To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, Director, Public Works & Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Diane Kocis, Energy Specialist, Public Works & Development
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presenter
Presenter: Diane Kocis, Energy Specialist, Public Works & Development
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Subject:
title
Amendment of the Land Development Code to Include New Requirements for Oil & Gas Development, Case LDC19-004
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this hearing is to seek BOCC approval of the draft Oil & Gas regulations, as an amendment to the existing Oil & Gas rules in the Land Development Code. .
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Background and Discussion: With the enactment of SB19-181, State preemption over oil and gas development was removed. Local governments now have local land use authority to develop regulations to govern site approval for oil and gas wells, and more authority to control how they are operated, in order to mitigate off-site impacts. In recent years Arapahoe County has seen increases in the number of wells on pads. These larger facilities have created a more industrial operation with higher levels and longer intervals of noise, bright lights, odors and traffic, as well as greater visual impacts which are expected to last 20 or more years. Over the past two years, staff has presented options for new rules to the Board of County Commissioners (Board) and summarized other jurisdictions' rules. It is important to note that staff was directed by the Board to bring forward regulations developed with a balanced approach that would promote safety and provide rules to mitigate impacts to nearby residential properties, while allowing industry to develop mineral rights. Key draft Health & Safety regulations include: Site-specific Emergency Action Plans, FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) training for key personnel, lists of onsite chemicals, firefighting supplies, and setbacks from occupied structures, adjacent property lines, public right-of-wa...
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