Congressman Salazar Responds To Decision To Drill More Gas Wells In Southwestern Colorado

Durango, Colorado- U.S. Rep. John Salazar (CO-3) released the following statement today after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service finalized their decision to allow for additional drilling in the Northern San Juan Basin in southwestern Colorado:

“Under the circumstances, I think the BLM has come up with a reasonable decision for the Northern San Juan Basin.  However, I am very disappointed that it will allow for more drilling in the roadless areas in the HD Mountains. While it would be better for the BLM to be able to implement the community consensus that opposes drilling in the HD mountains roadless area, I understand that under current law they have to provide access to existing oil and gas leases. For those leases that do have provisions calling for no new roads, the BLM did the right thing by deciding not to waive those provisions.  I strongly encourage the BLM to strictly enforce all of the measures from their Environmental Impact Statement that ensure water quality and other resources are protected.

“I am hopeful that the BLM will continue to work as much as possible with the surrounding community on their legitimate concerns.  I encourage more review of directional drilling options that would minimize the damage to wildlife and watersheds in this area and help preserve the natural beauty of the HD Mountains.

“In regards to the controversial outcrop formation where drilling could seriously hurt water wells and aquifers, I’m relieved to hear that a 1.5 mile buffer will be placed on the outcrop in La Plata County.  I am very pleased that the BLM has taken me up on my suggestion to form a working group of government experts from agencies such as the Environment Protection Agency to assess the safety and feasibility of drilling near the controversial outcrop formation in Archuleta County.  I encourage the BLM to make sure a representative of local governments sits on that working group. The BLM must assure local residents that no drilling will occur along the outcrop without proper safeguards for their safety and water supplies.”

Background on Congressman Salazar’s involvement on the HD Mountains-Northern San Juan Basin Coal Bed Methane EIS:

In October of 2006 Congressman Salazar toured the HD Mountains with local landowners, local elected officials, and officials from the BLM and USFS. On the tour he heard concerns about damage to springs, watersheds, and the undisturbed nature of the HD mountains roadless area.

After the tour he sent a letter (attached) requesting certain actions from the BLM and Forest Service for their final decision. One was to not waive No Surface Occupancy Stipulations in Roadless areas. Another request was to set up a work group to help resolve the controversial issues surrounding the outcrop formation and whether or not drilling could occur safely along it in Archuleta County.

The letter also requested that the Forest Service take a hard look at what areas should not be drilled due to concerns about steep slopes and fragile soils, damage to which could harm watersheds.