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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20253084October 2025 RECEIVED OCT 2 8 2025 WELD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Greetings, ,a‘ OXY 16, We are writing to notify you that Kerr McGee Oil & Gas Onshore, LP, an Oxy USA Inc. subsidiary, is starting the permitting process to obtain approval to develop an oil and gas location in your area. We will provide frequent and transparent information, seek community feedback, safeguard the environment, and protect the health and safety of communities. Enclosed is information about our company, the permitting process, general and site -specific project details, proposed location maps, and an estimated development schedule. Additionally, you will find resources with more information about the permitting process, including how to provide public comment on the permit, which can also be found on the Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) website at ecmc.colorado.gov. Instructions on how to provide public comment on this application to the ECMC are included in this packet. If you would like to discuss the details of this application or request a meeting to discuss the proposed oil and gas project, please contact us at your convenience. Additionally, we are hosting a Community Meeting to provide project -specific information and seek your input. WHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025 TIME: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM WHERE: GUARDIAN ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH 109 S. 3RD STREET, MEAD, COLORADO 80542 You can find updates on this project and other useful information about oil and gas development on our website, OxyColoradoStakeholder.com. We welcome all questions and appreciate your feedback; we look forward to hearing from you. Stakeholder Relations 1099 18th Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80202 866.248.9577 ColoradoStakeholder@oxy.com www.OxyColoradoStakeholder.com Covvylv\LLyn`\ CC�� \ O'ert t hi /2_5 2025-3084 LECO a? (inn\ ) New Energy Development elgi\ OXY Ihksi Permitting Process This proposed project will be required to undergo a comprehensive permitting process at both the state and local levels. The State of Colorado permitting process is known as an Oil and Gas Development Plan or OGDP. We submitted an OGDP application to develop 12 wells at the Midwest location. The Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) determined that the Midwest application contains all the required information and is therefore complete. The completeness determination begins the public comment period. Instructions on how to provide public comment are included in this packet. Proposed Location Information County Road 28 Midwest Oil and Gas Location Lat: 40.178307 Long: -104.983491 Pad Name Parcel # Location Approximate Pad Dimensions Acres during development Acres after reclamation ECMC Permit 2A Doc # Midwest 120734409040 SE4 Section 341 T3N, R68W Mei p640,x126& 91 -11.76 acres [-6.55 acres 404141703 We will develop these wells as efficiently as possible and will work with you throughout the process to provide up to date information. For project updates, please see OxyColoradoStakeholder.com/Project-Updates OXY Midwest Site Layout Site Planning and Visual Mitigation We know that the location and potential visual impacts are important to you. We placed the equipment location as far from homes as feasible, while minimizing impacts to views. i ON FAMILY TR UST C 2 (PA) WELL: ANDER5 C0STINGW 0 • • '- '.� A At /Visit a a TEMPORARY ECDs (5) 0' 174' 4 31ti Y try • A t 9 raw 1 • — ettA I TEMPORARY TEMPORARY EQUIPMENT AREA PROPANE (60' X 327') TANK 'TEMPORARY ij4111 40, a • TANKS (22) tit 0 II III TEMPORARY v TEMPORARY YRU Ib OIL SKIM -_r_r C TEMPORARY PURGE FLARES (3) (10'X50') x AIR (HEM 11 ®COMPRESSOR TOLES 121D • ELECTRIC BOX' tE-HOUSE fl t1'f� — • — �— N qt cncncn t/�tocnl"'E"H n555555tctfltrAJ) occ;,0000aoaQ TEMPORARY TEMPORARY WATER MULTI -PHASE COOLERS (2) COOLERS (2) ire as" LEGEND: O 1 Tiz 50' FLOWLINE CORRIDOR • PROPOSED WELL ROAD PROPOSED WORKING PAD SURFACE :o PRODUCTION FACILITY (230' X 340') 0. k•l %t TEMPORARY GENERATOR i (20' X 50') s. s • anRI1C it L*T L AC4, BOX PUMP METE! 1 EtECTRsC! / BON S d COMPRESSOR C on a pUFG SCRUBBER R Q (HEM O Q v O TUTSMEI METER BUILDINGS L ACT PUMP w 1* [ ACT METER 4 is <� 5 E -HOUSE SCRUBBER GAS C COOLER glow MPf M •' C J ..1 meant zons••••.* PERMANENT ECD • 421 Y H S 230' NOr - PROPOSED OIL Si GAS LOCATION PROPOSED FLOWLINE CORRIDOR This proposed site layout is shown above. All 12 of the wells will be drilled from the surface location and run south and east. An independent third -party company is responsible for the pipeline planning and facilitation for the Midwest project. The third -party pipeline operator is still in the planning phase of identifying and locating the proposed pipeline. Visit https://bit.ly/OxyProductionFacilities to learn about our production facilities and oil-tankless design. The video will show you what our typical facility looks like. If you have any questions about the site layout or what equipment will be on -site, please reach out to us. Our Commitment To You Our Best Practices and Mitigation Measures OXY • ‘s, Traffic Management One part of the comprehensive permitting process is developing a traffic management plan. This includes specific routes for all traffic. A haul route map is shown below. Speed limits will be reduced to 10 mph on the access road and 5 mph once vehicles reach the well pad/facility. We reduce traffic as much as possible. The oil produced from our horizontal locations is transported off -site through a pipeline, eliminating the need for trucks. Transporting oil