Elected officials approved oil and gas drilling in Battlement Mesa on Thursday. Garfield County Commissioners unanimously ok’ed certain permits, though with nearly thirty conditions.
Commissioners said they understood concerns from some Battlement Mesa residents about the possible effect on their health and property values... but officials said leaseholders have the right to extract minerals. “We’re asking a lot of an applicant, we’re even asking more for our citizens,” said Commissioner John Martin. “Let us be as safe as possible. Let us be as vigilant as possible.”
Ursa Resources plans to put in five pads and about two hundred wells. A pipeline would also be built. The first two pads would be in an open area near neighborhoods. The closest residence is four hundred feet away. A group advocating against drilling disappointed with the Commissioner's’ decision, and will focus on the state’s upcoming review.
