Public comment opens up for Southern Ute-led energy project
The Southwestern oil and natural gas project seeks to tap rich Mancos Shale Formation
Shaun Griswold
One of the largest oil and natural gas reservoirs recorded in United States history sits approximately 7,000 feet below the ground in the San Juan Region Basin, through a dense rock layer known as the Mancos Shale Formation.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe and federal officials have started to move forward with a development plan that would target the energy resource. Now, the public has a window to give its say on the matter. If the plan is approved by the Bureau of Land Management, it would develop approximately 108,000 acres, including 64,000 acres of tribal mineral trust for tribal energy development.
A 30-day scoping period for this project began on Sept. 5. An in-person meeting will happen on Sept. 24 from 6-8 p.m. MST at the Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio, Colorado.
Written comments are also accepted by the BLM.
According to the federal government notice, issues that could result from developing energy in the Mancos Shale system include impacts to air and water quality that could impact people, vegetation and wildlife. Cultural and historic sites will also have to undergo review to reduce or prevent harm.
The public comment period ends Oct. 5.
- 1.Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Southern Ute Mancos Shale Development, La Plata County, CO. Federal Register, .
- 2.USGS Updates Margo Shale Gas Assessment. USGS, .
- 3.BLM and Southern Ute Indian Tribe Plan for Oil and Gas Development in Southwestern Colorado. Bureau of Land Management, .
- 4.Southern Ute Indian Tribe Mancos Shale Development. Bureau of Land Management, .
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