and gas via pipeline will reduce truck traffic by approximately 40,867 trips throughout the life of the wells. We will use our Water -on -Demand system to transport water for hydraulic fracturing. At this location, we estimate that our Water -On -Demand system will eliminate 115,348 truck trips. Since its inception in 2012, these technologies have enabled us to eliminate 60 million miles of truck traffic from the roads in Weld County, reducing emissions, dust, road wear, and inconvenience to our neighbors. This system also mitigates our surface footprint by significantly reducing the number of tanks needed for onsite water storage during well completion. Proposed Haul Route Estimated Timeline and Traffic Projections Phase Work Activity Estimated Start Estimated End Estimated Traffic Total / Per Day Pad Construction March 2026 September 2026 14,636 / 195 1 2 Surface Casing March 2027 April 2027 387 / 24 3 Horizontal Drilling April 2027 July 2027 5,793 / 56 4 Well Completions July 2027 March 2028 19,906 / 272 5 Production Construction Facility April 2027 July 2027 1,044 / 21 6 Interim Reclamation* August 2028 December 2028 3,405 / 113 interim reclamation traffic per day count represents an estimated 60 -day noncontinuous period.* The For project updates, please see OxyColoradoStakeholder.com/project-updates Our Commitment To You A"\ OXY ‘II, We strive to make our activities compatible with the surrounding community and use various mitigation techniques to reduce the temporary impacts associated with development. Our team designs each location after careful consideration of the area's specific attributes. Although some of our operations are conducted 24/7, we aim to minimize non -essential work during the night. For each well pad, we deploy the following strategies to mitigate possible impacts. Our Best Practices and Mitigation Measures Noise We use upgraded drilling rigs with noise reducing features and quiet hydraulic fracturing technology. These features reduce the noise from our operations. Odor To counteract potential hydrocarbon odor during our drilling operations, we use low -aromatic, synthetic drilling fluid. Light We use light -emitting diode (LED) lights strategically oriented away from homes, making our operations less visible to our neighbors. Dust We work to mitigate dust by applying dust suppression to the roads as needed. Various techniques include installing tracking pads and sediment traps, hydro mulching and/or hydroseeding topsoil piles, seeding disturbed soils, and placing and compacting a gravel layer on the working pad surfaces and access roads. Phases of Energy Development For more information, please visit www.OxyColoradoStakeholder.com/Oil-and-Gas-101 Pad Construction (75 -90 days) O Horizontal Drilling (4-6 days per well) 4 Production Facility Construction (30-45 days per facility) O Standard construction equipment prepares the well site. A wall may be installed to reduce or minimize noise and light during development. A production rig arrives and drills vertically to a depth of 7,000 to 8,000 feet. From this depth, the horizontal portion of the wellbore can extend more than two miles. Additional layers of protective steel casing and cement are installed. Production facilities are constructed adjacent to the wells to collect and separate the oil, natural gas, and water that are produced. Facility production is 30-45 days of work, completed in stages over about four months. Surface Casing Set 0 (1-2 days per well) r:, Ass esPeas har.Mader'niSsi. ea .. w.s.on't 4..aae Y inn ion ea OXY ‘sp, A drilling rig begins the underground construction process by installing steel pipe and cement (surface casing) to protect groundwater. Surface casing is set at least 50' below the aquifer, typically about 1,000' below the surface. Hydraulic Fracturing: A safe, highly engineered technology developed in the 1940s. Fluid is pumped over a mile below the earth's surface under pressure to create hairline fractures in the rocks. Flowback: After fracturing, the wells are opened, and oil and gas flow into the mobile production facility. Well clean -out and Tubing: The wells are cleaned out to remove excess sand and install the production tubing. Once development phases are complete, the pad is reclaimed to the largest extent possible to match the existing landscape. Each well will produce energy vital to the health and welfare of our communities for decades to come. OXY Our Commitment To You Our Best Practices and Mitigation Measures Air Quality To ensure the wellbeing of you and your family and those living and working near our operations, we take action to reduce emissions and monitor air quality. Reducing Emissions To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize the valuable energy resources we produce, we select equipment and design our locations and procedures to minimize emissions. As you can see in the graph below, we have been successful in our efforts. 1.Oxy is the first U.S. oil and gas company to endorse The World Bank's Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative. In Colorado, we have already achieved zero routine flaring. 2.To keep emissions low by adhering to Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) rules. Our drilling and completions engines will follow one of the use practices in Regulation 7 Part B. VI. E.1. These ozone season use practices will be applied to year-round operations. 