DENVER—The town of Erie is implementing its own air- and water-quality rules for oil and natural gas drilling operations.
Town officials tell The Denver Post () they have to do all they can to protect residents’ health and safety, rather than relying only on state rules. Erie officials want to review companies’ drilling plans for compatibility with local development. The town also is requiring drilling operations to capture all air emissions, and its testing water.
The move comes as a state task force works to clarify how to coordinate state and local jurisdictional conflicts over drilling regulations.
At least 200 wells have been drilled around Erie, and more are planned near where developers are pursuing housing.
“We know we don’t have the authority to stop it. Even our residents who are most concerned recognize the need for energy and private-property rights. We just want it done in a safe way,” said town administrator A.J. Krieger.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientist Steven Brown, analyzing air data from an observation tower east of Erie, found elevated ozone-producing contaminants with propane levels 10 times higher than in Los Angeles, The Denver Post reported.
A group of mothers, organized as Erie Mothers, has asked state health officials to study potential harm to children. State health department officials say they lack resources to study potential health effects of drilling in Erie but will participate in a Colorado State University study.
Already, town officials have asked Encana to capture all emissions from four new wells. Encana officials said they’re committed to exceeding a state requirement that companies capture 95 percent of emissions, but capturing all isn’t feasible.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
