For Immediate Release Dec. 7, 2004
Contact: Steven Hall  BLM 970-244-3052

BLM approves Figure 4 Geographic Area Plan

MEEKER-The Bureau of Land Management White River Field Office has approved the Geographic Area Plan (GAP) submitted by EnCana Oil and Gas, USA for the federal Figure Four unit in the Piceance Basin. The GAP provides a management tool to plan for oil and gas development and analyze impacts over a broad area.

The December 3 decision follows an environmental assessment submitted by EnCana to construct 120 well pads and 327 wells on 17,385 acres of BLM land in Garfield and Rio Blanco counties. The GAP authorizes long-term disturbance of 480 acres, with 35 miles of upgraded roads and 33 miles of new roads as part of the proposal.

"As part of this GAP we have tried to mitigate impacts associated with natural gas development while still developing an important energy resource," White River Field Manager Kent Walter said. "EnCana will use directional drilling and existing roads where possible to minimize impacts to other resources in the area."

The GAP is compatible with the White River Resource Management Plan, developed with extensive public input to determine public land use. The GAP and EA are available online at www.co.blm.gov/wrra/index.htm or at the White River Field Office, 73544 Hwy. 64, Meeker, CO.

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