Adams County officials are proposing a new administrative waiver process aimed at oil and gas facilities located between 1,000 and 2,000 feet from environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands, rivers, and lakes. Currently, any facility within 2,000 feet requires a waiver from the Board of County Commissioners, but the new plan seeks to streamline this process for certain applications.

The proposed changes would maintain the existing 2,000-foot setback but allow for a more efficient administrative waiver for facilities closer than 2,000 feet, specifically those between 1,000 and 2,000 feet. This move is designed to align with existing residential setback regulations and is expected to facilitate the permitting process for upcoming oil and gas facility applications.

Key to this proposal is the requirement for operators to obtain a letter of concurrence from state agencies like the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). This collaboration aims to ensure that best management practices are adhered to, enhancing environmental protections.

The waiver process would also mandate third-party environmental site assessments, allowing the county to review and enforce additional mitigation measures, such as stormwater controls and spill prevention strategies. This approach not only incentivizes operators to site their facilities further from sensitive areas but also strengthens the county's ability to manage environmental risks effectively.

As the county anticipates an influx of oil and gas facility permit applications in the coming years, this proposed waiver process represents a significant step towards balancing development with environmental stewardship. The Board is expected to engage with stakeholders to refine the specifics of the waiver process and its implementation.