i Table of Contents
_1. Comment Period Comments ...... 1
_1.1. 18LEA-1-100408 ...... 1 _1.2. 18LEA-1-101231 ...... 2 _1.3. 18LEA-1-101493 ...... 4 _1.4. 18LEA-1-101495 ...... 6 _1.5. 18LEA-1-101507 ...... 7 _1.6. 18LEA-1-101573 ...... 7 _1.7. 18LEA-1-101589 ...... 9 _1.8. 18LEA-1-101623 ...... 10 _1.9. 18LEA-1-101631 ...... 11 _1.10. 18LEA-1-101642 ...... 12 _1.11. 18LEA-1-101644 ...... 13 _1.12. 18LEA-1-101650 ...... 14 _1.13. 18LEA-1-101688 ...... 16 _1.14. 18LEA-1-101691 ...... 16 _1.15. 18LEA-1-101852 ...... 17 _1.16. 18LEA-1-101918 ...... 19 _1.17. 18LEA-1-101926 ...... 20 _1.18. 18LEA-1-101928 ...... 21 _1.19. 18LEA-1-101934 ...... 23 _1.20. 18LEA-1-101938 ...... 24 _1.21. 18LEA-1-101939 ...... 24 _1.22. 18LEA-1-101950 ...... 26 _1.23. 18LEA-1-101988 ...... 27 _1.24. 18LEA-1-101993 ...... 28 _1.25. 18LEA-1-101995 ...... 29 _1.26. 18LEA-1-102003 ...... 30 _1.27. 18LEA-1-102009 ...... 31 _1.28. 18LEA-1-102017 ...... 33 _1.29. 18LEA-1-102031 ...... 34 _1.30. 18LEA-1-102081 ...... 36 _1.31. 18LEA-1-102082 ...... 38 _1.32. 18LEA-1-102084 ...... 38 _1.33. 18LEA-1-102093 ...... 39 _1.34. 18LEA-1-102097 ...... 41 _1.35. 18LEA-1-102258 ...... 43 _1.36. 18LEA-1-102264 ...... 44 _1.37. 18LEA-1-102314 ...... 45 _1.38. 18LEA-1-102365 ...... 46 _1.39. 18LEA-1-102414 ...... 48 _1.40. 18LEA-1-102416 ...... 49 _1.41. 18LEA-1-102417 ...... 52 _1.42. 18LEA-1-102431 ...... 53 _1.43. 18LEA-1-102432 ...... 54 _1.44. 18LEA-1-102459 ...... 55
Table of Contents ii
_1.45. 18LEA-1-102471 ...... 56 _1.46. 18LEA-1-102476 ...... 57 _1.47. 18LEA-1-102485 ...... 57 _1.48. 18LEA-1-102490 ...... 59 _1.49. 18LEA-1-102494 ...... 60 _1.50. 18LEA-1-102498 ...... 61 _1.51. 18LEA-1-102507 ...... 62 _1.52. 18LEA-1-102508 ...... 63 _1.53. 18LEA-1-102515 ...... 64 _1.54. 18LEA-1-102517 ...... 64 _1.55. 18LEA-1-102518 ...... 65 _1.56. 18LEA-1-102519 ...... 67 _1.57. 18LEA-1-102523 ...... 69 _1.58. 18LEA-1-102524 ...... 71 _1.59. 18LEA-1-102530 ...... 73 _1.60. 18LEA-1-102533 ...... 73 _1.61. 18LEA-1-102535 ...... 75 _1.62. 18LEA-1-102538 ...... 78 _1.63. 18LEA-1-102541 ...... 78 _1.64. 18LEA-1-102543 ...... 79 _1.65. 18LEA-1-102546 ...... 81 _1.66. 18LEA-1-102550 ...... 82 _1.67. 18LEA-1-102551 ...... 83 _1.68. 18LEA-1-102553 ...... 86 _1.69. 18LEA-1-102559 ...... 90 _1.70. 18LEA-1-102561 ...... 91 _1.71. 18LEA-1-102564 ...... 92 _1.72. 18LEA-1-102569 ...... 94 _1.73. 18LEA-1-102574 ...... 96 _1.74. 18LEA-1-102578 ...... 98 _1.75. 18LEA-1-102580 ...... 101 _1.76. 18LEA-1-102608 ...... 101 _1.77. 18LEA-1-102609 ...... 102 _1.78. 18LEA-1-102615 ...... 102 _1.79. 18LEA-1-102616 ...... 103 _1.80. 18LEA-1-102658 ...... 105 _1.81. 18LEA-1-102662 ...... 106 _1.82. 18LEA-1-87960 ...... 107 _1.83. 18LEA-1-88009 ...... 108 _1.84. 18LEA-1-88058 ...... 108 _1.85. 18LEA-1-88260 ...... 109 _1.86. 18LEA-1-88358 ...... 109 _1.87. 18LEA-1-88508 ...... 111 _1.88. 18LEA-1-88558 ...... 112 _1.89. 18LEA-1-88559 ...... 112 _1.90. 18LEA-1-88660 ...... 113 _1.91. 18LEA-1-88858 ...... 114 _1.92. 18LEA-1-88908 ...... 114 _1.93. 18LEA-1-88912 ...... 115
Table of Contents iii
_1.94. 18LEA-1-88958 ...... 116 _1.95. 18LEA-1-89009 ...... 117 _1.96. 18LEA-1-89109 ...... 117 _1.97. 18LEA-1-89159 ...... 118 _1.98. 18LEA-1-89714 ...... 120 _1.99. 18LEA-1-90058 ...... 121 _1.100. 18LEA-1-90059 ...... 121 _1.101. 18LEA-1-90110 ...... 123 _1.102. 18LEA-1-90111 ...... 124 _1.103. 18LEA-1-90210 ...... 125 _1.104. 18LEA-1-90213 ...... 126 _1.105. 18LEA-1-90364 ...... 127 _1.106. 18LEA-1-90366 ...... 128 _1.107. 18LEA-1-90409 ...... 129 _1.108. 18LEA-1-90716 ...... 130 _1.109. 18LEA-1-90909 ...... 131 _1.110. 18LEA-1-93125 ...... 132 _1.111. 18LEA-1-97336 ...... 133
Table of Contents This page intentionally left blank v
List of Tables Table 1.1. Name and Address ...... 1 Table 1.2. Other Details ...... 1 Table 1.3. Comments ...... 1 Table 1.4. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 2 Table 1.5. Other Details ...... 2 Table 1.6. Comments ...... 2 Table 1.7. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 4 Table 1.8. Other Details ...... 4 Table 1.9. Comments ...... 5 Table 1.10. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 6 Table 1.11. Other Details ...... 6 Table 1.12. Comments ...... 6 Table 1.13. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 6 Table 1.14. Name and Address ...... 7 Table 1.15. Other Details ...... 7 Table 1.16. Comments ...... 7 Table 1.17. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 7 Table 1.18. Name and Address ...... 7 Table 1.19. Other Details ...... 8 Table 1.20. Comments ...... 8 Table 1.21. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 9 Table 1.22. Name and Address ...... 9 Table 1.23. Other Details ...... 9 Table 1.24. Comments ...... 9 Table 1.25. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 10 Table 1.26. Name and Address ...... 10 Table 1.27. Other Details ...... 11 Table 1.28. Comments ...... 11 Table 1.29. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 11 Table 1.30. Other Details ...... 11 Table 1.31. Comments ...... 11 Table 1.32. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 12 Table 1.33. Name and Address ...... 12 Table 1.34. Other Details ...... 12 Table 1.35. Comments ...... 13 Table 1.36. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 13 Table 1.37. Name and Address ...... 13 Table 1.38. Other Details ...... 13 Table 1.39. Comments ...... 14 Table 1.40. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 14 Table 1.41. Other Details ...... 14 Table 1.42. Comments ...... 15 Table 1.43. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 15 Table 1.44. Other Details ...... 16 Table 1.45. Comments ...... 16 Table 1.46. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 16 Table 1.47. Other Details ...... 16 Table 1.48. Comments ...... 17
List of Tables vi
Table 1.49. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 17 Table 1.50. Name and Address ...... 17 Table 1.51. Other Details ...... 18 Table 1.52. Comments ...... 18 Table 1.53. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 19 Table 1.54. Other Details ...... 19 Table 1.55. Comments ...... 19 Table 1.56. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 20 Table 1.57. Name and Address ...... 20 Table 1.58. Other Details ...... 21 Table 1.59. Comments ...... 21 Table 1.60. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 21 Table 1.61. Other Details ...... 21 Table 1.62. Comments ...... 21 Table 1.63. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 22 Table 1.64. Other Details ...... 23 Table 1.65. Comments ...... 23 Table 1.66. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 24 Table 1.67. Other Details ...... 24 Table 1.68. Comments ...... 24 Table 1.69. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 24 Table 1.70. Name and Address ...... 24 Table 1.71. Name and Address ...... 25 Table 1.72. Other Details ...... 25 Table 1.73. Comments ...... 25 Table 1.74. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 26 Table 1.75. Name and Address ...... 26 Table 1.76. Other Details ...... 27 Table 1.77. Comments ...... 27 Table 1.78. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 27 Table 1.79. Other Details ...... 27 Table 1.80. Comments ...... 28 Table 1.81. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 28 Table 1.82. Other Details ...... 28 Table 1.83. Comments ...... 29 Table 1.84. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 29 Table 1.85. Other Details ...... 29 Table 1.86. Comments ...... 30 Table 1.87. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 30 Table 1.88. Other Details ...... 30 Table 1.89. Comments ...... 30 Table 1.90. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 31 Table 1.91. Other Details ...... 31 Table 1.92. Comments ...... 32 Table 1.93. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 33 Table 1.94. Other Details ...... 33 Table 1.95. Comments ...... 33 Table 1.96. Comments ...... 34 Table 1.97. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 34
List of Tables vii
Table 1.98. Other Details ...... 34 Table 1.99. Comments ...... 35 Table 1.100. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 36 Table 1.101. Name and Address ...... 36 Table 1.102. Name and Address ...... 36 Table 1.103. Other Details ...... 37 Table 1.104. Comments ...... 37 Table 1.105. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 38 Table 1.106. Other Details ...... 38 Table 1.107. Comments ...... 38 Table 1.108. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 38 Table 1.109. Name and Address ...... 38 Table 1.110. Other Details ...... 39 Table 1.111. Comments ...... 39 Table 1.112. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 39 Table 1.113. Name and Address ...... 39 Table 1.114. Name and Address ...... 40 Table 1.115. Other Details ...... 40 Table 1.116. Comments ...... 40 Table 1.117. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 41 Table 1.118. Name and Address ...... 41 Table 1.119. Other Details ...... 41 Table 1.120. Comments ...... 42 Table 1.121. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 43 Table 1.122. Other Details ...... 43 Table 1.123. Comments ...... 43 Table 1.124. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 44 Table 1.125. Other Details ...... 44 Table 1.126. Comments ...... 44 Table 1.127. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 44 Table 1.128. Other Details ...... 45 Table 1.129. Comments ...... 45 Table 1.130. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 45 Table 1.131. Name and Address ...... 46 Table 1.132. Other Details ...... 46 Table 1.133. Comments ...... 46 Table 1.134. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 48 Table 1.135. Other Details ...... 48 Table 1.136. Comments ...... 49 Table 1.137. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 49 Table 1.138. Name and Address ...... 49 Table 1.139. Other Details ...... 49 Table 1.140. Comments ...... 50 Table 1.141. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 51 Table 1.142. Name and Address ...... 52 Table 1.143. Other Details ...... 52 Table 1.144. Comments ...... 52 Table 1.145. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 53 Table 1.146. Other Details ...... 53
List of Tables viii
Table 1.147. Comments ...... 53 Table 1.148. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 54 Table 1.149. Name and Address ...... 54 Table 1.150. Other Details ...... 55 Table 1.151. Comments ...... 55 Table 1.152. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 55 Table 1.153. Other Details ...... 55 Table 1.154. Comments ...... 56 Table 1.155. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 56 Table 1.156. Name and Address ...... 56 Table 1.157. Other Details ...... 56 Table 1.158. Comments ...... 57 Table 1.159. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 57 Table 1.160. Other Details ...... 57 Table 1.161. Comments ...... 57 Table 1.162. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 57 Table 1.163. Other Details ...... 57 Table 1.164. Comments ...... 58 Table 1.165. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 58 Table 1.166. Other Details ...... 59 Table 1.167. Comments ...... 59 Table 1.168. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 59 Table 1.169. Name and Address ...... 60 Table 1.170. Other Details ...... 60 Table 1.171. Comments ...... 60 Table 1.172. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 61 Table 1.173. Name and Address ...... 61 Table 1.174. Other Details ...... 61 Table 1.175. Comments ...... 61 Table 1.176. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 62 Table 1.177. Other Details ...... 62 Table 1.178. Comments ...... 62 Table 1.179. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 63 Table 1.180. Other Details ...... 63 Table 1.181. Comments ...... 63 Table 1.182. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 64 Table 1.183. Other Details ...... 64 Table 1.184. Comments ...... 64 Table 1.185. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 64 Table 1.186. Other Details ...... 64 Table 1.187. Comments ...... 64 Table 1.188. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 65 Table 1.189. Name and Address ...... 65 Table 1.190. Other Details ...... 65 Table 1.191. Comments ...... 65 Table 1.192. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 67 Table 1.193. Name and Address ...... 67 Table 1.194. Other Details ...... 68 Table 1.195. Comments ...... 68
List of Tables ix
Table 1.196. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 69 Table 1.197. Name and Address ...... 69 Table 1.198. Other Details ...... 70 Table 1.199. Comments ...... 70 Table 1.200. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 71 Table 1.201. Other Details ...... 71 Table 1.202. Comments ...... 72 Table 1.203. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 73 Table 1.204. Other Details ...... 73 Table 1.205. Comments ...... 73 Table 1.206. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 73 Table 1.207. Other Details ...... 73 Table 1.208. Comments ...... 74 Table 1.209. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 75 Table 1.210. Name and Address ...... 75 Table 1.211. Other Details ...... 75 Table 1.212. Comments ...... 76 Table 1.213. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 78 Table 1.214. Other Details ...... 78 Table 1.215. Comments ...... 78 Table 1.216. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 78 Table 1.217. Other Details ...... 78 Table 1.218. Comments ...... 79 Table 1.219. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 79 Table 1.220. Name and Address ...... 79 Table 1.221. Other Details ...... 80 Table 1.222. Comments ...... 80 Table 1.223. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 81 Table 1.224. Name and Address ...... 81 Table 1.225. Other Details ...... 81 Table 1.226. Comments ...... 81 Table 1.227. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 82 Table 1.228. Name and Address ...... 82 Table 1.229. Other Details ...... 82 Table 1.230. Comments ...... 83 Table 1.231. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 83 Table 1.232. Name and Address ...... 83 Table 1.233. Other Details ...... 84 Table 1.234. Comments ...... 84 Table 1.235. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 86 Table 1.236. Other Details ...... 86 Table 1.237. Comments ...... 86 Table 1.238. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 90 Table 1.239. Other Details ...... 90 Table 1.240. Comments ...... 90 Table 1.241. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 91 Table 1.242. Name and Address ...... 91 Table 1.243. Other Details ...... 92 Table 1.244. Comments ...... 92
List of Tables x
Table 1.245. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 92 Table 1.246. Other Details ...... 92 Table 1.247. Comments ...... 92 Table 1.248. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 94 Table 1.249. Name and Address ...... 94 Table 1.250. Other Details ...... 95 Table 1.251. Comments ...... 95 Table 1.252. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 96 Table 1.253. Other Details ...... 96 Table 1.254. Comments ...... 96 Table 1.255. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 98 Table 1.256. Other Details ...... 98 Table 1.257. Comments ...... 98 Table 1.258. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 100 Table 1.259. Other Details ...... 101 Table 1.260. Comments ...... 101 Table 1.261. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 101 Table 1.262. Name and Address ...... 101 Table 1.263. Other Details ...... 101 Table 1.264. Comments ...... 102 Table 1.265. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 102 Table 1.266. Other Details ...... 102 Table 1.267. Comments ...... 102 Table 1.268. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 102 Table 1.269. Other Details ...... 102 Table 1.270. Comments ...... 102 Table 1.271. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 103 Table 1.272. Other Details ...... 103 Table 1.273. Comments ...... 103 Table 1.274. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 104 Table 1.275. Other Details ...... 105 Table 1.276. Comments ...... 105 Table 1.277. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 105 Table 1.278. Name and Address ...... 106 Table 1.279. Other Details ...... 106 Table 1.280. Comments ...... 106 Table 1.281. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 107 Table 1.282. Other Details ...... 107 Table 1.283. Comments ...... 107 Table 1.284. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 108 Table 1.285. Other Details ...... 108 Table 1.286. Comments ...... 108 Table 1.287. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 108 Table 1.288. Other Details ...... 108 Table 1.289. Comments ...... 109 Table 1.290. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 109 Table 1.291. Other Details ...... 109 Table 1.292. Comments ...... 109 Table 1.293. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 109
List of Tables xi
Table 1.294. Name and Address ...... 109 Table 1.295. Other Details ...... 110 Table 1.296. Comments ...... 110 Table 1.297. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 111 Table 1.298. Name and Address ...... 111 Table 1.299. Other Details ...... 111 Table 1.300. Comments ...... 111 Table 1.301. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 111 Table 1.302. Other Details ...... 112 Table 1.303. Comments ...... 112 Table 1.304. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 112 Table 1.305. Name and Address ...... 112 Table 1.306. Other Details ...... 113 Table 1.307. Comments ...... 113 Table 1.308. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 113 Table 1.309. Other Details ...... 113 Table 1.310. Comments ...... 114 Table 1.311. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 114 Table 1.312. Other Details ...... 114 Table 1.313. Comments ...... 114 Table 1.314. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 114 Table 1.315. Other Details ...... 114 Table 1.316. Comments ...... 115 Table 1.317. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 115 Table 1.318. Name and Address ...... 115 Table 1.319. Other Details ...... 115 Table 1.320. Comments ...... 116 Table 1.321. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 116 Table 1.322. Name and Address ...... 116 Table 1.323. Other Details ...... 116 Table 1.324. Comments ...... 116 Table 1.325. Comments ...... 117 Table 1.326. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 117 Table 1.327. Other Details ...... 117 Table 1.328. Comments ...... 117 Table 1.329. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 117 Table 1.330. Other Details ...... 117 Table 1.331. Comments ...... 118 Table 1.332. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 118 Table 1.333. Name and Address ...... 118 Table 1.334. Other Details ...... 119 Table 1.335. Comments ...... 119 Table 1.336. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 119 Table 1.337. Name and Address ...... 120 Table 1.338. Other Details ...... 120 Table 1.339. Comments ...... 120 Table 1.340. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 120 Table 1.341. Name and Address ...... 121 Table 1.342. Other Details ...... 121
List of Tables xii
Table 1.343. Comments ...... 121 Table 1.344. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 121 Table 1.345. Name and Address ...... 121 Table 1.346. Other Details ...... 122 Table 1.347. Comments ...... 122 Table 1.348. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 122 Table 1.349. Name and Address ...... 123 Table 1.350. Other Details ...... 123 Table 1.351. Comments ...... 123 Table 1.352. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 123 Table 1.353. Other Details ...... 124 Table 1.354. Comments ...... 124 Table 1.355. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 125 Table 1.356. Other Details ...... 125 Table 1.357. Comments ...... 125 Table 1.358. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 126 Table 1.359. Name and Address ...... 126 Table 1.360. Other Details ...... 127 Table 1.361. Comments ...... 127 Table 1.362. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 127 Table 1.363. Other Details ...... 127 Table 1.364. Comments ...... 127 Table 1.365. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 128 Table 1.366. Name and Address ...... 128 Table 1.367. Other Details ...... 128 Table 1.368. Comments ...... 128 Table 1.369. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 129 Table 1.370. Name and Address ...... 129 Table 1.371. Other Details ...... 129 Table 1.372. Comments ...... 130 Table 1.373. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 130 Table 1.374. Other Details ...... 130 Table 1.375. Comments ...... 130 Table 1.376. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 131 Table 1.377. Other Details ...... 131 Table 1.378. Comments ...... 131 Table 1.379. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 131 Table 1.380. Name and Address ...... 132 Table 1.381. Other Details ...... 132 Table 1.382. Comments ...... 132 Table 1.383. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 132 Table 1.384. Other Details ...... 133 Table 1.385. Comments ...... 133 Table 1.386. Disclaimers / Agreements ...... 133
List of Tables Chapter 1. Comment Period Comments This page intentionally left blank 1
1.1. 18LEA-1-100408
Table 1.1. Name and Address
Name Maia Nartoomid Address 1 P.O. Box 723 Address 2 Address 3 City Crestone State Colorado Zip 81131 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Maia Nartoomid Agency Organization Position
Table 1.2. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.3. Comments
ID 1 Title PLEASE STOP exploration and leasing of oil/mineral in the San Luis Valley of Colorado Text FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
*** Oil and mineral exploration would be detrimental to the numerous sensitive ecological systems withing the entire valley, not just the sand dunes area, as smog from the production and exploration of minerals/oil will fill the Valley with toxins, therefore negatively affecting these fragile ecosystems and huge water aquifer and numerous feeder creeks in the proposed areas. ***The San Luis Valley is currently in a drought and fire hazard situation, this valley desert is not conducive to oil and mineral production which would in turn add to the already existing fire hazard. The additional expense for fire safety falls on the community, not the exporting corporation. ***Elk herds, mule deer and various rare plants exist in the proposed leasing land tracts as shown in maps, some examples which are listed as either endangered or threatened, included the Canada lynx, gray wolf, and brown bear.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-100408 2
Table 1.4. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.2. 18LEA-1-101231
Table 1.5. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.6. Comments
ID 1 Title Citizens for Huerfano County Comments on BLM September 2018 O&G lease sale Text Citizens for Huerfano County Comments on BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas
proposed lease sale concerning the 11 parcels totaling 18,358 Acres in Huerfano County 4/1/18
1) While appreciating the environmental assessment done by the BLM for these lease sales, we find the EA is incomplete and based on an outdated Resource Area Plan adopted in 1986 and amended in 1991.
2) The changes in oil and gas technology through the use of new fracking techniques including multi-directional drilling and highly pressurized injection wells require new analysis.
3) A new analysis is also required because of the unique geology and hydrology of the Huerfano County BLM lease area and the possible affects oil and gas exploration will have on the adjacent Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, and their direct impact on the Upper Huerfano River Basin. We call for a thorough hydro-geological study for the following reasons:
4) The US Geological Study—Earthquake Hazards Program—finds that some induced earthquakes (1-2%) are caused by fracking itself. The rest of the induced earthquakes are caused by highly pressurized waste and produced water shoved down injection wells. The latter require “the presence of faults that are large enough to produce felt earthquakes; stresses that are large enough to produce earthquakes; and the presence of pathways for the fluid pressure to travel from the injection point to faults.” These faults occur throughout the Upper Huerfano River Basin. The vertical dikes that are part of this fault system are fluid pathways and stretch to magma as documented in item 5).
5) The Office of the State Engineer found in their initial and final determinations on the “Classification of Groundwater in the Niobrara Formation of the Northern Raton Basin in Huerfano
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101231 3
County produced through wells in conjunction with the mining of materials in the matter of SWEPI LP's petition for Nontributary Determination for produced water withdrawn from three wells completed in the Niobrara formation in the northern Raton Basin, Huerfano County, Colorado ( published 7/22/14 and 12/11/14 respectively)” that the geologic formations, including vertical dikes and fault pathways surrounding these three wells which extend into the present proposed lease area, supported tributary water designation and rejected SWEPI LP's request that they be deemed non-tributary. Water resources in the lease area include Bruff Creek, Muddy Creek, Pantleon Creek, North and South May Creeks, Potato Creek, Rito Oso Creek, Sheep Creek, Stanton Creek, Manzaares Creek, the Montez Ditch, and the Huerfano River. Fracking requires up to five million gallons of water per frack. Whose tributary water rights will be used?
6) Only an Environmental Impact Statement can address the complexity of this proposed lease action. That complexity is manifested in part by the fault block geological nature of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains on both east and west sides, created by tectonic and localized stresses. Vertical movement of blocks, i.e. vertical dikes, produces dramatic features that are often unstable. The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness, which stretches from Mt. Blanca on the south end to the north termination of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, was “uplifted suddenly in massive blocks {Wilderness Connect}”. The Wilderness connects the Huerfano Valley with the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Lease Parcels 8086 and 8088 directly abut the wilderness. Lease parcels 8080, 8089, and 8090 are within 3 miles.
7) It is projected that over a half million visitors will come to the Great Sand Dunes this year. Some will drive up the Medano Pass Road into Huerfano County. Many others will trek the Rainbow Trail, the Mosca Pass Trail, and a host of other trails along the Huerfano side of the Sangres. Drilling close by would significantly affect the quality of that human environment. The National Park Service states that “Natural sounds and natural lightscapes are essential in keeping our national treasures whole....They are vital to the protection of wilderness character, fundamental to the historical and critical context, and critical for park wildlife.” The incredibly bright lights and loud sounds of active drilling for oil and gas in the nearby lease area must be exactly measured. All of the lease parcels are within 8 miles of the Park, some as close as a mile.
