UNDERGROUND OIL SPILL NEAR PARACHUTE
Parachute—Crews continue to contain and clean up an underground oil spill near Parachute Creek. Officials with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources say the spill, which was discovered 11 days ago, has not reached the creek. As of yesterday, 129 barrels of natural gas liquids had been recovered. So far, officials with Williams Company say 14-hundred barrels of groundwater have been contaminated. Containment booms are set up around the creek and the water is being checked every 30 minutes.
ROAN PLATEAU APPEAL
Garfield County—The battle for drilling rights on the Roan Plateau is far from over. The Bill Barrett Corporation has filed an appeal saying last year’s federal court ruling that ordered the BLM to re-examine it’s leasing plan for the Roan was misguided. The company and other industry officials believe the judge bowed to pressure from environmental groups when she said the BLM failed to consider the impact of drilling on air, water and wildlife. She also said the agency failed to explain why it didn’t consider a drilling plan to leave the top of the Roan mostly undisturbed. In their appeal, Barrett attorneys say the judge misinterpreted the alternative as a requiring directional drilling from the base of the Roan.
ASPEN SHOOTING DEATH INVESTIGATED
Aspen—Aspen police are still investigating the shooting death of an 18 year old girl this past Sunday night. Stacia DeKraker of Aurora, Colorado was found dead of a gunshot wound at the Mountain House Lodge on East Hopkins. Authorities say it appears she may have shot herself with a handgun. An autopsy is being performed today.
GARCO BOARD APPROVES SAGE GROUSE PLAN
Glenwood Springs—Garfield County Commissioners feel confident they have science on their side in their debate with the Bureau of Land Management over protection of the Greater Sage Grouse. A team of experts hired by the county presented it’s findings to the board. They all agreed that a coordinated effort with the county, the federal and state government is the best way to achieve consistency with the policy and allow for responsible energy development.
