POCO seeks approval for Wakeman oil and gas development in Adams County

In a meeting that unfolded under the bright lights of the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) in Colorado, representatives from POCO presented a complex case regarding their application for a new oil and gas development project. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as stakeholders gathered to discuss the intricacies of the Wakeman Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP).

At the heart of the discussion was a critical issue surrounding property consent. Mr. Chicken, a representative from POCO, outlined the challenges they faced in securing informed consent from property owners. While they had obtained consent from a tenant named Doran, the actual property owner, Mr. Diaz, remained elusive. This situation raised questions about the legitimacy of the consent process, as even the tenant was unable to locate the owner. Mr. Chicken emphasized that they had consent for four of the five required Resource Buffer Units (RBUs), but the absence of consent from the fifth owner placed them in a precarious position regarding compliance with county and ECMC regulations.

As the meeting progressed, POCO prepared to present a detailed overview of their application, which included plans for 16 new wells and a commitment to environmental best practices. Megan Grimes, the company’s representative for regulatory affairs, took the floor to provide a refresher on the project, highlighting the timeline of local government interactions and community outreach efforts. She noted that the proposed site, located in Adams County, would cover 1,280 acres, with a focus on interim reclamation efforts.

The commissioners listened intently, weighing the implications of the consent issues alongside the potential benefits of the proposed development. The meeting underscored the delicate balance between energy development and regulatory compliance, as stakeholders navigated the complexities of property rights and environmental stewardship.

As the session drew to a close, the discussions left many pondering the future of the Wakeman project and the broader implications for energy management in Colorado. With the consent issue unresolved, the path forward for POCO remains uncertain, but the commitment to transparency and community engagement was evident throughout the proceedings. The outcome of this hearing could set a precedent for similar projects in the region, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between energy needs and responsible management.