8) By federal law, Native American tribes need to be consulted on BLM oil and gas leasing proposals. The Navajo Nation, which has bought the large ranch property directly North of the September, 2018 lease area for the expressed purpose of connecting back to their sacred peak Mt. Blanca, have not been notified, according to the environmental assessment. Their concerns must be addressed in detail before this lease sale proceeds.
9) The Endocrine Disruption
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101231 4
Exchange identifies over 1400 chemicals used in oil and gas operations as endocrine disruptors which can lead to fatal human disease. The proposed lease area encompasses the entire upper Huerfano River Drainage and the human population it serves. We have already listed the regions interconnected hydro-geology. Any spill, injection, and application of the toxic substances used in drilling and production could potentially affect all life in that hydro-geologic zone.
10) Big Game Habitat and Migration Routes along the Huerfano River drainage will be affected by oil and gas exploration within the lease area as will air quality for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Exploration will also affect the enforcement of the conservation easement held by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in parcel 8086.
11) In summary, the overall impact of so many acres for lease concentrated in and nearby a unique area that comprises the Native-American (not just the Navajo) sacred peak of Mt. Blanca; a fragile, iconic Great Sand Dunes National Park; a contiguous, integrative Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area; the entire head waters of the upper Huerfano River Basin; and the Colorado State Wildlife Areas and human habitation of the Huerfano Valley cannot be analyzed through singular parcels that can be easily manipulated through findings of no significant impact (FONSIS) by the BLM. Not only is there a great need for a thorough Environmental Impact Statement to determine true impact to the area, but a preferred alternative to protect the vast multiple uses of recreation, ranching, and sustainable water use must be found. The protection of a proven intricate, interconnected life giving ecosystem necessitates that cancelling the lease sale must be an option. For oil and gas production to damage or destroy all other multiple uses is not an acceptable option.
Table 1.7. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.3. 18LEA-1-101493
Table 1.8. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101493 5
Table 1.9. Comments
ID 1 Title Opposition to oil and gas leasing of 18,358 acres in Huerfano County Colorado Text I AM WRITING TO OPPOSE OIL AND GAS LEASING OF 18,358 ACRES OF FEDERAL LANDS IN HUERFANO COUNTY, COLORADO. MY REASONS FOR THIS OPPOSITION ARE AS FOLLOWS.
FIRST, THE AREA UNDER CONSIDERATION IS HOME TO SENSITIVE WILDLIFE HABITAT FOR MULE DEER AND ELK INCLUDING MIGRATION ROUTES AND CALVING AND FAWNING AREAS FOR THE 2 SPECIES AS DETERMINED BY COLORADO PARKS AND WILDLIFE. ANY PROJECT OF THE SCOPE OF OIL AND GAS DRILLING WOULD INEVITABLY DO DAMAGE TO THESE POPULATIONS AND THE RELATED ECOSYSTEMS.
SECOND, THE PROPOSED DRILLING AREAS SHARE A BOUNDARY WITH WILDERNESS AREAS IN THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUNTAINS AND ARE JUST OVER THE RIDGELINE FROM GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK WHERE THE VALUES OF QUIET, SOLITUDE, CLEAR SKIES AND DARK NIGHT SKIES ARE OUTSTANDING AND A UNIQUE QUALITY THAT DRAWS INCREASING TOURISM TO THE AREA. THE PARK IS A GEM FOR COLORADO AND THE COUNTRY (LARGEST SAND DUNES IN NORTH AMERICA) AND THE SURROUNDING WILDERNESS AREAS ARE EXCELLENT AREAS FOR HUNTING, BACKPACKING, HIKING, FISHING, PHOTOGRAPHY, CLIMBING AND OTHER WILDERNESS PURSUITS. THE NOISE, LIGHT AND AIR POLLUTION, INCREASE IN DUST-CREATING TRAFFIC, ROADS, SEISMIC ACTIVITY AND OTHER INTRUSIONS WOULD SACRIFICE THE INTEGRITY OF THESE LANDS AND BE IN DIRECT OPPOSITION TO THE INTENT IN CREATING THEM.
THIRD, WE IN COLORADO HIGHLY VALUE OUR CLEAN AIR AND WATER. THE INCREASED TRAFFIC AND DRILLING ACTIVITIES WOULD DAMAGE AIR QUALITY IN THE AREA AND THE DRILLING AND USE OF DRILLING CHEMICALS IN THE HEADWATERS AREA OF THE HUERFANO BASIN WOULD POSE A CARELESS RISK TO WATER QUALITY IN THIS AREA OF COLORADO. THE DRILLING PROCESS ALSO REQUIRES VAST AMOUNTS OF WATER WHICH IS ALSO A PRIME CONCERN.
IN CONCLUSION, IT SEEMS LIKE A BETRAYAL OF THE THINGS WE VALUE MOST AS CITIZENS OF COLORADO TO OPEN THIS AREA TO OIL AND GAS DRILLING IN THE INTEREST OF SHORT TERM GAINS. I HAVE HIKED AND CLIMBED IN THESE AREAS FOR
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101493 6
MANY YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT WE PROTECT A TREMENDOUS ASSET BY KEEPING THESE LANDS WILD AND UNDISTURBED. ANY INTRUSION WILL LEAVE ITS MARK IN THE WILDERNESS INTEGRITY OF THESE AREAS AND IN THE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE THAT VISIT THEM.
Table 1.10. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.4. 18LEA-1-101495
Table 1.11. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.12. Comments
ID 1 Title We oppose these BLM leases Text
Reference: DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018- 0003-EA
As residents of Huerfano County, we are opposed to new BLM oil and gas leases in our county. We are concerned about the impact oil and gas extraction will have on the enviornment in the county. There is not a pressing need for more oil and gas extraction in the U.S. at this time when oil and gas extraction is at an all time high. The area that is the subject of these potential leases is a pristine section of the Sangre De Cristos and wll be negatively impacted by oil and gas extraction.
Thank you for considering our opinions.
Sincerely,
Brad Atchison and Nicole Copel
402 South Main Street
La Veta, CO, 81055
Table 1.13. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101495 7
1.5. 18LEA-1-101507
Table 1.14. Name and Address
Name Teresa Grunewald Address 1 PO Box 3263 Address 2 PO Box 3263 Address 3 City COKEDALE State Colorado Zip 81082 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-846-2256 Other Phone 719-846-2256 Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Teresa Grunewald Agency Organization Position Table 1.15. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.16. Comments
ID 1 Title Text The possibility for opening the lands near the Sand Dunes for oil and gas drilling is catastrophic. Please say no to this proposition Attachment download-1502743041913.docx Table 1.17. Disclaimers / Agreements
Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? 1.6. 18LEA-1-101573
Table 1.18. Name and Address
Name Mrs. Deb Norlin Address 1 460 South Marion Parkway #C1203 Address 2 460 South Marion Parkway #C1203 Address 3 City Denver State Colorado
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101507 8
Zip 80209-2544 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mrs. Deb Norlin Agency Organization Position
Table 1.19. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.20. Comments
ID 1 Title Concerned about proposed oil and gas leases Text
I am very relieved to learn that these proposed leases do not include the Great Sand Dunes National Park of the San Luis Valley. I contiune to be concerned about the proposed sites becasue of the issue raised ( below) in your information. These lands are fragile prairies in some cases, and are the important habitates for a multttude of wildlife and fragile vegetation. I can see the harm that these oil rigs and gas leases have done in other parts of Colorado. Of course, the money would be great. But Colorado needs to protect our water, air, and wildlife. We don't need more gas and oil rigs. The permanent damage they inflict isn't worth the money.
Issues Identified:
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101573 9
Table 1.21. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.7. 18LEA-1-101589
Table 1.22. Name and Address
Name Ms. Julia F Marchant Address 1 PO Box 193 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone 719-250-5898 Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Julia F Marchant Agency Organization Position Table 1.23. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.24. Comments
ID 1 Title Concerns about September 2018 Lease sale Text I am a resident of Huerfano County, Colorado and I have concerns about the proposed September 2018 Oil and Gas lease sales, totaling 18, 358 acres in Huerfano County. I own and live on two different properties: 22 acres in Gardner, Colorado, 507 County Road 632 where my home is connected to the Gardner Water District and I own the property where the Gardner Water Tower is located and I own a domestic well on the property; my second residence is on 43 acres above Redwing, Colorado, 2053 County Road 574, where I have a well and spring and Martin Creek flows through the entire length of the property. . I also have cattle on my Martin Canyon property during part of the year. I am concerned about the water, or lack of, and its quality and also the welfare of the wildlife and the environment. The impact of oil and gas exploration is significant on this fragile
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101589 10
area of the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the tributaries and headwaters of the Huerfano River.
I believe that your environmental assessment was incomplete and a full environmental impact study should be completed.
Besides being a resident of the county, I am a retired school teacher and administrator for the Huerfano RE-1 schools and I presently serve on the school board of this district. Our students yearly make the trek over Mosca Pass to the Sand Dunes as part of the outdoor educational curriculum. The schools also make use of the State Wildlife Area on the upper Huerfano River. The quality of our natural resources is so important for our future generations, as you well know. It is also important to the people of the upper Huerfano, many who are subsistent level farmers and ranchers and the quality of the water and natural resources direct impact the quality of their lives.
Thank you for the work that you do and I hope your office will reconsider the September 2018 lease sale.
Sincerely,
Julia F. Marchant
PO Box 193
Gardner, Colorado 81040
[email protected]
Table 1.25. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.8. 18LEA-1-101623
Table 1.26. Name and Address
Name Mr. Keith Varner Address 1 PO Box 1173 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email Name Mr. Keith Varner Agency Organization Huerfano County Federal Mineral Lease District Position President
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101623 11
Table 1.27. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.28. Comments
ID 1 Title HCFMLD Text Attached is the HCFMLD's letter of support. Attachment scan0340.pdf Table 1.29. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.9. 18LEA-1-101631
Table 1.30. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.31. Comments
ID 1 Title Significant Impact is Present Text To Whom It May Concern,
Please accept this comment as a sincere appeal to reevaluate the document as it exists, as well as, require BLM to complete an EIS prior to an additional action.
I respectfully make this request based upon six significant impacts that I believe have not been adequately addressed:
1. The lease area includes vitally sensitive elk habitat including summer concentration and elk calving areas and critical winter habitat for mule deer, elk, a known plains sharp-tailed grouse lek and bighorn sheep. Additionally, the area is currently open to access by sportsmen. Leasing for oil and gas development will have significant impact on these critical habitats. Leasing will also have significant economic impact on communities and small businesses that rely upon sportsmen’s dollars, meaning the impact will be felt not only within the property boundaries, but also well beyond.
2. No lease of the properties should take place while any species is under review by the USFWS as a threatened or endangered species. The lease area includes lesser prairie chicken (LPC) critical habitat that will be seriously impacted by the proposed development.
3. The
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101631 12
EA fails to evaluate impacts to watersheds and fish species from the proposed leases.
4. The proposed leased areas have critical game habitat. Oil and gas development leasing will have significant impact. The inevitable harm is known and must be considered at this time, not after the leases are granted.
5. Several parcels are in the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Potential Conservation Areas (PCAs) that identifies areas with rare elements and features providing vital habitat.
6. Lastly, the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is gravely incorrect - the proposed leases will have a significant and serious impact on habitat, species, fair chase opportunities, economic impact of surrounding communities. The BLM must perform an EIS before it takes action.
While several additional concerns exist, I will respect your time – as I feel the above is warrants appropriate consideration for reevaluation and additional study.
Respectfully,
Ross Bruno
Shawnee, CO
Table 1.32. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.10. 18LEA-1-101642
Table 1.33. Name and Address
Name Mr. Larry A Waide Address 1 751 County Road 634.2 Address 2 PO Box 363 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-568-0472 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Larry A Waide Agency Organization CO 61 Water Association Position President Table 1.34. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101642 13
Table 1.35. Comments
ID 1 Title Lease should be Deferred or Withdrawn from Auction Text We are a water association in Huerfano County and are very concerned about this lease sale in our county.
We feel that this lease sale should be deferred or withdrawn until such time as an Environmental Impact Statement has been completed.
We feel the Environmental Assessment is incomplete and outdated and a new analysis should be done.
We feel these leases will impact a number of environmental issues: water quality, air quality, earthquake hazards, big game habitat, etc.
We are currently proceeding with a Baseline Watershed Analysis that will be used in the future in our county.
Table 1.36. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.11. 18LEA-1-101644
Table 1.37. Name and Address
Name Mr. Donald S Holmstrom Address 1 6200 Gale Dr Address 2 6200 Gale Dr Address 3 City Boulder State Colorado Zip 80303 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Donald S Holmstrom Agency Organization Colorado Backcountry Hunters and Anglers Position Habitat Watch Coordinator
Table 1.38. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101644 14
Table 1.39. Comments
ID 1 Title The lease will have a significant impact on habitat and wildlife, an EIS is needed Text 1. The lease area includes vital sensitive elk habitat including summer concentration and elk calving areas and critical winter habitat for mule deer, elk, turkeys plains sharp-tailed grouse (including a known lek) and bighorn sheep open to public hunting that will be seriously impacted by leasing for oil and gas development.
2. The lease area includes lesser prairie chicken habitat that will be seriously impacted by the proposed oil and gas development. No lease of the properties should take place while they are under review by the USFWS as a threatened species.
3. Several parcels are in the Colorado Natural Heritage Program (CNHP) Potential Conservation Areas (PCAs) that identifies areas with rare elements and features providing vital habitat.
4. The EA fails to evaluate impacts to watersheds and fish species from the proposed leases.
5. The finding that leasing will have no impact in wildlife resources is an incorrect bootstrapping logic- the proposed leased areas have critical game habitat and oil and gas development the purpose of the leasing will have significant impact. The inevitable harm is known and must be considered now , not after the leases are granted.
6. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is incorrect - the proposed leases will have a significant and serious impact on habitat, game and hunting opportunities for all Americans. The BLM must perform an EIS before it takes action.
Y
Table 1.40. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.12. 18LEA-1-101650
Table 1.41. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101650 15
Table 1.42. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text Attention To: 2018 Lease Sale.
As a citizen and resident of Huerfano County, I’m requesting that the BLM-Huerfano County defer or withdraw leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 until the BLM Resource Management Plan is completed. It’s important that current, up-to-date, scientific studies be included in a new Environmental Assessment (EA) to fully evaluate the impact of these leases on the environment and human health. The citizens of Colorado place a premium value on Huerfano County’s natural resources and breath-taking beauty of both its flora and fauna. We live in an arid climate where water is a crucial part of maintaining its health and the health of its residents and those that visit. Potential and real impacts need to be carefully evaluated so the health of this vibrant area is not adversely impacted by these activities. Adverse impacts of haul roads into proposed wells and pipelines (for drilling, installation, maintenance) will have detrimental impacts on the natural vegetation as soil is scraped and removed, resulting in loss of top soil, the destruction vegetation and animal habitat, creation of surface water runoff and erosion, and adverse visual- and health impacts from particulates in air; not to mention the loss of the intrinsic beauty and the peace it brings to our hearts; a quality that cannot be quantitatively measured but of great significant value to us.
As we are experiencing another year of drought, impacts to water resources: the volume of water needed to sustain activities on these leased areas needs significant evaluation of its impact (e.g., the quantities and sources of water, surface- and groundwater-management, potential contamination, and equitable replacement of water back into the ecosystem).
Currently increasing sound levels and bright lights from equipment used to support existing wells have already had a negative impact on the quality of life in this area. These data need to be incorporated into the EA. I look forward to the federal-required publication of the EA and the public review and comment.
The curtesy of receipt to confirm that you have received my comments is requested.
Sincerely,
Joyce Miyagishima
Table 1.43. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101650 16
1.13. 18LEA-1-101688
Table 1.44. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.45. Comments
ID 1 Title Oil & Gas Drilling in Huerfano CO, near Great Sand Dunes Text BLM:
It is a BAD IDEA to consider a contract for gas & oil drilling in this area. It will disrupt ecosystems, affect tourism, tarnish the appearance of the area, negatively impact our valued wildlife & pollute the air. The noise of drilling will affect the solitude of the area. I know, as I live nearby in Las Animas County where much oil and gas drilling has occurred with many negative impacts. Do NOT allow federal oil and gas drilling in Eastern Colorado. Little by little Trump and his administration are jeopradizing our beloved natural areas. Drilling negatively affects the environment, wildlife, and the people with fumes, exhaust, noise & it threatens areas that represent Colorado's renowned dark skies. Our public lands deserve our attention to preserve and care for them, not bring drilling, development & pollution in to threatened their existence.
Table 1.46. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.14. 18LEA-1-101691
Table 1.47. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101688 17
Table 1.48. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA Text Our National Parks and Preserves were set aside specifically for protection. Each is a unique and irreplacable asset to our country. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is also one of the most unique parks we have with its geology and ecosystem. The park is also highly valued for its near-pristine qualities of nighttime darkness, and its natural soundscapes, increasingly rare opportunities to experience. These two characteristics can especially be experienced in the backcountry of the preserve, the portion of the park which is closest to the proposed parcels of concern in Huerfano County. I also have concern that leasing parcels near other areas of the park could impact air and water quality within these areas and have other impacts, including, but not limited to, sensitive species like the population of dwarfed short horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) occurring on top of Mosca Pass near the proposed lease area. Opening areas for oil and gas in such close proximity to a national treasure like Great Sand Dunes would be a poor precedent and an irreversible mistake. We can't begin to understand the impacts let alone control them once oil and gas activity begins. Please do not approve this lease sale. Table 1.49. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.15. 18LEA-1-101852
Table 1.50. Name and Address
Name Ms. Janice L Brown Address 1 3808 S Elati St Address 2 3808 S Elati St Address 3 City Englewood State Colorado Zip 80110 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Janice L Brown
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101852 18
Agency Organization Position Table 1.51. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.52. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM land lease near Great Sand Dunes Text
April 4, 2018
To whom it may concern,
I am writing in opposition to the plan of the BLM to lease land very close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park to the oil & gas industry. The Great Sand Dunes National Park is listed as one of the few remaining dark sky sites in the US. Being an amateur astronomer this is extremely important to me as finding dark sites to observe the night skies is becoming increasingly difficult. I own a cabin on the Colorado-Wyoming state line, one mile south of the state line in Colorado. The cabin is northwest of Walden, Colorado and even as remote as that location is we can still see sky glow from Ft. Collins and Laramie. The Great Sand Dunes are also known for their quiet and solitude something that is getting harder to find in the US. Having oil and gas rigs on the other side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains will disrupt both the dark skies with pollution and the peace and quiet of the National Park. One parcel scheduled for leasing is about one mile from the Great Sand Dunes.
Additionally, the rigs would disrupt the migration path for elk and mule deer in the area. This area is critical to the wildlife winter range as well as calving and fawning.
We would be risking water pollution by leasing this land to oil & gas. The headwaters of the Huerfano River Basin and the Upper Medano Creek which flows through the Great Sand Dunes National Park would both be susceptible to leaks or chemical contamination.
As a nurse, I’m also concerned about endocrine disruption. There are 1,400 chemicals used by oil & gas operations. Those chemicals can result in such things as birth defects, low birth weights and cancer. Other health factors that might be affected include respiratory illnesses like asthma and COPD. This area already suffers a higher rate of these illnesses then average.
Finally, I would like to lodge a complaint about the change in BLM public comment rules. With very short notice they changed the public comment period from two, 30 day time periods to file a comment to one, 10 to 15 day time frame to make a comment. This to me impedes the opportunity for the public to express their concerns over this proposal to
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101852 19
lease land very close to our Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Sincerely,
Janice L. Brown
3808 S. Elati St.
Englewood, CO 80110
Table 1.53. Disclaimers / AgreementsWithhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.16. 18LEA-1-101918
Table 1.54. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.55. Comments
ID 1 Title Text
April 5, 2018
On BLM parcels 8080 thru 8090.
What do I think? I think this is obscene.
Let me count the ways.
First & foremost — WATER, of which the West and this area has less and less. We’ve had one, ONE, inch of moisture in the last 3 months. Shall we talk of increasing drought in the West? As you well know, fracking takes millions and millions and millions of gallons of water per frack. Where is this water coming from and were will it go? If one reads deeply one sees that the oil & gas industry is buying up water rights wherever it can obtain them. Witness Shell who now owns a sizable percentage of the senior rights on the Huerfano River. How comforting that across the nation multinational corporations will be in control of the nations water. How comforting to look forward to breaking pipelines spewing toxins into our pristine environment. How comforting to look forward to earthquakes from the pressure produced by injection wells. And what is it? Several hundreds of extremely toxic and mostly carcinogenic chemicals in those secret, proprietary cocktails used in the fracking process hidden away underground. Nothing to see here folks, keep moving.
AIR. Studies show that every step of the extraction process leaks methane and other toxic gases. Great. Let’s blanket the wilderness area and the Great Sand Dunes and our little village, Gardner, with carcinogens and endocrine disrupting poisons. It’s not your children that will develop breasts
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101918 20
at age 8 or find out later that they are sterile. Do any of you have a conscience at all? Do you care how much your activities are going to hurt this beautiful area and the people who have settled here to live, almost all of whom have moved here to get away from development ? And what about the workers in this industry, all of whom have to sign non-disclosure agreements for not if, but when, their health collapses from repeated exposure to toxins? How many now have lung diseases and cancers? Oh, sorry I forgot that’s all secret.
DARK SKIES. The one fracking well that happened across the valley where I live was so bright it cast shadows into my house situated 30 to 40 miles away. I’ve had visitors come visit who where in awe at seeing the Milky Way for the first time. Will you take that away from us too? Come visit the miracle of the Great Sand Dunes and see nothing but the glaring lights of fracking wells that obliterate the stars. That will bring in the tourists, yessiree.
Well I could go on and on. Of course you in this bureau that is supposed to manage the land for public use know all this. Letters like mine if they are read at all don’t make any difference, because I know you are just doing your job. And after all, it’s money that really matters, isn’t it?
Mary Ann Flood
Attachment BLM letter.rtf Table 1.56. Disclaimers / AgreementsWithhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.17. 18LEA-1-101926
Table 1.57. Name and Address
Name Dr. Carol D Murphy Address 1 208 Edgemont Blvd Address 2 Adams State University Address 3 City Alamosa State Colorado Zip 81101 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Dr. Carol D Murphy
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101926 21
Agency Organization Position
Table 1.58. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.59. Comments
ID 1 Title Letter from Carol D Murphy Text Please include this letter in the public record. It is only titled "To" and I was unable to remove the attachment to rename it, my apologies. Attachment To.docx
Table 1.60. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.18. 18LEA-1-101928
Table 1.61. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.62. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101928 22
Text Re: September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA
From: Amos Mace
8055 County Road 570
Gardner, CO 81040
Dear Ms. Sales,
My family owns a working ranch in proximity to the Huerfano County leases being considered for sale. Please include these public comments in the official record. The proposed lease sale of parcels in Huerfano County would indirectly impact public health and safety and lead to numerous environmental impacts that are unacceptable to local community members without comprehensive resource management planning.
The September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA (document # DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA) is woefully inadequate at addressing current issues given the proximity to the Sand Dunes National Park with management objectives for air quality and dark sky visuals as well as complex water, geology, wildlife and agricultural values throughout the nominated parcels. Tiring to the 1991 Resource Management Plan while the new Eastern Colorado RMP is being developed is outrageous given the scope and scale of the lease parcels being nominated in Huerfano County.
This letter is in support of a modified Preferred Action Alternative – in which all Huerfano County parcels (#8080-8090) would be deferred for leasing until the completion of the Eastern Colorado Management Plan and ROD. With the completion of the RMP, a 2-3 year baseline monitoring study for air quality, hydrogeology (ie. water quality/quantity and geology), wildlife, visuals and other federally required studies shall commence with future leasing actions. Withdrawal of leases, No Surface Occupancy (NSO) or Controlled Surface Use (CSU) lease stipulations shall be considered in future lease actions in order to fully protect environmental resources or to implement BLM best management practice and Gold Book standards on both federal and fee surface.
In addition to this modification to the preferred alternative (or new alternative not previously considered), additional indirect and cumulative effects analysis, mitigation measures and corrections to the EA shall be addressed including:
PLEASE SEE ATTACHED LETTER - the character Count Max of 10,000 limited my ability to copy and paste all specific concerns here.
Attachment comment letter_4-5-18.docx
Table 1.63. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101928 23
1.19. 18LEA-1-101934
Table 1.64. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.65. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text
The 2018 BLM leases total 22,175 acres in Colorado. We are commenting on the 18,358 acres in Huerfano County. They are parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090. They are within 2 miles of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and within 1 mile of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area.
We are asking these parcels be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
Driving up Mosca Pass, Medano Pass to the Sand Dunes, the Singing River road to Blanca Basin to camp, hike or view the fall colors, wildlife, wildflowers and breath the fresh, clean air would be impacted by increased industrial traffic. Air and water quality is of prime importance to residents and visitors to Huerfano County. Dark skies and quiet are valued as well.
Ask where the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well would come from in this arid region currently suffering an extreme drought. Ask where this fracking water with its many dangerous fracking fluids would be disposed of. Fracking itself, and especially injection wells, have been studied and shown to produce earthquakes. If you have concerns about water quality on your property or the water quality in the Huerfano River, talk about that. Gardner School and Gardner residents drink water from the Huerfano River. Risking the quality of that water is not a good choice. I personally have had my well affected by a lowering water table due to fracking.
