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Oil, Gas Commission Approves Stricter Groundwater Rules

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Jan 7, 2013 at 11:33 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2013 at 11:33 PM MDT

DENVER - On Monday, the first of a three-day hearing, state regulators unanimously approved a rule requiring energy companies to do groundwater sampling both before and after they drill.

The sampling of water wells near drilling sites will help show whether supplies of drinking water have been affected by energy development.

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission considers the new rules among the strongest in the country. Only two other states have mandatory groundwater programs and no other states require post-drilling water samples.

The commission finished Monday's meeting with deliberations on how far drilling must be from buildings, a topic that's expected to stretch into Tuesday and Wednesday as well.

Commissioners also decided to allow all testimony to be heard during these meetings, despite earlier attempts by oil and gas groups to block some.

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frac'ingkills said on Tuesday, Jan 8 at 2:21 PM

How can you compensate for ruining an aquifer that can never be 'fixed'?

cogcctestingisfake said on Tuesday, Jan 8 at 2:15 PM

Yeah, but the tests from the gas companies and COGCC are corrupt.

Realist said on Tuesday, Jan 8 at 11:10 AM

This is a great idea. If the energy companies are not affecting the water than let 'em drill. But, if they are they must pay those who they affect. Water coming out of a faucet should not be able to be lit on fire.

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