GUNNISON, Colo.—Gunnison County commissioners have approved applications that will help two energy companies support their hydraulic fracturing operations.
SG Interests had sought to build four pits to store water produced during fracking, which involves blasting sand, water and chemicals underground to release natural gas. Gunnison Energy Corp. applied to build two pits.
Commissioners voted 2-1 last week to approve their applications, with the condition that the companies pay for an inspector who would monitor construction and operations. The resolutions said the storage pits would help reduce traffic from trucks transporting water.
The Denver Post reports some environmentalists are concerned by the companies’ plans because the pits will be upstream from the Paonia Reservoir, which supplies irrigation water to farms.