3.Our innovative production facilities reduces air emissions in several ways. By eliminating oil tanks, we significantly lower facility emissions. Transporting oil off -site through a pipeline further reduces emissions associated with truck traffic. The facility will also use compressed air to operate pneumatic controllers, which regulate pressure, flow, temperature, and liquid levels in over 90% of our production. Using compressed air eliminates emissions that typically come from natural gas - driven pneumatic controllers. As shown in the graph below, we have the lowest emissions inventory intensity of any oil and gas operator in the DJ Basin and have already met the 2030 CDPHE Regulation 22 target. Groundwater Protection Monitoring Emissions During drilling and completions, independent third -party environmental air quality experts perform continuous air quality monitoring. The CDPHE and the ECMC approve our air monitoring program and receive monthly reports. As seen in the chart below, since 2020, we've collected over 11,500 samples, and all are well below the CDPHE Health Guidance Values of 9 Parts Per Billion. Benzene (ppb) Production Drilling, Completions, Production Facility - Carbon Sorbent Tubes 10.000 9.000 8.000 7.000 6.000 5.000 4.000 3.000 2.000 1.000 0.000 Benzene Results 9/2020 - 3/2025 Independent third -party air quality experts use traditional and innovative technologies to add context to and validate the data collected. Air monitoring stations include a weather station, a hydrocarbon analyzer, and carbon sorbent tubes. In addition, strategically placed air canisters may supplement data from the air monitoring stations. Air samples are collected and analyzed according to EPA standards. The results are compared to health guideline values set by the CDPHE. Air monitoring data is collected continuously and is monitored 24/7 by our Integrated Operations Center (IOC). Our monitoring program establishes response and investigation levels designed to protect the health, safety, and welfare of communities, our employees, and the environment. Additionally, our 24/7 IOC ensures responses are both timely and effective. To monitor emissions near our production facilities, we have an in- house emissions team that conducts leak detection and repair inspections. During the production phase, every facility is inspected periodically by trained individuals using a handheld infrared camera. We also use infrared camera -equipped drones and conduct frequent audio/visual/olfactory inspections to detect and control emissions. We conduct baseline water -quality sampling and construct double walled produced water sumps and secondary containment for operations. Sensors between the walls of the water sumps and additional automation allow us to remotely monitor fluid levels and remotely shut in the wells if we detect an issue. Itie OX Contacts Colorado Response Line till _ ColoradoStakeholder@oxy.com 1.866.248.9577 Julie Coleman Stakeholder Relations 1099 18th Street, 7th Floor, Denver, CO 80202 Office 720.929.4572 Coloradostakeholder@oxy.com www.OxyColoradoStakeholder.com t'k• MEAD COLORADO Town of Mead (970) 535-4477 I info@townofinead.orq https://www.townofinead.org/engineering/page/oil- gas-information For information about the permit, ask about the Midwest Special Use Permit Integrated Operations Center (IOC) 970.515.1500 Real-time monitoring of wells, water tanks, and production facilities 24 hours a day, 365 days a year Ale0 COLORADO Energy & Carbon Management Commission Department of Natural Resources Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) 303.894.2100 ecmc.state.co.us If you would like translation, please contact us at: coloradostakeholder@oxy.com or 866.248.9577 Si desea una traduccion, comuniquese con nosotros a: coloradostakeholder@oxy.com o al 866.248.9577 Neu ban muOn dich, vui long lien he vo'i chUng toi theo dia chi: coloradostakeholder@oxy.com hoc so 866.248.9577 _elIC fyr.1.Ol7 : coloradostakeholder@oxy.coma866.248.9577 °q 01 g 6FAIcoloradostakeholder@oxy.com L 866.248.9577 °I�N TA11R. COLORADO Oil Et Gas Conservation Commission DeinatmentS Nasal • . COGCC INFORMATION SHEET: PROCEDURAL STEPS FOR THE COMMISSION'S REVIEW OF OGDPs (As required by COGCC Rule 303.e. (2).C) Why am I receiving this information sheet? Oil and gas operating companies ("Operators") are required to obtain approval of an Oil and Gas Development Plan ("OGDP") from the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission ("COGCC") prior to undertaking any new operations such as drilling oil and gas wells or building oil and gas locations. When an Operator submits an OGDP application to the COGCC for consideration, and the application has been received and is deemed complete, COGCC staff begins a formal technical review of the application materials, and a public comment period starts. COGCC has prepared this information sheet to inform the public of the procedural steps involved with the Director's and Commission's review of an OGDP, so that the public is informed and may participate in the review process if they choose. As part of the process, Operators must provide this information sheet to certain recipients, like yourself, that include mineral owners within the area of proposed development and all landowners, homeowners, commercial property owners, tenants, and other entities within 2,000 feet of an oil and gas location proposed by a pending OGDP application. What is an Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP)? An OGDP is an Operator's plan to develop oil or gas resources ("minerals" ) from one or more surface locations. Operators prepare an OGDP and associated application materials, consistent with the requirements of COGCC Rule 303, and submit the plan for approval through the Commission's Hearings process. The application materials include a hearing application; one or more Form 2k Oil and Gas Location Assessments; a Form 26, Cumulative Impacts Data Identification; and a Form 2C, OGDP Certification. The application may also include a request for the establishment of one or more Drilling and Spacing Units ("DSUs"). The OGDP, along with its associated supporting documents, will be heard at a public hearing where the Commission will make a final determination to approve or deny the OGDP application. What are the procedural steps involved with the Director's and Commission's review of Oil and Gas Development Plans? 