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Pecos council ratifies three drilling permits despite concerns near Cyclone Ballparks
Summary
Council ratified three drilling permits for US Energy Development Corp for sites south of Cyclone Ballparks after the company pledged noise and gas‑detection measures; several council members and residents raised concerns about proximity to youth sports fields and effectiveness/cost of 24‑foot sound walls.
The Pecos City Council ratified three drilling permits for US Energy Development Corporation on March 26 after staff and the company described the sites and mitigation plans.
City staff said the permits moved locations from east of the airport to land just south of Cyclone Ballparks. Colton Nutt, introduced by staff as the company representative, described a plan for three wells on what the company called the Hollywood Pad, an on‑site tank battery and a drilling schedule of roughly 50 days for drilling followed by completion work. “As of Monday, we will be begin the installation of 900 linear feet of 24 foot high sand walls,” Nutt said, adding the company will install gas detection equipment and alarms near pits.
Several council members and residents pressed for more community engagement and questioned the effectiveness and cost of the sound walls. One council member noted the pad’s proximity to Cyclone Ballparks and youth tournaments and said the walls could be an “eyesore” that might still conflict with events. A local resident who identifies community groups urged companies to invest in community programs, saying, “That $100,000 can go to a donation for a community.”
Councilman Grama moved to ratify the permits and Councilman Saldana seconded the motion. Two council members voiced opposition during the roll call but the motion carried.
The company representative said drilling will be followed by an 18‑day completion sequence and additional seven to eight days to demobilize completion crews. Staff and company said permit fees and application payments had been submitted and that the company will install the long sound walls recommended at the prior council hearing.
The council did not add formal conditions beyond the company’s stated mitigation commitments; staff asked the company to provide follow‑up community engagement and to coordinate on noise and odor monitoring. The council’s approval means the permits will move forward under city permitting and state regulatory oversight. The company and city staff said they would follow up with more details on community outreach and monitoring.