The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer’s decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP) is important to these leases. It shows that the underground geology and hydro-geology poses harm to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101934 24
Table 1.66. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.20. 18LEA-1-101938
Table 1.67. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.68. Comments
ID 1 Title Opposition to Resource Extraction in Huerfano County Text As a resident of Huerfano County I am strongly opposed to the proposal for this use of public land. This area of land is both within and adjacent to areas in the county that I enjoy recreating in. Not only would the proposed extraction have a negative effect on my ability to do so, I am also concerned with the environmental impact of the surrounding area. I hope that you consider letting this beautiful part of the county, state, and country be as it is so others can enjoy it. Table 1.69. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.21. 18LEA-1-101939
Table 1.70. Name and Address
Name Ms. Janet Richards Address 1 971 Panadero Loop Address 2 Address 3 City Cuchara State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected]
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101938 25
Name Ms. Janet Richards Agency Organization Position Table 1.71. Name and Address
Name Mr. Bill Coppola Address 1 971 Panadero Loop Address 2 Address 3 City Cuchara State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Bill Coppola Agency Organization Position Table 1.72. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.73. Comments
ID 1 Title RGFO EA Comment Sept 2018 Lease Saale Text
I am writing regarding parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 in Huerfano County which are within 2 miles of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and within 1 mile of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. I ask that these parcels be deferred or withdrawn from the Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
We love Huerfano County and have been working to promote this part of the state as a place for tourists and outdoor recreators to come and view and experience the beauty of our mountains, lakes and natural assets. We definitely do not want to see wells, drilling, increased traffic and pollution. Air and water quality is of prime importance to both residents and visitors to Huerfano County. Dark skies and quiet are valued as well. We have seen what happens when these leases are granted and what the wells and the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101939 26
accompanying problems bring. We do not want that in Huerfano County.
We are concerned about the water used in fracking. This is an arid area which has seen multiple droughts in the last decade. We are concerned there will not be enough water and also concerned that the contaminated fracking water will get into the water system and spread throughout the area. Also, where does the contaminated water go? It seems it always gets out of control at some point and gets into private wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers, whether immediately or down the line. We already experience earthquakes because of fracking near Trinidad. We are concerned about destabilizing in this area of Huerfano County. Gardner School and Gardner residents drink water from the Huerfano River. Risking the quality of that water for our children cannot be good.
The wildlife, birds and aquatic life depend on our being good stewards of the land we all share. It is unfair and wrong to put them in danger when it is not necessary. There are endangered species, as well as other wildlife that will be displaced or poisoned by the chemicals and pollutants that fracking and extractive industries use.
We are also concerned that the Native Americans who have recently purchased sacred lands in this area will be adversely affected. We need to preserve their cultural heritage.
Money and greed should not supercede these valuable cultural and natural resources, wildlife, beauty and publicly accessible lands.
Please confirm receipt of my comments.
Table 1.74. Disclaimers / AgreementsWithhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.22. 18LEA-1-101950
Table 1.75. Name and Address
Name Ms. Rena Kaplowitz Address 1 PO Box 767 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-989-8801 Other Phone Fax Number
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101950 27
Email [email protected] Name Ms. Rena Kaplowitz Agency Organization Position
Table 1.76. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.77. Comments
ID 1 Title Citizen Concerns re: proposed lease sale Text Thank you for considering a new Environmental Impact Statement for the Western Huerfano County area prior to the proposed lease sale Sept 2018. There are many issues that were not addressed in the 117 page report: oil & gas drilling effects on soil, water and air on wildlife, livestock, plants and human families, impact on tourism at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and interference with Navajo Nation/Mt Blanca activities. As Coloradans, we have a duty to upkeep the land as stewards, for future generations. The quality of our water is of primary concern. Fracking uses great quantities of water. In a landscape that periodically suffers drought conditions it is unwise to allow fracking. The split estate permitted by the US government does not bear in mind the devastation fracking leaves behind. This conundrum must be addressed. Stipulations to protect the health, safety and well-being of us all must be put into place.
Table 1.78. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.23. 18LEA-1-101988
Table 1.79. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101988 28
Table 1.80. Comments
ID 1 Title REMOVE Huerfano County Parcels Text
Regarding the 11 parcels in Huerfano County proposed for the September 6, 2018 lease sale and the associated March 2018 Environment Assessment (DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA), we/I believe the Huerfano County parcels should be withdrawn or deferred from the sale pending further analysis and study of the environmental consequences of leasing and potential development to address:
- The unique and complex geology and hydrogeology of the region and the possibility of aquifer contamination
Baseline studies of surface and groundwater to prove there will be no permanent damage or adverse impacts to the regional watershed (Huerfano River and its tributaries) and nearby springs and water wells
The fact that the EA states: “RGFO has limited on site knowledge or any site specific details about riparian, wetland or aquatic habitats”
Water quantity issues in an arid, drought-affected region
Impact on the winter range habitat for big game species and turkeys
Cumulative impact to visual resources in the area
The EA does not adequately assess or analyze the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration and development activity on these proposed lease parcels and the surrounding area.
Table 1.81. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.24. 18LEA-1-101993
Table 1.82. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101993 29
Table 1.83. Comments
ID 1 Title Proposed Huerfano County, CO leases and EA Text Dear friends,
Regarding the 11 parcels in Huerfano County, Colorado proposed for the September 6, 2018 lease sale and the associated March 2018 Environment Assessment (DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA), I believe that the the EA does not adequately assess or analyze the potential impacts of oil and gas exploration and development activity on these proposed lease parcels and the surrounding area - which includes highly used recreational areas, wildlife preserves and scenic properties integral to the economy of both Huerfano and Custer Counties.
I believe the Huerfano County parcels should be withdrawn or deferred from the sale pending further analysis and study of the environmental consequences of leasing and potential development to address:
- --The unique and complex geology and hydrogeology of the region and the possibility of aquifer contamination
--Baseline studies of surface and groundwater to prove there will be no permanent damage or adverse impacts to the regional watershed (Huerfano River and its tributaries) and nearby springs and water wells
--The fact that the EA states: “RGFO has limited on site knowledge or any site specific details about riparian, wetland or aquatic habitats”
--Water quantity issues in an arid, drought-affected region
--Impact on the winter range habitat for big game species and turkeys
--Cumulative impact to visual resources in the area
Table 1.84. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.25. 18LEA-1-101995
Table 1.85. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-101995 30
Table 1.86. Comments
ID 1 Title Stop this lease sale Text There should be no oil and gas exploration allowed in such a sensitive area. It would have huge negative impacts on water quality, air quality, noise and light polution and the valuable beauty and recreational attirbutes to Huerfano county and the sand dunes.
Thank you,
Table 1.87. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.26. 18LEA-1-102003
Table 1.88. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.89. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 BLM Oil and Gas proposed lease sale in Huerfano County Text My comments are about the 2018 BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County, Parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090.
Our county is very unique in its geology and hydrology. We were formed by volcanic activity whose molten lava intruded into the layers of sediment. Our mountains (East and West Peaks, Mt Maestas, Greenhorn, Big and Little Sheep Mountains) are volcanic blocks of magma that came from the core of the earth. When these huge blocks of magma intruded, it also left crisscrossing layers of igneous dikes and sills on the entire western side of the county. The western edge of Huerfano County was then uplifted when the Sangre de Christos formed, causing deep sedimentary formations to surface in the west, breaking, lifting and folding layers. This is all documented in various geological reports about our county. It is imperative that these dike and sill intrusions be mapped before any leasing of this land can be considered.
At this upper Huerfano County location, there are many streams coming from the mountains, which eventually flow into the Huerfano River to the Cucharas River and then the Arkansas River and feed the underground aquifers. Water is such a critical issue in this land that anything that would threaten
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102003 31
it is of utmost importance to be considered. Ranching is historical here, as are migrations of elk, deer, big horn sheep, other wildlife and birds. It is a pristine area with small roads. The impact of drilling will be immense, with truck activity, dust and diesel fumes; lights, noise, potential fire hazards and spills in this remote area. Drilling in this area is a horrible idea. The risk to critical water is too great.
Groundwater is also critical. A complete hydrological study of water flows is mandatory before leasing is considered. When creeks flow across dikes, water can be transmitted to underground tributary flows and lower aquifers feeding wells. Drilling through dikes or sills can affect this transmission, especially if fracking explosions occur at a dike (with the fragile connection between sediment and the igneous rock). This could create an unexpected crack many times larger than expected through different rock layers affecting upper (or lower) aquifers moving the water to another area or causing it to be infused with gas. We already had this happen in Huerfano County when coal beds were dewatered, allowing pressure to move methane along dikes into the Poison Canyon aquifer just east of La Veta. (See COGCC ruling/Petroglyph) Well houses blew up from gas in drinking water. We are just too fragile an area to consider drilling/fracking.
BLM land is considered multi-use public land. We feel that the multi-use of ranching, hiking, biking, wildlife migrations and general wilderness (which is designated very close by) should be the uses which enhance enjoyment, not drilling which would degrade such for all other uses. Please consider removing these parcels from Oil and Gas Leasing.
Table 1.90. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.27. 18LEA-1-102009
Table 1.91. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102009 32
Table 1.92. Comments
ID 1 Title Royal Gorge FO - DOI - BLM -CO -F020-@018-0003-EA Text Hello,
The following are my commnets on the proposed Lease Sale near Great Sand Dunes National ark and Preserve and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains:
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and Adjacent Forest Service Roadless Lands: Parcel 8086 is directly adjacent to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. All of the parcels in Huerfano County (parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8089, 8090) are within 6 ½ or fewer miles of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. In addition, parcel 8080 is directly adjacent to the Colorado Roadless Rule upper-tier roadless area named Sangre de Cristo: Medano Pass to Carbonate Mountain. There is concern that leasing parcels adjacent to or near these areas could impact air and water quality within these areas and impact the naturalness and opportunities for solitude in these areas or have other impacts.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: All of the parcels in Huerfano County (parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8089, 8090) are less than 8 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Parkand Preserve. Portions of parcel 8086 are less than 1 mile from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We are concerned that leasing parcels adjacent to or near these areas could impact park resources and values, including, but not limited to, sensitive species like the population of dwarfed short horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) occurring on top of Mosca Pass near the proposed lease area.
The National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 (the most recent year for which monitoring data is available) assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur and nitrogen indicators.
Dark Night Skies and Natural Sounds: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is highly valued for its near-pristine qualities of nighttime darkness, and its natural soundscapes. These two characteristics can especially be experienced in the backcountry of the preserve, the portion of the park which is closest to the proposed parcels of concern in Huerfano County.The NPS’ Natural Sounds Program has conducted acoustic monitoring in the park and found that Great Sand Dunes to have one of the lowest levels of measurable ambient noise in the national park system. This natural quiet was partly the basis for a 2009 U.S. District Court decision preventing oil and gas drilling in the Baca Wildlife Preserve managed by U.S. FishChapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102009 33
and Wildlife Service, which is adjacent to the park on the west side of the dune fields.
Thank you for this opportunity to commnet.
Regards,
Richard C. Hasbrouck
Table 1.93. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.28. 18LEA-1-102017
Table 1.94. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.95. Comments
ID 1 Title Proposed leases 8080 through 8090 Text I have attached the Citizens For Huerfano County letter regarding these leases. The document addresses my concerns, and as a member of CHC, I believe it speaks for a great many concerns by both members and non-members.
In this fragile ecosystem which includes the Great Sand Dunes Monument as well as headwaters that feed our county, there is little room for error or miscalculation. The documented hazards involved in the fracking operation and associated activities speak for themselves. We have been addressing this issue for years, we are not echoing unreasonable or hysterical concerns. At a time when the only possible motive for fossil fuel development is corporate profit, there is no compelling reason to risk the safety and welfare of our natural resources and our populace. Our state is trending toward renewable energy, as is the rest of the world. To ignore that fact and imperil our precious water resources here in an historically arid region cannot be reasonably justified. The BLM should not simply be an agency to serve the desitres of commercial developers, but should contributyr to the prudent management of natural resources and public land.
Please consider the overall welfare and health of our ecosystem and citizens and withdraw these leases from consideration. Thank you. Attachment Citizens for Huerfano County Comments on BLM September.pdf
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102017 34
Table 1.96. Comments
ID 2 Title Text I have attached the Citizens For Huerfano County letter regarding these leases. The document addresses my concerns, and as a member of CHC, I believe it speaks for a great many concerns by both members and non-members.
In this fragile ecosystem which includes the Great Sand Dunes Monument as well as the headwaters that feed our county, there is little room for error or miscalculation. The documented hazards involved in the fracking operation and associated activities speak for themselves. We have been addressing this issue for years, we are not echoing unreasonable or hysterical concerns. At a time when the only possible motive for fossil fuel development is corporate profit, there is no compelling reason to risk the safety and welfare of our natural resources and our populace. Our state is trending toward renewable energy, as is the rest of the world. To ignore that fact and imperil our precious water resources here in an historically arid region cannot be reasonably justified. The BLM should not simply be an agency to serve the desires of commercial developers, but should contribute to the prudent management of natural resources and public land.
Please consider the overall welfare and health of our ecosystem and citizens and withdraw these leases from consideration. Thank you. Attachment Citizens for Huerfano County Comments on BLM September.pdf
Table 1.97. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.29. 18LEA-1-102031
Table 1.98. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102031 35
Table 1.99. Comments
ID 1 Title Objection to the proposed lease sale in Sept. 2018 Text
We are writing to comment on the leasing of parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 by the BLM for oil and gas exploration and development. We strongly believe that these parcels should not be leased at all, as they are too close to the beautiful and ecologically delicate Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. If they are to be put up for lease, a new environmental study should first be completed, as the last one was done in 1991—-almost thirty years ago.
My husband and I purchased a property in Huerfano County twelve years ago, after renting a house here three years prior to that. We fell in love with the pristine beauty of the area, the abundant wildlife, the unspoiled natural beauty, the silence and the amazing dark skies at night. We frequently drive up Mosca Pass to hike; we fish and walk along the Huerfano River in the State Wildlife Area below the Singing River Ranch; and we hike in Blanca Basin. The idea that this area could be opened up to heavy truck traffic, drilling, noise and pollution is, frankly, unthinkable.
The parcels up for proposed leasing are used and appreciated by many people who value unspoiled nature, and that form of usage will be negatively impacted if the area succumbs to drilling. In addition, the inevitable disturbance to wildlife habitation and migration patterns should be taken into account. Not just humans, but many other species will be adversely, and perhaps irreversibly, affected.
As owners of not only a home, but also seventy adjoining acres that we lease for alfalfa cultivation and cattle grazing, we are also extremely concerned about the water usage required in the process of drilling and fracking. We have water rights that are already diminished by recurrent drought. If local water is tapped by oil and gas companies from underground sources or the Huerfano River itself, it will undoubtedly reduce both the quantity and the quality of the water used by Huerfano County residents and their livestock. We worry about our well going dry, or being rendered non-potable by the infiltration of toxic chemicals used in fracking.
These are just a few of our concerns. We are deeply disturbed by the proposed leasing of the parcels we ennumerated, and urge the BLM to withdraw them from consideration. There is no need to proceed with this short-sighted and ill-considered proposal. This land serves a better purpose left as is.
Thank you.
Eva Bovenzi and John Neumann
8389 County Road 570
Gardner, CO 81040
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102031 36
Table 1.100. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.30. 18LEA-1-102081
Table 1.101. Name and Address
Name Mr. Michael J Warth Address 1 PO Box 162 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-742-6006 Other Phone 970-331-9800 Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Michael J Warth Agency Organization Position
Table 1.102. Name and Address
Name Mrs. Stephanie J Warth Address 1 PO Box 162 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-742-6006 Other Phone 970-390-9296 Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mrs. Stephanie J Warth Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102081 37
Table 1.103. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.104. Comments
ID 1 Title Parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 Text
The 2018 BLM leases total 22,175 acres in Colorado. We are commenting on the 18,358 acres in Huerfano County. I am commenting on parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090. They are within 2 miles of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and within 1 mile of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area.
We request that the leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
We moved to Huerfano County as our forever home. We were drawn to the natural beauty, pure air, clean water, light pollution, and to escape the industrial traffic that is moving into the State of Colorado. We love our County and do not want to see these qualities ruined. We personally have witnessed the effects of this has on the quality of life where it occurs.
Where will the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well would come from in this arid region currently suffering an extreme drought. To where will the fracking water with its many dangerous fracking fluids be disposed. Fracking itself, and especially injection wells, have been studied and shown to produce earthquakes. We need what little clean water we have! Gardner School and Gardner residents drink water from the Huerfano River. Risking the quality of that water can never be undone.
The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer’s decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP) is important to these leases. It shows that the underground geology and hydro-geology poses a potential harm to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers.
Please confirm receipt of our comments. Thank you.
Michael and Stephanie Warth
La Veta, Colorado
719-742-6006
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102081 38
Table 1.105. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.31. 18LEA-1-102082
Table 1.106. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.107. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text The BLM Huerfano County leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 should be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases. Table 1.108. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.32. 18LEA-1-102084
Table 1.109. Name and Address
Name Phil Francis Address 1 201 I Street NE Address 2 Address 3 #805 City Washington State District of Columbia Zip 20002 Country United States Day Phone #805 Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102082 39
Email [email protected] Name Phil Francis Agency Organization Coalition to Protect America's National Parks Position Chair
Table 1.110. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.111. Comments
ID 1 Title CPANP Comments on DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018- 0003-EA Text Hello,
Please find attached the Coalition to Protect America's Nationals Parks' comments regarding DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA.
Best,
Phil Francis
Table 1.112. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.33. 18LEA-1-102093
Table 1.113. Name and Address
Name Mr. Robert D Jacobs Address 1 412 Grace Ave Address 2 Address 3 City Pueblo State Colorado Zip 81004 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-251-9576 Other Phone 719-251-9574 Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Robert D Jacobs Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102093 40
Table 1.114. Name and Address
Name Mrs. Beveryl A Jacobs Address 1 412 Grace Ave Address 2 Address 3 City Pueblo State Colorado Zip 81004 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-251-9574 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mrs. Beveryl A Jacobs Agency Organization Position Table 1.115. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.116. Comments
ID 1 Title parcels 8080,8081,8082,8083,8084,8085,8086,8087,8 088,8089,8090 Text We are asking that the following parcels: 8080,808 1,8082,8083,8084,8085,8086,8087,8088,8089,8090 be deferred or withdrawn from Colorado leases until BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information on newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
We have been coming to this area for over 50 years. Drawn to its beauty, and the knowledge that this is how Colorado once was. The idea of defiling the beauty of nature and affecting the water quality for all living creatures in this area, both human and wild, is terrifying to us. We recently purchased a home in this area in order to spend more time in this area with the clean air, wildlife, and mountain serenity.
We would passionately ask that the BLM reconsider leasing these parcels for any type of drilling. The damage could be irreversable and the damage caused to the environment of this mountain home for man and wildlife is in great jeapordy.
Where are the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well to come from in this arid region currently suffereing an extreme drought? Where are the fracking water and the many dangerous fracking
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102093 41
fluids to be disposed of? Fracking itself, and especially injection wells, have been studied and shown to produce earthquakes. This gives us huge concerns about water quality in this area and the Huerfano River.
Please research this further and do not allow any drilling. This is not good for Huerfano County, its residents or wildlife.
Table 1.117. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.34. 18LEA-1-102097
Table 1.118. Name and Address
Name Ms. Julie Klaker Address 1 2145 County Road 580 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 80104 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Julie Klaker Agency Organization Position
Table 1.119. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102097 42
Table 1.120. Comments
ID 1 Title 2018 Lease Sale In Huerfano County Text To Whom it may concer, Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102097 43 /> Table 1.121. Disclaimers / Agreements Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.35. 18LEA-1-102258 Table 1.122. Other Details Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.123. Comments ID 1 Title Water Quality impacts should be estimated Text To whom it may concern, Thank you for offering a comment period on the EA. I wish it could have been longer. The EA doesn't seem to address water quality concerns, both with surface water and groundwater. The EA should better document current water quality condition and determine likely impacts. An estimate of the wells to be drilled and fracked should be made. This would be standard procedure for any type of planning activity in any developement activity. Then an estimate of potential water quality impacts could be made using accepted modeling techniques. A high, medium, and low well count could be used to better understand the range of modeled impacts. This shouldn't be defered to the APD stage. In addition, the document states that water used in the Huerfano watershed comes from a ditch originating in the San Luis Valley, implying that there isn't any water in the parcel area to be impacted. Please check into this. I'm not aware of any ditch that goes through the Sangres. If there is not water coming from SLV, then impacts to water quality would be on water from the watershed, something that wasn't addressed in the EA. Impacts to water quality in the project area and to downstream receiving waters should be documented. If necessary, an EIS should be completed to determine this, or the parcels should be deferred from the leasing process. Thanks for the consideration. Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102258 44 Table 1.124. Disclaimers / Agreements Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.36. 18LEA-1-102264 Table 1.125. Other Details Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.126. Comments ID 1 Title A concerned Young adult Text
I own a small 3 acre parcel of land in the Huerfano county in the midst of the 18,358 acres of land that up for oil and gas lease sale in this county. It is overwhelming to look at the maps and see the potential for how this could ruin life as I have known and loved it since 2004 when I moved here from Alaska. I fell in love with this area because it reminded me of Alaska. You can hike up high and look out over the landscape and see no impact from humans. Just the natural beauty of the landscape, like you can see in Alaska. I have hiked all over, particularly in parcels 8084, 8085, 8087, 8090, and personally have come across bears, golden eagles, big horn sheep, numerous elk, bobcats and an abundance of mule deer while out. I have seen signs of mountain lions but never actually seen them. It is spectacular to walk outside and see the milky way, something that is not visible in most places east of the Rockies. The quite, when the wind isn't blowing brings calm to the soul.
Because this place is so incredibly unique, I ask that you withdraw the Huerfano county parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 from the Sept 2018 BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sale. These parcels include prime elk calving grounds, are contiguous with the Great Sand Dunes national park and Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area and include Race Track Flats a culturally significant area to Native Americans including the Navajo. I ask that these parcels be withdrawn from sale until the BLM Resource Managment Plan, that is currently being written, is completed. Basing this lease sale on 1991 Environmental Assessment infomation is not acceptable as there has been new scientific study and information since then that should be considered.
We are currently in the midst of the worst drough I have seen since moving here in 2004. It takes 3-8 million gallons of water to frack one well. In a good year, that much water is rare to find in this area. The parcels encompass the upper Huerfano headwaters and its tributaries. The Huerfano feeds into the Arkansas and it a major water source for eastern Colorado, Kansas and the citizens and domestic and wild animals of Huerfano county. The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer's made the decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell when they were trying to drill in the county previously. This is important in this instance too because the underground geology and hydrology of this area is complex with vertical dikes which disruption of can potentially contaminate water sorces in the water poor area.
I humbly ask that you remove these leases from the Sept 2018 sale and reevaluate selling them for oil and gas exploration.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Julie Klaker, Nurse Practitioner Custer County Clinic
I am a concerned millenial who has spent his entire life in an around the area in question. As someone who has seen first hand many times along the gulf coast region, and throughout the united states the damage that has been caused due to drilling and exploration of oil, gas and other fossil fuel materials; i beg that further testing and exploration occur before the US Department of Interior allows companies to drill on and around our fragile ecosystems in Southeast Colorado. The unique and complex geology and hydrogeology of the region is not something we can choose to ignore and jeopardize. EA states "RFGO has limited on site knowledge or any site specific details about riparian, wetland or aquatic habitats". The idea that this would be considered without actual knowledge about what might occur and where is absurd and cannot even be considered as thinking of our environment and what this might do to the unique and beautiful ecosystem and water-table. Southeast Colorado is a land of beautiful vistas and scenery that go for as long as the eye can see. It draws enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world for its natural and untouched beauty. The more we rip it apart, the more we hurt our natural resources and land that we have fought so hard to protect. Further research MUST be conducted before this government agency allows companies to drill on and around this land.
Table 1.127. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102264 45
1.37. 18LEA-1-102314
Table 1.128. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.129. Comments
ID 1 Title Opposition to Sept 2018 Lease Sale Text I am writing to oppose the auction of 11 land parcels for oil and gas drilling in Huerfano County, Colorado, near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. Oil and gas exploration and production in this area would bring a host of damage. I oppose the sale for these reasons:
1) Damage to the ecosystem of the Great Sand Dunes and contamination of Medano Creek, which flows through the dunes.
2) Light and noise pollution that mar the dark night sky and quiet the area affords. I visited the Great Sand Dunes again this spring. It is an overwhelmingly peaceful place, as is the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness I also enjoy visiting. The dunes are a National Park with 400,000 projected visitors for 2018, and the park should be protected for the American people. Oil and gas rigs don't belong just on the other side of the ridge, to disturb this National Park and wilderness area.
3) Disrespect to and loss of use for the Navajo Nation, which partially purchased six of the parcels within Wolf Springs Ranch through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Ranching for Wildlife program. It is morally wrong to take away the land they use for ceremonies, food subsistence, and recreation.
4) The potential to contaminate critical water in an arid environment for area residents who depend on clean water to continue living their lives in this area.
5) Destruction of Sensitive Wildlife Habitat for elk and mule deer that overlaps 10 of the 11 parcels up for sale.
6) Sale of land protected under a conservation easement through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; this easement should be honored.
7) Substantial shortening of the public comment period. It appears the government did this, silently, to cut the public out of management decisions for public lands. The American people own these lands, and our voices matter.
