ALAMOSA, Colo.—Toronto-based Lexam Explorations is holding off for now on its plans to explore for natural gas on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, even though an agreement that prohibited ground-disturbing activity on the land has expired.
Lexam agreed in February not to drill until August, but company Vice President Ian Ball said Friday that Lexam will wait until a federal judge rules on environmental groups’ request for a preliminary injunction on drilling.
Ball said the Lexam would not start drilling with the risk that a ruling for an injunction could stop the company’s work.
The Fish and Wildlife Service in October released an environmental analysis that said drilling wouldn’t have significant impacts on the refuge, but environmental groups have filed a lawsuit that argues the analysis wasn’t thorough enough. They are seeking a preliminary injunction to block any ground-disturbing activity on the 92,500-acre refuge until the lawsuit is resolved.
Lexam’s mineral rights predate the creation of the wildlife refuge, which Congress authorized in 2000 next to Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Federal law gives mineral-rights holders have the right to reasonable use of the surface to extract minerals.
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Information from: The Pueblo Chieftain,