1. OGDP application is submitted: Operator/ Applicant submits a complete OGDP application with all supporting documents. The written portion of the application is submitted to the COGCC hearings unit via the eFilings system, and Forms 2A, 28, and 2C are submitted to technical staff via the eForms system. (See Rules 303 Et 304) 2. OGDP application is received: The COGCC hearings unit reviews the written hearing application, assigns a docket number for the OGDP, and provides public notice for the hearing. (See Rules 303 Et 504) 3. Completeness determination: The COGCC technical staff and Director review the application materials for completeness. When deemed complete: a. the OGDP application materials are posted on COGCC's website; b. the Operator provides notice (including this information sheet) to relevant persons; c. the public comment period begins; d. the formal consultation period commences as applicable (including relevant/ proximate local governments and other agencies such as Colorado Parks and Wildlife ("CPW") or Colorado Department Page 2 - of Public Health and Environment ("CDPHE") ); and e. COGCC staff begin their technical review of the OGDP components. (See Rule 303). 4. Director's review of application (technical review): COGCC technical staff conducts the technical review of all application materials to ensure compliance with COGCC Rules, ensure the protection of public health, safety, welfare, the environment, and wildlife resources, and to evaluate potential Cumulative Impacts. The technical review includes analysis and assessment of: a. DSUs and protection of mineral owner's correlative rights; b. proposed surface locations and alternative locations; c. downhole and engineering considerations: d. best management practices; e. public comments and recommendations provided by consulting agencies; f. financial assurance; and g. the need for conditions of approval. (See Rule 306) 5. Director's recommendation: Once the Director has reviewed the application materials, the Director provides a written recommendation to the Commission in support of the approval or denial of the OGDP application. The Director will post the recommendation on COGCC's website, notify relevant parties', and submit it to the COGCC hearings unit in preparation for hearing. (See Rule 306.c) 6. Commission's consideration and final action (public hearing): The Commission receives the Parties who receive this information sheet will not necessarily be included in the notice of the Director's recommendation. Parties who make a public comment on the Form 2A and include their email address will receive the notice of the Director's recommendation. Director's recommendation of the OGDP and begins review of the OGDP with support from the COGCC hearings unit. The review includes all supporting documents, written testimony, public comments, consulting agency recom- mendations, and Director's recommendation. The Commission considers the OGDP at a public hearing, which may include oral testimony provided during the hearing. The Commission makes a final determination and presents its findings in a written order based on the evidence in the record; the Commission's order to approve or deny the OGDP application is final. (See Rule 307) Where can I get additional information? For more information about the COGCC administrative hearing process and OGDPs, please refer to the COGCC website at http://cogcc._state.co.us. You may also contact the COGCC at dnreogcc@state.co.us or 303-894-2100. Please note, COGCC staff are not available to provide legal advice. COGCC recommends that you engage an attorney with knowledge of oil and gas matters to assist you with reviewing any offers you receive from an oil and gas operator or other person. Version 1.0 March 9, 2021 COLORADO Energy & Carbon Management Commission Department of Natural Resources Purpose This information sheet provides details on how to make public comments on an Oil and Gas Development Plan submitted to the Colorado Energy Et Carbon Management Commission via the Form 2A, Oil and Gas Location Assessment permit application. Why am I receiving this Information Sheet? You have received this Colorado Energy Ft Carbon Management Commission ("ECMC") information sheet because an oil and gas operator ("the Operator") has submitted an application for an Oil and Gas Development Plan ("OGDP"), and that application is under review by the ECMC. Per ECMC Rule 303.e.(1), the Operator is required to provide this information to you within seven days of the application materials being posted on the ECMC website. ECMC Rule 303.d requires the ECMC to open a formal "public comment period" upon posting the OGDP application to our website. This public comment period allows the public to review OGDP applications and their components (i.e., proposed Oil and Gas Locations), and provide comments on those pending permit applications. How can I provide comments on pending permits in an OGDP? Members of the public can access OGDP applications through the ECMC website to review permit information and provide comments. Public comments may be made directly on Form 2A, Oil and Gas Location Assessment permit applications ("Form 2A") through the COGCC website. 