Please stop this lease sale.
Table 1.130. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102314 46
1.38. 18LEA-1-102365
Table 1.131. Name and Address
Name Mr. Charles O Keyes Address 1 2814 County Road 580 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-746-2366 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Charles O Keyes Agency Organization Position Table 1.132. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.133. Comments
ID 1 Title 2018 Huerfano Lease Sale Text To: Sharon Sales &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; April 5, 2018
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
Re: September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA
From: Charles Keyes
2814 County Road 580
Gardner, CO 81040
719-746-2366
Dear Ms. Sales and Committee,
My family owns a working ranch adjacent to and in proximity of other Huerfano County
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102365 47 leases being considered for sale. Please include these public comments in the official record and please confirm receipt of these comments.
I have a degree in Natural Resources with a concentration in Applied Ecology from Cornell University. Based on my education, there are some significant concerns and gaps in the appropriate and required assessments that need to be conducted prior to the sale of the mineral leases in this area. The proposed lease sale of parcels in Huerfano County will have an impact public health and safety. It will also lead to numerous environmental impacts that are unacceptable to local community members without comprehensive resource management planning and monitoring. I am aware of the desire to reduce the strict standards set forth for the protection of the environment when it comes to liquid mineral harvesting. The reduction of standards will have the potential to impact our environment significantly to the extent that it concerns me that there will not be the ability for future generations to experience our land in the way that we are today. Currently we see several migratory bird species that stop over during migration within our property and surrounding BLM lands. This includes but is not limited to Sandhill Cranes, Swainson and Ferruginous Hawks, Horned Larks, and a plethora of other songbirds. Our land (along with the surrounding BLM lands) is significant winter range and calving range for the elk population throughout the Wet Mountains. We have a very diverse population of wildlife that calls our property home with over 75 species of birds (personally identified), Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Mule Deer, White Tailed deer, Elk, Big Horn Sheep, Ring tailed Cats, Beaver, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. We have several different Raptors that have active nests on our property including Swainson’s hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Ferruginous Hawks, and believe there is a Golden Eagle nest on the BLM property adjacent to our land. There are also several reptile species that play a critical role in our environment that are found on our property. The list of plants that would be significantly impacted due to this potential are too vast to list at this time.
The September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA (document # DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA) is inadequate at addressing current issues given the proximity to the
Sand Dunes National Park with management objectives for air quality and dark sky visuals as well as complex water, geology, wildlife and agricultural values throughout the nominated parcels. Utilizing to the 1991 Resource Management Plan while the new Eastern Colorado RMP is being developed is inappropriate given the scope and scale of the lease parcels being nominated in Huerfano County.
This letter is in support of a modified Preferred Action Alternative – in which all Huerfano
County parcels (#8080-8090) would be deferred for leasing until the completion of the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102365 48
Eastern
Colorado Management Plan and ROD. With the completion of the RMP, a 2-3 year baseline monitoring study for air quality, hydrogeology (I.E. wa- ter quality/quantity and geology), wildlife, visuals and other federally required studies shall commence with future leasing actions.
Withdrawal of leases, No Surface Occupancy (NSO) or Controlled Surface Use (CSU) lease stipulations shall be considered in future lease actions in order to fully protect environmental resources or to implement BLM best management practice and Gold Book standards on both federal and fee surface.
I also have significant concerns with the use of old knowledge and data from the late 1980’s that doesn’t even begin to show the real picture of what is going on in this area while there is current work to create the Eastern Colorado RMP is being developed. I cannot stress the importance of delaying the sale of these leases until this Management Plan has been completed and there is a better understanding of the potential impacts of drilling (both vertically and horizontally) will have to this area and the economic impacts that this will have on our community. The Dark Sky certification that this area is either eligible to obtain or has obtained plays a significant role on individuals that are interested in studying, and enjoying the magnificence of the sky that cannot be observed from other polluted areas.
As a re-iteration, I am strongly opposed to the sale of these ((#8080-8090) leases at this time. The Eastern Colorado Management Plan needs to be completed and a 2-3 year (as a minimum) assessment of water, soil, and air quality levels must be collected before we can scientifically assess the levels that any leasee’s must maintain to keep the land in its current condition for this and future generations.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please feel free to contact me with any questions
Charles Keyes.
Table 1.134. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.39. 18LEA-1-102414
Table 1.135. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102414 49
Table 1.136. Comments
ID 1 Title Leases near Great Sand Dunes Nat Park Text I do not understand the importance of extending Oil & Gas leases on this property so near this iconic park and mountainous region in the Sangre de Cristo's. I worked with ConocoPhillips for 33 years and understand responsible and reputable companies can keep environmental mishaps to a minimum. But there are still risk. Some unscrupulous operators do not care to expend more money to reduce risk and are only there to make some quick money and are unavailable when things go wrong.
Please refrain from offering these leases.
Table 1.137. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.40. 18LEA-1-102416
Table 1.138. Name and Address
Name Nan L Floyd Address 1 PO Box 183 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 509-429-7151 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Nan L Floyd Agency Organization Position
Table 1.139. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102416 50
Table 1.140. Comments
ID 1 Title General Comments Text I am writing to register my comments on the BLM’s proposal to lease parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090, all located in the Upper Huerfano Basin.
I am a resident of Huerfano County and live just outside of Gardner CO.
Some of my significant concerns with the potential lease of the aforementioned parcels include:
- The potential for ground water/drinking water contamination due to the use of fracking with oil/gas development. The EPA has indicated that fracking can be a threat to drinking water at all stages involved with fracking operations (Pease see: https://www.washingtonpost.com/ news/energy-environment/wp/2016/12/13/fracking- can-harm-drinking-water-in-some-circumstances-epa- says/?utm_term=.0e9bd0b00bd6)
- Increased industrial activity, including road, power line and pad construction and all the associated traffic. I suffer from asthma and choose to live remotely in an area free of commercial and industrial interests, in part because of the health benefits of reduced pollution, including dust, diesel exhaust and the by-products of oil/gas wells. Development of any of these parcels will have as consequent increased activity with negative impacts in the air quality in the Upper Huerfano Basin.
In addition to air pollution, two other areas of concern are noise and light pollution. I fully enjoy the dark skies of the Upper Huerfano Basin. It is a resource that not only locals but also visitors relish who specifically come here to star gaze and appreciate the ability to view the night sky without significant man-made interference. The lighting of oil/gas well pads will negatively affect that experience. The noises associated with increased traffic, drilling and the low-frequency rumblings associated with oil/well operations (Please see: https://www.denverpost.com/2017/ 08/20/noise-complaints-oil-gas-industry/) are not compatible with why people live and visit here. I personally have experienced the negative health affects (insomnia, stress, heart palpitations) that can result from exposure to vibrations and low-frequency noise,Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102416 51
and it’s not something I would like to invite to my or my neighbor’s backyard.
These parcels, particularly 8086 and 8088, are all in close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. These are areas that belong to all citizen of the United States as spaces for people to enjoy the solitude of unspoiled land, “untrammeled by man.” However, adjacent industrial activities could impact the enjoyment of these areas. Personally, I believe we have a responsibility to ensure that adjacent areas, while not under the same protection, serve as a buffer to such protected areas.
Wildlife is abundant in the Upper Huerfano Basin. This area provides grazing and habitat for a wide variety of game animals and other species. Drilling in these areas could result in reduced and displaced populations.
The EA does not offer any opinion from the Navajo Nation. The Custer County portion of Wolf Springs Ranch was recently sold to the Navajo Nation. Although your EA indicated that multiple tribes were contacted for their input on the proposed leasing of these units, I do not see the Navajo Nation listed. The Navajo Nation’s acquisition lies in close proximity to the parcels. They reportedly purchased this property to reclaim ancestral lands and have a location with a view shed of Mt. Blanca, or Tsisnaasjini’, a sacred mountain for their people. I believe their opinion of potential development within this view shed should have been solicited for this EA.
The Bureau of Land Management mission statements is… “to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.”
I don’t believe oil and gas exploration/drilling in these particular parcels is congruent with the BLM’s own mission statement. I believe it puts one special interest group, namely gas and oil, over the interests of local citizens and the general public, who visit, use and live in this area exactly because it offers a quiet, non-industrialized refuge that deserves protection for current and future generations.
I request that the BLM Huerfano Country leases for parcels named above be deferred or withdrawn from the Colorado leases.
Table 1.141. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102416 52
1.41. 18LEA-1-102417
Table 1.142. Name and Address
Name Sandy Borthick Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Sandy Borthick Agency Organization Position Table 1.143. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.144. Comments
ID 1 Title comment on BLM September 2018 Oil and gas lease parcels Text April 6,2018
Comments regarding BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County
I am writing to urge BLM to withdraw parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090. These parcels are inappropriate for oil and gas development for a variety of reasons, chiefly the three which follow:
1. Lack of water - This area is prone to severe drought, meaning water for oil and gas development would have to be taken from local waterways or trucked in. The former reduces already scarce water resources needed for humans, animals and plants in the area ( also see item 2.) The latter requires road construction and road traffic, both requiring water to mitigate dust. Dust storms are common occurrences in the area when drought conditions prevail.
2. The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Recently denied decision non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP), which was seeking to develop four permitted well sites downstream in the same Huerfano River drainage. As you may know, this ruling confirms the well-known hydro-geologic
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102417 53
risks and to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers in the area.
3. Huerfano County is one of Colorado's poorest counties and relies chiefly on tourism for its income. Oil and gas development is antithetical to the peace and quiet, and the rural charms of the area.
4. Basing the September 2018 sale on a 1991 Environmental Assessment is not appropriate. The Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing needs to be completed before further leasing activity. This will allow the inclusion of newer scientific studies and lessons learned from experience with oil and gas development in the nearby Cuchara and Pugatoire drainages.
BLM states that a lease sale does not equate to development, and that there are other steps in the process during which environmental and local concerns can be raised. The truth is that an oil and gas lease sale is the first step toward such development and, in the case of these parcels, ought to be stopped at this point.
Thank you for your consideration, and please confirm your receipt of my comments.
Sandy Borthick
La Veta, CO
[email protected] Table 1.145. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.42. 18LEA-1-102431
Table 1.146. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.147. Comments
ID 1 Title Text I am writing with deep concern re: the proposed leas sale of 11 parcels of land in Huerfano County. Analysis and study of the environmental impacts of potential development has been rushed and inadequate. This is an extremely sensitive and beautiful area and no decision regarding its future should be taken quickly, lightly, or without thorough consideration.
Geology and hydrogeology in that area are complex. In addition to possible contamination of aquifers, some parts of the surface comprise wetlands of regional significance. We need, at a minimum, baseline studies of surface and groundwater to PROVE there will be no permanent damage to the regional
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102431 54
watershed, including the Huerfano River and all its tributaties, as well as springs and water wells. The EA itself states that"RGFO has limited on site knowledge of site specific details about riparian, wetland or aquatic habitats." How can any sound decision follow on this admission? Increasing my concern is that the area surrounding the proposed sales is arid and affected by long term drought. Any damage to water resources could be devestating.
I am also deeply concerned about impacts on wildlife--big game, small game, and non-game species rely on the regionally unique qualities of the habitats in this area. If it is significantly damaged there is no other place of refuge within their reach.
This area is also of great value for outdoor recreation, ranging from viewing wildflowers to big-game hunting. Its wetlands produce a greater number and variety of plants than any other area of the Sangre de Cristo. Its scenery, shaped by both geology and water, is also unique to our area. Again, if it is destroyed nothing will replace it--not in your lifetime, not in mine, not in our grandchildren's. The proximily of some of the parcels to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and to Federally protected Wilderness only increases its importance.
As a US citizen (and Colorado land owner) I am co-owner of BLM land, and I insist that the unique environment of upper Huerfano County be protected from exploitation by private corporations who have no stake whatsovever in the long-term health of the land, or even of the local economy.
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.43. 18LEA-1-102432
Table 1.149. Name and Address
Name Gary F. Rohleder Address 1 53 Buffalo Dr. N. Address 2 Address 3 City Walsenburg State Colorado Zip 81089 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 303-519-9685 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected]
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102432 55
Name Gary F. Rohleder Agency Organization Position
Table 1.150. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.151. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 oil & gas lease sale in Huerfano County Text the following comments are on the 18,358 acres in Huerfano County Parcels are 8080,8081,8082,8083,8 084,8085,8086,8087,8088,8089,8090 these ar within 2miles of the great sand dunes and 1 mile fro San De Cristo Wildernes area.
(1) Asking the BLM Huerfano County Leases be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM resources management plan is complete. Basing these leases on 1991 environmental assessment is not acceptable.
(2) Air and water quality is of prime importance to residents and visitors to Huerfano County
(3) Where will the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well come from in this arid region which is currently suffering an extreme drought.
(4) Where will this fracking water and its many dangerous fluids be disposed of.
(5) Risking the quality of that water would not be a good choice
(6) colorado state department of natural resources engineer's decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI,LP) is important to these leases.Underground geology and hydro-geology poses a potential harm to individual water wells, springs,aquifers, streams and rivers
Table 1.152. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.44. 18LEA-1-102459
Table 1.153. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102459 56
Table 1.154. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM Parcels 8080 thru 8090 Text To Whom it may concern
i am writing to strongly encourage the BLM not to lease the above parcels.
these parcels are too close to the Sangre deCristo Wilderness & Sand Dunes Nat’l Park & Preserve.
i feel these parcels are too close and if Oil & Gas are allowed would impact & increase noise levels,light levels to decrease natural sounds and Viewing the Dark Sky. Oil & Gas drilling would also impact Air & Water quality by its close proximity to these areas.
We need to protect our few remaining Nat’l Parks, Wilderness and roadless areas.
thank you for listening.
Table 1.155. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.45. 18LEA-1-102471
Table 1.156. Name and Address
Name David W. Moore Address 1 PO Box 1144 Address 2 Address 3 City La Veta State Colorado Zip 81055 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number 719-742-3572 Email [email protected] Name David W. Moore Agency Organization Position
Table 1.157. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102471 57
Table 1.158. Comments
ID 1 Title Traditional Colorado wild scene Text The scenic drive on Colorado Highway 69 through Wet Mountain Valley shows beautiful natural unspoiled land of
pre-developed Colorado of early 20th century. The Wolf Springs Ranch was recognized as unique and set aside to save this rare beauty. My wife and have driven this road frequently for the past 20 years. I first viewed it in 1975 and it hasn't changed since. no drlling or industry roads should occur in this gem!
Table 1.159. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.46. 18LEA-1-102476
Table 1.160. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.161. Comments
ID 1 Title Leasing of land in Huerfano County Text Regarding leasing and the document DOI-BLM-CO- F020-2018-0003-EA Attachment Dear BLM.docx
Table 1.162. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.47. 18LEA-1-102485
Table 1.163. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102476 58
Table 1.164. Comments
ID 1 Title EA Comment on Oil & Gas Leases Near Great Sand Dunes NP&P Text Dear Acting Director Shoop:
As a member of the public who is a supporter of the National Parks Conservation Association, I am writing to express my deep concern about the Colorado BLM’s proposal to offer oil and gas leases in the Royal Gorge Field office near Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve, as part of the Rocky Mountain District September, 2018 competitive lease sale.
Specifically, the proposed leases in Huerfano County (parcels 8080-8090) are in close proximity (1-4 miles) to the boundary of Great Sand Dunes Park & Preserve, a unit of the national park system, and to designated wilderness. These leases overlay the road leading to Mosca Pass, which serves as a seasonal entrance to the National Park & Preserve from the east, and which is also popular with backcountry hunters, anglers, and hikers. Potential impacts to air, ecosystems, wilderness values, and visitor safety in the National Park & Preserve and in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness have not been meaningfully addressed in the draft EA.
In addition, the parcels intersect with identified migration corridors and reproduction habitat for big game such as elk, mule deer, and pronghorn.
The BLM has the discretion to defer these leases from the upcoming sale, or to permanently remove them. Given potential impacts to sensitive and treasured resources, which are important to the local economy and to our national heritage, I strongly urge the BLM to consider the possibility that industrial oil and gas exploration and development in this area is not appropriate, especially without more in-depth planning and analysis.
Barring deferral or removal, the BLM should expand upon the analysis and information offered in the draft EA to ensure that both the public and affected land management agencies have had the opportunity to vet specific plans for enforceable, protective and mitigative measures to ensure that public safety, air, ecosystems, wildlife, and water will not be placed at risk beforethe leases are offered.
Sincerely,
Kelly Crandall
Table 1.165. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102485 59
1.48. 18LEA-1-102490
Table 1.166. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.167. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM should adopt the no action alternative Text BLM has not sufficiently studied the environmental impacts of the proposed lease sale of parcels 8080-8090 in western Huerfano County near Great Sand Dunes National Park. BLM should defer these leases from the upcoming sale or, better, permanently remove them.
I am a Colorado citizen who enjoys recreating at Sand Dunes National Park; in fact, it is one of my favorite parts of the state, and I visit it every year. Aside from the unique beauty of the dunes and mountains, I go there for the quiet and darkness, which is unsurpassed. The draft EA does not sufficiently study the potential impacts to air and wilderness values, including impacts to the night sky and to noise. As one of the quietest national parks, any increase in noise and any changes to air quality should not be tolerated. In addition, I go there to appreciate the wildlife, and always see deer and pronghorn while visiting. The draft EA does not sufficiently study potential impacts to these species and their habitat, including migration corridors.
Secretary Zinke has publicly claimed that he will defer more to states and their citizens' interests. He and BLM should put our citizens' interests in protecting the unique characteristics of Great Sand Dunes National Park and surrounding wilderness above the interests of oil and gas lobbyists. I strongly urge BLM to more thoroughly explore the potential environmental impacts to the area and the possibility that the area is not appropriate for oil/gas leasing, consistent with the BLM's authority under the law.
Thank you for considering these comments.
Table 1.168. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102490 60
1.49. 18LEA-1-102494
Table 1.169. Name and Address
Name robert scott Address 1 Rural Custer County Address 2 Address 3 City Westcliffe State Colorado Zip 81252 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name robert scott Agency Organization Position
Table 1.170. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.171. Comments
ID 1 Title Visual resources Text For the Huerfano County project the visual resource analysis is woefully inadequate. The resource author admits the VRI is at best a cursory one. The signicance of the Frontier Scenic Byway is an important regional resource. By its byway definition the travel route is VRM Class II. The views from the travel route toward the Sangre de Cristo Range are improperly rated. The VRI has mapped the area as Class III. Because of the background views of the Range and its distinctive landforms, rockforms and scale lifts the middleground to at Least a Class II Scenic Quality from reavels along the Byway.
The author claims an individual visual impact assessment will be conducted for each proposed management activity. I trust this will occur. Between the Frontier Scenic Byway and the Sangre de Cristo Range visual aesthetics are and important to the region. Visual impact to the views from the travel route need careful consideration.
Night lighting is another major issues concerning a area commited to dark skies. As mitigation I would recommend lighting shields to to minmize off site lighting.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102494 61
Table 1.172. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.50. 18LEA-1-102498
Table 1.173. Name and Address
Name Richard K Keyes Address 1 2814 County Road 580 Address 2 2814 County Road 580 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Richard K Keyes Agency Organization Position Table 1.174. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.175. Comments
ID 1 Title Text Richard K Keyes
2814 County Road 580
Gardner, CO 81040
daddykeyes@hot- mail.com
719-746-2366
April 6, 2018
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
ATTN: Ms. Sharon Sales
RE: - ; BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County
Ms. Sales:
This letter is in response to the intended sale of BLM Huerfano County mineral leases for parcels 8080 thru 8090. As a full time resident of the Upper Huerfano River area, my concerns range from: worry for my family, cattle, livelihood and the local wildlife. It is my understanding that the BLM, which borders my ranch on four side, is in the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102498 62
middle of conducting a new Environmental Assessment Study of the area.
My wife and I moved to this particular area to avoid the air pollution which we dealt with in the Denver area. We desired the fresh clean air, and crystal water we currently have here. The peace and quiet which we now enjoy both day and night will be effected by the seismic studies even if drilling is not conducted.
It is of great concern that those who are interested in purchasing the mineral leases maybe be under some false perceptions and that the new Environmental Assessment Study might clarify issues for all of us effected by this lack of updated information.
As a means to avoid potential disruption to our water quality, air quality and harmful effects to our cattle, horses and other animals I requested you consider deferring or withdrawing the sale of mineral leases in the Huerfano County area until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed and released.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
Respectfully,
Richard K. Keyes
Table 1.176. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.51. 18LEA-1-102507
Table 1.177. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.178. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale.. Huerfano Text
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102507 63
of
This part of southern Colorado is considered to be semi-arid and is currently experiencing a major drought.
Hydraulic fracturing uses a tremendous amount of water. Some operations also involve massive dewatering
operations. In the Colorado portion of the Raton Basin, over 16,000 acre feet of ground water per year is
being extracted – permanently. Some of the nastiest stuff is deep injected (causing earthquakes),
while the majority is simply dumped into surface drainages. It seems wildly irresponsible and treads
on the rights of the residents of the area.
The Environmental Analysis the BLM used to reach their determination is outdated and incomplete. A
North Fork Ranch
Table 1.179. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.52. 18LEA-1-102508
Table 1.180. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.181. Comments
ID 1 Title Re-consider September Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text Please read my attached comments to the September Oil and Gas Leases in Huerfano County. Attachment EA Comment.docx
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102508 64
Table 1.182. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.53. 18LEA-1-102515
Table 1.183. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.184. Comments
ID 1 Title 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text Please defer or withdraw the BLM Huerfano County leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
Table 1.185. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.54. 18LEA-1-102517
Table 1.186. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.187. Comments
ID 1 Title Comment of Opposition Text Please see my attached Comment in opposition
Tony Yost Attachment BLM.TMY.Comment.docx
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102515 65
Table 1.188. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.55. 18LEA-1-102518
Table 1.189. Name and Address
Name Mr. Erick Miller Address 1 576 E 1st St Address 2 Address 3 City Salida State Colorado Zip 81201 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-557-9000 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Erick Miller Agency Organization Position Table 1.190. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.191. Comments
ID 1 Title EA is Insufficient an EIS is Required Text The Environmental Assessment (EA) developed for the Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale dated March 2018, states in Section 3.3.2.7 that, “All or portions of the following parcels contain big elk production areas: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, and 8088.” (United States Department of Land Management, Royal Gorge Field Office, 2018). Further, the Proposed Oil & Gas Lease Parcels largely reside in the indigenous Elk Population’s winter range (Colorado Division of Wildlife, 2005). The habitat value of seasonal ranges, particularly winter ranges, and the routes connecting them are critically important in maintaining ungulate populations. Oil and gas development and its associated infrastructure affect both seasonal ranges and migration routes (Riley, 2012). The EA’s identification and response to the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102518 66
latter concerns are not adequate.
The EA made references to Sawyer et al. (2006) and Northrup et al. (2015) selectively quoting those studies, as follows, “mule deer demonstrated an avoidance response of well pads and roads in the development of a natural gas field in western Wyoming and (Northrup) conducted research indicating similar results in mule deer avoidance in the Piceance Basin of Colorado.” Both study quotes were offered as possible mitigating responses to a previous declarative statement contained in the EA, “If a parcel is leased and development occurs, impacts likely to occur will be habitat loss and fragmentation.” Noteworthy, the populations referenced in each study, as were offered in the EA as mitigating factors, were solely mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), not elk (Cervus canadensis). Mule deer demonstrate strong avoidance of elk (Johnson et al. 2000, Stewart et al. 2002, Long et al. 2008, Stewart et al. 2015), and therefore, are not a suitable behavioral proxy. The EA’s development and identification of the environmental alternatives was incomplete.
Sawyer et al. (2006) had also stated that, “some areas classified as high probability of use by mule deer before gas field development changed to areas of low use following development, and others originally classified as low probability of use were used more frequently as the field developed. If areas with high probability of use before development were those preferred by the deer, observed shifts in their distribution as development progressed were toward less-preferred and presumably less-suitable habitats.” The foregoing makes clear that the limited information presented in the EA was demonstrably selective, and therefore, development and evaluation of the environmental impacts was insufficient.
The listed species are not behaviorally compatible, as contrasted with what was asserted in the EA, and as a consequence, the single mitigating alternative offered – timing stipulation CO-09, was inappropriate. The lack of material agency or individual consultation in context of the EA’s development, e.g., with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, has been sufficiently illustrated. The aforenoted studies and comments adequately demonstrate that the EA has failed to identify and define the significant environmental effects of the proposed Oil & Gas Lease Sale. As such, a FONSI is unfounded, and an EIS is required.
