For Immediate Release: January 18, 2008
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097

BLM Grand Junction invites comments on pipeline project

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) has received a right-of-way application from EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) to construct a 22-mile natural gas pipeline in the Collbran and Plateau Valley area.  There will be several opportunities for public input, beginning today with a 30-day public scoping comment period intended to identify issues and concerns, and provide BLM valuable information about the project for consideration during the environmental review process. Encana’s proposed 30-inch diameter pipeline would transport up to 650 million standard cubic feet per day of field grade natural gas for further processing and delivery to market. Approximately 93 percent of the proposed pipeline would be located at the edge of existing pipeline or road corridors, and would begin on Hayes Mesa in the Anderson Gulch area approximately five miles west of Collbran. 

“EnCana’s proposed pipeline route and alternative cross private lands as well as federal lands managed by the Grand Junction and Glenwood Springs Field Offices, and White River National Forest,” Natural Resource Specialist Christina Stark said.  “It’s important for the public to share any concerns and identify additional issues that will assist the BLM in developing alternatives.”  The GJFO has been designated the lead office and will be preparing an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act. 

The proposed pipeline route primarily lies south of the Colorado River and I-70, north of the Grand Mesa, and east of Colorado State Highway 65.  Encana’s proposed route would follow V Road, continue down Samson Mesa, and terminate at EnCana’s Orchard Unit compressor site located near I-70, approximately six miles northeast of De Beque. 

The public may submit written comments to the BLM Grand Junction Field Office, ATTN: Collbran Pipeline Project, 2815 H Road, Grand Junction, Colorado 81506; by fax to (970) 244-3083; or by e-mail to GJFO_webmail@blm.gov. A project map is available for review at the Grand Junction Field Office or on-line at www.blm.gov/co (select Grand Junction from the map). For BLM to best utilize public comments, please submit substantive comments, which are most helpful in the BLM’s planning process, by February 18, 2008. Completion of the Environmental Assessment and a Decision Record are anticipated this summer.  For additional information, please contact Christina Stark at (970) 244-3022.

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Editor’s Note:  Project map available upon request.