Garfield County Discusses Centralized Facility Development Amid Densely Populated Areas

The Colorado Produced Water Consortium Meeting held on July 11, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of produced water management, particularly in Garfield County and other regions of Colorado. Participants discussed the need for centralized facilities to handle produced water and the implications of their proximity to densely populated areas.

A key point raised during the meeting was the potential need for Geographic Information System (GIS) modeling to assess the impact of placing these facilities near communities. Stakeholders expressed concern about how such facilities could affect residents, especially in areas like Garfield County, which has been highlighted as a significant concern. The discussion emphasized that while Garfield County is a focal point, other regions, including parts of Western Colorado and the Eastern Plains, also face similar challenges.

John Heil, a participant in the meeting, pointed out that the recent implementation of new recycling targets for produced water could necessitate the construction of facilities in more populated areas. He noted that while it may be feasible to pipe water from a facility located several miles away, the extensive urban sprawl in some areas complicates this option. Heil stressed the importance of balancing the operators' need to meet regulatory targets with the potential impact on local communities.

The conversation also touched on the broader implications of citing facilities in disproportionately impacted communities. Participants acknowledged the complexity of the issue, recognizing that while some facilities may need to be located in urban areas to meet operational requirements, this raises significant concerns about community health and safety.

As the meeting concluded, the need for further data and analysis was underscored, with stakeholders calling for a comprehensive understanding of the potential conflicts and solutions related to produced water management in Colorado. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges and the importance of collaborative efforts to address the needs of both operators and affected communities.