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BLM says NEPA work will add treatment units in Dolores County; American Helium funded to plug wells
Summary
A Bureau presenter told the county the agency will use a NEPA adequacy determination to add about 10 units to the West Rim treatment area and continue treatment in Dawson. He said American Helium received funding to plug up to 18 wells and that reclamation decisions (including whether to remove pipelines) are made case by case.
Derek, a Bureau presenter, briefed Dolores County officials on planned fuel‑reduction projects and well‑plugging work in and near the county.
Derek said the Bureau will complete a determination of NEPA adequacy to add about 10 additional units to the West Rim treatment area and will continue prescribed burning and vegetation treatment work in the Dawson area as part of ongoing fuel‑reduction efforts. Maps were shared with the group and the presenter said no direct cross‑boundary treatment agreements with adjacent private landowners have been finalized for the units discussed.
On well plugging, Derek told the meeting that American Helium was awarded grant funding to plug and abandon production wells and that the Bureau has not yet approved the sundry paperwork for the work. "I believe they received funding to plug up to 18 wells," he said. Derek added that the majority of those wells are likely in San Miguel County rather than Dolores County, and he promised to follow up with exact locations and send that information to county staff.
During Q&A, Derek said pipeline removal decisions depend on site conditions and environmental risk. If removing a buried pipeline would cause more damage than leaving it in place, agencies sometimes authorize leaving it underground; however, if evidence of leaks or contamination exists, operators are required to remediate the problem before abandonment.
County participants asked about outreach to private landowners near treatment units and about coordination for planned burns; Derek said the Bureau notifies landowners when burns are planned and conducts public information efforts ahead of implementation.
County staff said they would schedule the next quarterly meeting and asked Derek to send maps and the well‑location details when available.
