Open letter to the Honorable John Hickenlooper, Governor State of Colorado

July, 31 2012 Dear Governor, Let me introduce myself, I am Carl B. Erickson. I reside in Weld county Colorado. I am currently running for Weld county Commissioner at Large as a write- in candidate. Overall I am very pleased with your tenure as Governor, especially your handling of the recent tragedies in Aurora and the wildfire epidemic. But as a resident of Weld county, the county which has the largest number of oil and gas wells in it, I have one very large area of concern. I am heartily worried about the future of our great State, I fear the will and welfare of our citizens are being widely ignored. Widely voiced resistance to unwanted hydro-fracture drilling and the plethora of support industries involved in it are met by platitudes and rhetoric by our elected officials at the state and local levels. You, sir, are among the issuers of these. On July 17, 2012 you were quoted as saying “Like any industrial process, fracking has some risks but, really, if done properly, certainly out in the West, there is literally no risk — certainly much less than many industrial processes,” in an interview for Fortune Magazine. Which is it Governor? Some risk, literally no risk, or much less risk? Is it the ‘some risk’ of polluting reported by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission estimated at 44% of spills at fracking pads resulting in contamination of groundwater? Or the ‘literally no risk’ imposed by drinking water contamination as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency in their draft report on contamination in Pavillion WY? Or the ‘much less risk’ posed by the EPA analysis of the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas being 9,000 times higher than previously reported? Or, maybe the operative phrase is, ‘if done properly’. Perhaps the necessary steps are not in place to insure the responsible drilling of which you speak. Perhaps the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission’s maximum fine of $1000 dollars a day per incident isn’t anything more than an acceptable operating cost to the offenders. Or maybe the handful of investigators we have is not enough. Whatever the cause, if we are not ensuring drilling is ‘done properly’ we are ignoring the health and welfare of our environment and our residents. Stunts like swilling fracking fluid as you said you did in a March 1 2012 radio report for KUNC, do little to assuage concerns when residents who live in the vicinity of frack sites can observe the effect of spilled fluids first-hand. Dying plants and dead water life are ample proof that just because you can drink a little something (grain alcohol for example), doesn’t mean it is healthy or conducive to growth when applied in gallons. Residents of Weld county find it a hard pill to swallow when ample water to raise crops and quench the thirst of livestock and yards is unavailable to them. Insult is added to this injury when rows of fracking water trucks line up 20 deep to fill up with water from municipal fire hydrants as they do in Greeley, and then transport that water on county roads so dry they spew dust high in the sky and depress the roadbed with their weight, right past farmers and ranchers whose crops and livestock could have been sustained for a while on the contents of those trucks. The contents of said trucks to be pumped into the impervious shale layer that will only return a small fraction of its contents to water cycle. I’m sure you have heard of these issues, as well as the issues of inappropriate use of roads and blatant disregard of traffic laws in Weld County and elsewhere in the state. Yes we have jobs, but at what cost? At what level of quality are we subsisting in this energy economy? Cash is one of those things that may be edible, but is not beneficial as a primary foodstuff. Human and environmental issues are not things we can plug in to a cost/benefit analysis; any loss in either of these areas negates any benefit that might be gained. If this industry cannot operate ‘properly’ it needs to be halted until such time as our lives and livelihood can be protected. Therefore, Governor, I implore you to reconsider your stance on the practice of hydro-fracturing, considering the welfare of the majority of the citizens of this state before the financial benefits of a minority interest. Respectfully, Carl B. Erickson https://sites.google.com/site/electcarlberickson/

Bakken Shale Drilling Activity 2010 [TIMELAPSE]

Uploaded by TheTimoneyGroup on Mar 1, 2011
Tweeted By: @OccupyGreed

NORTH DAKOTA DRILLING TIMELAPSE
 

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Might we interest you in our backyard? Have a look at 18,000 active oil and gas wells in Weld County, Colorado. Absolutely SICK SHIT!

Weld County will test resident’s water wells for oil and gas contamination free of charge

By Analisa Romano
aromano@greeleytribune.com

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Image: WTFrack.org

Weld County residents who worry their well water is affected by oil and gas activity may get peace of mind from the county and an instrument designed to test groundwater for oil and gas contamination for free.

The county’s new Federal Mineral Lease Board, comprised of Weld Commissioner David Long and two members in the oil and gas industry, granted the money to commissioners to purchase the gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer instrument for an estimated $145,000.

