BLM launches scoping period on proposed CO2 wells

Organization

BLM

Media Contact:

Kyle Sullivan, Public Affairs Specialist

CANON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office is starting a public scoping period on two proposed CO2 wells near Gardner, CO. 

OXY USA, the operator of the existing Sheep Mountain CO2 production unit, has proposed to drill two new CO2 wells (SMU 7-15-I and SMU 8-15-D). The project would take place within the boundaries of their existing operation, on both private and BLM surface lands, over BLM minerals. The project would utilize existing roads, powerlines and maintenance facilities. A new pipeline is the only new infrastructure that would be necessary, and it would be installed in an existing pipeline corridor. One well (7-15-I) would take place on an existing pad with currently producing wells, while a new pad would be constructed next to an existing pad in order to drill the other well (7-15-D). Most of the expansion would be reclaimed and re-vegetated as soon as the rig leaves the pad. The project is estimated to take three months for each well.

Project maps can be found on the BLM Royal Gorge Field Office website athttp://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/planning/sheep_mountain_co2.html.

For additional information or to provide a comment, please contact Aaron Richter at (719) 269-8512 or arichter@blm.gov. Comments are most helpful if received before July 25, 2014.


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.