Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking Information: Fracking in Weld County

COGCC estimates that more than 2,650 wells and associated facilities were affected directly and indirectly by the flood. About 1,150 barrels (48,250 gallons) of oil and condensate spilled, and more than 1,035 barrels (43,478 gallons) of produced water spilled. The Commissions suggests various regulatory, statutory, policy, and practice changes because of lessons learned from this disaster.

The COGCC has compiled this list of Hydraulic Fracturing Information links because of the public's interest in and concern about the potential impacts of fracking on public health and the environment.

State Review of Oil and Natural Gas Environmental Regulations, Inc. (STRONGER) report of the review of the COGCC program against the 2010 Hydraulic Fracturing Guidelines of STRONGER.

Anadarko describes its Northern Colorado fracking operations as the "Wattenberg Horizontal Drilling Program."

Chesapeake is "Rocking the Rockies in a search for liquids-rich resources" according to its promotional magazine, "The Play."

Encana Natural Gas has devoted extensive energy to public relations; see "Encana's Best Management Practices for the Front Range of Colorado" at this link.

Great Western Oil & Gas highlights the competitive advantages of the DJ Basin, including lower cost development.

Noble Energy promises its shareholders "strong returns due to low operating costs" in Northern Colorado's DJ Basin.

This article from the KUNC radio web site explains the political and financial partnerships in Weld County related to the oil and gas boom. Note the presence of state and federal-level politicians at the Noble Energy Company headquarters opening: Governor John Hickenlooper, Republican Congressman Corey Gardner.

Anadarko's V.P. is quoted in this press release: “Anadarko is invested in the communities where we live and operate,” said Anadarko Vice President of Rockies Operations, Jim Kleckner. “This will be our largest tax payment made to Weld County, symbolizing a constructive relationship and stable tax regime coupled with the exceptional performance of our Wattenberg oil and natural gas field and expanding presence in the region. It is gratifying to know this revenue benefits residents in Weld County, and especially the educational opportunities this creates for the local school districts.”

Environment America Research & Policy Center reports on fracking sites close to schools and hospitals.

This article from the Longmont newspaper, The Times Call, describes the vast political and policy differences between Weld County and Boulder County. Here is a quote that succinctly describes the Weld County stance toward climate change: "While Boulder County and the city of Boulder are developing a Climate Change Preparedness Plan, 'we would never waste our money on something like that,' Kirkmeyer said."