Extraction Oil and Gas formally re-submitted the July 27, 2018 Comprehensive Drilling Plan (CDP) as required by the August 20, 2018 conditions of approval letter issued by the City and County Manager.
Extraction Oil and Gas formally re-submitted the July 27, 2018 Comprehensive Drilling Plan (CDP) as required by the August 20, 2018 conditions of approval letter issued by the City and County Manager.
Broomfield staff reviewed the CDP documents and Extraction’s submittal letter, and determined that the additional information and clarified statements satisfy the conditions of approval in the City and County Manager’s August 20, 2018 letter.
To ensure rigorous independent analysis of risks associated with Extraction’s operations, Broomfield will contract with DNV-GL to complete a risk assessment process. DNV-GL is an experienced, independent, third party consultant who brings a depth of understanding to assess risks, mitigation practices, and any additional best management practices necessary for community safety. The risk assessment process will analyze all stages of drilling and completion. If additional mitigation measures are warranted, Broomfield will take action to address them.
The next steps will include the administrative issuance of public/private improvement permits, in accordance with the operator agreement, the CDP, and Broomfield’s regulations, for pipeline installation and well pad construction. Notice of ongoing oil and gas activities will be posted at Broomfield.org/OilandGas.
The final approval comes after an 18 month process of community input, a Comprehensive Plan Oil and Gas Task Force effort, and extensive negotiations with Extraction Oil and Gas.
Under State of Colorado law, local governments cannot prohibit oil and gas development within their jurisdiction, nor can local governments prohibit hydraulic fracturing. The Colorado Supreme Court has held that most regulatory aspects of oil and gas development are preempted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) and beyond the authority of local governments. To address the deficiencies in state law, Broomfield negotiated an agreement that requires best management practices that better protect public health, safety and the environment than the requirements of state law.
“The public process, implementation of the best management practices in the Extraction Operator Agreement and the CDP, with oversight by both Broomfield and the State represents the best course of action for Broomfield within the restrictions of Colorado law,” said Charles Ozaki, City and County Manager.
For more background information, maps and additional resources concerning oil and gas in Broomfield, visit Broomfield.org/OilandGas.