While the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission does similar testing for well water contamination, Weld County Commissioner Sean Conway said the availability of the instrument gives residents “another layer of security” as the industry continues to expand in Weld.

“This in no way, shape or form should be viewed as commissioners don’t have confidence in the (Oil and Gas Conservation Commission), or that oil and gas companies aren’t doing their utmost to do their process safely and securely,” Conway said.

Rather, the free testing program, which won’t roll out to residents for at least another 60 days, is a response to residents’ concerned calls about the safety of their drinking water, said Trevor Jiricek, Weld’s director of planning.

He said the gas spectrometer will detect compounds normally found in petroleum. After testing to see whether the water shows sign of oil and gas activity, residents must pay for any additional analysis, Jiricek said.

The money used to buy the instrument didn’t come from Weld taxpayers, said Long — it’s federal money granted to the county for oil and gas production on public lands, primarily the Pawnee National Grassland. Weld commissioners just approved the new Federal Mineral Lease Board last fall, which independently decides how to spend the revenue, he said. So this is the first year the board can allocate the money to entities that hope to offset some of the industry’s impacts.

The board’s two big projects this year will be improving county roads, which take a beating from heavy truck haulers associated with the industry, and the gas spectrometer, Long said. 

He said the new instrument will also be able to establish a baseline for well water in the area, so that when oil and gas activity does increase, the county will have a better idea of the industry’s impact.

Continue reading...

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There is no peace of mind. What Weld County, Colorado appears to be doing are two things: One; they will control the outcome of the water testing data so Weld County will appear to be 'in good health' with the oil and gas doctor. Two; They will be absolutely shocked to know that Weld County is a sacrifice zone and should immediately be evacuated.  

We have one question for you Weld County: Why not buy air monitoring systems with the estimated $50 million you received in 2011 from oil and gas revenues? Don't be a cheap skate Weld County. You know the air quality is toxic. "Every time we visit your county we get nosebleeds and headaches."

Eighteen Colorado Groups asks Governor Hickenlooper to stop misinforming the public about drilling/fracking spills and releases

Weld County, Colorado Spill of the Day - ENCANA Oil & Gas USA Inc. Historic Images of Area

Date Rec'd:	8/29/2011	Report taken by:	BOB CHESSON
DocNum:	2215686	API number:	05-123 -29288	Facility ID:	299196

Operator Information

Operator:	ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC	Oper. No.	100185
Address:	370 17TH ST STE 1700 ATTN: DIANE BILESZNER DENVER , CO 80202-5632
Phone:	(303 )623-2300	Fax:	(303 )623-2400
Operator Contact:	MATTHEW HARRISON

Description of Spill:

Date of Incident:	8/25/2011
Type of Facility:	TANK BATTERY
Well Name/No.	GRANT 23-11	Fac. Name/No.
County Name:	WELD
qtrqtr: SWSE section: 11 township: 2N range: 68W meridian: 6

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Volumes spilled and recovered (bbls) 1 bbl = 42 U.S. gallons
Oil spilled: 0	Recvrd: 0
Water spilled: 12 (or 504 gallons)	Recvrd: 12
Other spilled: 0	Recved: 0
GW Impact? Y Surface water impact? N Contained within berm? Y
Area and vertical extent of spill: 30-FT X 35 -FT
Current land use: OIL AND GAS, AGRICULTURE
Weather conditions: SUNNY, 90`S
Soil/Geology description VOAN SANDY LOAM, 3-5% SLOPES
Distance in feet to nearest surface water: 400
Depth to shallowest GW: 5
Wetlands:	Buildings: 690
Livestock:	Water Wells: 1080
Cause of spill:
EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Immediate Response:
THE WELL WAS SHUT-IN.
Emergency Pits:
NA
How extent determined:
EXCAVATION.
Further Remediation
EXCAVATION IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY TO REMOVE IMPACTED SOILS, GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELLS WILL BE INSTALLED AT A LATER DATE.
Prevent Problem:
NEW PRODUCED WATER TANK WILL CONTAIN WEIGHTS TO PREVENT FLOATING.
Detailed Description:
SHALLOW GROUNDWATER CAUSED THE PARTIALLY BURIED PRODUCED WATER TANK TO FLOAT, RESULTING IN A DUMP-LINE DETACHMENT FROM THE PRODUCED WATER TANK. CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE

please comment and vote on poll below

O&G Spill of the Day Next to Irrigation Ponds - NOBLE ENERGY PRODUCTION INC

How long has this leak been ongoing?  Noble claims NO surface water was impacted when their reports clearly indicate that irrigation ponds are 115' feet away from the spill.  The probability of this spill contaminating the surface water appears to be very likely especially when an UNKNOWN amount of contaminant had been spilled.  The quantity spilled could be 50,000 gallons, 20,000 gallons, who knows?  Even 10 gallons is not satisfactory.

