Contacts: Denise Adamic, Public Affairs Specialist, (303) 239-3671

                 Jaime Gardner, Public Affairs Specialist, (303) 239-3681

Sept. 17, 2008

BLM seeks public comment on well-development proposal near DeBeque

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on an oil and gas exploration and development proposal two miles east of DeBeque, Colo.

Under the Orchard II Master Development Plan, EnCana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc. proposes drilling 93 wells over two-to-three years beginning in fall 2009. The proposed development area encompasses approximately 12,067 acres of federal lands and minerals within the Little Alkali Creek, Alkali Creek, Smith Gulch, Horsethief Creek and Little Horsethief Creek watersheds.

The wells would be drilled from 24 proposed well pads and one existing pad, and would require the improvement or construction of 8.8 miles of roads. Additionally, the gathering system for the proposed wells would require installation of 15.5 miles of buried pipelines. Directional and closed loop drilling technology would be used to drill the majority of the wells.

BLM requires operators to submit these Master Development Plans so that a broad evaluation of plans and impacts can be completed, and environmental impacts and appropriate measures to mitigate these impacts can be identified.

The Orchard II Master Development Plan was first released for public review in December 2007. Following that comment period, BLM prepared an environmental assessment to disclose direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental impacts of the proposed development plan and alternatives. The EA also describes and analyzes mitigation measures proposed by EnCana to lessen environmental impacts, and includes standard and site-specific Conditions of Approval.

Public comments are being accepted on the proposal and EA through Sept. 30, 2008, to further identify issues or concerns. The environmental assessment and decision record are expected to be completed later this year.

Written comments may be submitted to:

Comments may also be submitted by fax to (970) 244-3083; or by e-mail to GJFO_webmail@blm.gov.

Additional information and a project map of the Orchard Master Development Plan are available for review at the Grand Junction Field Office or on-line at www.blm.gov (click on the interactive map to reach the Grand Junction Field Office page). http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo.1.html

For additional information, please contact Julia Christiansen at (970) 244-3093.

###

BLM Grand Junction Field Office

ATTN: OMDP

2815 H Road, Grand Junction

Colorado 81506