MASSIVE SEISMIC TESTING PROPOSED…YET ALREADY STARTED!??

Gunnison Energy is proposing a massive, 28,000-acre 3D seismic mapping project just northeast of the Town of Paonia in the Hubbard Creek watershed, just to the west of the proposed North Fork Mancos Master Development Project.The proposed project area overlaps with three inventoried Colorado Roadless Areas, and contains mapped Canada lynx habitat and cutthroat trout habitat.

This project is already having a negative impact on Delta County. Hunters have been pushed off public lands by survey crews working on the project, and others have reported spray paint and survey flags being placed across the landscape.

The project is further complicated by the existence of a 2D seismic mapping project in the same area.

Click here to learn more about the difference between 2D and 3D seismic mapping.

This 2D project was approved retroactively by the COGCC, meaning Gunnison Energy started work on the project prior to getting permission, calling into question the quality of the review actually conducted by the agency.

This project requires 3 levels of approval: USFS, Delta County, and Gunnison County.

The USFS  requested scoping comments on the proposal.  The  comment deadline was October 26, 2018. The proposal and associated USFS maps are available here.

Delta County Specific Development Application-–comments due November 14th

Gunnison County Permit Application

For more information see:

Fact Sheet: Iron Point 3D Mapping Project

Interactive Map: Iron Point 3D Mapping Project  This map allows you to zoom in or out and see multiple layers of data from watersheds, to game units, deer and elk habitat, to threatened species, to historic landslides. Data layers can be turned on by clicking the check mark next to the layer name in the list of layers on the right side of the map. There are also information pop-ups when click on specific areas on the map.

Maps

  Iron Point 3D Mapping Project: At Risk Species

  Iron Point 3D Mapping Project: Big Game

  Iron Point 3D Mapping Project: Geological Faults

  Iron Point 3D Mapping Project: Slopes and Historical Landslides

  Iron Point 3D Mapping Project: Watersheds

  Iron Point 3D Delta County Operations Map–provided by the applicant.

  Iron Point 3D Delta County Hydrology Identification Map–provided by the applicant.

Comment Letters

CHC Initial Letter to Delta County Re: Forest Service Proposal

CHC Letter Delta County on 3D Seismic Specific Development Application

How to Submit Comments

Delta County is holding a public hearing on November 14th at 1:30pm at the Delta County Courthouse to determine whether to process the Specific Development Application administratively. The County is accepting comments until November 14th. You can personalize this letter to the Commissioners, or send your own comments to:

STAY TUNED!