1. Go to the ECMC website https://ecmc.state.co.us 2. On the green menu bar, click on the "Permits" page. This will take you to the "OGDP and Location Applications" tool for Applications for Oil Et Gas Development Plans (OGDPs) and Oil Et Gas Locations (Form 2As) . £O 3. Under "Applications for Oil Ft Gas Development Plans (OGDPs) and Oil Ft Gas Locations (Form 2As)", find "Oil and Gas Location Assessment Permits (Form 2A)" section. Select the county of interest from the dropdown menu of the "Pending Oil Ft Gas Location Assessments (Form 2As)" and click "Go!" Oil 8 Gas Location Assessments (Form 2As Purim or i Gas 1ocalwr► Ant:Insl,usnts (Farm 2Asl INFORMATION SHEET: PUBLIC COMMENTS (As required by ECMC Rule 303.e.(2).D) 4. This will generate a table of pending applications and will indicate the status of the public comment period for each permit within the ECMC review process. 5. Scroll through the list of pending permits to find the one you would like to review. You may wish to use "crtl + f" to search for a specific document number, operator name, or location name. 6. To view the submitted Form 2A and its associated attached documents, click the "Location Name Ft Number" [ink for the permit application you wish to view. tail as vas Location Anssamanls (Poem 2A.) I Pending Ore+ east .n...rp. 0311111041.4. aylsa..ar��► t.YM ht_..1.a r.ej -? .+t. -t ,' a l rrn. itestainall Lama now dew se sessia is saisaipma Illempleed aw Sat ••4111OCAINI:1 ...... o.,•. 7. To make a public comment on a specific permit application, click the "Doc Number" link of the permit on which you wish to comment. This will take you to the Public Comment portal. ON b Uwe Location Aeessesrns..ls (llaw n BAs) 1 Psntknu Cw...is. lasse Me tsnst % r.c.d(., C fit l?C.5S n- 1-- i.n n .air anises I a.a.... r—. int sap rens C.N.......•1 Linea fine a». Pihmisads C..w.•s•* Pared IC ones of M��•1r•M Oat 4h • r Tt?7 PUS MSS iSon r... 8. In the Public Comment portal, you may navigate to the Form 2A application including the PDF and all attachments by clicking on "Related Documents". PujW( (or; 'men t r • orristaisk w.....-. 9. To make a public comment, click the "Make Comment" button. A Form will open for you to provide your name, contact information, and your comment. Only the text in the Comment box will be made public; your contact information will be kept confidential by ECMC. Y' —.- a' .. ran. as*.. ellitnen y. *.n. . 1.aa at ate en.« ..• esaso..r...st. kinellfle t.t. 4 w..ps-e •srtt spina tir..e..et...•••• es .raa a se..an Its ..s eft es.r...eis sees .IPar ...r► + sigra• .e. net Sent ..e all • 4. as so n at. as ass .r as s w asses ass St gm a as w sow es* w. 21 Page 10. Click the "Submit Comment" button when you are ready to submit your comment. 11. You may also view other public comments and read yours after it is posted by scrolling down on this page (see below about a delay in displaying comments). How long do I have to submit a comment on a permit? The Public Comment Period begins once the ECMC Director determines the OGDP application is complete and has been successfully submitted by the operator. The Director will approve the Form 2C, OGDP Certification form, and post the OGDP application on the website for public review. in order to be considered by the Director and Commission during the review of the OGDP, public comments must be received as follows: 1. Within 30 days from the date that the Director posts the OGDP on the website, OR 2. Within 45 days if the OGDP includes any proposed Oil and Gas Locations within 2,000 feet of a Residential Building Unit, High Occupancy Building Unit, or School Facility within a Disproportionately Impacted Community. The final day for public comments can be found in the list of all pending permits: Oil & Gas Location Assessments (Form 2As) I Pending Beat Export to Ezra+ Returned 3 recordts) Operable Mane CRE STONE PEAK .s DREAMING Lit Nunber Op.' no" Langan Dietetics'; Nss i Nun+b.. *aaMer Chic (Dre.aAes Coetter.srt wtss lic C arnmene Closn at titan eat) tetit a G3 Fenn SStu• IN PR.71Gtn %tttu• Cars When the Public Comment Period closes, the date will revert to read "Comments Closed". The link to the public comment portal will remain active, but comments will no longer be accepted. You will still be able to view any public comments submitted for pending permits. The Director may extend or reopen the public comment period per Rule 303.g, for up to an additional 30 days for a proposed OGDP if the Director determines an extension or reopening is reasonable in order to obtain public input. What happens to my comment? Your comment will become part of the public record of the application and will be reviewed by the applicant, ECMC staff, Director, and the Commission. ECMC staff may recommend permit conditions in response to comments. But, Staff does not routinely respond individually to comments; instead, ECMC staff will work directly with the applicant to address the site -specific concerns expressed. Submitted comments may not be immediately visible; it may be a few days before you see your comments posted. This delay allows ECMC supervisory staff to screen for offensive language prior to publication. What if I want to make my comment to the Commission? ECMC Staff and the Director review every comment received on a Form 2A permit application. They review the site specific concerns against the totality of the application materials, including the alternative location analysis, cumulative impacts evaluation, and best management practices proposed by the applicant. When the Director makes a recommendation to the Commission to either approve or deny an OGDP, that recommendation will include the consideration of the public comments received. In their review of an OGDP for a final determination at the administrative hearing, the Commission will have access to the entire record, including your public comment. Can I remain anonymous? Yes. Only the "Comment" portion of your