I was disappointed to read the opening statement in
“Doubling density near Durango” (HCN, 11/14/05: Doubling density
near Durango). As chair of the board of county commissioners who
signed memoranda of understanding with BP and with Samson
Resources, I can guarantee you that we did not sign “deals allowing
two energy companies to double the density of coalbed methane wells
near Durango.” In Colorado, the density of drilling is not up to
the county; it is a Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
(COGCC) decision.
What we did do is work very hard to
assure that, when the density in some locations doubled, it would
be done in the best way for our residents. We did not pledge “not
to oppose applications … to reduce spacing …” We did agree that
we would not oppose the issues addressed in the MOUs, as they had
been agreed upon in a complicated and time-consuming negotiation
process, and several points were unprecedented concessions by
industry.
Industry representatives, landowners, attorneys
for citizens and COGCC members all agreed that the agreements we
signed were a good thing.
Sheryl
Ayers
La Plata County Commissioner
Durango, Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline County worked hard to control drilling impact.
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