, Suite 801 Denver, CO 50203 Phone: (303) 894.2100 FAX: (303) 894-2109 News Contact: Brian Macke (303) 894-2100 COLORADO OIL & GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION (COGCC) TO HOLD PUBLIC FORUM IN GREELEY On Sept 26, 1995, the COGCC will hold a public forum in Greeley. Commissioners and staff will be available to discuss several issues, including proposed statewide reclamation rules, setback and safety concerns, financial surety and the economic impacts on the County of reduced drilling and lower prices for natural gas. The forum will be held Tuesday, September 26, 1995, 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.- 4 p.m., Centennial Center, 915 10th Street, First Floor Hearing Room, Greeley, Colorado - Statewide reclamation rules for the oil and gas industry were mandated by the legislature in 1994 following a great deal of discussion with land owners and government officials in Weld County and other parts of the state who were concerned with surface impacts of drilling operations. A group made up of industry representatives, environmentalists, agricultural interests, and local government representatives worked on the draft rules for more than 10 months and requested the COGCC commissioners to begin formal public rulemaking hearings October 16, 1995 In Denver. The draft reclamation rules require an operator to file a form with each application for a permit to drill that identifies current land use, soil type, whether there is a likelihood that wildlife will be impacted, and the kinds of plant communities that exist so that the land can be appropriately reclaimed. The draft rules also would require: the fencing of drill sites and access roads on crop lands; the removal and segregation of soils to protect topsoil; the avoidance of steep slopes when erosion Is likely to occur; the consolidated use of roads to prevent unnecessary impacts on the environment; and the revegetation and recontouring of crop lands and rangelands. The draft rules also require operators to notify and consult with surface owners and local governments when drilling operations are going to commence. Finally, the draft rules encourage operators to conduct environmental audits upon final well abandonment in order to demonstrate that a well site has been properly reclaimed. DEPARTMENI OF NATURAL RESOURCES: James S. Lechneaa. Eaeaaave Du.ao, COGCC COMMISSION; Caroline Blellwel• Alan Meade•&„Le Johnson* Logan MaeWlllem Like Mateeson• Clsuala Rebne- Made WeXlems CDOCC STAFF. Rene T OriebFeg. Dreier Brien J. Macke Deputy Mentor Merril Ben. Manager of Engineering Peaiae C. Beaver, Manager. environmental & Commission Aee1R• Maman rearmA, Manager 0 lalennellan -.,.SEP 12 '95 12:57 303 894 2109 S521,-,e'D 12/09/95 13:10 rnsrc -, 3033520242 NO.659 P02 { "The COGCC has been working diligently to address statewide concerns about the impacts of oil and gas development. I think anyone who examines the rulemaking process will agree that Colorado is stepping to the front of the effort to harmonize the production of a non-renewable resource with concerns about the long-term impacts of oil and gas development. I am proud of what we have accomplished so far, and I hope that the public responds favorably to the proposed reclamation rules at the September meeting In Greeley. Industry should have confidence in the fact that the COGCC is promoting development and the public should have confidence in the fact that we are protecting the environment," said Deputy Director Brian Macke. Anyone who would like to receive a current draft of the statewide reclamation rules should call 303/894-2100 extension 140. Cost of the draft is $2.50. In April, the COGCC adopted new procedural rules, designed to make the COGCC run more smoothly and make it more responsive to the public. In May, the COGCC adopted new rules to allow the agency to implement "points of compliance" for the protection of groundwater quality. These new rules focus primarily on protecting groundwater form contamination from wastes that are sometimes found in production pits located next to oil and gas wells. For more information on specific rules or the COGCC rulemaking process please contact Brian Macke at (303)894-2100. SEP 12 '95 12:57 =2= 3O3 894 2109 PAGE.002 Hello