[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6183668,"mediaKeyId","5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7","parentId",5094452,"title","ECMC presents 2024 annual cumulative impacts report: water, ozone, habitat and data gaps highlighted","audioSeconds",2014,"startMs",382000,"endMs",2396000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7&start=382&end=2396","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7/thumbnail_382000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6183668/Colorado/ECMC-presents-2024-annual-cumulative-impacts-report-water-ozone-habitat-and-data-gaps-highlighted","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183668-23ae4771664d442b6ded5a7bbf5082c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770649076&Signature=SyLLSBZcdUoVTwZEOdqFbOxpwK50bhlEQfZVwU~~Pj8cxyTYgfe-ZJGYIJSMrBet4VeOVviAFxu2jSqAG380OZpqVBser51lvLSjjo9oEF1lwK-oMq0NbyaN6Vi7bYesSB3ENUFNfcF-4PD~3Yk2OwMf-cwViJ-qarenHT1CVscgPCQ9U461kyLUOXBQz7hyTyfZYrt3ay7thaMWhEthQD2-Ywc~RGRoBWPGbtWnjyj1zS9IsG2JScepe5ma2xC8k8NLNAfaePlsDncCp5vAgfw6ge822f3~OsRrz2if8MKfNXsuQA4OwmKeNAatWd0v2~0onEPQwv8y-AMqldr6mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission","date","2025-06-27T00:00:59Z","article","ECMC staff on June 25 presented its 2024 annual cumulative impacts report, summarizing oil and gas activity, air and water findings, wildlife habitat disturbance and data‑quality gaps that need attention before next year’s report.

The presentation, led by ECMC cumulative impacts staff, showed that 58 oil and gas development plans were approved in 2024 (up from 45 in 2023) and that because plans may contain multiple locations there were 117 approved OGDP locations in 2024 (up from 71). Staff described regional patterns of activity — new locations on the East and Southeast Plains, helium projects in Las Animas County, and the first OGDP locations in Jackson County’s North Park basin.

Key findings

- Water estimates vs. actuals: Staff compared operators’ form 2b estimates with later form 5 and 5a drilling/completion actuals for a sample of fully reported locations and found systematic differences. In some Front Range and West Slope locations estimated freshwater use was underreported while recycled water was sometimes overestimated. Staff said the sample is still small (20 fully reported locations in 2024) and outliers can skew results, but recommended additional scrutiny and new reporting from the recently updated produced‑water rules and forms (form 7 and form 47) to improve estimates in future reports.

- Air quality and ozone: ECMC summarized Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) findings that updated greenhouse‑gas modeling (Greenhouse Gas Roadmap 2) shows the state closer to reduction targets; CDPHE also noted a hotter and drier 2024 ozone season and out‑of‑state wildfire smoke contributions. Staff highlighted AQCC measures adopted in December 2023 to reduce oil and gas emissions, including in‑use requirements for nonroad engines during ozone season and a NOx intensity program.

- Habitat, siting and infrastructure disturbance: The report documents a trend in the Front Range toward siting in less oil‑dense areas but with an increase in disturbance inside high priority habitats (HPH). In 2024, 44% of locations were within HPH and most construction/infrastructure disturbance in HPH occurred on the Front Range. Staff attributed the increase to approval of several large multi‑location OGDPs in previously undeveloped rural areas that required new access roads, pipelines and utilities.

- Disproportionately impacted communities (DI communities): Staff found more than twice as many locations in DI communities in 2024 compared with 2023; part of that increase reflected a 2023 change in the DI definition that mapped new census blocks as DI, while some new sites were genuinely in previously undeveloped DI areas.

- Informed consent off‑ramp: ECMC examined use of the 604(b) off‑ramps (informed consent, preliminary siting through a CAP/CDP, equipment distance criteria, and substantially equivalent findings). In 2024, informed consent (604(b)(1)) was the second most common off‑ramp overall and was used twice as often in DI community locations as other off‑ramps.

Staff recommendations

ECMC recommended a set of operational and data improvements including: clearer guidance for form 2b submissions to harmonize estimate methodologies, using the updated form 7 and 47 data once available, expanding reclamation staff and collecting acreage in inspections, and developing shared data exchanges with CPW to track compensatory mitigation payments. Staff also proposed continued interagency work to align geographic operating area definitions (county vs basin), and additional attention to minimizing impacts and increasing outreach to DI communities.

Speakers and next steps

Sabrina Trask (cumulative impacts and energy transition manager) and Steven (Stephen/Steven) Schwartz/Shore (cumulative impacts supervisor) presented the report, credited cross‑agency contributions from CDPHE and CPW authors for parts of the document, and asked commissioners for topic suggestions for the 2025 report. Commissioners asked for more detail on reclamation acreage, days of high‑intensity activities in HPH timing windows, and granular local‑government reporting options. Staff said it aims to issue form 2b guidance later this year and to incorporate new produced‑water reporting in the 2025 report.

