BLM opens public comment period for Greater Chapita Wells Oil and Gas Infill Project
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VERNAL, Utah — In keeping with the Administration's goal of Making America Safe through Energy Independence, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Vernal Field Office is seeking public comment on the Greater Chapita Wells Natural Gas Infill Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This announcement initiates a 45-day public comment period.
“The BLM welcomes and encourages public participation to ensure we have thoroughly analyzed a proposal before making decisions affecting our public lands,” said Ester McCullough, Vernal Field Office Manager.
The Draft EIS analyzes a proposal from EOG Resources, Inc. to develop hydrocarbon resources from existing oil and gas leases owned or operated by the company within the Greater Chapita Wells Project Area in Uintah County, Utah. The proposal, primarily located on BLM administered land, includes drilling up to 2,808 gas wells.
The project is estimated to bring in $1 billion in state royalties, $526 million in county and school tax generation, and $140 million in royalties to the State Permanent Public School Fund. Oil and gas development on BLM-managed lands in Utah contributed $1.7 billion to the economy and supported 9,171 jobs in Fiscal Year 2016.
The Draft EIS is available on BLM's ePlanning website at: http://go.usa.gov/csKAz.
BLM will host three open-house meetings to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions about the proposal and EIS:
Vernal, Utah
March 27, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm
Uintah Conference Center
313 East 200 South
Fort Duchesne, Utah
March 28, 2018 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Ute Tribal Auditorium
910 South 7500 East
Roosevelt, Utah
March 28, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Duchesne County Chamber of Commerce
50 East 200 South
The public review and comment period closes at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2018. Comments are most useful when they identify issues relevant to the proposed action or contain new technical or scientific information. Comments that contain only opinions or preferences will not receive a formal response, but may be considered in the BLM decision-making process.
Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods:
• BLM's ePlanning website at the above address
• E-mail: UT_Vernal_Comments@blm.gov
• Fax: (435) 781-4410
• Mail: 170 South 500 East, Vernal, Utah 84078
Please include “Greater Chapita Wells” in the subject or ATTN lines.
Commenters should be aware that their entire comment, including personal identifying information, may be made publicly available at any time. Requests to withhold personal identifying information from public review can be submitted, but the BLM cannot guarantee that it will be able to do so.
Additional project information is available from Stephanie Howard, (435)-781-4400. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to contact Howard during normal business hours. FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for leaving a message or question. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
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.