submitted comment will be made publicly viewable. Your name and contact information will be kept confidential, and will only be used by ECMC staff to contact you if necessary in the course of permit application review. If you choose to include your name and contact information in the body of your comment text, it will be part of the public record. Where can I get additional information? The following links provide guidance and additional information on providing Public Comments. ECMC Permits Page: https: / /ecmc.state.co.us/ permits. html#/ permits Numerous helpful guidance documents can be found at the link on the ECMC Permits Page: https: / /ecmc. state. co. us/ permits2.html#/ permitshelp Daily Activity Dashboard (DAD) is another useful toot and can be used to access the public comment portal as well: https: //ecmc.state.co.us/dashboard.html Version 1.1 March 13, 2024 STATE OF COLORADO CONSERVATION COMMISSION Colorado Department of Natural Resources Information on Hydraulic Fracturing What is hydraulic fracturing? Hydraulic fracturing is the process of creating small cracks. or fractures, in deep. underground geological formations to liberate oil or natural gas and allow it to flow up the well for capture and use in heating our homes. fueling our cars and providing the electricity we all use for our televisions. computers and other devices. To fracture the formation, fracturing fluids — mostly water and sand. with a small percentage of chemical additives — are injected down the \Nell bore into the formation. The fluid. injected under pressure. causes the rock to fracture along weak areas. The fluids that create the initial fractures are then mixed with thicker fluids that include sand and gelatin. These thicker fluids lengthen the openings in the rock. When the fractures are complete, and pressure is relieved. the fluids flow back up the well where they are captured and stored for later treatment or disposal. As the fluids flow back up. sand remains in the fractures and props the rock open, maintaining an open patltvay to the well. This allows the oil and gas to seep from the rock into the pathway. u p the well and to the surface for collection. In Colorado, the targeted formations for hydraulic fracturing are often more than 7.000 feet u nderground. and some 5.000 feet below any drinking water aquifers. The process of hydraulic fracturing has been u sed for decades in Colorado. dating to the 1970s. Hydraulic fracturing continues to be refined and improved and is now standard for ✓ irtually all oil and gas wells in our state. and across much of the country. Hydraulic fracturing has made it possible to get the oil and gas out of rocks that were not previously considered as likely sources for fossil fuels. Common questions and answers about hydraulic fracturing. Q: Can hydraulic fracturing open up pathways for oil and gas to reach ground water zones where water wells are producing? A: The distance between the oil and gas formation and the water formations is substantial. In the case of the Niobrara and the Fox Hills Aquifer in northeast Colorado. for example, the separation is about 5.000 feet - or roughly a mile - of bedrock. 0: How do you ensure the fracturing fluid. including the chemical additives. don't escape the oil and gas wellbore and impact nearby water wells? A: The COGCC requires all :ells to be cased with multiple layers of steel and cement to isolate fresh water aquifers from the hydrocarbon zone. The steel casing and surrounding layers of cement protect the drinking water aquifers that the ww:vellbore penetrates. Surface casing is required to extend 50 feet below the base of the deepest freshwater aquifer to seal it off from any possible migration of f uids associated with oil and gas development. After it is determined that the well is capable of producing oil or natural gas. a production casing is set to provide an added layer of separation between the oil or natural gas stream and freshwater aquifer. A well survey called a cement bond log is performed to ensure the cement is property sealed around the casing. Additionally, the COGCC requires that prior to hydraulic fracturing, the casing be pressure tested with fluid to the maximum pressure that will ever be applied to the casing. The well's construction design is reviewed by the professional engineering staff at the COGCC. Any flaw in the design will be corrected prior to issuing the required drilling permit. 0: What kinds of fluids do operators use to hydraulically fracture wells? A: Approximately 99.5% of the fracturing fluid volume is water and sand. The remaining portion is made up of a variety of chemicals. There are chemical additives used to reduce friction during pumping and prevent corrosion of the steel. biocide to kill bacteria in the water and surfactant to promote water flo\vvback. The exact formulation may vary depending on the 'A ell and the objectives of the specific fracturing treatment. Fracturing chemicals are similar to other industrial chemicals which must be handled properly. For certain chemicals. safe work practices. proper site preparation. and attentive handling are required to ensure that employees, the public. and the environment are protected. COGCC rules require that operators publicly disclose the ingredients and concentrations of fracturing chemicals for each well within 60 days of completion. That information is required to be posted on the \v ebsite www.fracfocus.orq. which is searchable by county. operator and well. The website also provides information on chemicals used and their purpose. Q: How are these fluids managed on the surface? A: Large volumes of fluids are maintained on the drill site during the drilling and hydraulic fracturing process. Operators must take