Health Concerns and Public Debate Over Oil and Gas Development in Erie, Colorado

Erie, Colorado’s Public Health Concerns Grow as Draco Pad Project Nears Decision

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Erie, Colorado, a town split between Weld County and Boulder County, is at the center of a growing debate about the health and environmental risks posed by oil and gas development. The proposed Draco Pad, a 26-well oil and gas project, has sparked significant concern among local residents. With homes, schools, and parks planned near the development, the community is actively voicing concerns about potential health risks.

A key moment in this discussion will be the public hearing on October 29, 2024, where residents will have the opportunity to address their concerns directly with the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC).

Erie’s Unique Location: Two Counties, Two Sets of Rules

One of the key challenges with the Draco Pad development stems from Erie’s unique position, straddling two counties with different regulations for oil and gas operations. Boulder County enforces stricter environmental protections, requiring a 2,000-foot buffer between wells and homes, while Weld County allows just 500 feet. Since the Draco Pad is located in Weld County, it falls under the more lenient rules, creating tension as Erie continues to grow, with new developments planned near the site.

The issue extends beyond physical proximity. Lateral drilling from the Draco Pad will extend beneath residential areas and parks, potentially exposing a large portion of the community to risks such as air pollution, water contamination, and noise.

This situation underscores the complexities of oil and gas regulation in Colorado, where local governments, under a 2019 law, can set their own rules. The sharp contrast between Weld County’s relaxed standards and Boulder County’s stricter policies raises significant public health concerns. This is particularly relevant for the Westerly development, where homes are planned close to the drilling site. Many residents fear the nearby wells could decrease property values and increase health risks for families.

The Upcoming Public Hearing: A Critical Moment for Residents

The public hearing on October 29, 2024, at Erie Middle School, will be a pivotal moment for residents to express their concerns about the Draco Pad project. Organized under Rule 511 of the ECMC, this hearing allows local citizens to speak directly to state regulators. The Flatiron Meadows Oil & Gas Monitoring Group, with support from the Town of Erie, requested the hearing to ensure that the voices of the community are heard. Residents are particularly concerned about the project's impact on air quality, water resources, and public health​.

Residents fear that the potential health risks, including increased respiratory illnesses due to emissions and water contamination from fracking fluids, are being underestimated. While the oil company behind the project, Civitas Resources, has promised to use cleaner technologies and reduce emissions, many Erie residents remain skeptical about the long-term impacts​​.

What’s at Stake at the Hearing?

For many Erie residents, the October 29 public hearing is seen as a last chance to influence the outcome of the Draco Pad project. Concerns about air and water quality, as well as the long-term health effects of living near oil and gas operations, will likely dominate the discussion. The hearing will also provide a platform for residents to demand stronger regulations and mitigation strategies, including air monitoring, better noise barriers, and tighter water protection measures​.

The public hearing offers an important opportunity for the community to push for more stringent safety measures or potentially halt the project altogether. Many residents are calling for greater transparency from Civitas Resources and for stronger oversight by the ECMC to ensure that public health is not sacrificed for economic gain.

Erie’s unique position between two counties with vastly different approaches to regulating oil and gas operations adds complexity to the debate over the Draco Pad. As the town continues to grow, the need for balancing energy development with public health and safety becomes more pressing. How the ECMC responds to these concerns will set an important precedent for the future of energy regulation in Erie and similar communities across Colorado.

Environment + Energy Leader