Call or email NOBLE ENERGY and let them know you are not happy with this alleged incident. 970-785-5000 or tcullum@nobleenergyinc.com

Date Rec'd:	7/29/2011	Report taken by:	BOB CHESSON
DocNum:	2215190	API number:	05-123 -15127	Facility ID:	247330

Operator Information

Operator:	NOBLE ENERGY PRODUCTION INC	Oper. No.	10120
Address:	1625 BROADWAY STE 2200 ATTN: TED BROWN DENVER , CO 80202
Phone:	(303 )389-3600	Fax:	(303 )595-7403
Operator Contact:	TODD CULLUM

Description of Spill:

Date of Incident:	7/22/2011
Type of Facility:	TANK BATTERY
Well Name/No.	TANNER K 33-11	Fac. Name/No.
County Name:	WELD
qtrqtr: NWSW section: 33 township: 4N range: 66W meridian: 6

Volumes spilled and recovered (bbls)
Oil spilled:	Recvrd:
Water spilled:	Recvrd:
Other spilled:	Recved:
GW Impact? N Surface water impact? N Contained within berm? N
Area and vertical extent of spill: - X -
Current land use: AGRICULTURE
Weather conditions: CLEAR, DRY, HOT
Soil/Geology description LOUP-BUEL LOAMY SANDS, 0-3% SLOPES
Distance in feet to nearest surface water: 115
Depth to shallowest GW:
Wetlands:	Buildings: 850
Livestock:	Water Wells: 500
Cause of spill:
EQUIPMENT FAILURE
Immediate Response:
TANK BATTERY HAD BEEN SHUT IN PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK. CEMENT WATER VAULT HAD BEEN SUCKED DRY.
Emergency Pits:
N/A
How extent determined:
EXCAVATION OF IMPACT WILL BE DELINEATED WITH HANBY FIELD TEST KIT AND LAB CONFIRMATION SAMPLES WILL BE COLLECTED.
Further Remediation
IMPACTED SOILS WILL BE EXCAVATED AND TAKEN TO THE BUFFALO RIDGE LANDFILL, KEENSEBURG, CO.
Prevent Problem:
BATTERY WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED WITH NEW OIL AND WATER LINES AND WATER VAULT.
Detailed Description:
DURING BATTERY UPGRADE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CEMENT WATER VAULT HAD DEVELOPED A LEAK.

Other Notifications
Date	Agency	Contact	Response
7/25/2011	COGCC	ROBERT CHESSON	LEFT VOICE MESSAGE

Field Visit/Follow Up
Name	Phone	Date

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O&G Violation of the Day, WELD County CO, CARRIZO OIL & GAS, INC

DocNum:	200315280	Date Rec'd:	7/15/2011
Operator:	CARRIZO OIL & GAS, INC.	Oper. No.	10338
Address:	1000 LOUISIANA STREET STE#1500 HOUSTON , TX 77002
Company Rep.	RYAN DORNAK FRED MILLER
Well Name/No.	State 16-11-9-60H
Location	NWNW 16 T9N R60W 6
Fac.ID:	417324	Fac.Type:	LOCATION
API number:	05-123 -31642	County	WELD
COGCC Rep:	RICK ALLISON	Phone:	(303 ) 894-2100

