BLM accepting public comments on Master Development Plan to develop up to 146 wells in the upper North Fork Valley
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MONTROSE, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office is accepting public comments on an Environmental Impact Statement for a Master Development Plan within the Bull Mountain Unit near Paonia, Colo. The proposed project includes up to 146 natural gas wells, four water disposal wells and the construction of associated access roads and pipelines for leases operated by SG Interests I, LTD.
The Bull Mountain Unit Master Development Plan proposal area covers about 19,670 acres of federal and private subsurface mineral estate in the upper North Fork Valley 30 miles northeast of the Town of Paonia along Colorado State Highway 133. The EIS analyzes protections for air and water quality, wildlife habitat and other environmental resources.
During the drilling phase, the project could generate up to $100 million in employment income and about 470 jobs annually while the production phase could generate up to $14 million in employment income resulting in about 135 jobs on a yearly basis.
The Master Development Plan provides the framework to facilitate orderly development and better analyze cumulative effects and appropriate mitigation. All wells within the Master Development Plan share common design elements and mitigation for drill pads, boreholes, pipelines, roads and compressor stations. If the Master Development Plan is approved, an Application for Permit to Drill must be submitted and approved before any drilling activity is performed. The BLM’s approval process will include site-specific analysis within the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The BLM plans to host a public meeting to provide information and answer questions about the EIS on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6 p.m. at the Paonia High School.
To review the Draft EIS, go to: www.blm.gov/co/st/en/BLM_Information/nepa/ufo/Bull_Mountain_EIS.html.
Written comments about the Bull Mountain Unit Master Development Plan may be submitted by mail, e-mail or fax. Comments must be received no later than Mar. 2, 2015. Send written comments via mail to the Bureau of Land Management, Uncompahgre Field Office, Attn: Gina Jones, 2465 South Townsend Ave., Montrose, CO 81401; e-mail to bullmtneis@blm.gov; or fax to (970) 240-5368.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment -- including your personal identifying information -- may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
For more information, contact the Bull Mountain EIS Project Coordinator at (970) 240-5300.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.