------
United States Department of Land Management, Royal Gorge Field Office, Environmental Assessment for the September 2018, Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale, March 2018:
https://eplanning.blm.gov/ epl-front-office/projects/nepa/92394/138482/ 170490/RGFO_EA_Comment_Sept2018.pdf
Colorado Division of Wildlife, Elk Management Plan (2005) pp. 7-8:
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102518 67
https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/Hunting/BigGame/ DAU/Elk/E-27DAUPlan_SangredeCristo07.pdf
Riley, T. (2012). Impacts of Crude Oil and Natural Gas Developments on Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat in the Rocky Mountain Region, retrieved from Wildlife Society, Technical Review August 2012: http://wildlife.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Oil- and-Gas-Technical-Review_2012.pdf
Sawyer, (2006). Sawyer H, Nielson RM, Lindzey F, McDonald LL. Winter habitat selection of mule deer before and during development of a natural gas field. Journal of Wildlife Management 70: 396–403: https://wyocoopunit.org/wp-content/uploads/ Sawyer_et_al._2006_JWM.pdf
Northrup et al. (2015) and (2016a, 2017b). Quantifying spatial habitat loss from hydrocarbon development through assessing habitat selection patterns of mule deer; Population Performance of Piceance Basin Mule Deer in Response to Natural Gas Resource Extraction and Mitigation Efforts to Address Human Activity and Habitat Degradation: http://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/ Research/Mammals/Publications/Anderson-Piceance- Deer-Progress-Report.pdf
Johnson, et al. (2000). Resource selection and spatial separation of mule deer and elk during spring. Journal of Wildlife Management 64, 685–697: https://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/lagrande/starkey_na/ PDFs_Preprints/ms-13_Coe.pdf
Stewart, et al. (2015). Sexual segregation in North American elk: the role of density dependence. Ecology and Evolution, 5(3), 709–721: http://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1397
Table 1.192. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.56. 18LEA-1-102519
Table 1.193. Name and Address
Name Mr. Peter Meisler Address 1 30 Parrott Street Address 2 Address 3 City Cold Spring State New York Zip 10516 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 845-265-9674 Other Phone 914-804-3214 Fax Number
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102519 68
Email [email protected] Name Mr. Peter Meisler Agency Organization Position Table 1.194. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.195. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text RE: BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County
I am writing to comment specifically on the 2018 BLM leases totaling 18,358 acres in Huerfano County, Colorado. I am concerned about these 11 parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, and 8090. I am asking that these 11 leases be deferred or withdrawn from the 2018 leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to judge these leases.
These leases are within 2 miles of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and within 1 mile of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. I am a landowner in the Huerfano Valley and have built my house there. I have hiked up to Lily Lake with my wife and 8 year old daughter 39 years ago. My family has taken friends and relatives up to Mosca Pass to hike to the Sand Dunes. I hiked up to Lily Lake to camp this past summer (I am 74 years old). The clear dark skies are a special treat when camping there. I have enjoyed the fresh, clean mountain air and been impressed with the peace and quiet of the wilderness whenever I have explored these areas. Encountering heavy truck traffic on the way in and out of these treasured places should not be part of the wilderness experience.
The area being proposed for oil and gas leasing is my view from my house. I can’t imagine it being replaced with oil and gas exploration, drilling, fracking and becoming an industrial site. The idea is a travesty.
Talk about your personal experience, interest and what is important to you in writing your comments. Driving up Mosca Pass, Medano Pass to the Sand Dunes, the Singing River road to Blanca Basin to camp, hike or view the fall colors, wildlife, wildflowers and breath the fresh, clean air would be impacted by increased industrial traffic. Air and water quality is of prime importance to residents and visitors to Huerfano
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102519 69
County. Dark skies and quiet are valued as well.
Where would the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well would come from in this arid region currently suffering an extreme drought? Where would this fracking water with its many dangerous fracking fluids be disposed of? Fracking itself, and especially injection wells, have been studied and shown to produce earthquakes. These earthquakes increase the risk of water contamination from these oil and gas exploration activities, fracking and drilling. I have concerns about the water quality that Gardner School staff and students and Gardner residents drink. That water comes from the Huerfano River. It does not make sense to risk endangering the quality of that water and the health of these local residents in a gamble to make money which may or may not even prove to be economically feasible.
The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer’s decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP) shows that the underground geology and hydrogeology poses a potential harm to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers.
I appreciate this opportunity to voice my concerns to the BLM. The area of these leases is important and valuable to me as outdoor recreation and a wilderness experience. I urge you to defer or withdraw these 11 leases from the 2018 leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Please confirm your receipt of my comments.
Peter Meisler
Table 1.196. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.57. 18LEA-1-102523
Table 1.197. Name and Address
Name Mrs. Suzanne M Keyes Address 1 2814 County Road 580 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-746-2366 Other Phone Fax Number
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102523 70
Email [email protected] Name Mrs. Suzanne M Keyes Agency Organization Position Table 1.198. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.199. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA Text April 6, 2018
To: Sharon Sales
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
Re: September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA
From: Suzanne M. Keyes
2814 County Road 580
Gardner, CO 81040
Dear Sharon Sales,
I respectfully request the Deferment of the Sale of the BLM Oil and Gas Leases in Huerfano County, CO. This request is for Lease Parcels # 8080-8090.
Please defer until the Water Quality and Environmental Impact Studies can be completed.
Who we are: Richard and Suzanne Keyes retired from Business in Denver, our four adult children: George, Abbie, Charlie and Bonnie, and our two grandchildren, Drake and Mallory. We purchased this ranch in 2010 after extensive searching in Colorado. Dick and Sue are full time residents of Huerfano County. We produce purebred Herford cattle that are Grass Fed and Grass Finished utilizing Standards of Organic production. We have recently added Berkshire Pigs, Free Ranging Chickens and Belgian Draft Horses in addition to Fruit and Vegetables for personal use.
Why we bought in Huerfano County: Our decision was based on clean live water, the Huerfano River, clean air, Irrigation water rights, its status as a former cattle and hay operation, beautiful mountain views, varied terrains, variety of plants, trees including mushrooms specifically Morels and a extensive collection of wild life. An unexpected bonus was spectacular starry nights. This is a very peaceful setting with minimal traffic…typically the last 40 miles from I25 you experience less than 10 vehicles. The BLM land that surrounds our property is currently in a pristine state.
Our concerns:
Soil and Water Contamination from Oil Drilling and Fracking
Loss of Air Quality
Depletion of the limited water resources we currently have
Loss of the Dark Skies and therefore the Star visibility we currently enjoy
Noise pollution
Dust from road traffic
Loss of Land Value…some
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102523 71
ranches are not salable because of water contamination form fracking.
Loss of condition on cattle
Negative impact on fellow farmers and ranchers who rely on BLM leases for grazing of their livestock, revenue from hunting and fishing individuals, Pinyon nut harvest.
Loss of access to BLM lands for recreational use
Increase in Traffic
Impact of additional traffic on Elk, Deer, Turkey and other wild life that cross 580 to access the rivers life giving waters
Availability of water for drilling and fracking
Disposal of waste products of drilling and fracking
Fire conditions with drought.
Thought you might enjoy a list of some of the Wild Life that share the ranch with us:
Elk, Deer, both Mule and White Tail, Foxes, both Long Legged and Short Legged, Mountain Lions or Cougars, Bob Cats, Mink, Bears, Beaver, Miner’s Cat or Ring Tail, Raccoons, and Squirrels.
Raptors include: Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Red Tail Hawks, Great Horned Owls, Turkey Vultures and numerous small raptors.
Cranes rest here prior to their flight over the pass to the San Louis Valley.
Innumerable Duck species, Humming Birds, Wild Turkeys, American Dippers
And Monarch Butterflies.
Thank you for your consideration of our request to defer the sale of the oil and gas leases in Huerfano County until the appropriate studies of air and water quality and the environmental impact can be completed.
Please confirm the receipt of these comments.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Keyes,
Full Time Resident Land Owner and Rancher
Table 1.200. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.58. 18LEA-1-102524
Table 1.201. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102524 72
Table 1.202. Comments
ID 1 Title Protest to DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA Text I am currently a property owner in Custer County, Colorado, which is adjacent to Huerfano County.
I have been advised of the BLM proposal to open areas in Huerfano County, Colorado to oil and gas exploration/drilling. I protest the opening of BLM leases for this purpose and, as reasons therefor, state:
Historically, there have been many incidents of contamination of private water wells and live water by oil and gas drilling Once a water well or live water source is contaminated, the effect cannot be reversed. We have seen this repeated over an over throughout the United states. Any contamination will affect the watershed and any wildlife, plants, and human habitation downstream. Contamination could also negatively impact the San Luis Valley acquifers which would be a huge problem for the farmers and ranchers who depend on water for their livelihoods.
The area contemplated for leasing is historically a wild area, much of which is roadless. Development of oil/gas exploration and drilling will forever negatively impact the area with noise, scarring of the land, pollution, vehicular, and human traffic.
Several of the parcels contemplated for lease are near the Great Sand Dunes and Medano Creek, a very rare and important part of our national parks. Any potential for damage to the park would be an environmental and economic travesty. I am a frequent visitor to the Sand Dunes and know many people who find them a wonderful place and interesting geological site.
Some of the contemplated parcels include an area designated for wildlife habitat and conservation easement, ie Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This area is important to the continued preservation of our wildlife, not just for the elk but all wildlife who make this area their home. Photography, hiking, and hunting in the area is a very important tourist attraction and valuable economical resource to the local public and Colorado.
A lot of the parcels also infringe near the Navajo Nation's sacred site. Consideration should be given to the native americans to preserve the area, which has just recently been returned to them. Why was the Navajo Nation not included in the BLM study?
It is disappointing that such a short time limit was allowed for the public to comment on this proposal. This decision affects a large group of the public, not just in Colorado but from other states, who depend on the wild nature of the area for their livelihoods and recreation.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102524 73
Table 1.203. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.59. 18LEA-1-102530
Table 1.204. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.205. Comments
ID 1 Title Text I ask that the BLM Huerfano County leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
Where would the 3-8 million gallons of water needed to frack a well would come from in this arid region currently suffering an extreme drought? Where would this fracking water with its many dangerous fracking fluids be disposed in this sensisitve wilderness area?
Table 1.206. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.60. 18LEA-1-102533
Table 1.207. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102530 74
Table 1.208. Comments
ID 1 Title Huerfano Proposed Lease Auction Text
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the cluster of lease sale parcels 8080 - 8090 in western Huerfano County.
I have multiple concerns with these proposed leases:
Impact on wildlife - migration corridors and winter range
Impact on natural resources - proximity to roadless areas, increase traffic and development close to Great Sand Dunes, Forst Service, Sangre De Cristo Wilderness and State Wildlife Areas
Impact on water resources - risk of increased instability in water flows and quality, impact on farming and ranching businesses
Related Impacts on economic development and tourism - Huerfano County is one of the poorest counties in this state economically; we are working hard to expand and diversify our economic base, focusing on rural and outdoor tourism as new economic drivers, in addition to our historic agricultural heritage, and driving away from the unsustainable mineral and natural resource exploitation that has left poverty, unemployment, sickness and scarred lands in their wake. These proposed leases for oil and gas development will directly counter all of these efforts. People do not wish to visit, recreate in, or relocate to areas exposed to such development and the inherent risks associated with it. At the very least, such development dimishes the natural beauty of the area, and tarnishes the perception too. I understand that the risks may be considered debatable by some, but regardless people are afraid of this type of development, and it will hinder our ability share and market our greatest and most sustainable resources: clean water and air, beautiful mountains, plains and vistas, abundant wildlife. Furthermore, even at best it would offer only short term economic gain, but at the cost of very long term impact to the perception of the area. If you know the area, you know we say it takes at least 3 jobs to survive here, and we are no exception - between my husband and I, we speak as farmers, ranchers, guesthouse/hospitality operators, real estate broker and contractor. We also speak as residents and landowners. We were lucky enough to find this place and all it's wildness and beauty, something we and friends call 'unspoiled Colorado'; we are writing to ask your help in protecting that.
Given that this area is currently undergoing a Resource Management Plan revision that will manage future development under modern protections, along with the fact that Sec. Zinke has recently deferred leases from lease sales around Chaco Canyon National Historical Park in New Mexico and other leases in MT, SD and ND, I urge BLM to defer these leases until after the Eastern Colorado RMP is completed, and the 2-3 year baseline monitoring studies for
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102533 75
air quality, hydrogeology, wildelife and others will be implemented.
Thank you very much for your consideration, we know how valuable providing our view of the direct impacts to our home is.
Sincerely,
Sarah Jardis
Aaron Vasholz
Table 1.209. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.61. 18LEA-1-102535
Table 1.210. Name and Address
Name christopher silks Address 1 PO Box 183 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name christopher silks Agency Organization Position
Table 1.211. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102535 76
Table 1.212. Comments
ID 1 Title Text
I am writing to register my comments on the proposed BLM oil/gas leases in the Upper Huerfano Basin of Huerfano County. They are parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090.
I write as a landowner and resident of Gardner having enjoyed this unique and pristine area for over 25 years. I’m also a retired BLM employee with a career spent working for the Department of Interior. My career of traveling and working all over the west has instilled in me a great appreciation for what a unique and special place this area represents. With the front range being so close and growing, it’s even more crucial to preserve an area with such increasingly rare resources of clean water, unaltered landscape, dark skies and silence.
I am requesting that the leases in the Upper Huerfano Basin be deferred or withdrawn from Colorado leases at least until the BLM Resource Management Plan is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Newer scientific studies should be included in the information to approve these leases.
Furthermore, I believe the leases should be deferred or withdrawn until a baseline water quality study can be conducted for the Upper Huerfano Basin. Currently there is no baseline water quality information available. That information should be essential before ANY industrial oil and gas activity happens in our watershed.
The potential for polluting our rivers, streams and groundwater is huge due to the unique geology of the area in which the proposed leases are located. The effects of fracking fluids or an industrial spill in this area would be devastating and long lasting. The dike formations in the area have the potential to be a fluid pathway for toxic fracking materials. Thus, our entire watershed could be polluted just by fracking fluids alone. The dike formations go miles deep and are fractured which means there’s no knowing where toxic chemicals may travel or end up.
Huerfano County has many people who depend on the land and water for their livelihood and also the reason why many of us live here. Ranching, outdoor recreation and hunting are just some of the industries that will be negatively affected by oil and gas exploration. The beauty and pristine nature of this area is one of the best attributes of the county. It also has an almost priceless value moving forward. The unique geology, Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area makes this a valuable and important area not only in the west, but in all of America.
The Great Sand Dunes National Park projects to have 500,000 visitors this year. The Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, Sangre de Cristo mountain range, National Forest and BLM land all bring in many
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102535 77 more visitors for outdoor recreation and activities.
All of those areas will be affected by activity on the 11 leases. Those leases are in very close proximity to the Great Sand Dunes NP and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Exploration activity by the oil and gas industry is not compatible with the area.
In addition to the toxic fracking fluids and the threat to our water supply, exploration of those parcels will bring unprecedented noise and light pollution to an area renown and loved for its dark skies and quiet landscape. Many people visit here and even move here to escape the noise and light pollution that is spreading in Colorado as our states population continues to grow.
I consider it not only short sighted bordering on negligent to open these leases, but also poor public lands management when there is so much at stake by opening up these 11 parcels. Especially when the BLM’s own Resource Management Plan for the area is still being completed!
Water looms large with these parcels, not only for the threat of polluting and ruining our fragile and unique hydrology, but also because it’s a scarce resource .
Currently we are in a severe drought and fracking is a water intensive process. The parcels are located in an arid area. Droughts are not only common, they seem to be becoming the new norm.
Where will the millions of gallons of water come from to frack a single well? What if many wells are fracked? Where will fracking fluids be disposed? Both fracking and injection wells have been studied and shown to produce earthquakes most notably nearby in Oklahoma.
Given our arid land, the current drought, our clean water (headwaters of the Huerfano river) and fragile hydrology, Oil and Gas exploration has no business setting up shop here. The risks are to great and there is too much to lose by bringing in a water intensive industry that has a history of toxic chemical pollution and industrial spills.
Hauling of water and fracking fluids, well pad construction and operation will represent a constant form of noise and light pollution. Our road infrastructure also is not up for that type of industrial traffic and would need significant upgrading just to be safe
Wildlife is abundant in the Upper Huerfano Basin. Drilling in Huerfano County would have a negative effect on a wide array of animals and game animals in particular. Hunting is a significant economic driver in our poor county. People come from all over the state and country to hunt in this pristine and unspoiled area. Preserving this for future generations should be a
significant factor regarding how the Upper Huerfano Basin is managed.
The Oil and Gas industry is currently drilling extensively in Colorado with a poor record for safety, pollution and community relationships. There is too much that can altered or destroyed in the Upper Huerfano Basin by Oil and Gas exploration to justify these parcels being opened up.
I sincerely hope that BLM will have the courage and vision to recognize this and take the appropriate action of withdrawing those parcels
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102535 78Table 1.213. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.62. 18LEA-1-102538
Table 1.214. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.215. Comments
ID 1 Title Public Benefit? Text
Given the very low to low likelihood of mineral activity in the Huerfano County parcels, and given geological maps of the parcel area indicating no viable petroleum deposits, one is led to question why these parcels were ever nominated. Also given that the Huerfano County parcels are beneath virtually one surface owner’s ranch, and given that this surface owner has deeded over the minerals on the property to an exploration and production company possessed by the owner, the question also arises as to whether the leased parcels will be used for public benefit or to benefit speculative activities by the lessor. 18,000 leased acres is an impressive number. The leasing process has already consumed public resources through the extensive scoping, planning, and assessment activities. Is it economic to expend so many public funds for so few public gains?
Table 1.216. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.63. 18LEA-1-102541
Table 1.217. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102538 79
Table 1.218. Comments
ID 1 Title 11 parcels in Huerfano County for sale Text Regarding the 11 parcels in Huerfano County proposed for the September 6, 2018 lease sale and the associated March 2018 Environment Assessment (DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA), I believe the Huerfano County parcels should be withdrawn or deferred from the sale pending further analysis and study of the environmental consequences of leasing and potential development to address:
- The unique and complex geology and hydrogeology of the region and the possibility of aquifer contamination
Baseline studies of surface and groundwater to prove there will be no permanent damage or adverse impacts to the regional watershed (Huerfano River and its tributaries) and nearby springs and water wells
The fact that the EA states: “RGFO has limited on site knowledge or any site specific details about riparian, wetland or aquatic habitats”
Water quantity issues in an arid, drought-affected region
Impact on the winter range habitat for big game species and turkeys
Cumulative impact to visual resources in the area
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.64. 18LEA-1-102543
Table 1.220. Name and Address
Name Eleanor Linke Address 1 1867 County Road 574 Address 2 Address 3 City ,Gardner, State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-746-2391 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Eleanor Linke Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102543 80
Table 1.221. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.222. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text Re: BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County April 6, 2018
Hello BLM, This is my personal comment on the 2018 lease sale. I am very concerned about the leasing of parcels 8080,8081 ,8082,8083.8084,8085,8086,8087,8088,8089,8090 in Huerfano County and how it will affect air and water quality and wildlife in our ranching community. We are currently experiencing a drought that impacts the health of our local cattle ranches and the crops that are raised here. I request that the leases for the Huerfano County parcels mentioned above be deferred or withdrawn until the BLM Resource Management Plan that BLM is currently writing is completed There are new and up to date studies of oil and gas impacts nationally that must be considered. The 1991 Environmental Assessment is outdated and potentially dangerous to residents and to the environment.
Huerfano County is also experiencing an influx of new residents, retirees and young families, increasing home values and demand for real estate. Oil and gas leases will negatively affect this market. We have a home in the Gardner area and feel blessed by our proximity to Sangre de Christo Wildlife Area and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We have lived here for 45 years. I am a retired school teacher and my husband is a retired contractor.
The unique underground geology and water geology of this area will be threatened by oil and gas development. The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources' decision to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell Oil in the past, indicates the potential serious harm to our water sources. The Huerfano River is our important local water source for wells and irrigation for crops and our livestock industry.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102543 81
Thank- ing you for your consideration,
Eleanor Linke
1867 County Road 574,Gardner,Colorado 81040
Table 1.223. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.65. 18LEA-1-102546
Table 1.224. Name and Address
Name Heidi Sherk Address 1 2424 Spruce Street Address 2 Address 3 City Boulder State Colorado Zip 80304 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 720-480-6359 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Heidi Sherk Agency Organization The Nature Conservancy Position Director of External Affairs
Table 1.225. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.226. Comments
ID 1 Title The Nature Conservancy in Colorado
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102546 82
Text Please see attached comments. Attachment TNC Comments -- 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale (4-6-18).pdf
Table 1.227. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.66. 18LEA-1-102550
Table 1.228. Name and Address
Name Derek Scott Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 City Littleton State Colorado Zip 80127 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Derek Scott Agency Organization Position
Table 1.229. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102550 83
Table 1.230. Comments
ID 1 Title Sept 2018 Gas Lease Sale - disapproval Text I am writing to let the BLM know that I am not supporting the lease sale of the parcels in reference here. It is my understaning that the BLM has not performed due didligence in determing potentially detrimental effects to water and air quality, as well as infrastrucutre in and around Gardner, and Westcliffe/Silvercliff. With the sale of these mineral rights, it will create a natual gas transportation connection route from the Western Slope. WIth compressor stations and highway improvements which will likely come with the production of the wells and compressor stations, it will completly alter the peaceful serene environment that we all desire in the Wet Mountain Valley. The I-70 corridor has been desimated and this will have the same effect here. It will no longer be a place of mesmerizing beauty, which is why I live in Colorado, and why I raise my family here. I have chosen Westcliffe as my place to live, and will likely move if the gas wells come. The gas will always be there, if it is there, and this is not a necessary location to be exploited. This area should be protected for its beauty. Please do not allow this sale to occur.
My family along with so many people visit the Sand Dunes, Wet Mountain Valley, San Luis Valley, and beautiful sacred Sangre de Cristo Mountains for recreation and is one of the few undisturbed natural enviroments left in this state that is as beatiful and peaceful as anywhere on earth. We need to protect it, not exploit it.
Table 1.231. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.67. 18LEA-1-102551
Table 1.232. Name and Address
Name Rosalyn G. McCain Address 1 P. O. Box 296 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040-0296 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-746-2286 Other Phone
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102551 84
Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Rosalyn G. McCain Agency Organization Position
Table 1.233. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.234. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text Rosalyn McCain
RE: BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County &n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &nb- sp; - ; - ; - ; &nbs- p; April 6, 2018
Thank you for accommodating public comments on the 2018 BLM Oil and Gas Leases. Please include my comments here in the public record. I am writing to comment specifically on the 2018 BLM leases totaling 18,358 acres in Huerfano County, Colorado. I am concerned about these 11 parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, and 8090. I am asking that these 11 leases be deferred or withdrawn from the 2018 BLM Oil and Gas Leases until the new BLM Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan is completed. I understand that the BLM has been working on this plan since well before April 13 of 2017 when they held their public meeting in Walsenburg, and I request that these leases be deferred until that new BLM Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan is finished. Basing these leases on the 1969 Resource Management Plan which was updated in 1991 is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to judge these leases. This is a huge parcel of land including the northeastern headwaters of the Huerfano River which provides water for the town of Gardner as well as all downstream users. It is very near both The Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. These lands are used by residents and visitors to Huerfano County and should be protected instead of
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102551 85 being jeopardized by these proposed BLM oil and gas leases.
I have lived in Huerfano County for 42 years. I went to Washington, DC to lobby for the Colorado Wilderness bill which designated both the Sangre de Cristo and Greenhorn Mountain as Wilderness Areas. I have been so happy to see these areas protected and used and valued by the public as pristine wilderness. These oil and gas leases are a threat to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area and should be withdrawn from the 2018 BLM Oil and Gas Lease sale. I lived on Pass Creek Road when ARCO developed its Sheep Mountain CO2 project. I could read a book at night in bed from the lights of that development. That kind of industrial development would affect most Gardner area residents who value the dark skies we enjoy every night when we walk out to look at the stars, the sunsets and moonsets. My family built our own house on the edge of the Forest Service boundary on Greenhorn The view from my kitchen window and from our favorite place to watch the sunset every night is something I value greatly. The industrial lighting necessary to oil and gas development would disturb me greatly.
My family enjoys the fall colors on Mosca Pass and Medano Pass and in Blanca Basin every year where we hike and camp in the fall. Industrial truck traffic on roads leading to those areas would be dangerous and unwelcome. The quiet and fresh mountain air and dark skies allow us to enjoy the wildlife we see and the family experience of these wild areas all spring, summer and fall. These are some of Colorado’s treasures. They should not be ruined by oil and gas development.
I have gone on field trips with a geologist to look at the dikes in the areas around Redwing. These dikes and sills are a part of the complicated geology of the areas being considered for oil and gas leases. The Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer issued a final decision on December 14, 2014 that denied non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP) for their Fortune, State and Seibert wells. This finding of tributary water shows that the underground geology and hydrogeology poses a potential harm to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers.
I lived near the ARCO CO2 project on Sheep Mountain for 15 years and have lived adjacent to the Greenhorn Wilderness Area for 24 years, and I am very familiar with this area. My son is a professional wildlife biologist, so I have become very familiar with the wildlife in these areas as well.
My family and I use and value our public lands locally, and we depend on the federal agencies to protect those lands for the public. We have seen that oil and gas development have stolen public access to much of Sheep Mountain. Areas that people had used for hunting and hiking for generations have been unavailable to the public since the ARCO Sheep Mountain CO2 began in the 1970’s
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102551 86
and 1980’s, and this has continued until today. Oil and gas and mineral extraction benefit the companies engaged in the activity and take these public lands away from the public to use for hunting, fishing and recreation. I am trusting the BLM to manage our public lands wisely.
I appreciate this opportunity to voice my concerns to the BLM. The area of these leases is important and valuable to me as outdoor recreation and a wilderness experience. I urge you to defer or withdraw these 11 leases from the 2018 leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Please confirm your receipt of my comments.
