BLM and Forest Service issue decisions on North Fork Mancos oil and gas development proposal
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MONTROSE, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Uncompahgre Field Office and the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests issued respective decisions on a proposed oil and gas development project on existing Federal leases 12 miles northeast of Paonia, Colo.
“The natural gas wells that would be drilled under the North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan would make additional energy reserves available for the American public and generate additional jobs in our local communities,” BLM Uncompahgre Field Manager Greg Larson said.
“Public lands managed by the BLM and National Forest are managed for multiple-uses, including mineral development,” said GMUG Forest Supervisor Chad Stewart. “Both agencies took a hard look at potential impacts through our environmental analysis.”
The BLM issued a final decision approving the drilling of up to 14 new wells into federal minerals from two well pads on private surface (one new, one existing) using only one drilling rig at a time. The BLM also approved a right-of-way for a surface pipeline to transport fresh water to well pads to help reduce truck traffic.
The Forest Service issued a draft decision that would approve the expansion of one existing well pad and construction of two new well pads on National Forest System lands, from which up to 21 new wells would be drilled. The draft decision also would approve the use of National Forest System lands for access roads and pipelines. A 45-day objection period follows the Forest Service’s draft decision. The BLM will issue its decision on the portions of the proposal on National Forest System lands following the Forest Service’s final decision.
If developed, these proposed wells could produce up to 700 billion cubic feet of natural gas over the 30-year life of the project. Gunnison Energy expects to employ 135 workers during the six years of well development. The State of Colorado receives 48 percent of revenues from leases issued on public lands in Colorado, which could result in up to $27 million in payments.
More details, including maps are available at https://go.usa.gov/xQBaq. Additional information about the Forest Service’s objection period is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=50966.
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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.