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Good neighbors

Colorado’s responsible energy development goes the extra mile

Coloradans can have assurance that fracking is done responsibly here in our state because of our stringent environmental rules and regulations. Led by local communities and the gas and oil industry, the current “good neighbor” movement underway throughout the state is actually rooted right here in La Plata County.

In 2008, as part of an extensive rulemaking process, Then-Gov. Bill Ritter implemented an entire new set of oil and gas regulations, including changing the make-up of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, the agency charged with overseeing gas and oil development in Colorado.

Gov. John Hickenlooper raised the bar even higher with regulations mandating hydraulic fracturing disclosure, the toughest air-emissions control in the country and before-and-after water sample testing to ensure our drinking water sources are protected. Here in La Plata County, water-well testing was part of a COGCC order beginning in April of 2000. There are over 1,300 water wells sampled with over 3,500 total samples. This also includes springs that have been tested.

Colorado also has the strongest setback rules in the Rockies – requiring drilling to occur at least 1,000 feet from high-occupancy buildings like schools or hospitals, and 500 feet from our homes. We have imposed strict spill-reporting requirements, regardless if any soil or water is affected. And last year, more inspectors were added, and fines for violations increased by 1,500 percent.

Every health, safety and economic consideration is factored into the energy development process, and we place a premium on environmental protection while ensuring our state’s vital energy industry can continue to operate.

But it isn’t just about our history and creating the toughest rules, requirements and restrictions in the country; in Colorado, it goes deeper than that.

Back in 2006, the La Plata County Energy Council created the Good Neighbor Pledge well before today’s regulatory regime was on the books. The Energy Council and its member companies understand the vital importance of being a “good neighbor” and opt in by committing to go the extra mile to do what’s right for the communities they operate in.

For example, if you are a neighbor to one of the operators in La Plata County and you have questions or concerns, contact the company directly via their facility sign at the well location. Or look them up on The Good Neighbor Pledge directory posted at www.energycouncil.org.

Gas and oil drilling can seem mysterious, but by establishing open and clear communication between interested parties, we can address problems up front. It may seem like an overly simple step, but it’s an important one.

Our community and energy development have successfully coexisted here since the late 1940s. As our neighbors on the Front Range are now discovering, transparency and communication can go a long way. But it has to be a two-way street as it is here in La Plata County.

Operators in the county are clearly going the extra mile and proud to be a part of Colorado, earning its model-like reputation when it comes to responsible energy development.

Christi Zeller is executive director of La Plata County Energy Council, a nonprofit trade organization that promotes safe and responsible oil and natural gas development in La Plata County. Jon Haubert, director of communications for Coloradans for Responsible Energy Development, also contributed to this column.



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