Editor: From all accounts the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) is poised to approve 151 new gas wells in Aurora. Since their stated mission is to protect the public health, safety, welfare, environment, and wildlife of our State, this action would seem to do just the opposite.
According to COGCC there are 625 wells abandoned by the Oil & Gas (O&G) industry where tax payers are on the hook to pay for cleanup. The cost to plug and clean one well is $93,000. Colorado is set to receive $25 Million from the Infrastructure Act to clean these up. This will not come close to the bill taxpayers are left with and takes money away from much needed bridge and road repair.
The new COGCC bond requirement will also be a drop in the bucket compared to actual taxpayer costs. Just one abandoned well in Firestone leaked into a home, exploding it, killing two, and putting neighbors at risk. These “orphaned” wells are dangerous and surround many in Aurora. Countless scientific studies have documented the dangers of the cumulative effects of O&G operations, especially to fetuses, small children, the immunosuppressed, and the elderly living near the wells. Prominent studies from veterinary scientists on the internet document illness/death of livestock, wildlife, and domestic pets. The water required for these new wells is over twice the water stored in the Quincy Reservoir while no new grass permits and watering rationing are now the rule in Aurora. The used water has been poisoned lethally and is pumped into the earth for disposal.
That alone is a catastrophe waiting to happen. The company scheduled to drill these wells has already had to pay for fineable infractions. Does this reflect a good safety record? Is it simply total governmental indifference or the enormous financial clout of the wealthy O&G industry that results in COGCC approval of more wells in Aurora? Sadly, I am even required to pay for the huge State and Federal subsidies this wealthy industry receives through my tax dollars.
— Georgiana Inskeep, via letters@sentinelcolorado.com
I agree with letter.
Uggh!! I hate the idea of Arapahoe County becoming another Weld County, with ugly oil/gas infrastructure in your field of vision in every direction, no matter which way you look! To say nothing of the invisible toxic hydrocarbons in every breath you take.
I feel the same way and totally agree with Georgiana. It is up to the State to protect us, and
they show no intention to do so.
Do not trust any oil company or commission that claims to protect the public health, safety, welfare, environment, and wildlife of our State. They can claim whatever they like, but their goals are purely financial.