No formal action was required; the report will inform ECMC permitting and monitoring.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","ECMC Commission Hearing - June 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","ECMC staff presented its 2024 annual cumulative impacts report June 25, reporting more OGDP approvals than 2023 and highlighting gaps and inconsistencies in operator reporting, increased infrastructure disturbance in high‑priority habitats, and the need for better interagency data sharing.","taxTitle","Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance State Advisory Committee, Governor's Boards and Commissions, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",28063,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183673,"ECMC approves Noble Energy’s West Pony comprehensive area plan and first OGDP with timing stipulations and mitigation commitments",4551,4049000,8600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7&start=4049&end=8600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7/thumbnail_4049000.jpg","/articles/6183673/Colorado/ECMC-approves-Noble-Energys-West-Pony-comprehensive-area-plan-and-first-OGDP-with-timing-stipulations-and-mitigation-commitments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183673-2bd4177b0509026f9e7bd1b26527202f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770649076&Signature=NWKk0FksbKBdPKg2EXyYLw2RSr79amHmyTANS7Bs~aY~Mxa~0owbRAJprpFgzsOt4ZFchIhOm1Nt4ikfeLaDJnkmWkySVpkOGbNFGYGi4Uie80mMF8UpRlhwvR1tDUedSFHxDUtWdg6tlmcDvW0VqBXABUr4GuYvDxHaKQmvA4skzej4E6Q6olTWUwUZjQcamd4PdVt~hYggh44ptD6x8yi7P1rbDf7saeCpdJCO5YTcu2Zri8i03yFoxbjOLqglppQ2RMhxdeCuAWPPd1dsl-MqUZXioGC4xzVLbM1~HiQHGiRIsyO-9J962~bhXVqImvpk~mGie4cn6iKgK1m5SA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Energy and Carbon Management Commission on June 25 approved Noble Energy’s West Pony comprehensive area plan and the related West Pony 1 oil and gas development plan, authorizing development of the capped area and approving six of eight planned surface locations for the first OGDP.

The CAP approval lets Noble develop about 20,749 acres through two OGDPs; the West Pony 1 OGDP covers about 16,251 acres and includes a 3,200‑acre drilling and spacing unit (DSU). Commissioners voted to approve the CAP and then the OGDP after presentations from Noble and local government representatives and staff testimony. Commissioner Ackerman moved to approve the CAP and OGDP and the motions carried unanimously.

Noble told commissioners it reduced its initially larger pad count through multi‑well pads and consolidation to limit surface disturbance and requested that the CAP and the approved OGDPs carry the same expiration date as the underlying state unit (07/14/2031). Company witnesses said the six approved locations would allow up to 133 horizontals across three multis and three standalone pads and that there are currently no residences, schools or other regulated buildings within 2,000 feet of those six pads.

Why it matters: The package bundles landscape‑level planning, wildlife mitigation, and infrastructure commitments. Commissioners and staff framed approval as balancing mineral development with wildlife protection, air‑quality controls and limits on community impacts.

What Noble committed and what staff noted

Noble described several mitigation and minimization measures: payment of direct and indirect compensatory mitigation fees for locations inside high priority habitat (HPH) for pronghorn and mule deer; adherence to Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) winter timing stipulations for most phases; installation of sound walls for pre‑production activities in HPH; a tankless centralized facility design and three‑phase pipeline takeaway for oil, gas and produced water to minimize truck traffic; and an electric‑first approach for drilling and site equipment when grid capacity is available, with Tier 4 diesel as a fallback if grid power is not deliverable. The company also described a native‑seed program, animal collaring and other voluntary habitat enhancement work as part of a voluntary “comprehensive wildlife plan.”

CPW and Weld County consultations were a major part of the record. Weld County told the commission it had processed the related comprehensive development plan (CDP) under county code and supported approval, while CPW signed off on wildlife mitigation plans and timing relief for limited pre‑production work at two multis where brief, mitigated pre‑production activities will be allowed by CPW and completed activities such as completions will occur outside the sensitive timing window.

Staff and multiple commissioners pressed Noble on electrification and produced water recycling. Noble said it has paid for meters and distribution upgrades and is negotiating with the local utility to increase grid capacity; it described a plan to deploy mobile produced‑water recycling units in 2026 and to use third‑party produced water where available to reduce freshwater demand. The company also described recent investments to allow electrification where the grid will support it.

Questions and conditions

Commissioners repeatedly asked Noble to continue working with CPW on siting and to avoid new locations in unfragmented habitat where possible. Noble clarified the CAP does not request final approval of two locations planned for a later OGDP (West Pony 2); those two locations remain to be sited and will return for separate review. Commissioners also expressed concern about fallback language that allows diesel rigs if grid power is unavailable and asked staff and Noble to track electrification progress as the program proceeds.

Outcome and next steps

The commission approved the West Pony comprehensive area plan and approved the West Pony 1 OGDP and associated DSU, with terms to run concurrent with the West Pony state unit (expiration requested for 07/14/2031). Staff will draft final orders reflecting the commissioners’ votes and the date clarification discussed on the record. Noble and CPW will continue implementation of the mitigation plans and the company will supply community outreach and monitoring per its commitments.

