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A COUNTY’S ROLE IN OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT (ONE COUNTY’S PERSPECTIVE)

A COUNTY’S ROLE IN OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT (ONE COUNTY’S PERSPECTIVE). Presented To – Colorado Institute for Leadership Training April 3, 2004 Presented By - Doug Dennison, Oil & Gas Auditor Garfield County, Colorado. Outline. Background Regulatory Setting 2003 Complaint Summary

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A COUNTY’S ROLE IN OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT (ONE COUNTY’S PERSPECTIVE)

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  1. A COUNTY’S ROLE IN OIL & GAS DEVELOPMENT(ONE COUNTY’S PERSPECTIVE) Presented To – Colorado Institute for Leadership Training April 3, 2004 Presented By - Doug Dennison, Oil & Gas Auditor Garfield County, Colorado

  2. Outline • Background • Regulatory Setting • 2003 Complaint Summary • A County’s Role in Oil & Gas Development • Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives 2 April 3, 2004

  3. Background • Most drilling activity in Colorado • As of 03/26/04, 34 out of 68 drilling rigs operating in Colorado were in Garfield County – next most was Weld County with 14 rigs • At least nine oil & gas companies are actively involved in exploration and production of natural gas in the county • Most exploration and production of natural gas is from tight sands but potential of coal bed natural gas production is being evaluated 3 April 3, 2004

  4. Background (cont.) • APDs approved • CY 2003 = 566, a record high • CY 2004 (as of 03/17/04) = 141 • Projected for 2004 = >650 • Over 1,600 active wells • Over 300 new natural gas wells drilled during 2003 with over 500 planned for 2004 4 April 3, 2004

  5. 2003 Summary of Complaints Complaints Received 4/1/03 – 12/31/03 5 April 3, 2004

  6. Regulatory Setting • State of Colorado: • Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) • Has primary authority for regulating O&G industry • Has responsibility to promote development of resources in a manner that protects human health and the environment • Local field engineers based in Battlement Mesa 6 April 3, 2004

  7. Regulatory Setting (Cont.) • State of Colorado (Cont.): • Certain activities also fall under jurisdiction of other agencies • Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) • Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) • Air Pollution Control Division (APCD) • Colorado Division of Water Resources (State Engineer) • Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) 7 April 3, 2004

  8. Regulatory Setting (Cont.) • Federal Government • Several agencies may be involved, including: • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – primary responsibility for permitting and monitoring activities on Federal lands • U.S. Forest Service (USFS) • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) • Army Corps of Engineers (COE) 8 April 3, 2004

  9. Regulatory Setting (Cont.) • County • County’s authority is very limited • Cannot supersede or conflict with COGCC • Few counties have O&G regulations • Generally regulate through land-use code • Most counties use planning personnel • Can participate as a Local Governmental Designee (LGD) in COGCC APD process 9 April 3, 2004

  10. Regulatory Setting (Cont.) • County’s Role in COGCC LGD Process • Initial 10-day review of application • Request additional 20 days for review, if required • Request onsite consultation with COGCC, if required • Request public hearing, if required 10 April 3, 2004

  11. A County’s Role in Oil & Gas Development • CAUTION: There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution • Local government’s involvement in and regulation of industry activities is dictated by several factors, including: • Level of industry activity • Available resources • Political environment • Technical factors which dictate development practices 11 April 3, 2004

  12. A County’s Role in Oil & Gas Development (cont.) • In the simplest terms, a county’s role is to “fill the gap” where industry activities are not addressed by State and Federal Regulations • For example • Land-use regulations • Local road-use regulations • Participate in the COGCC LGD process and utilize the process to its fullest extent 12 April 3, 2004

  13. A County’s Role in Oil & Gas Development (cont.) • Actively participate in COGCC hearings and rulemakings • Provide opportunities for citizens to receive education regarding industry • Provide a forum for issues surrounding the industry to be discussed • Participate with State and Federal agencies in review of proposed activities 13 April 3, 2004

  14. A County’s Role in Oil & Gas Development (cont.) • Devote resources, as needed and available, to assist public in dealing with impact from industry • Coordinate with other local agencies (e.g., municipalities, fire districts, etc.) to address impacts 14 April 3, 2004

  15. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives • Attempting to establish and maintain positive relationships with industry and State and Federal regulators to effectively address issues • Actively participating in rulemaking discussions with CCI, COGCC and COGA • Co-sponsor of NW Colorado Oil & Gas Forum • Maximizing the use of all existing resources to deal with impacts from industry • Coordinating training needs for industry with Colorado Mountain College • Assisting local emergency responders and industry in assessing HAZMAT capabilities and training needs 15 April 3, 2004

  16. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • First county in CO to hire a full-time individual to be focal point for all industry activities – Garfield County Oil & Gas Auditor • Specific Duties • Serve as a liaison between citizens, industry, county, and regulators • Educate citizens on industry activities • Respond to complaints and develop and maintain a database of citizen complaints • Review all Applications to Drill (APDs) for new wells 16 April 3, 2004

  17. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • Oil & Gas Auditor - Specific Duties (cont.) • Develop technical information library • Conduct periodic informational meetings • Assist Assessor’s and Treasurer’s offices in validating industry financial and county royalty payment information • Provide input and advice to BOCC regarding industry issues 17 April 3, 2004

  18. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • Oil & Gas Auditor - Specific Duties (cont.) • Participate in land-use review process for industry activities • Participate in development of new industry-related land-use regulations • Facilitate “lessons-learned” reviews of industry-related incidents • Other duties, as assigned and needed 18 April 3, 2004

  19. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • New Initiatives • Establishing Garfield County Energy Advisory Board (EAB) • Currently stated mission of the EAB is – “… to provide a forum for the oil and gas industry, the public, impacted landowners, and local government to prevent or minimize conflict associated with oil and gas development through positive and proactive communication and actions that encourage responsible and balanced development of these resources within Garfield County. “ 19 April 3, 2004

  20. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • New Initiatives (cont.) • Establishing Garfield Count Energy Advisory Board (EAB) (cont.) • Membership of the EAB will include – • Municipalities • School districts • Citizen groups • Cattlemen's associations • Industry • 6 citizen representatives 20 April 3, 2004

  21. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • New Initiatives (cont.) • Evaluating new land-use regulations regarding the oil & gas industry • Current revision consists of development plan review via a primarily administrative process • Regulations have been referred to Planning & Zoning Commission for review and may be reviewed by BOCC again in May, 2004 21 April 3, 2004

  22. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • New Initiatives (cont.) • Developing program for performing air-quality monitoring in western GarCo • Assembling a group consisting of citizen groups, Colorado Mountain College, local school districts, CDPHE, COGCC, industry and others to address this issue • Currently pursuing grant funds from CDPHE for start-up costs • Will pursue energy impact grants and other funding sources in the next several months • Pursuing training from CDPHE for certified odor assessors 22 April 3, 2004

  23. Garfield County’s Approach & Initiatives (cont.) • Summary • GarCo’s relationship with industry is one of mutual need • The county benefits from additional tax revenue, increased employment, etc. • Industry must recognize the needs of the community and work with the county and other local governments to address those needs 23 April 3, 2004

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