23 Jul Comments Due by 8/14 for 108 Oil Wells in Whitewater Unit

UPDATED July 31, 2013 –

New comment deadline – comments are due by August 14th. The comment deadline was previously set for July 31st, but the GJFO announced a two week extension on July 31st.

Parts of Western Colorado recorded their worst air quality ever last winter, violating federal standards. During the first quarter of 2013, oil and gas operators were responsible for 75 percent of air pollution violations. And crews are still trying to clean up the thousands of gallons of contaminated soil and water from the leak near Parachute Creek.

Now the BLM Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) has announced plans to approve 108 oil wells in the Mesa County portion of the sprawling Whitewater Unit.

This proposal is moving forward with the potential to foul the air and water because it’s based on the GJFO’s outdated leasing decision made in its 1985 Resource Management Plan (RMP).

Tell the BLM to protect clean air and water! For a sample comment letter, for a PDF click here or for a customizable Word Document click here.

The area of this proposal stretches roughly from the Delta County line to Palisade and Grand Junction, with Highway 50 on the West and the National Forest boundary on the east.  Click here to read the draft Environmental Assessment and for related documents.

The drilling plan would also impact critical big-game winter habitat areas, the water supply for down-stream users, and noise and traffic for area residents.

Tell the GJFO to conduct an EIS and revise the Grand Junction RMP before approving any new development. For a sample comment letter, for a PDF click here or for a customizable Word Document click here.

To submit your comments, please send them via email to BLM_CO_GJ_Public_Comments@blm.gov or through the mail to:

BLM Grand Junction Field Office
2815 H Road
Grand Junction, CO 81506

Comments must be received by the GJFO by Aug. 14th.  The comment deadline was previously set for July 31st, but the GJFO announced a two week extension on July 31st.