great care to prevent spills: operators are charged with protecting environmental resources and spills violate state law. The fluids are blended on site in equipment that adjusts the mix of sand, water and chemicals at different stages of the operation. The blended mix is sent to pumping units to raise the pressure and send the fluid down the well. Like spills. operators must prevent leaks. In addition to complying with state regulations, leaks and spills would create costly delays, providing additional incentive for operators to ensure all fittings and connections are pressure tested with clean water before any operations begin. After the fracturing is completed, fluids return to the surface as "flowback." These fluids are now considered exploration and production waste and must be treated accordingly in compliance 'with state regulations. Production fluids. including oil and related substances, also rise to the surface. All of these fluids must be separated and contained in impervious vessels and waste fluids must either be recycled or properly disposed of under regulatory oversight. Q: What can neighbors expect to experience during the fracture stimulation work? A: After the drilling rig is moved off site. water tanks are brought to the site and water -hauling trucks arrive. The day the operation is to begin. the sand haulers. pump truck. blender and the control van arrive. The equipment all be connected together and then connected to the well head with high pressure hoses. After testing the equipment, the actual fracture stimulation will begin. The operation may take several hours to several days depending on the number of fracture zones. You will not feel the fracture of the rock because of its very low energy and depth of the formation. The equipment noise is the most noticeable occurrence during the operations. The COGCC has rules that are specific to hydraulic fracturing. For more information on these rules. visit: http:: /cogcc.state.co.us • Rule 205 Inventory chemicals • Rule 205A Chemical disclosure • Rule 317 Well casing and cementing: Cement bond logs • Rule 317B Setbacks and precautions near surface waters and tributaries that are sources of public drinking water • Rule 341 Monitoring pressures during stimulation • Rule 608 Special requirements for coal - bed methane wells • Rules 903 & 904 Pit permitting. lining. monitoring. & secondary containment • Rule 906 Requires COGCC notify CDPHE and the landowner of any spill that threatens to impact any water of the state Where can I get further information? The FracFocus website — v•r w.fracfocus.orq — contains detailed explanations on how hydraulic fracturing works, how groundwater is protected. what chemicals are used. and how to find a well near you. The COGCC has additional information on its hydraulic fracturing information page at its \•A ebsite: http://coacc.state.co.us What is the purpose of baseline water sampling? The purpose of baseline water sampling is to collect data before any drilling operations at individual well sites to demonstrate the pre - drilling conditions of a water well. This provides a reference point for future evaluations of any suspected impacts by the drilling or hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells. How do I obtain baseline water samples? The COGCC provides baseline sampling on a case -by -case basis based on proximity to new or existing drilling activity. Please contact the COGCC at 303-894-2100. The Colorado Oil & Gas Association (COGA), an industry trade group. has a voluntary baseline ground water quality sampling program http://'mvw.coga.oral' ndex.php/ BaselineWaterSa mplinq. Under the COGA program. samples are collected from fiwvo existing groundwater features, such as wells or springs, within one- half mile of the surface location of new oil and gas well pads, or new ls on existing pads. These samples require landowner consent and will be collected before drilling begins. A second round of sampling will be collected from each feature tiAfithin one to three years after drilling is completed. Results of all samples will be provided to landowners within three months of collecting the sample. The laboratory results will also be submitted to the COGCC for inclusion in a water quality database that will be available to the public through the COGCC w:iebsite. Water well owners can also either sample their own water wells or contract a qualified individual to collect samples for baseline testing. Most analytical laboratories can provide sampling along with analytical services. A list of laboratories offering these services can be found under Laboratories -Analytical or Laboratories - Testing in the phone directory. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment also offers analytical laboratory services. Call 303-692-3090 for additional information. http://vvww.cdphe.state.co.0lr.'water.htm COLORADO Energy b Carbon Management Commission Department oif Natural Resources Why am I receiving this information sheet? The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (*ECMC 4) prepared this information sheet to inform the public in the vicinity of a proposed Oil and Gas Development Plan (•0GDP~ ) how to access documents and view the status of proposed OGDPs through the ECMC s website, webforms, and efiling system A review of public property records indicates that you may have an interest in lands that an oil and gas operator wishes to develop as part of an OGDP Pursuant to Commission Rule 3O3. e. (2) . G, operators are required to provide this information sheet to certain recipients near their development plans What is an Oil and Gas Development Plan? An OGDP is an operator `s plan to develop subsurface oil and gas resources (minerals') from one or more