Alleged Violation:
Date of Alleged Violation: 7/14/2011			Approx. time of violation:
COGCC Staff conducted a routine inspection of the location on July 15, 2011 and discovered the presence of oil on the surface of the water in the fresh water storage pit at the State 16-11-9-60H location (API 05-123-31642; Location ID 417324). The fresh water storage pit is lined, but had not been required to follow Rule 904 lining requirements or Rule 902.c. and 902.d. netting requirements because the fresh water storage pit is approved for fresh water use only and no drilling mud, oil, condensate, produced water, flowback or other E&P Waste is allowed in the pit. Therefore, the presence of oil in the fresh water storage pits is a violation of the 900 Series E&P Waste Management Rules. Water hauling subcontractors were actively filling the fresh water storage pit, and pumps and piping were in place to transfer water from the fresh water storage pit for use at the Nelson 17-44-9-60 location (API 05-123-33368; Location ID 422744). COGCC discussed the presence of the oil with water hauling subcontractor personnel onsite on July 14, 2011, and learned that the oil was first noticed by the water hauler personnel on July 13, 2011. None of the subcontractor personnel onsite could determine where the oil originated.
Act, Order, Regulation, Permit Conditions Cited:
902.a., 902.c., 902.d., 902.e., 903.a.(4), 904.a.(5), 904.b., 904.c., 907.a.(1), 907.b.(1), 907.c.(1)
Abatement or Corrective Action Required to be Performed by Operator
1. Immediately remove the oil from the fresh water storage pit. Submit documentation to COGCC that the oil was removed from the pit. 2. Notify COGCC OGLA Specialist Rick Allison (303-894-2100 x5102) prior to moving fluid via pipeline from the fresh water storage pit to the Nelson 17-44-9-60 location. 3. Within thirty days (30), submit to COGCC a plan that describes how Carrizo Oil & Gas, Inc. will prevent oil, condensate, produced water, flowback or other E&P Waste from being introduced into the pit. 4. Within thirty (30) days, submit to COGCC a Form 15 Pit Report documenting the pit construction. 5. As an alternative to item 3, close the fresh water storage pit and submit a Pit Permit for a pit designed to handle E&P Waste in accordance with COGCC 900-series E&P Waste Management Rules.
Abatement or Corrective Action Required to be Completed by: 8/17/2011
This section to be completed by Operator when alleged violation is corrected
Company Rep:		Title:
Signature?		Date:	7/18/2011 11:26:09 AM
Company Comments:
COGCC Signature? Y Date: N/A
Resolution approved by:		Title:

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Final Resolution
Date		Case Closed?		Letter Sent?		COGCC person
------------------------------------------------------- Company History THIS WELL ALSO HAD TWO UNSATISFACTORY FIELD INSPECTION REPORTS DATED: 3/2/2011 Insp. Comment Inspection/Violation Comments FENCECOMMENT BARBED WIRE FENCE AROUND ENTIRE LOCATION GENHOUSE PIT LINER ARE STILL ON LOCATION MISC TEST SEPARATOR / TREATER / FLARE TANKBAT 4 X 500 BBL STEEL TANKS / 1 X 500 WATER FG 10/15/2010  - Reclamation (Pass, Interim or Fail): F Insp. Comment Inspection/Violation Comments WORKOV XTREME RIG 15, 7545`, DIGGER WYATT-DRILLING SUPT FOR CORIZZO, TIGGE-RIG MANAGER.

New hydraulic fracturing regulations won't keep the public safe

DENVER POST
By Sam Schabacker

Posted: 07/10/2011 01:00:00 AM MDT

 

 

 

The form of natural gas drilling called fracking has caused livestock and crops to die from tainted water, people in small towns to black out and develop headaches from foul air, and flames to explode from kitchen taps. In response to concerns about these and other impacts, state officials announced on June 7 that they will review Colorado's fracking regulations. While this may be heartening to some, this review promises to provide little protection for Colorado residents. Instead, we need to end this destructive practice.

Many state and federal lawmakers see natural gas as the answer to our nation's need for new energy sources. However, in recent years, we have learned that extracting gas through fracking poses unacceptable risks to the public. Fracking uses large quantities of water and a cocktail of toxic chemicals that have been shown to poison water resources. To date, thousands of cases of water contamination have been reported near drilling sites around the country. In many cases, residents can no longer drink from their taps, and in one instance, a home near a fracking site exploded after a gas well leaked methane into its tap water.

These problems have hit home here in Colorado. In Garfield County, 8,000 natural gas wells have inched closer to residential areas. A hydrological study found that as the number of gas wells in this heavily fracked county increased, methane levels in water wells also rose. In 2008, a wastewater pit in Colorado leaked 1.6 million gallons of fluid, which migrated into the Colorado River......


Read more:

 New hydraulic fracturing regulations won't keep the public safe - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_18436003#ixzz1RjXSzXM1