02 Apr BLM & USFS Consider Drilling Permits for Six Gas Wells Northeast of Paonia

April 2, 2015 –

The BLM and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have announced that they are accepting scoping comments on a joint proposal from SG Interests and Gunnison Energy to drill six new gas wells on four new well pads and one existing location.

One of the proposed locations in this project was previously approved by the Forest Service through a categorical exclusion, but withdrawn after CHC filed suit challenging the approval.

Click on the image above to view the scoping comment period announcement
and map of the project area.

The proposed well pad locations would be accessed from County Road 265, also known as the Collbran Road.  On these 5 well pads, the BLM says a total of 25 wells could be drilled in the next 5 years.

The announcement identifies air quality, water quality, economics, and wildlife as areas for analysis in an environmental assessment.  During the scoping comment period, you have the opportunity to advise the BLM what other areas, resources, or issues should be considered in the BLM’s analysis.

Public comments are due to the BLM by April 24th.  It is important to note that there will be additional rounds of public comment after scoping comment period has closed.

CHC will work with our attorneys at the Western Environmental Law Center to analyze this proposal and submit comments.  For more information, click here to read the notice from the BLM and USFS and for a map of the area.  Stay tuned for more details on how you can help with this project.