LONGMONT — The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission has authorized negotiations with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. to allow for energy development at St. Vrain State Park near Longmont, with some restrictions.
Anadarko has proposed drilling seven horizontal wells from a single 10-acre pad at the northern edge of the 688-acre park on the productive Wattenberg oil field.
Commissioners agreed last week to authorize Parks and Wildlife director Rick Cables to finalize a surface- use agreement and lease with Anadarko that includes environmental protections.
Three companies had expressed interest in drilling at the park, but Anadarko offered to pay a higher royalty rate. It also has existing wells surrounding the park, so it would need only one new well pad.