Rosalyn McCain
Gardner, Colorado
Table 1.235. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.68. 18LEA-1-102553
Table 1.236. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.237. Comments
ID 1 Title Comment Letter from Colorado Native Plant Society Text As Chair of the Conservation Committee of the Colorado Native Plant Society, I would like to thank you for the opportunity allowing organizations such as ours to comment during this 15-day period on the Environmental Assessment for the September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale.
Section 3-1 - Introduction
Chapter 3 Introduction of the Environmental Assessment states that several resources and management issues were determined to not be present or not be significant, specifically including Special Status Plants and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics.
- Concerning Lands with Wilderness Characteristics, several parcels in Huerfano County, specifically 8086, 8088, 8089, and 8090 directly border the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area. These coincidentally are the parcels closest to the Great Sand Dunes National Park. We are not sure how an arbitrary border would immediately end the wilderness characteristics of these parcels.
there was no discussion at all of the effect
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102553 87
on native plants, rare or common, although effect on invasive plants was discussed.
Section 3.3.2.1 - Invasive Plants
The Environmental Assessment provides incomplete information regarding the risks to native plant communities from the introduction of invasive species and noxious weeds as a result of oil and gas drilling. Soil disturbances as a result of drilling and associated activities, including the use of construction equipment and vehicles, which can introduce invasive species, will likely allow invasive species and noxious weeds to become established. This could irreparably harm both individual native plants and native plant communities.
On page 36, the Environmental Assessment asserts that “leasing of the nominated parcels will not result in any disturbance, and; therefore, will not result in the introduction or spread of invasive species.” It further asserts that “[d]ue to practices such as interim and final reclamation, washing of equipment prior to mobilization, and regulations requiring effective weed suppression, if there are any cumulative impacts, they will be minor.” It is our opinion that insufficient information is provided in the Environmental Assessment to support the above statements.
- What specific steps will the BLM take to reduce this risk? What specific requirements will the BLM impose on lessees to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect native plants?
Please provide support for the statement that cumulative impacts will be minor. While reclamation may return native plants to leased parcels, during the time that drilling is occurring on the property, how can BLM assert that there will not be any disturbances or that regulations will sufficiently protect native plant communities?
- Concerning reclamation of parcels in Baca, Kiowa, Lincoln, Weld, and Washington counties where it's reasonable to assume grazing may occur, the successful establishment of desirable species (taking into account landowner preferences) may include several non-native species. This might include the establishment of timothy grass or smooth brome after the disturbance of native rangeland species like blue grama or buffalo grass. So while the reclamation of the land would be according to policy, the outcome may permanently alter native plant communities.
Do you have a reclamation/re-vegetation plan available for review - in particular related to soils/native plantChapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102553 88
revegetation?
Section 3.3.2.3 - Special Status Species
Failure to Consider Impacts to Imperiled Native Plant Species and Natural Communities - No special status plant species are mentioned or addressed in this section though it is reasonable to assume they may occur on the parcels being considered for lease sale
- Asclepsias unicaulis ssp. unicaulis, a BLM-designated sensitive plant, has been recorded in Baca, Huerfano and Weld Counties which means its presence should be measured on 21 of the 28 parcels up for lease sale.
Aletes lithophilus, another BLM-designated sensitive species, has been reported in Pinyon-Juniper woodland areas of Huerfano County which is exactly the land type of the 11 parcels up for lease sale.
These are the only BLM designated sensitive species which obviously should have been addressed in this initial report but there are other rare and threatened species that should probably be taken into consideration and would need to be addressed specifically in any APD.
USGS QuadrangleState Scientific NameState Common NameState Imperilment Rank
Creager ReservoirAstragalus brandegeeiBrandegee milkvetch1/2
Medano RanchCarex lasiocarpaSlender sedge1
Erigeron philadelphicusPhiladelphia fleabane1
Peritoma multicaulisSlender spiderflower2/3
Rorippa coloradensisColorado watercressH*
Draba smithiiSmith whitlow-grass2
Gastrolychnis kingiiKing's campion1
Oreocarya pustulosaCatseye1
Phacelia denticulataRocky Mountain phaceliaU*
Potentilla ambigensSouthern Rocky Mountain cinquefoil2
Mosca PassDraba smithiiSmith whitlow-grass2
Gastrolychnis kingiiKing's campion1
Woodsia neomexicanaNew Mexico cliff fern2
Narrowleaf Cottonwood/Mixed Willows Montane Riparian Forest2
Red WingPopulus angustifolia / Salix (monticola, drummondiana, lucida) Riparian WoodlandNarrowleaf Cottonwood/Mixed Willows Montane Riparian Forest2
Carex simulata FenWet Meadow3
Cercocarpus montanus / Muhlenbergia montana ShrublandMixed
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102553 89
Mountain Shrublands2
Picea pungens / Alnus incana Riparian WoodlandMontane Riparian Forests3
Populus angustifolia / Salix (monticola, drummondiana, lucida) Riparian WoodlandNarrowleaf Cottonwood/Mixed Willows Montane Riparian Forest2
Salix exigua - Salix ligulifolia Wet ShrublandStrapleaf Willow-Coyote Willow2
Liatris ligulistylisGay-feather2
*H denotes a species that was historically known with hopes of rediscovery. U denotes unrankable; status cannot be determined at this time.
Source: Colorado Natural Heritage Program
Additionally, there is one record of the ESA Threatened Colorado butterfly plant (Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis aka Oenothera coloradensis ssp. coloradensis) (G3T2 S1) within 5 miles of proposed parcel 8064 in Weld county.
Within 5 miles of proposed parcels 8062, 8063, 8064, 8065, 8068, or 8069 in Weld County:
- Alpine feverfew aka Wyoming feverfew (Parthenium alpinum aka Bolophyta alpina) (G3 S3)
Mountain Cat's-eye (Cryptantha cana aka Oreocarya cana) (G5 S2)
Nuttall's Desert-parsley aka dog parsley (Lomatium nuttallii aka Aletes nuttallii) (G3 S1)
Threeleaf Milkvetch aka plains milkvetch (Astragalus gilviflorus aka Orophaca triphylla)
- Linear-leaf Bursage aka plains ragweed (Ambrosia linearis) (G3 S3)
What specific steps will the BLM take to reduce the risk of disturbance or impacts to the above-listed species as a result of the proposed lease sales?
4) Section 3.3.2.4- Upland Vegetation
Concerning the parcels in Baca, Kiowa, Lincoln and Washington counties where the land type is mainly considered uncultivated shortgrass prairie with interspersed drylands farming, our larger concern is the uncultivated prairie - the removal of shortgrass prairie climax species which are slow to impossible to re-establish regardless of interim or ongoing reclamation. The claim that long-term grazing may have altered the native vegetation has some merit if poor grazing regulations or over grazing has occurred, but there is the chance that healthy ecosystems exist within these parcels. Disturbing them would permanently alter the immediate ecosystem.
Bayard Ewing
Chair, Conservation Committee
Colorado Native Plant Society
[email protected]
www.conps.org
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102553 90
Table 1.238. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.69. 18LEA-1-102559
Table 1.239. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.240. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 oil and gas lease sale Text Dear Ms. Sales i live in Huerfano County please include this public comment in the official record:
The proposed lease sale of 18,358 acres in Huerfano County is irresponsible reasons being that the environmental assessmnet done by the BLM for these leases sales is incomplete and basied on an outdated resource area plan adopted in 1986 and ammended in 1991. The oil and gas technology thru the use of new fracking techniques including muti- directional drilling and highly pressurized injection wells require new analysis. and new analysis is also required because of the unique geololgy and hydrology of the Huerfano county BLM lease area and the possible affects oil and gas exploration will have on the adjacent great sand dunes national park, the Sangre de Cristo wilderness area ,and there direct upper huerfano river basin.
"We The People " that own this land, want our Land Management Services that we pay taxes towards we want a through hydro geological study done, By a third party.
The office of the state engineer found in, 7-2014 and 12-2014 that the geologic formations including vertical and falt pathways surrounding these land partials in the present purposed lease area, supported Tributary Water Designation. Water sources in the lease area include Buff Creek, Muddy creek, Pantleon Creek, North and south may creeks Potatoe Creek Reto Oso Creek, Sheep Creek, Stanton Creek, Manzarres Creek, the Montez Ditch, and the Huerfano river. 5 million gallons of water per frack who owns those tributary waters? How are our water ways affected?
The endrocin disrution exchane identiies over 1,400 chemicals in oil and gas operations as endocrine disruptors which can and has led to fatal human disease.the purposed lease area encompasses the entire Hiurfano river drainage and the human population it serves.
Any spill, injhection and application of the toxic substances used in drilling
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102559 91
and production could potentially effect all life in that hyro- geologic zone,. exploration will also effect the enforcement of the conservationj easement held by the rocky mt foundation. Big game habitat and migration route will be effected as will as air quality for the great sand dunes park and the Sangre de Cristo wildreness area . In summary the colorado state wild life areas and humane habititation of the Huerfano valley cannot be analyzed thru singular parcals that can be easily manipulated through Findings Of No Significant Impact FONSIS by the BLM. We Need a through environmental statement to determine true impact to the area, done by a third party. until we have this and can move forward responsibly, we are asking you to deferre or withdraw lease parcels 8080,8081,80 82,8083,8084,8085,8086,8087,8088,8089,890. thank you for taking all commentd into consideration your leasese on our public land that the BLM is suppose to be manageing for us. Also we do not appreciate being left with a 15 day window for comments onwhat BLM is doing on our lands, that they are to be managing responsibly for us . It was a 60 day comment period which is much more reasonable than 15 days. Sincerely Gladis Gaia Little
Table 1.241. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.70. 18LEA-1-102561
Table 1.242. Name and Address
Name gail Terry Address 1 454 county road 553 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name gail Terry Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102561 92
Table 1.243. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.244. Comments
ID 1 Title 2018 ol and gas lease sale Huerfano county CO Text see attached comments from Gail Terry
Attachment BLM letter April 4 2018.docx Table 1.245. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.71. 18LEA-1-102564
Table 1.246. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.247. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text To: Sharon Sales & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; - ; - ; April 6, 2018
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street
Canon City,
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102564 93
CO 81212
Re: BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County
Emil McCain
P. O. Box 296
Gardner, CO 81040-0296
Dear Ms. Sales,
I am writing to comment on the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan (ECRMP) that BLM is now working on. I understand that it will guide the management of all the BLM public lands and millions of acres of BLM-managed federal mineral estate in eastern Colorado for the next 20-plus years.
I would like to request that you and your staff thoroughly review proposed the BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County with the critical scrutiny of impartial scientific peer review. As public officials serving the well-being of the State of Colorado and its people, I request that you ask yourselves the following question: Given the complex geology of Huerfano County, with major Synclines and Anticlines, numerous faults, dikes, sills, plugs and stocks, does SWEPI's proposal comply with nontributary water laws by providing SUFFICIENT geologic information and/or analytic or numeric models to provide PROOF that the water which may be found in abundance in any one of the eleven lease areas meets the definition of nontributary groundwater?
I hereby declare that the BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County, based on an outdated Resource Area Plan adopted in 1986 and amended in 1991, does NOT sufficiently address the likely hydrologic connectivity across geological strata in Huerfano County.
It virtually ignores the complexity of the area’s extremely complicated and wide-spread igneous intrusions and extensive faults that dissect the Huerfano Valley. They do not provide definitive information to support their claim that the ground water encountered in their planned hydraulic fracturing wells would not be directly connected to the surface tributary water. I suspect that this work would not withstand current impartial scientific peer review, and I urge you to only accept proposals that hold the scientific integrity of having withstood the scrutiny of peer review BEFORE considering a proposal for nontributary determination on any wells in Huerfano County.
McLaughlin (1966), a USGS water-supply paper on Huerfano County, Colorado should appropriately be considered when approving projects in Huerfano County. McLaughlin stated that “the altered zones of shale associated with dikes and sills can be looked upon as conduits through which water can move readily.” In a recent case here in Huerfano County, Petroglyph Energy, Inc. was found to have tapped into tributary water during coalbed methane extraction, contaminating several water wells in the River Ridge Community west of Walsenburg, Colorado. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) determined the contamination of tributary water had most likely been caused by vertical water movement along dikes. This is a recent local case of igneous dikes allowing tributary
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102564 94
water to move across sedimentary strata, during which process it was contaminated by Oil and Gas exploitation processes and subsequently polluted domestic drinking water wells of local residents. This is pertinent current local information on how Huerfano County dikes likely facilitate vertical movement of tributary water.
Faults on both sides of the Huerfano Valley in association with the Greenhorn Anticline, Del Carbon Syncline and the La Veta Syncline fragment the region and their sheer number and complexity give reason to believe that there is likely high potential for hydrologic connectivity across sedimentary strata.
I appreciate this opportunity to voice my concerns to the BLM. The area of these leases is important and valuable to me as outdoor recreation and a wilderness experience. I grew up on the ranch my family still operates, and I camped, hiked and explored much of the area that is in or very near these planned leases. I urge you to withdraw these 11 leases from the 2018 leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. That plan must address the issues I have presented here. Please confirm your receipt of my comments.
Cordially,
Emil McCain
P. O. Box 484
Gardiner, MT 59030
Table 1.248. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.72. 18LEA-1-102569
Table 1.249. Name and Address
Name Dr. Peg Meisler Address 1 3402 County Road 625 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Dr. Peg Meisler Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102569 95
Table 1.250. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.251. Comments
ID 1 Title Text April 6, 2018
To: Sharon Sales &n- bsp;
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street, Canon City, CO 81212
Re: September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease EA
11 parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090
From: Peg Meisler
3402 County Road 570, Gardner, CO 81040
Dear Ms. Sales,
Mr. David Watt and his wife, Crystal Watt, own more than 18,000 acres in the Huerfano Valley. They are seeking to lease the oil and mineral rights to their parcels from the BLM. Since this would give them the right to do exploratory drilling for fracking, I object to these leases being granted.
The detrimental effects of fracking are myriad. It uses the process of injecting water, sand, and chemicals deeply into subterranean structures so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas. This causes seismic activity, the destruction of geological stability, and pollution of the aquifer.
In Oklahoma there were 623 earthquakes of magnitude 3+ or more in 2016 alone. The Oklahoma geological survey determined that the increase in seismic activity was caused by the injection of water into disposal wells post fracking.
The Environmental Protection Agency determined that fracking can have a widespread, systemic impact on water resources. In the Huerfano Valley this is a special risk due to the unique geological structures of dikes and sills, and the fault blocks that uplifted the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. These unstable structures, when fractured by the process, would allow the chemically polluted waste water to flow from the well sites through out the valley, the Great Sand Dunes national park, and the Sangre de Cristo wilderness area. isIn addition, 4 to 9 million gallons of water are needed per frack. Water is a scarce and valuable commodity in the Huerfano Valley, and we cannot afford to waste it in such enormous quantity.
The beauty of the wilderness attracts visitors (more than ½ million each year to the Great Sands Dunes, for instance), and is a source of continuing tourist revenue. The elk, cranes, lynx and other animals and plants find a dwindling environment and take refuge here. These are resources that must be protected. The impact of heavy truck traffic, noise, and light pollution would be unbearably destructive
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102569 96
to the beauty and quiet that sustains a way of life here, and that led me to build a home here.
I urge the Bureau of Land Management not to lease the oil and mineral rights to any party, individual or corporate, on parcels of the land in Huerfano County.
I thank you kindly for your attention and for your continuing care for the Colorado environment.
Peg Meisler
Attachment huerfano fracking.docx Table 1.252. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.73. 18LEA-1-102574
Table 1.253. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.254. Comments
ID 1 Title Huerfano County parcels 8080-8090 be deferred or withdrawn Text To whom it may concern:
I am writing to ask that the BLM Huerfano County parcels 8080-8090 be deferred or withdrawn.
I am a resident of Huerfano County and a science teacher there. I have created and teach a high school Aquatic Science class to increase students’ interest in and knowledge of water in Colorado and globally. Water IS life! I am connected to the water community in Colorado and regularly participate in workshops related to water quality, management, and education. I am also in the final stages of completing my Master’s at CSU in Aquatic Ecology. My thesis, which I plan to publish, has shown a negative impact on stream health of coal bed methane (CBM) produced water discharge.
The Huerfano County parcels blanket much of the upper Huerfano River watershed. They pose a threat to the water quality of the creek and river ecosystems and the residential and agricultural water users within and downstream.
The parcels are within the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102574 97 drainages of the following water bodies in Huerfano County: Rito Oso (and also possibly Sheep Creek), May Creek, Aspen Creek, North May Creek, South May Creek, Potato Creek, Bruff Creek, Muddy Creek and the Huerfano River itself. After draining the southern parcels, May Creek enters the Huerfano River at approximately 37.718063 N, 105.363648 W. After draining the northern parcels, Bruff Creek enters Muddy Creek at roughly 37.831122 N, 105.30711 W, and then Muddy Creek then enter the Huerfano River downstream of the May Creek confluence at about 37.779493 N, 105.173182 W.
There are many residential shallow water wells along that stretch of Muddy Creek below Bruff, and the Gardner Community well is located just downstream near “downtown” Gardner. These wells draw from the alluvium, i.e. from shallow groundwater that is directly connected to these creeks and rivers. There are likely many more water wells that also do so while I am not aware of them.
Most of the groundwater in Huerfano County is from alluvial aquifers, and there is a high likelihood that the deeper formations where hydraulic fracturing would take place are connected to the surface alluvial aquifers of Huerfano County. This has been supported by the Division or Wa- ter Resources State Engineer’s refusal in 2013 to grant SWEPI non-tributary status in this very area. (http://water.state.co.us/DWRIPub/Produced%20Non- tributary%20Ground%20Water/SWEPI_2013_Fi- nalDecision.pdf) SWEPI’s consultant’s geological report arguing lack of connectivity between deep and surface layers was basically bogus. Also, in 2005 in Huerfano County, Petroglyph’s CBM activities near Walsenburg were shut down by a “cease and desist” order of the COGCC after a well house exploded and it was discovered that vast quantities of methane were rising into the groundwater in the drilling field (https://cogcc.state.co.us/or- ders/orders/1c/5.html). The most likely cause of the “leak” was having drilled and fracked through a dike underground. It is well known by locals and the geological literature of the area that dikes can be transmissive (see TG McLaughlin Geological Survey Water-supply Paper #1805 https://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/1805/report.pdf).
I submitted a detailed, referenced document on the problem of drilling among the dikes in Huerfano County to the BLM as part of the Eastern Colorado Resource Management Plan public process. It was not properly addressed in at least the scoping document that followed. The latest and currently active Royal Gorge Resource Management Plan is woefully outdated and from 1996. However, the Eastern Colorado RMP is underway and its Preliminary Alternatives Report was just released on March 6, 2018. This land should be managed under the ECRMP at a minimum.
Please defer or withdraw
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102574 98
BLM Huerfano County parcels 8080-8090.
Sincerely,
Keli Kringel,
La Veta, CO
Table 1.255. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.74. 18LEA-1-102578
Table 1.256. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.257. Comments
ID 1 Title September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale Text Jim McCain &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; - ; April 6, 2018
P. O. Box 296
Gardner, CO 81040
719-746-2286
[email protected]
April 6, 2018
To: Sharon
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102578 99
Sales &nb- sp; &n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp;
BLM Royal Gorge Field Office
3028 East Main Street
Canon City, CO 81212
Re: September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale
Dear Ms. Sales:
I am writing to comment on the 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale EA that BLM is now working on. I understand that it will guide the management of 18,358 acres of BLM public lands in Huerfano County for the next 20-plus years. I see that there is a significant amount of land in Huerfano County affected by this September 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale.
I am writing to support the Citizens For Huerfano County Public Comments On The 2018 Competitive Oil and Gas Lease Sale. Please use their documentation to support my recommendations.
I have seen the devastation that has taken place in the North Raton Basin BLM managed lands. Areas that were once treasured scenic drives are now places to avoid because of the new roads, drill pads and pollution caused by the industrialization of this once visually valuable and beautiful recreation area. Huerfano County is depressed economically, and our most valuable asset is our beautiful surroundings, clean air and water, recreational opportunities and dark skies. Tourists come here for these reasons, and Huerfano County can be irrevocably damaged by the industrialization that comes with oil and gas and mineral extraction, especially because of its unique and complex geology.
Again our most valuable asset in Huerfano County is our beautiful surroundings, clean air and water, recreational opportunities and dark skies. Tourists come here for these reasons. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society has purchased land near Black Mountain in Huerfano County specifically because of the dark skies there. They conduct activities on their land for astronomers of all levels to view the skies in this dark sky environment. Huerfano County can be irrevocably damaged by the industrialization and subsequent boom and bust cycle that come along with
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102578 100
oil and gas and mineral extraction.
Dike walls, faults, dikes, sills, plugs and stocks scattered throughout Huerfano County should be Allocated as off-limits to gas and oil drilling. The unique dikes in the La Veta area and the Spanish Peaks Wilderness are not the only dikes in the county. They are scattered all over the Huerfano Valley to the north as well. Volcanic cones are visible in numerous places. In additions there are dikes and cones underground. Huerfano County has been suffering from a drought, and it is an area that values its water above all. These dikes and cones are all places that can permit fracking fluids to be transmitted into the nearby water table when oil and gas or hard rock mineral mining development occurs. Fracking and injection wells are shown to contribute to earthquakes. The exploratory wells and any subsequent production wells all are vulnerable to this problem of transmissivity.
I have lived in Huerfano County for 42 years. I lived on Pass Creek near the ARCO CO2 project on Sheep Mountain for 15 years and have lived adjacent to the Greenhorn Wilderness Area for 27 years, and I am very familiar with this area. My son is a professional wildlife biologist, so I have become very familiar with the wildlife in these areas as well. For my son’s birthday tradition growing up I would drive up Mosca Pass and hike down to the Sand Dunes with his pals. My wife would drive back from Mosca Pass and pick up birthday cakes decorated with bears, eagles and elk. She would stop in Fort Garland to pick up ice cream, and arrive at the Sand Dunes in time for a birthday party. The highlight of every trip was sighting a bear on the way down Mosca Pass or coming home over Pass Creek Road. My own nightly ritual is sitting on the porch of our old adobe building and watching the sun set over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and watching the sky turn black and the stars twinkle overhead, with a moon rising once a month. I value these wilderness experiences and nightly moments of peaceful, serenity.
These are all issues of extreme importance to me, and I trust you will wisely protect these public lands you manage for the BLM.
Sincerely,
Jim McCain
Table 1.258. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102578 101
1.75. 18LEA-1-102580
Table 1.259. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.260. Comments
ID 1 Title Allowing mining on BLM lands, specifically Huerfano county and Text Please do not allow mining on BLM lands. It has a negative impact on my life in Custer county which is adjacent to Huerfano. The impact of trucks on our roads not to mention pollution in our pristine area would be disastrous to our county, including losing tourist dollars
Table 1.261. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.76. 18LEA-1-102608
Table 1.262. Name and Address
Name Curt Howell Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 City Del Norte State Colorado Zip 81132 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Curt Howell Agency Organization Position
Table 1.263. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102580 102
Table 1.264. Comments
ID 1 Title No Action Text see attachment Attachment LEASE SALE_Sept 2018_Comment.pdf
Table 1.265. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.77. 18LEA-1-102609
Table 1.266. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.267. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County Text I am attaching the CHC draft comments. Attachment Joseph McCain.docx
Table 1.268. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.78. 18LEA-1-102615
Table 1.269. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.270. Comments
ID 1 Title NO TO DRILLING Text The Sand Dunes make's this Valley !! PLEASE PLEASE PROTECT THIS BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE TREASURE
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102609 103
Table 1.271. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.79. 18LEA-1-102616
Table 1.272. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.273. Comments
ID 1 Title 2018 Oil and Gas Leases in Huerfano County Text Comment on the BLM September 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale in Huerfano County:
I am writing to ask that the proposed lease sale be discontinued, for so many reasons. The proposed parcels are too close to many environmentally sensitive areas: The Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area, and perhaps most important---the Upper Huerfano River Basin. Due to the unique system of geologic dikes in this area, it is impossible to predict how the toxic fracking fluid might be transmitted, both vertically and horizontally---and thus very likely contaminating both existing wells and aquifers.
Everything that makes this land so precious to so many---the natural sounds and dark skies, the wildlife habitats and migration routes, and the clean air and water---all of this would be at risk of extreme harm if drilling were allowed in this pristine and historically protected area.
Thank you for accepting my comments.
&n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &nb- sp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; Sincerely,
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102616 104
&n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &n- bsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; Deborah Donovan
& nbsp; &nb- sp; &n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &nb- sp; - ; 14303 Highway 12
&nbs- p; & nbsp; &nb- sp; &n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp; &nb- sp; &nbs- p; La Veta, CO 81055 - ; &nbs- p; &nb- sp;
& nbsp; - ; - ; - ;
&n- bsp; &n- bsp; &nbs- p; & nbsp;
Table 1.274. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102616 105
1.80. 18LEA-1-102658
Table 1.275. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.276. Comments
ID 1 Title BLM leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 Text
I am writing to ask that the BLM Huerfano County leases for parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090 be deferred or withdrawn from these Colorado leases until the BLM Resource Management Plan that the BLM is currently writing is completed. Basing these leases on the 1991 Environmental Assessment is not acceptable. Information from newer scientific studies should be included in the information used to approve these leases.
