Exception granted for use of BLM Grass Mesa access road

GLENWOOD SPRINGS – The Bureau of Land Management has approved a request for exception  to timing limitations by EnCana USA, Inc. to continue using a right-of-way through BLM land as part of a natural gas drilling operation on private land on Grass Mesa, south of Rifle.

Under the BLM exception, EnCana would be able to use the BLM Grass Mesa access road through Dec. 14, 2003, to complete drilling operations on the Jewell 22-10 well on the 022 pad. The existing timing restrictions would still apply to all other uses of the BLM access road. BLM’s decision to grant the exception for use of the access road was based on the risks to public safety and the environment associated with not completing drilling operations.

Timing limitations apply to BLM land in the Grass Mesa from December through April as part of federal lease stipulations. This seasonal closure includes surface disturbing activities associated with drilling operations, and is enforced to protect critical winter range for elk and other wildlife.

Because the EnCana well is located on private surface property and private minerals, the BLM does not have regulatory authority over the drilling operations. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission regulates oil and gas operations on private land.

Encana had received a five-day extension through Dec. 5 to allow them to secure wells currently in the completion process on five pads for the winter and remove the associated equipment.

 For more information, contact BLM’s Glenwood Springs Assoc. Field Manager Steve Bennett at 970-947-2813.

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