Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
| Contacts: | Ann Bond, Public Affairs Specialist | , (970) 385-1219 | , abond@fs.fed.us | |
| Tom Rice, Natural Resource Specialist | , (970) 882-6845 | , trice@blm.gov |
BLM Accepting Comments on Natural Gas Well Proposal in Canyons of the Ancients
The Bureau of Land Management is accepting public comments on a proposal by the Questar Exploration and Production Company to drill one natural gaswell in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. The proposed well padand road would be constructed on a previously reclaimed well pad and road. If the well proves economical, a pipeline would be constructed within that same right of way.
Questar has submitted an Application for Permit to Drill to the BLM for the gas well, which would be located on federal surface within the boundaries of the National Monument. The well would be in the Mockingbird Mesa area approximately 19 miles west/northwest of Cortez in Montezuma County. All surface activity would be conducted in accordance with the BLM Gold Book standards. Additional site specific stipulations would be applied via Conditions of Approval as determined by the National Monument staff to protect cultural resources and other resource values.
According to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Proclamation, lands within the area remain open to continued oil and gas development under existing leases, under current lease restrictions and BLM regulations. All surface activity would be conducted in accordance with the BLM Gold Book standards. Additional site specific stipulations would be applied via Conditions of Approval as determined by the National Monument staff to protect cultural resources and other resource values.
The Environmental Assessment is available electronically at: www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm.html by clicking the link to: "National Environmental Policy Act Documents," where a PDF document can be opened. A hard copy can be requested via the contact information listed below.
Written comments will be accepted until close of business on Friday, February 5, 2010. Comments can be mailed to Tom Rice, Natural Resource Specialist-Oil and Gas Program, Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Hwy. 184, Dolores,CO 81323 or sent via email to: trice@blm.gov For more information contact Tom Rice at 970 882 6845.
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument San Juan Public Lands Center 15 Burnett Court Durango, CO 81301