In a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong concerns regarding the approval of new oil and gas operations in proximity to residential areas, particularly focusing on the proposed Chico North Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP). Speakers highlighted the cumulative impacts of multiple well pads on public health and the environment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment rather than evaluating each pad in isolation.

Anne Hussain, a registered nurse from southeast Aurora, expressed her opposition to the Chico North application, citing the presence of numerous well pads in the area and the potential for hazardous emissions affecting air quality. She pointed out that the cumulative effects of these operations, including emissions from various phases of oil and gas extraction, pose significant risks to the health of local residents.

Bobbie Mooney, representing the environmental nonprofit 350 Colorado, read a statement from another concerned citizen, Bridal Mattiz, who stressed the importance of considering the impacts on disproportionately affected communities. Mattiz specifically mentioned the Ridgeview Residential Treatment Facility for the homeless, which is set to open near the proposed operations. The statement raised alarms about how increased truck traffic, noise, and pollution could adversely affect the vulnerable population residing there.

The discussions underscored a growing demand for regulatory bodies to prioritize public health and environmental justice in their decision-making processes. Community members urged officials to conduct thorough analyses of the cumulative impacts of oil and gas operations, particularly in areas with existing environmental burdens. The meeting concluded with a commitment from attendees to continue advocating for their communities as the approval process for new well pads moves forward.