RIFLE — The federal government is seeking public comment on a plan by Williams Production RMT to drill up to 58 natural gas wells about six miles southwest of Rifle.
Williams proposes to drill eight wells this year, and the rest through 2012, from three new well pads and one existing one in the Spruce Creek area south of Interstate 70. The 688-acre project area includes 486 acres of BLM-managed lands.
The proposal would include 4,200 feet of new roads and nearly two miles of buried pipeline. A total of about 20,000 round trips by trucks and other vehicles would be required during drilling and completion of the wells, according to a master development plan by the BLM.
Such plans are required to allow drilling impacts to be identified and minimized.
The BLM is preparing an environmental assessment on the proposal and wants to hear issues the public wants to be addressed. Comments will be most helpful if received by July 23.
Comments may be sent to the Glenwood Springs Energy Office, 2425 S. Grand Ave., Suite 101, Glenwood Springs CO 81601, or to gsfomail@co.blm.gov. Copies of the master development plan may be reviewed at the energy office or at the BLM Web site at www.blm.gov.
