Weld County issued the following announcement on Aug. 7.
In helping promote the health, safety and welfare of Weld County residents, code changes were approved this week by the Board of County Commissioners upon final reading. Over the course of three months, 1041 Weld Oil and Gas Location Assessment (WOGLA) County Code changes were brought before the board during a three-reading process.
“These changes further clarify regulations for oil and gas exploration and production in the unincorporated area of the county under the purview of Senate Bill 181,” said Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman. “Our code is based on science, and I’m glad we’re providing stability, not only to the oil and gas industry, but also to property owners.”
Changes to Chapter 21 Areas and Activities of State Interest, of the Weld County Code, included language updates and additions, as well as clarification on oil and gas operator regulations and application requirements. Some of these changes included setback requirements, additional considerations for items such as noise and lighting during the construction and production phases of development, inclusion of a Planning Area Map that will assist with analyzing sites for new permits, and a recording requirement for permits that have been approved.
Language was also updated to include that oil and gas sites need to be located a minimum of 500 feet from commercial or private property building units, school facilities or child care centers. Operators that want an oil and gas location to be sited less than 500 feet, will need to provide a risk assessment to show compatibility with surrounding land uses as well as identify any potential hazards and take extra precautions if necessary.
“As identified by our air quality experts, the 500 feet and beyond standard is scientifically safe for oil and gas operations,” said Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department Director Jason Maxey. “Collaborating with industry stakeholders, property owners and county departments has been exceptionally helpful during this code change process in order for us to maintain the standards of health and safety for everyone in Weld County.”
Original source can be found here.
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