Speakers quoted in this article appear in the meeting record and include company presenters and county and commission representatives; direct quotes in the article are limited to the speakers listed.","The Energy and Carbon Management Commission on June 25 approved Noble Energy’s West Pony comprehensive area plan and the related West Pony 1 oil and gas development plan, authorizing development of the capped area and approving six of eight planned surface locations for the first OGDP.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6183661,"Contested ECMC hearing over KPK wells in Tacono and Frederick concludes with arguments; commissioners schedule deliberations",7772,8818000,16590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7&start=8818&end=16590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5094452-d1e8f8d6b191f664fce567a0b2e0b0d7/thumbnail_8818000.jpg","/articles/6183661/Colorado/Contested-ECMC-hearing-over-KPK-wells-in-Tacono-and-Frederick-concludes-with-arguments-commissioners-schedule-deliberations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183661-6a522083b131cd4e3e366884b0c68e2f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770649076&Signature=UazZ1owq98aQ2MIE~jHaR46wTYVQ~FGH~vUhC2tJ97TdXfFyOs2gNl2QctprI3Ny0SyH962MUmmp2W3~VRFoQFepRKBvQPD8VlbsH3Xbm17TnnSv0h2cTPtebnTaDWz1S4~plu~KTntmzEqqi3AEIu44tPUBQnbfaqMoEUe07yA8bP84ynDL1kjrcv0cCCaEs7syadSMBFjwCPnsJDqCb8Lg33SKU3cd0QiT3gGWHxn7YOyJa9AL8qSrkXSZ4GgeVdeGpZXbliqO9N2yMWLfHCzOBrDG89wp3AO0yLOed0lYrTgGDtYcuutxwUCKNS83Ipil3VALWWQEkQB1nCdfuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A contested Energy and Carbon Management Commission hearing over a petition asking the commission to order KPK to plug and abandon roughly 42 wells in Tacono and Frederick concluded its testimony phase on June 25 and moved to closing arguments; commissioners set deliberations to begin the next day.

What the petition asked

Cities and metro districts representing Tacono and Frederick asked ECMC to use Rule 2.11 to require KPK to plug and abandon wells that petitioners say are “no longer used or useful” or that present ongoing, unresolved threats to public health, safety, welfare and the environment. Petitioners pointed to numerous open remediation projects, past spills and a 2024 ECMC 901(a) order that staff said identified flow‑line integrity problems as evidence that wells and associated infrastructure pose continuing risk.

What KPK and its witnesses said

KPK witnesses, including Lily Clark (KBK’s director of engineering), presented engineering and economic testimony arguing many wells retain economic value or identified future beneficial uses (refracturing, secondary/tertiary recovery or prospective projects such as carbon storage). KPK disputed petitioners’ cost and revenue assumptions and said some alleged impacts stem from flow lines or historical issues not tied to a current threat from individual wells. KPK’s expert panels also described a plan to prioritize remediation and said company monitoring and targeted work (for example, remote annulus monitoring and selective plugging) have addressed specific risks.

Staff and petitioners’ case

ECMC staff witnesses described the 901(a) orders and open remediation projects and testified that many shut‑in wells lacked timely mechanical‑integrity testing (MIT) and that inspections and denied remediation submissions (forms 20/27) had slowed closure of environmental projects. Petitioners’ experts provided decline‑curve and economic analyses that concluded many wells were uneconomic, relied on public inspection data and argued market comparables and developer agreements showed little market value for operating the sites.

Procedural highlights and motions

During the hearing KPK moved to recuse Commissioner Messner; the commission conducted the process required by its rules and Commissioner Messner declined to withdraw. The commission then voted that no conflict of interest existed and Messner remained on the panel. Parties also argued over expert exhibits and late corrections; the hearing officer admitted the corrected material while noting objections.

Closings and next steps

KPK counsel argued that petitioners had not met the Rule 2.11 burden and that plug‑and‑abandon orders would be an inappropriate remedy for problems tied to flow lines or ongoing remediation projects; ECMC staff described remediation status, enforcement history and the significance of open projects. Petitioners argued the wells are uneconomic or create ongoing environmental and public‑safety risk and asked the commission to order plugging and abandonment for wells meeting the rule’s standard, with deadlines to complete plugging and remediation.

The commission recessed after closings and scheduled deliberations to begin the following morning. No final order was issued at the hearing’s close.","A multi‑day contested hearing on a Rule 2.11 petition to force plugging and abandonment of about 42 KPK wells in the towns of Tacono and Frederick concluded June 25 with closing arguments. Petitioners (local governments) urged orders to plug wells they say are no longer used or pose ongoing remediation and flow‑line integrity risks; KPK and its","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

ECMC presents 2024 annual cumulative impacts report: water, ozone, habitat and data gaps highlighted

ECMC approves Noble Energy’s West Pony comprehensive area plan and first OGDP with timing stipulations and mitigation commitments

Contested ECMC hearing over KPK wells in Tacono and Frederick concludes with arguments; commissioners schedule deliberations