I live in Huerfano County near the town of Gardner. I am very concerned about possible contamination of the water supply in Gardner which may effect our school and town water supply.In 2014 the Colorado State Department of Natural Resources Engineer’s decide to not grant non-tributary water status to Shell (SWEPI, LP). This decision shows that the underground geology and hydro-geology poses a potential harm to individual water wells, springs, aquifers, streams and rivers.
I am very much value the quiet, rural life that Huerfano County has to offer. Oil and Gas exploration brings noise, air pollution, light pollution, traffic, and possible water contamination. When the Freeman Well here in Huerfano county was drilled back in 2013 the lights from the equipment dominated the night sky for miles and miles. Huerfano is known for it’s dark skies and is the location of an annual astronomy gathering.
I am very concerned about the amount of water that is needed for fracking these oil and gas wells. We live in a very arid area with limited water resources. Where will all the water come from to frack these wells?
Thank you for reading my comments. Please acknowledge that you have received them.
Table 1.277. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102658 106
1.81. 18LEA-1-102662
Table 1.278. Name and Address
Name Mr. Chase A Whitman Address 1 208 Edgemont Blvd, unit 475 Address 2 Address 3 City Alamosa State Colorado Zip 81101 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Chase A Whitman Agency Organization Position Table 1.279. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.280. Comments
ID 1 Title DOI-BLM-CO-FO20-2018-0003-EA Comment Text
Although there is no direct foreseen affects to the Great Sand Dunes National Park or any other areas near any of the proposed areas for lease, there is cause for concern to the environmental health directly in the proposed areas. Based on previous observations of areas that have been leased out for drilling and reclamation of other natural resources. The amount of damage that is done to the land from the constant movement of trucks and other heavy machinery. There is cause for concern in terms of the environment not being able to recover. Especially for the proposed leasing areas in Huerfano County. The landscape in that area is classified as high desert. Meaning that the landscape is fragile and if disturbed will have more trouble regenerating than areas of other climates would. It is also time for the US to heavily consider switching to renewable forms of energy and stop viewing the land as something that is only there to be exploited. This is a point that Terry Tempest Williams and many other nature writes have touched on in their works. In her book Red, Williams says “it is time to adopt a much needed code of ethics, one that will exchange the sacred rights of humans for the rights of all beings on the planet,” (159) and those beings include
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-102662 107
all aspects of the environment. We can no longer take being the apex predator for granted and take what we want with very limited consequences. It’s time that we begin to consider putting a heavily increased amount of effort into preserving the natural world around us, and the first step in making that change is to stop destroying the land for the purpose of extracting oil and other resources from the earth. With this change the natural world would be preserved, climate change would be halted, and the lives of Americans would almost certainly be improved. Which is another point that Williams makes in her book. “We need wilderness for the health of our communities and for the health of the communities we acknowledge to exist beyond our own species.” It’s evident that we cannot ignore the facts now that changes need to be made and those changes have to start with the proposed areas not being leased, which is why I am advocating for the no action alternative.
Chase WhitmanAdams State Adventure Program
Table 1.281. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.82. 18LEA-1-87960
Table 1.282. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.283. Comments
ID 1 Title Drilling in the San Luis Valley Text The San Luis Valley is a beautiful and unique place. To open it up to oil and gas drilling would cause a dramatic increase in air pollution and the quality of life of not only the citizens of this unique part of the U.S. but also to the animals and plants. Instead of investing n further oil and gas development, we should be investing in renewables that don't have the same negative repercussions of oil and gas development. Drilling also poses serious risks to groundwater quality and this is one of the major agricultural areas of Colorado. Any spill could have devastating impacts. Please strongly consider alternative fuel sources and seeking energy sources elsewhere besides prestine places like the San Luis Valley.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-87960 108
Table 1.284. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.83. 18LEA-1-88009
Table 1.285. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.286. Comments
ID 1 Title The Great Sand Dunes Text I'm not a technical person so I won't get into speifics of why the sale of these parcels for oil and gas drilling is horrible idea. I will just say that as someone who was born in Colorado the health of the Sand Dunesand all of its beauty and wildlife is symbiotic to surrounding areas. It is clear from reading all of the input from experts that this is a very bad idea. Please keep the Great Dunes Great. Its easy to go forward, but damage cannot be reversed.
Lynn Stutheit
Fort Collins, Co
[email protected]
Table 1.287. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.84. 18LEA-1-88058
Table 1.288. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88009 109
Table 1.289. Comments
ID 1 Title Sept2018LeaseSaleSangre de Cristo Text I strongly object to the development you are proposing close to the Sand Dune and the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. I have been to the Sand Dunes several times and am aware of the site for sand cranes. Colorado treasures its natural beauties and they cannot be replaced once damage is done.
Cheryl Hara Table 1.290. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.85. 18LEA-1-88260
Table 1.291. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.292. Comments
ID 1 Title Water Quality Text As "the public", my comment is to NOT allow drilling the Sand Dunes area and to keep nature un-polluted. I cannot read a 117-page document to comment further and I hope that this isn't a futile effort and that the decision has already been made, which I've been told is what happens in these situations. Table 1.293. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.86. 18LEA-1-88358
Table 1.294. Name and Address
Name Mr. Erick S Miller Address 1 576 E 1st St Address 2 Address 3
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88260 110
City Salida State Colorado Zip 81201 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-557-9000 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Erick S Miller Agency Organization Position
Table 1.295. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.296. Comments
ID 1 Title Ridgeline does NOT adequately seperate Dunes from Development Text Reference was made to comments that were not considered 'entirely applicable' as a result of the 13,000 ft. Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range, presumably concerning activities occuring at The Great Sand Dunes National Park. The implied assumption that the mountain range acts as an effective barrier with respect to Oil & Gas exploration and extraction activities is categorically inaccurate. First, the proposed Oil & Gas Lease Tracts are located east and adjoin the Sangre De Cristo Mountains beginning at the 10,196 foot Mendano Pass and extending south 8 miles to the 9,685 foot Mosca Pass - the ridgeline never exceeds 12,006 feet and is generally far lower. Noise (heavy vehicles, generators, drilling and acoustic vibrations, etc.) and light pollution (rig and site lillumination, gas flares, etc.) will materially impact the unique characteristics found and valued at both the proposed lease sites and at The Great Sand Dunes NationalPark. Next, The Great Sand Dunes National Park had been, and was continuing to, work through the International Dark Sky application process. Certification as an International Dark Sky Park has been shown to both enhance and foster increased tourism and local economic activity; notwithstanding, loss of these unique characteristics, i.e., quiet environment and darks skies, due to oil and gas exploration, will effectively eliminate this local and regional resource.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88358 111
Table 1.297. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.87. 18LEA-1-88508
Table 1.298. Name and Address
Name Ms. Lana J Thomas-Wachterman Address 1 BOX 39 Address 2 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 810400039 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Lana J Thomas-Wachterman Agency Organization Position
Table 1.299. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.300. Comments
ID 1 Title huerfano county properties Text I am strongly opposed to these leases/sales due to the fragile nature of the land and the lack of water. This is an area of natural beauty for recreation and not an area for industrial purposes.
Table 1.301. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88508 112
1.88. 18LEA-1-88558
Table 1.302. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.303. Comments
ID 1 Title Overall Comment on Oil and Gas Leases Text While it is clear that the BLM has thoughtfully described each parcel and carefully listed each potential hazard involved with the sale of leases for oil and gas, it is less clear what the actual impacts will be if these sales and leases are permitted to go forward. Each and every description of a hazard carries an exception clause that leaves open the possibility for abuse. Assuming these exceptions are granted, the damage to naturaland cultural resources may be significant.
Therefore, I wish to register my strong objection to the sale and/or lease of the listed parcels, particularly the parcels located near endangered wildlife and cultural sites.
In addition, the BLM needs to consider the overall damage that fracking is doing to the environment with regard to water use. In a state that suffers regular and severe drought conditions, allowing the use of the water-wasting practices of fracking is detrimental to the health of the state and is contrary to the mission of the BLM. Table 1.304. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.89. 18LEA-1-88559
Table 1.305. Name and Address
Name Ms. suzanne watson Address 1 po box 96 Address 2 po box 96 Address 3 City Gardner State Colorado Zip 81040 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88558 113
Email [email protected] Name Ms. suzanne watson Agency Organization Position
Table 1.306. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.307. Comments
ID 1 Title blm oil and gas leases Text america will not be made great again by using non-renewable resources, but oil and gas companies will be made richer and that is what this is about. if we really wanted to be independent we would build a renewable grid that would support our needs without polluting our land, air and water.
drilling does not have to be on the great sand dunes preserve to harm it as we know by the almost daily reports of spills, leaks and explosions. and is a natural preserve the only land worth protecting? all of our land, air and water is a gift that we cannot live without and should protect from the pollution of gas and oil drilling.
we have the technology to leave polluting resources behind. the only reason, at this poinit, to use these resources is profit. you are not an agency of big business, but of the people. we pay your salaries and you are not keeping our best interests at heart if you sell our land to greedy businesses.
Table 1.308. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.90. 18LEA-1-88660
Table 1.309. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88660 114
Table 1.310. Comments
ID 1 Title Take No Action Text Please exercise the Take No Action option. This is going to result in irreversible damage. These lands should continue to be protected from this type of development. Please allow this time for continued organization of protection on lands that should never have been put at risk like this in the first place.
Table 1.311. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.91. 18LEA-1-88858
Table 1.312. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.313. Comments
ID 1 Title Environmental impact and trail access Text I would encourage land leases for the use of alternative energy sources (wind, solar) to be prioritized over drilling for gas and oil. I would also like to see that access to public trails to be continuously available and open as normal operations. Thank you-
Table 1.314. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.92. 18LEA-1-88908
Table 1.315. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88858 115
Table 1.316. Comments
ID 1 Title No Action Alternative Text This is in support of the No Action Alternative outlined in the Environmental Assessment.
The sale or lease of this area for the purposes of oil and natural gas drilling would undoubtedly have a negative impact on the surrounding areas as well as cause degradation to the surrounding area's primary purpose of conservation.
Thank you,
Table 1.317. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.93. 18LEA-1-88912
Table 1.318. Name and Address
Name Mr. Tyler B Grimes Address 1 1912 N Nevada Address 2 Address 3 City Colorado Springs State Colorado Zip 80907 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. Tyler B Grimes Agency Organization Conejos Clean Water Position Board Member
Table 1.319. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88912 116
Table 1.320. Comments
ID 1 Title No Oil and Gas Text Please do not permit new oil and gas leases in the area. Oil and Gas drilling will create potential threats to limited water supplies, and certain threats to air quality. These particular leases are too close to National Parks and Wilderness Areas. The San Luis Valley is best left undisturbed by developments.
Thank you.
Table 1.321. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.94. 18LEA-1-88958
Table 1.322. Name and Address
Name Staci Stokes Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 City Denver State Colorado Zip 80218 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email Name Staci Stokes Agency Organization Position
Table 1.323. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.324. Comments
ID 1 Title Text Do not lease
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-88958 117
Table 1.325. Comments
ID 2 Title Text Do not lease
Table 1.326. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.95. 18LEA-1-89009
Table 1.327. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.328. Comments
ID 1 Title No to lease sales near great Sand Dunes National Park Text Dear BLM:
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the planned lease sales near Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. We have gems within our country that deserve protections and respect. Oil and gas exploration and extraction heavily impacts the surrounding environment. The area east of the park is much too beautiful, much too sensitive, and much too critical as a buffer zone for the park and all that exists within its boundaries. NO! Furthermore, we ask that the tally of comments and their contents be aired publicly on the web and that the email addresses of those commenting be used to forward all comments to the participants, sans identification for privacy reasons.
Table 1.329. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.96. 18LEA-1-89109
Table 1.330. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-89009 118
Table 1.331. Comments
ID 1 Title USGS data on water depletion. Text The high plains already has the fourth highest depletion rate for water. With this information available from another government agency, why is our government making more land in Colorado available for mineral extraction which will further deplete ground water. One can live with less oil and gas but one cannot live without water. If you are going to allow the pumping out of water, you better have a rock solid plan to augment or replenish at point of extraction. It does no good to those living in the area for you to put pumped water in an evaporation pond. What's the point of funding government research if other government agencies ignore the findings.
Don't get me started on the other industry that Colorado has allowed which is depleting our water and diminishing our ability to live here.
Groundwater depletion, USGS water science
Groundwater depletion, from the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Science School site.
WATER.USGS.GOV
Table 1.332. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.97. 18LEA-1-89159
Table 1.333. Name and Address
Name Ms. Nancy J Starling Ross Address 1 225 Big Bear Rd Address 2 Address 3 City Mosca State Colorado Zip 81146 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 719-378-2856 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Nancy J Starling Ross Agency Organization Position
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-89159 119
Table 1.334. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.335. Comments
ID 1 Title Proposed Lease Sales in Huerfano County Text I live within 4 miles of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. In the write up, it is stated that the parcels in Huerfano County are on the east side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains while the national park is on the west side. What you failed to mention is that hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts utilize the entirety of the Sangre de Cristo range - often entering the eastern side utilizing trails from the Great Sand Dunes and surrounding national forests. Allowing for extraction of oil, gas, and other minerals from these parcels on the eastern side will have an impact on those of us living along the Sangre de Christos through light, noise, and visual pollution.
Additionally, this area of the Sangre de Cristos is known as the Mount Blanca complex which is sacred land to the Navajo people. Mount Blanca (Sisnaajini) - Dawn or White Shell Mountain is considered to be the eastern boundary of the Dinetah, the traditional Navajo homeland. I noticed in Section 4.2 that the Navajo Nation was not one of the tribes consulted in January 2018. Given that the lands of the proposed lease sale are adjacent to sacred Navajo land, this tribe should have been consulted.
I hope you will reconsider leasing the parcels in Huerfano County as moving forward with these leases will have a negative impact on land near one of our national parks and sacred Native American homeland. This area needs to be protected and preserved – not leased out for oil and gas exploration and extraction. To do would be a tragedy for those of us who live here, those who visit here, and those who consider the Sangre de Cristo and Mount Blanca sacred homelands.
Table 1.336. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-89159 120
1.98. 18LEA-1-89714
Table 1.337. Name and Address
Name Kelli Cribb Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 City Salida State Colorado Zip 81201 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email Name Kelli Cribb Agency Organization Position
Table 1.338. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.339. Comments
ID 1 Title Against the least Text I am absolutely against leasing any land for oil and gas pruposes. This will damage the environment and only grow our dependance on fossil fuels, which we should be diligently moving away from. There is no up side to this lease; money is not worth ruining the environment and natural habitats of the many animals in the area. I hope everyone making the decision on this thinks about the future of the planet and not just what they could gain from it in their lifetimes. It is not the time to be selfish.
Table 1.340. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-89714 121
1.99. 18LEA-1-90058
Table 1.341. Name and Address
Name Mr. William F Rivers Address 1 4011 Florentine Dr Address 2 Address 3 City Longmont State Colorado Zip 80503 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. William F Rivers Agency Organization Position Table 1.342. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.343. Comments
ID 1 Title A Crime to Approve Operations near Sand Dunes NP Text I recently returned from a trip to the Sand Dunes National Park. It is a beautiful and pristine area. It would certainly be a crime and blight to the area to approve drilling operations so close to this treasure. The views would be irreparably damaged and there certainly would be a negative impact to the wildlife and ecology with the noise and likely pollution, road building, etc. Table 1.344. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.100. 18LEA-1-90059
Table 1.345. Name and Address
Name Ms. Virginia L Winter Address 1 2930 Bluff Street, # 312
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90058 122
Address 2 Address 3 City Boulder State Colorado Zip 80301 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Virginia L Winter Agency Organization Sierra Club Position Member
Table 1.346. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.347. Comments
ID 1 Title RE: Great Sand Dunes National Park and adjacent Wilderness Area Text My comment regards the parcels in the proposal which are within 10 miles of the park boundary are numbers: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090. I am concerned that leasing parcels adjacent to or near these areas could impact park resources and values, including, but not limited to, sensitive species like the population of dwarfed short horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) occurring on top of Mosca Pass near the proposed lease area. Further, because I know that the National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 (the most recent year for which monitoring data is available) assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur and nitrogen indicators, I strongly object to this proposal going forward in every regard.
Table 1.348. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90059 123
1.101. 18LEA-1-90110
Table 1.349. Name and Address
Name Ms. Kimberly R Morrow Address 1 1424 Bellaire St Address 2 Address 3 City Denver State Colorado Zip 80220 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Kimberly R Morrow Agency Organization Position
Table 1.350. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.351. Comments
ID 1 Title Don't build near Sand Dunes Text The Great Sand Dunes National Park is by far my favorite National Park in all of Colorado and is one of the most picturesque places in the country because of it's unique geographical make-up. You can see snow-capped mountains and soft rolling dunes all in one place. So many people from all over the world come here to see this unique place (I know because my friends are immigrants) and to image construction, noise, and machinery that would ruin this experience is utterly heart breaking. It's the view that people come here for and add to the surrounding economy of this place, so please don't ruin this special place with your natural resource extraction.
Table 1.352. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90110 124
1.102. 18LEA-1-90111
Table 1.353. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.354. Comments
ID 1 Title No drilling near wilderness areas Text
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness and Adjacent Forest Service Roadless Lands: Parcel 8086 is directly adjacent to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. All of the parcels in Huerfano County (parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8089, 8090) are within 6 ½ or fewer miles of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. In addition, parcel 8080 is directly adjacent to the Colorado Roadless Rule upper-tier roadless area named Sangre de Cristo: Medano Pass to Carbonate Mountain. There is concern that leasing parcels adjacent to or near these areas could impact air and water quality within these areas and impact the naturalness and opportunities for solitude in these areas or have other impacts.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: All of the parcels in Huerfano County (parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8089, 8090) are less than 8 miles from the Great Sand Dunes National Parkand Preserve. Portions of parcel 8086 are less than 1 mile from the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. I am concerned that leasing parcels adjacent to or near these areas could impact park resources and values, including, but not limited to, sensitive species like the population of dwarfed short horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) occurring on top of Mosca Pass near the proposed lease area.
The National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 (the most recent year for which monitoring data is available) assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur and nitrogen indicators. Bringing heavy equipment, fracking, drilling, and the like into this area will negatively impact air quality, not to mention the nature of the wilderness experience and the wildlife living in those areas.
Dark Night Skies and Natural Sounds: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is highly valued for its near-pristine qualities of nighttime darkness, and its natural soundscapes. These two characteristics can especially be experienced in the backcountry of the preserve, the portion of theChapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90111 125
park which is closest to the proposed parcels of concern in Huerfano County.The NPS’ Natural Sounds Program has conducted acoustic monitoring in the park and found that Great Sand Dunes to have one of the lowest levels of measurable ambient noise in the national park system. This natural quiet was partly the basis for a 2009 U.S. District Court decision preventing oil and gas drilling in the Baca Wildlife Preserve managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is adjacent to the park on the west side of the dune fields. (See: Turina, “Protecting the Acoustic Conditions at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve,” NPS Park Science, 2015, available online: https://www.nature.nps.gov/ParkScience/ index.cfm?ArticleID=379)
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.103. 18LEA-1-90210
Table 1.356. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.357. Comments
ID 1 Title RGFO_EA_Comment_Sept2018 Lease Sale Text
I have traveled in the area under consideration for leasing, and have come to appreciate the resource values that do not show up on and oil and gas company's balance sheet. I have seen the impacts of drilling and fracking throughout the west on wildlife, natural soundscapes, air quality, and human health.
All of short horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) occurring on top of Mosca Pass near the proposed lease area.
Many parcels are close to lands with roadless or wilderness values. Parcel 8086 is directly adjacent to the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness. All of the parcels in Huerfano County (parcels 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8089, 8090) are within 6 ½ or fewer miles of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness.Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is highly valued for its near-pristine qualities of nighttime darkness, and its natural soundscapes. These two characteristics can especially be experienced in the backcountry of the
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90210 126
preserve, the portion of the park which is closest to the proposed parcels of concern in Huerfano County.The NPS’ Natural Sounds Program has conducted acoustic monitoring in the park and found that Great Sand Dunes to have one of the lowest levels of measurable ambient noise in the national park system. This natural quiet was partly the basis for a 2009 U.S. District Court decision preventing oil and gas drilling in the Baca Wildlife Preserve managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is adjacent to the park on the west side of the dune fields.
A critical concern is Air Quality. National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur and nitrogen indicators. National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 (the most recent year for which monitoring data is available) assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur and nitrogen indicators.
Presently There are many unused leased parcels. There is no need to lease more sensitive areas that have more value to all Americans as wild resources.
The Interior department is overreaching to please the energy lobby with all this leasing. We will regret not being better stewards of the lands entrusted to our care for future generations. Secretary Zinke is not going to be in Washingtoon long enough to make these long term decisions. We deeply care about what we leave to our children.
Most of the parcels should be withdrawn from leasing. We simply do not need more oil and gas production at the environmental cost the would occur here.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment.
Table 1.358. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.104. 18LEA-1-90213
Table 1.359. Name and Address
Name Pamela T Colander Address 1 33440 ALPINE MEADOWS DR Address 2 33440 ALPINE MEADOWS DR Address 3 City TRINIDAD State Colorado Zip 81082-9086 Country United States
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90213 127
Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Pamela T Colander Agency Organization Position Table 1.360. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.361. Comments
ID 1 Title Text Leave it in the ground! Concentrate on the energy of the future, solar, wind and geothrmal. We have to reverse the damage of nearly 200 years of oil and gas usage. The planets' life depends on it! Table 1.362. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.105. 18LEA-1-90364
Table 1.363. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.364. Comments
ID 1 Title Just say NO to the ruination of our lands!!! Text I have no idea if this is the right format or not...it's not a user-friendly form! But I want to express my feelings regarding more drilling. Why are we still digging up, messing up, poisoning & ruining the environment for every last bit of gas & oil? Do the right thing and just STOP! We MUST start using other means of energy production NOW!
STOP NOW beforebefore every last fish in the river and bird in the sky is somehow at risk for habitat destruction! I do not want to see exploration in or around the dunes.
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90364 128
Table 1.365. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site? 1.106. 18LEA-1-90366
Table 1.366. Name and Address
Name Ms. Karen Sue Timson Address 1 P.O. Box 775936 Address 2 Address 3 City Steamboat Springs State Colorado Zip 80477 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Ms. Karen Sue Timson Agency Organization Position Table 1.367. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.368. Comments
ID 1 Title Great Sand Dunes Text The Oil and Gas development that is being considered within 8 miles of the great sand dunes, all parcels in the 8000 series, are way to close to the monument. This could set a dangerous precident about setbacks from national monuments. Please consider the host of negative effects including destruction of natural landscapes and soils, contamination to property and adjoining properties, light and noise pollution, and most importantly the precident this proposed action could forward towards destruction of lands near national monuments nationally. Our land is beyond the worth of a few years of oil and gas development, which is a declining industry and an unsustainable industry that is not supported by the majority of Americans. There has been new research that suggests that the outdoor recreation industry, an industry that respects and nurtures our cherished open
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90366 129
spaces, is a much larger industry than the oil and gas industry. It is sustainable, and it is a win-win for our cherished spaces and our emotional and physical health. Please reconsider this action, and ultimately say no to oil and gas develpoment near the Great Sand Dunes national monument. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for your consideration.
Table 1.369. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
1.107. 18LEA-1-90409
Table 1.370. Name and Address
Name Mr. David C Williams Address 1 461 S Sherman St Address 2 461 S Sherman St Address 3 City Denver State Colorado Zip 80209 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Mr. David C Williams Agency Organization Position
Table 1.371. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90409 130
Table 1.372. Comments
ID 1 Title Please keep Colorado Natural and Pristine Text The proposed sale of leases for drilling threaten sensitive ecosystems and the natural state of Colorado's irreplaceable landscape. Drilling on these lands will spoil their natural beauty and devalue them for tourism and recreation for generations to come, whereas the revenue generated from leasing will be far less and last only over the sort term. These lands are so close to the Sand Dunes National Monument that developing them will spoil the tourism which is a much greater economic asset to Colorado over the long term than drilling. We also have a duty to protect the sensitive ecosystems of the area. Selling leases for drilling on these lands represents a short-term benefit that will cause long term degradation of Colorado's natural heritage. Please do not lease these lands for drilling. Table 1.373. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site? 1.108. 18LEA-1-90716
Table 1.374. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form Table 1.375. Comments
ID 1 Title No Lease Sale Text
To Whom It May Concern:
I urge the Bureau of Land Management to not proceed with the lease sale of the following parcels: 8080, 8081, 8082, 8083, 8084, 8085, 8086, 8087, 8088, 8089, 8090. These parcels are too close to the Sange de Cristo Wilderness and Great Sand Dunes National Park. I am concerned that the air and water quality in these areas could be compromised and that the opportunity for solitude, a key attribute of a wilderness area, could be negatively impacted. While the Great Sand Dunes National Park is not a wilderness area, it has been found to have one of the lowest levels of ambient noise in the national park system, and leasing to oil and gas activity will bring noise and disruption to this unique ecosystem. Please help preserve the qualities that make these two Colorado jewels so desirable to recreationists and don't lease the above-mentioned parcels
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90716 131
to oil and gas.
