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New COGCC Director Addresses Gas Country Residents in GarCo

The newly minted director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission came to Garfield County last week. The former environmental lawyer talked about the current agenda and priorities at the state's regulating commission for gas and oil. KDNK's Marilyn Gleason brings a report.

Not Just NIMBYism, Say Local Groups

At a meeting in Basalt last week, citizens from the Roaring Fork Valley and Sal Pace, Democratic candidate for Colorado's 3rd Congressional District, all talked about the impacts of natural gas drilling south of Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. Area ranchers, environmental groups, and others discussed the possible impacts to wildlife habitat, local water sources, cattle grazing, and the tourist economy of local towns. They told Pace they're not against natural gas drilling; they just don't want it on the Thompson Divide.

But, what makes the fight to keep energy companies out of Thompson Divide different from those who simply don't want gas drilling in their backyards?

KDNK's Amy Hadden Marsh was at the Basalt meeting and brings this report.

SGM to Assess Impact of Thompson Divide Drilling on CDale Road

Tuesday night, Carbondale trustees again discussed drilling in the Thompson Divide. This time though, they were talking about the impact heavy trucks involved in gas drilling could have on Carbondale's West Main Street. KDNK's Eric Skalac spoke with town manager Jay Harrington after the meeting to find out more about the proposal put together by Schmueser Gordon Meyer, or SGM.

EnCana Engineer Fills CDale Trustees in on Fracking

Carbondale trustees got a visit from EnCana Corporation Tuesday night, when an engineer and a stakeholder relations advisor gave a presentation on hydraulic fracturing.

EnCana is one of the largest natural gas operators in the country, and here in Garfield County, they're a major player in the extraction of natural gas. Last night, engineer Mark Balderston assured the board that because of the use of best practices when it comes to safety, they're in control of the "whole situation, all the time".

KDNK Eric Skalac caught up with Balderston after his presentation to the board to find out more about what happens to wells once they're depleted, and about how spills of produced water are treated.

Thompson Divide Coalition's new strategy

The Bureau of Land Management is still deliberating about unitizing natural gas leases in the mountains south of Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. But, the Thompson Divide Coalition wants some kind of action. The Carbondale-based group sent a letter this week to energy companies, offering cash and an invitation to talk. KDNK's Amy Hadden Marsh has this report.

State Rep. Roger Wilson on Fracking Fluid Disclosure

Last month's state law requiring companies to disclose the ingredients of their fracking fluid has been called the most comprehensive and transparent in the country. But House Representative Roger Wilson says there are still aspects of the drilling process that need scrutiny. KDNK's Ed Williams sat down with Representative Wilson to talk about a bill he's introducing in the legislature.

Fracking linked to contaminated drinking water

Last week, for the first time ever, government scientists drew a direct link between hydraulic fracturing and drinking water contamination. The contaminated aquifer was in Wyoming, but as KDNK's Ed Williams reports, the finding has implications here in Colorado.

State Rules on Fracking Fluid Disclosure

Environmental groups and Colorado's oil and gas industry have set aside their differences to support a new rule for hydraulic fracturing. State regulators approved the rule on Tuesday, which requires oil and gas companies to publicly disclose the chemicals and fluids used in fracturing. As Bente Birkeland reports, it's being hailed as the most transparent rule in the country.

Garfield county's new oil and gas liaison meets Carbondale trustees

Kirby Wynn, Garfield County's new oil and gas liaison, started on the job at the end of September, after his predecessor was fired in June for reasons not made public. KDNK's Eric Skalac spoke with Wynn about the function of his position and the relationship between the public and the oil and gas industry.

New Hydrogen Sulfide regulations, but not for drilling sites

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