surface locations. An OGDP consists of a hearing application and associated permit materials that provide technical information The Director (i.e. ECMC Staff) reviews the technical information and makes a recommendation to the Commission for the hearings application- the Commission has the ultimate authority on approval or denial of the OGDP. How do I view the status of the pending OGDP hearing application? Members of the public may view the status of proposed OGDP applications through the ECMC eFiling System by creating an account in the Applications and Docket Portal, available on the a Hearings Page 1 Go to www ECMC state.co.us and click on the green "Commission Hearings" button. Commission Hearings --u Hand 2 On the right-hand side of the Hearings page, in the Operator Tools box header, click on ~Application and Docket Portal": • Ake Create a user account by clicking 'Request Access to Site," and completing the required registration information There may be a delay for processing following your request before INFORMATION SHEET: OGDP STATUS INFORMATION (As required by ECMC Rule 303.e.(2).G) you are granted access Check your email for access approval 4 Once registration is complete, access the Application and Docket Portal by entering your user name and password 5_ At the bottom left of the page, find the panel labeled "Find Hearing Application by Docket Number' and enter the 9 -digit docket number provided by the operator in their cover letter in the field named 'Docket Number': r -- z sue.- Find.�-.s... t Find clearing Application by Docket Number SEARCH RESULTS Docket Number 1 210012345 6 The general status of the docket is listed in the first column on the left, titled 'Docket Status " Double click the docket search result to load the docket's main page, which will show additional information. including the application type, status, assigned Hearing Officer, and applicant information. Do I have to create an account to view documents? No You may view documents through the "Document Search" described below without creating an eEiling System account, but you will not be able to view the ~status" of the docket through this method 1 On the right-hand side of the Hearings page in the Public Tools box, click on the a Document Search' link: pi e Taub • ► oe Is MN rioniMrs • Hots Is as Pa Cars • DS leSW slam elOfIt' Orielopnenr Mr 4000P1 • Orarmrt Set So 2. From the "Search Type" dropdown menu, select ' DNRC0G Search for Docket Related Documents" N— tom. Page 2 crwcoc Mn INS 1 fook661Ponsiteastets rifa oars Input the docket number provided by the operator 0NRCOG Docket Nvmb.r 4 If you don't have a docket number. or to view any OGOP, scroll down to the • DNRCOG Application Type" dropdown menu and select ~OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT PLAN". WOK OG Asa rr•- M. J 5 Scroll down and click the a Search" button. 6 A table of all related documents will appear. Click on any item to view its contents or download to your computer. How do I view general forms, permits, and data regarding permits and OGDPs? Use the Daily Activity Dashboard (DAD) to access frequently requested oil and gas data at the county and state levels. The DAD link is located in the right- hand corner of the ECMC homepage: D•+or weary ro*Oi It allows you to generate statistical charts, graphs, tables, and maps for information including pending permits, well status. production, well inspections, Notices of Alleged Violation, active notifications, and spills. The ECMC also provides access to pending and approved permits through its "Permits Search" and interactive map on the ECMC website. To view the status of pending Form 2As (Oil and Gas Location Assessment Permits) through the "Permit Search function, follow the steps outlined below 1 Click " Permits" in the green menu bar on the ECMC homepage This will take you to the "Drilling and Location Permits Search' page. 2 Under Pending Permits, find • Oil & Gas Location Assessment Permits (Form 2,47 . Select "All Counties" or a specific county using the drop down mono and click "Go!". Mda. Penults to ON a+ 4f'IN an sr, ` it, .?2 r *titan Cottii•sx -rt tio^nii 'en'' 3 A table will show all pending Form 2As currently under review by the ECMC .7.1. •n - OEMs ..a... S • A" se _-- ..0116 w r s !ire a. Clicking a "Doc Number" link will take you to the Public Comments portal for that pending permit b Clicking a "Location Name link will take you to a list of documents related to that permit, including the Form 2A (as submitted by the operator) and supporting documents that are attached to the pending permit application. Can I view pending applications on the ECMC Map? Yes. You may access the ECMC GIS Online Interactive Map by clicking *Maps- in the green banner on the ECMC homepage, then click "Click HERE to access interactive map" You may use the "address search. option to zoom to your address to see oil and gas activity near you . With the map zoomed to your area of interest, you may specify pending permits by checking the appropriate boxes on the left-hand menu: s tee Paints (� Pan, Ad (Form 2) Pima 4 Aipptovwr WO (FWD 2 ) Pornnt .� Pence Locators (Fehr 2A) Peek Approved Locator •r Inn : A) Perm O To select and view a pending application, use the arrow tool to double-click on the pending icons to display the Application. Where can I get additional information? ECMC Homepage: https: //ecmc state co.us/f/home Hearings Page https: //ecmc. state . co us/reg.htmli/hearings efiling system help, http //ecmc/documents/reg/Hearings/External_E f i i i ncuSystem Users Guidebook_202o1104 pdf ECMC GIS Online Interactive Map help: ht t p : //ecmc/document s/about /He ip/Searth%20pendi n g%20Der mits%20on%2O the%2000GCC%2ornap pdf Version 1.0 March 9. 2021 Hello