Bison plans 15 new horizontal wells in Weld County's Cartwright DSU development

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission held a hearing on June 4, 2025, to discuss the proposed development of the Cartwright 24 drilling site in Weld County. The project aims to develop three drilling and spacing units covering approximately 4,463.88 acres, utilizing a total of 15 horizontal wells. The drilling plan includes six three-mile lateral wells and nine two-mile lateral wells, strategically placed to minimize environmental impact.

The proposed site is located in a remote area, with no residential buildings, schools, or disproportionately impacted communities within a two-mile radius. The nearest high-priority habitat is over 2,300 feet away, ensuring that sensitive ecological areas are preserved. The development plan emphasizes minimizing surface disturbance, with only 18 acres disturbed during construction and 9.87 acres remaining after interim reclamation.

Bison, the company behind the project, has outlined a haul route that avoids towns and childcare facilities, further reducing potential disruptions. The site will utilize existing infrastructure, including pipelines and access roads, to limit additional surface impacts. Bison has also committed to using advanced technologies, such as dual fuel engines with battery assist and a closed-loop pitless system for drilling, to enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions.

During the meeting, Bison presented a comparison of drilling fluids, highlighting the advantages of using oil-based muds over synthetic alternatives. The company reported that oil-based muds resulted in faster drilling times and reduced equipment wear, contributing to lower emissions overall. Bison's analysis indicated that wells drilled with oil-based mud averaged 3.28 days to reach total depth, compared to 4.55 days for those using synthetic muds.

The hearing concluded with Bison's commitment to implementing best management practices to mitigate environmental impacts throughout the drilling process. The first phase of development is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with production expected to commence by July 2026. The commission will continue to monitor the project's progress and its adherence to environmental standards.