Regards,
Emilie McDonough
NEPA #
DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA
Table 1.376. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
1.109. 18LEA-1-90909
Table 1.377. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.378. Comments
ID 1 Title Preserve Great Sand Dunes NM surrounds Text Per DOI-BLM-CO-F020-2018-0003-EA
The proposed drilling is within a few miles of Great Sand Dunes NM. Please reconsider whether any drilling within about 5 miles of the park border would impact the surrounding environmental qualities of Great Sand Dunes. The environmental qualities would include air, water, noise, light, and highway traffic. As a national park area, Great Sand Dunes should be held to the highest standards for environmental protection. The park should have exceptional air quality, clean water, no industrial noise, minimal artificial light, and no highway traffic. Highway traffic could harm wildlife that migrates in and out of the park. For example, many ungulates migrate tens of miles in a season. Air and water protections are required for wildlife sustenance. Minimial light and noise pollution are required to preserve the park natural characteristics for human experiences.
Table 1.379. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land N Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-90909 132
1.110. 18LEA-1-93125
Table 1.380. Name and Address
Name Jan Moraczewski Address 1 951 Wild Cherry Lane Address 2 951 Wild Cherry Lane Address 3 City Fort Collins State Colorado Zip 80521 Country United States Day Phone Evening Phone 970-224-9214 Other Phone Fax Number Email [email protected] Name Jan Moraczewski Agency Organization Position
Table 1.381. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.382. Comments
ID 1 Title Air Quality Issues near National Parks Text I oppose development next to Rocky Mt. National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Development can't guarantee that air quality will be preserved and air quality affects not only visitors but the entire ecosystem of these areas.
Air quality in the front range has declined with the influx of growth and drilling. I work in public health and do not feel like the document adequately addresses the public health issues of reduced air quality.
Table 1.383. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from N future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-93125 133
1.111. 18LEA-1-97336
Table 1.384. Other Details
Submission Status ACTIVE Delivery Type Front Office Submission Form
Table 1.385. Comments
ID 1 Title Don't Destroy This Iconic Colorado Landscape! Text Anyone who drives down the San Luis Valley values the stunning views to the East, the Sangres dominating, but on clear days one thrills to spot the Sand Dunes gleamining in the sun at their foot. I have climbed the daunting 14ers in that range, & always stop to see & name them individually. When a young Frenchman spent a summer with us in Vail 20 years ago, we took him throughout the State, but the sight he esteemed the greatest was that of the Dunes in front of the Sangres. At his departure we gave him a Moloney art photo of that scene which he still displays with pride. I cannot imagine the effect of oil & gas rigs rising in the foreground! What a terrible desecration! And to produce energy not needed by the nation, but for export....
Other deleterious effects of such unneeded development include air and noise pollution in a basin where lying at night in the Great Sand Dunes NP campground one can see more stars than most people ever have, and enjoy no humming, wheezing, sighing noise of flaring or generators, but only the silence of the natural world. Why would you do this nuisance development infringing on one of our newest National Parks?
The Basin is home to many migrant bird species in spring and fall, among these water fowl beloved particularly by hunters, and the magnificent Sandhill Cranes, who pass by the thousands through the Valley sparking huge numbers of tourists to visit the Monte Vista NWR. Elk and deer herds spend much of the winter months at the foot of the mountains in the Valley, in hunting season filling the larders of so many residents. Oil and gas development in this sensitive environment will put all this at risk.
Please, we don't need this development, can always return later if we find we do need it, just don't despoil the Valley and this landscape for all the creatures, visitors, and residents dependent on it.
Table 1.386. Disclaimers / Agreements
Withhold personally identifying information from Y future publications on this Land Use Plan? Please include me on the mailing list for this Land Y Use Plan project web site?
Chapter 1 Comment Period Comments 18LEA-1-97336
4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Great Sand Dunes
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Great Sand Dunes 1 message
Keith Berger
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Shoop, Gregory"
Greg Shoop Acting State Director Colorado State Office (W) 303-239-3700 (M) 303-476-8888 [email protected]
Serve with honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, courage and a commitment to make a difference.
------Forwarded message ------From: Frank DeBacker
Mr. Schoop:
As a Coloradan, please know that I am opposed to mining leases in, around or near the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Thank you, Katherine DeBacker
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=16262ba9409c102b&siml=16262ba9409c1… 1/1
4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Federal plan to auction mineral rights near Great Sands Dunes National Park
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Federal plan to auction mineral rights near Great Sands Dunes National Park 1 message
Ames, Mark
Lease sale comment for the admin record
Mark Ames BLM Associate Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Canon City, CO Office: (719) 269-8522 Cell: 307-321-4449 Facsimile: 719-269-8599
------Forwarded message ------From: Mehlhoff, Suzanne
Mark/Keith,
For the RGFO comment record on the Sept 2018 lease sale EA.
Sue
------Forwarded message ------From: Susan Gamble
Hello Mr. Shoop and Ms. Mehlhoff:
As a citizen of Colorado, I am 100% opposed to the auction of mineral rights near Great Sand Dunes National Park. This is a terrible idea for several reasons:
1. The Sand dunes are a national treasure and this would degrade the experience of visiting the park. 2. The park harbors a delicate ecosystem that would be negatively impacted by energy development. 3. Fossil fuel development is contributing to a warming climate which is negatively impacting Colorado by shortening our winters and our water supply. The rest of the West depends on water flowing from Colorado so this also negatively impacts agriculture and communities throughout the region.
Please do not pursue this reckless course of action.
Sincerely, Susan Gamble 1903 Elm Street Denver, CO 80220
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=16268613b444ccaf&siml=16268613b444c… 1/1 4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] lease of parcels near great sand dunes national park, colorado / public comment pe…
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] lease of parcels near great sand dunes national park, colorado / public comment period 1 message
Info, BLM_CO
Forwarded for your information.
Thanks,
Chris BLM-COSO-Information Access Center 2850 Youngfield St Lakewood Co 80215 303-239-3600
------Forwarded message ------From: Teresa Grimsley
I am contacting you to express my TOTAL opposition to the BLM's plan to lease 11 parcels (over 18,000-acres) for "oil & gas exploration / drilling" (aka "fracking") near Great Sand Dunes National Park in south-central Colorado. I am appalled that the BLM would even consider such a thing!
This area is one of our nation's treasures, still pristine and untouched, the most diverse landscape in such a concentrated area in the nation. Areas in and around the great sand dunes contain many animal and plant species unique to this specific area, found nowhere else on the planet. It is a major migratory route and nesting/breeding ground for many threatened &/or endangered birds. The largest herd of elk in the entire state of Colorado, the "great sand dunes herd", calls this area home. There is no doubt that fracking will be devastating to all of these plants and animals.
This area is also one of our nation's "dark sky areas". And I have seen reports that say it is actually the darkest "dark sky area" in the nation. Since fracking occurs 24/7, with huge, bright lights that are never extinguished, the dark sky designation will be forever lost if the BLM goes forth with its plan. Such disruption of normal nighttime darkness has been proven over and over to be detrimental to migrating birds.
My husband and I chose this area of Colorado to retire to, because of the pristine nature of the landscape, the clean air and water, the unique plants and wildlife found here, the birds that migrate and nest/breed in the area, the dark sky...all of it. We purchased land very near Great Sand Dunes National Park and built a "green" home here. We sold everything we had in order to afford to move half-way across the nation and spend the rest of our lives in our Eden. If the BLM goes through with this travesty, our dreams will be completely shattered. To say that we are distraught is a gross understatement.
Properly designed and conducted scientific studies prove without a doubt that fracking is harmful to the environment, causes increased earthquake activity, is harmful to the air and water, is devastating to all plants and animal species in the area and surrounding areas. These studies also prove that it is extremely harmful to humans...to name a few: increased rate of birth defects, serious respiratory problems, increased rate of certain debilitating diseases up to and including various types of cancer. The fact that the BLM would consider inflicting these things on the people/animals/plants that call this area home, and upon a National Park, no less, is despicable.
I urge the BLM to immediately reverse its stance on the leasing of these 11 parcels for oil & gas exploration / drilling (fracking) in the vicinity of Great Sand Dunes National Park in south-central Colorado. We should be exploring CLEAN energy sources and moving AWAY from dirty sources! The environment, plants, animals and people who call this area "home" are counting on you to do the right thing.
Teresa Hudgens Grimsley, PD Alamosa, Colorado
-- BLM-COSO-Information Access Center 2850 Youngfield St Lakewood Co 80215 303-239-3600
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1626358a27eac668&siml=1626358a27eac… 1/1 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] September 2018 Royal Gorge Field Office lease sale
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] September 2018 Royal Gorge Field Office lease sale 1 message
Berger, Keith
------Forwarded message ------From: Shoop, Gregory
Greg Shoop Acting State Director Colorado State Office (W) 303-239-3700 (M) 303-476-8888 [email protected]
Serve with honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, courage and a commitment to make a difference.
------Forwarded message ------From:
Dear Mr. Shoop: Recent EIS’s have not sufficiently considered the harmful impacts of fossil fuel drilling within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains won’t guard against noise pollution or water pollution. Also, these mountains, and their nearby wilderness, are home to threatened elk and mule deer. Additionally, recent EIS’s don’t address how shifting wind patterns will affect local air quality. Furthermore, fossil fuel drilling in this region has a low probability of making the extraction process profitable. Moreover, this drilling will create seismic activity that will disrupt the sensitive dune ecosystem. Finally, fossil fuel drilling in this area will harm this region’s tourism industry. Please withdraw the 11 parcels of land in Huerfano county that is planned to be leased in the September 2018 Royal Gorge Field Office lease sale. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Sincerely, Mark Harris
-- Keith E. Berger Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911c43f62f0fb&siml=162911c43f62f0f… 1/1
4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment__mineral rights auction near Sand Dunes
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment__mineral rights auction near Sand Dunes 1 message
Berger, Keith
------Forwarded message ------From: Shoop, Gregory
Greg Shoop Acting State Director Colorado State Office (W) 303-239-3700 (M) 303-476-8888 [email protected]
Serve with honesty, integrity, accountability, respect, courage and a commitment to make a difference.
------Forwarded message ------From: Karyn Karlson
Greetings Mr. Shoop and Ms. Mehlhoff –
I go back four generations in southern Colorado and have lived in Colorado all my 65 years. We have a home in the San Luis Valley and enjoy the Dunes and hiking Mosca Pass.
I am completely opposed to the upcoming auction of mineral rights near the Great Sand Dunes Nat’l Park and Preserve’s eastern boundary. I oppose any drilling near the Park. It would jeopardize the view shed, nightscape, and soundscape of the Park. Machinery and oil and gas infrastructure so close to this landscape would jeopardize the quality of air, water, habitat, and rural heritage of the park, wilderness and the greater landscape, damage the delicate ecosystem and then there is the fact that the largest aquifer in north America is underneath that area!
Our public lands deserve better.
Karen Karlson
1315 Elm St
Denver, CO
303.587.6146
-- Keith E. Berger https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=16288273cf4e5f1b&siml=16288273cf4e5f1… 1/2 4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment__mineral rights auction near Sand Dunes Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=16288273cf4e5f1b&siml=16288273cf4e5f1… 2/2
4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to the leasing of land adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to the leasing of land adjacent to Great Sand Dunes National Park 1 message
Info, BLM_CO
Forwarded for your information.
Thanks,
Chris BLM-COSO-Information Access Center 2850 Youngfield St Lakewood Co 80215 303-239-3600
------Forwarded message ------From: Jeannie Clifton
To Whom This May Concern,
I am contacting you to express my TOTAL opposition to the BLM's plan to lease 11 parcels (over 18,000-acres) for "oil and gas exploration / drilling" (aka "fracking") near Great Sand Dunes National Park in south-central Colorado. I am appalled that the BLM would even consider such a thing! The San Luis Valley of Colorado, where Great Sand Dunes National Park is located, sits on the largest aquifer in North America. It is almost beyond comprehension to imagine the devastation that contamination of the LARGEST aquifer on the continent would cause! Yet, that is most certainly what will happen if fracking is allowed in this area. Properly designed and conducted scientific studies have proven many times over that fracking by-products DO make it into our underground aquifers. The fact that contamination of the largest aquifer on the continent is at stake is beyond frightening. This area is one of our nation's treasures, still pristine and untouched, the most diverse landscape in such a concentrated area in the nation. Areas in and around the great sand dunes contain many animal and plant species unique to this specific area, found nowhere else on the planet. It is a major migratory route and nesting/breeding ground for many threatened &/or endangered birds. The largest herd of elk in the entire state of Colorado, the "great sand dunes herd", calls this area home. There is no doubt that fracking will be devastating to all of these plants and animals. This area is also one of our nation's "dark sky areas". And I have seen reports that say it is actually the darkest "dark sky area" in the nation. Since fracking occurs 24/7, with huge, bright lights that are never extinguished, the dark sky designation will be forever lost if the BLM goes forth with its plan. Such disruption of normal nighttime darkness has been proven over and over to be detrimental to migrating birds. Properly designed and conducted scientific studies prove without a doubt that fracking is harmful to the environment, causes increased earthquake activity, is harmful to the air and water, is devastating to all plant and animal species in the area and surrounding areas. These studies also prove that it is extremely harmful to humans...to name a few: increased rate of birth defects, serious respiratory problems, increased rate of certain debilitating diseases up to and including various types of cancer. The fact that the BLM would consider inflicting these things on the people/animals/plants that call this area home, and upon a National Park, no less, is despicable. I urge the BLM to immediately reverse its stance on the leasing of these 11 parcels for "oil and gas exploration / drilling (fracking)" in the vicinity of Great Sand Dunes National Park in south-central Colorado. We should be exploring CLEAN energy sources and moving AWAY from dirty sources! The environment, plants, animals and people who call this area "home" are counting on you to do the right thing. In fact, since the livelihood of one of our National Parks, which belongs to all citizens of our nation, is at stake, we are ALL asking the BLM to do the right thing by reversing its stance on this issue!
Thank you, Ellen Laster Richmond Hill, Georgia
-- BLM-COSO-Information Access Center 2850 Youngfield St Lakewood Co 80215 303-239-3600
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162635cce8d2e3ef&siml=162635cce8d2e… 1/1
4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: Fw: Out of Office Re: [EXTERNAL] BLM proposed lease sale
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: Fw: Out of Office Re: [EXTERNAL] BLM proposed lease sale 1 message
Ames, Mark
Lease sale comment for the record-
Mark Ames BLM Associate Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Canon City, CO Office: (719) 269-8522 Cell: 307-321-4449 Facsimile: 719-269-8599
------Forwarded message ------From: Julia Marchant
Mark, I have attached the document(letter) I sent to both Keith and Amber, thank you so much, Julia Marchant PO Box 193 Gardner, Colorado 81040 719-746-2260 [email protected]
From: Berger, Keith
Hi: I am currently out of the office and expect to return on April 5th. If you need immediate assistance, please call 719- 269-8522 and ask to speak to the Acting Field Manager or cintact Mark Ames (Assistant Field Manager, Non-Renewable Resources) at [email protected] . Thank you.
-- Keith E. Berger Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
BLMletSangres.docx 119K
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1629232a0aa7afa8&siml=1629232a0aa7… 1/1 4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Re: Great Sand Dunes
Sales, Sharon
Re: Great Sand Dunes 1 message
Berger, Keith
I think you could forward any further comments to Aaron Richter and Sharon Sales (cc'd here) thanks
On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 9:27 AM, Hall, Steven
Keith, any preference on where we send these types of public comments? Thanks!
Steven Hall BLM Colorado Communications Director 303.239.3672 [email protected]
On Tue, Mar 20, 2018 at 8:52 AM, Info, BLM_CO
------Forwarded message ------From: Mark Quire
Plain and simple....NO drilling near the Sand Dunes. Mark Nederland Colorado. Sent from my iPad
-- BLM-COSO-Information Access Center 2850 Youngfield St Lakewood Co 80215 303-239-3600
-- Keith E. Berger Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162448fbb0cfd733&siml=162448fbb0cfd73… 1/1
4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Opinion on the sale of oil and gas leases near the Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Opinion on the sale of oil and gas leases near the Great Sand Dunes National Park 1 message
Berger, Keith
------Forwarded message ------From: Gregory Shoop
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Deb Norlin
To: Melissa Garcia, San Luis Valley Field Office, Gregory Shoop, Acting State Director BLM Colorado
I agree with the letter below. There has not been sufficient time for the Great Sand Dunes National Park to fully assess these sales. The Park is very concerned
about air, light , land and water pollution. As a native Coloradan who has been to the park many times, I do not want to see or hear oil and gas rigs near the Park. I
don't want the birds and other wildlife in, or near the park to be compromised and harmed. Clean air and water is vital to the environment of the park. New oil
and gas rigs are not needed. This decision is supported by the current administration's philosophy of blind support of the oil and gas industry and a desire
to destroy the National Parks and monuments. Support clean energy. Please don't destroy the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Deb Norlin
April 2, 2018
BLM Looking To Lease Land Near Great Sand Dunes National Park For Drilling
By Kurt Repanshek on March 14th, 2018
Oil and gas drilling sites less than a mile from Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado are proposed to go up for auction later this year, raising
concerns over light and air pollution, as well as ecosystem impacts, that energy exploration could generate for the park.
While the lease sites located on roughly 18,000 acres controlled by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management are east of the ridgeline of the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains, the park's boundary goes to the top of that ridgeline, and so drilling could potentially be visible from the park. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1628825780699745&siml=162882578069… 1/2 4/2/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Opinion on the sale of oil and gas leases near the Great Sand Dunes National Park
"We have not had the opportunity to assess direct impacts to viewsheds, etc., but we are nonetheless concerned about increased industrial activity, impacts to
wildlife and ecosystems," Vanessa Mazal, senior Colorado program manager for the National Parks Conservation Association, said Tuesday in an email.
In its formal scoping comments to the BLM, NPCA staff noted that "the National Park Service’s Air Resources Division air quality trends monitor for 2015 (the most
recent year for which monitoring data is available) assigned Great Sand Dunes National Park the highest level of air quality concern for ozone as well as Sulphur
and nitrogen indicators. It assigns a 'moderate concern' value for visibility and haze, also regulated values under the Clean Air Act."
And since storm winds tend to move east to west, according to the National Park Service, there is concern that air pollution from lease operations could be blown
into the park
“Drilling on these proposed parcels is likely to harm Great Sand Dunes Park and Preserve. Some of the lands targeted for leasing are less than a mile from the
summit of the Sangre de Cristo range, which forms the park’s eastern boundary," Ted Zukoski, a staff attorney in Earthjustice's Rocky Mountain Office, said on
Tuesday.
"Air pollution from drill rigs may enter the park. Those driving or hiking into or out of the park at Mosca and Medano Passes will confront the sight, lights and
sounds of drilling and ongoing oil and gas operations. The park’s wildlife don’t recognize land management boundaries; they are likely to be impacted by drilling
these lands too.”
NPCA staff also worried that drilling could diminish Great Sand Dunes' nearly pristine night skies, and generate industrial noise that would impact the natural
soundscape.
"The NPS’ Natural Sounds Program has conducted acoustic monitoring in the park and found that Great Sand Dunes has one of the lowest levels of measurable
ambient noise in the national park system," the group's scoping comments noted. "This natural quiet was partly the basis for a 2009 U.S. District Court decision
preventing oil and gas drilling in the Baca Wildlife Preserve managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is adjacent to the park on the west side of the dune
fields."
NPCA requested that if lease parcels aren't removed from the auction or deferred, that the BLM consult with various state and federal agencies on the potential
for impacts, including how seismic activity could affect "dune formation within the park."
-- Keith E. Berger Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=iM8e9KVjh8k.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1628825780699745&siml=162882578069… 2/2 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n…
Sales, Sharon
Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land near the Great Sand Dunes National Park 1 message
Berger, Keith
------Forwarded message ------From: Garcia, Melissa
Hello Charlie, Thank you for your comments and response. The Oil and Gas lease parcels that you are referring to are nominated for lease on the East side of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains near Westcliffe and Gardner. The Denver Post article that was picked up and followed up by other reporters was misleading in the location and other details. There are currently no lease parcels being nominated during BLM's quarterly Oil and Gas Lease Sale process located in the San Luis Valley.
Keith Berger is the Field Manager for the Royal Gorge Field Office. The lease parcels that you have comments on are located within the jurisdiction of the Royal Gorge Field Office. Please send any comments to Keith (cc'ed in this email) or through the BLM's ePlanning website where the project information is located. Thanks for your continued interest in BLM and your Public Lands.
Have a great night, Melissa Garcia
On Mon, Mar 26, 2018 at 3:46 PM, Charlie Whipple
Dear Melissa:
I am a concerned resident in Crestone, Colorado next to the Sand Dunes National Park that would like to express my complete opposition to plans to sell oil and gas rights on the above lands which are very near our home. We know that such a sale will produce irreversible damage to the environment and wildlife in the area while leaving our pristine living space and the beauty of the national park completely altered due to light, noise, air and water pollution which will be produced. Here is a short list of my concerns. I have also attached a more comprehensive and well supported analysis which the Wilderness Society has put out below. Please review:
1) Once drilling for gas and oil begins, the areas affected will be forever changed. These lands were not set aside by our forefathers to be seen as exploitive opportunities for the future but instead to insure that we do NOT screw these areas up so that now and future generations will forever get the opportunity even if only in these set aside lands to enjoy untouched natural beauty without human exploitation.
2) Obvious light pollution due to flaring and constant 24 hour drilling will leave our pristine night sky aglow with oil fires. See how North Dakota looks now from satellites. One of the key reasons we moved to Crestone was the beautiful dark night sky with the only lights being the stars.
3) Light will not be the only pollution generated by the fracking (gas and oil exploitation). Noise and air pollution will be serious concerns for humans and animals alike.
4) Fracking forces chemicals into the ground to help expose hidden oils and gas deposits. Fracking has many serious hazards associated with it including polluting previously safe ground water which is used by animals and humans and has been shown in past studies to cause serious health problems and even deaths to those exposed. This is important as our current water supplies are very strained due to lack of moisture. The addition of oil and gas frackers will make a bad situation worse by using a scare resource and causing it to be also contaminated and poisoned endangering any who drink this after being used for fracking.
5) Fracking also causes increased instability particularly in areas that have existing fault lines whether active or dormant. After fracking, the faults become highly active. We sit on multiple fault lines in the Sangre De Christo mountains which I am sure you know. This does not bode well for any of us.
6) Who stands to benefit from fracking on these pristine set aside lands beside a few wealthy oil and gas men and their companies? Will the "lease" money that the blm collects offset the damage done to our remaining wildlife sanctuaries? Are we really that desperately in need of more oil and gas when we lead the world now as the largest producer? Why aren't we instead pursuing cleaner and safer energy sources en masse including air and solar which actually support the planet and the human, animal and plant occupants of it???
I stand again in TOTAL opposition to these plans. Hopefully, since the lands that you are attempting to sell the mineral rights to belong to me and every citizen of this country, our words and feelings will be heard and respected. We do not want elected representatives making decisions on things that affect we the people based on their own personal opinions, feelings or prejudices, or interests. Elected officials are supposed to abide by the will of the people that elected them.
Thank you
Charlie Whipple https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 1/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n… 1885 Sentinel Point Overlook Crestone, Colorado 81131 Phone: 719-256-6486
-----Original Message----- From: Cynthia
Seven ways oil and gas drilling is bad news for the environment
Oil and gas drilling can be a dirty business. Drilling projects operate on a 24-hour basis, disrupting wildlife, water sources, human health, recreation and other purposes for which public lands were set aside and held in trust for the American people.
Under the Trump administration, reckless policy could put drilling above all else on public lands, helping the industry creep closer to taking over our nation’s pristine wilderness areas.
Here are some of these top environmental threats presented by oil and gas drilling:
What happens to wilderness when oil and gas drilling moves in?
1. Disruption of wildlife migration routes and habitats from noise pollution, traffic and fences
Biological systems are incredibly complex, and can fall victim to serious ecological consequences when disturbed by human activity. Increased vehicle traffic at oil drilling sites contributes significantly to noise pollution in wildlands. Wild mammals and birds respond to noise disturbances with short-term avoidance behavior, but many studies have https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 2/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n… shown that these behaviors become habituated. Negative impacts include disruption of songbird communication in breeding and nesting seasons, as well as altered predator and prey dynamics. Mammals habituated to traffic may be more vulnerable to road kill.
Jackson Hole’s pronghorn antelope are an unfortunate example of the effects that oil and gas development (in this case, fencing and other infrastructure) have on wildlife's ancient migration routes. The survival of pronghorn antelope in Grand Teton National Park depends on their annual migration from the Upper Green River Valley. This seasonal migration is the second longest mammal migration route in the western hemisphere, clocking in at around 200 miles. But the Jonah oil and gas field has made their age-old trek incredibly difficult, and future energy development will ultimately cut off their route at key passages, threatening their survival as a species.
Photo: Larry1732, flickr
2. Oil spills on land and offshore drilling sites
Right now, the Trump administration and pro-drilling members of Congress want to open up 19 million acres of untouched wilderness in Alaska's Arctic Refuge for oil and gas drilling.This would be disastrous, carving up the Refuge with roads and industrial infrastructure, fragmenting otherwise pristine habitat and exposing the fragile tundra and wildlife to toxic chemicals and oil spills.
Oil operations on land require drilling fluids (sometimes called "mud") that are injected into the wellbore to lubricate the drilling bit. These fluids are supposed to be captured in lined pits for disposal, but very often they are spilled and splashed around the well pad.
One oil production company in La Plata County, Colorado, spills drilling fluids so frequently, it’s currently hoping to reduce its number of reported spills to an occurrence every other day (160 spills per year!). The devastating cumulative effects of numerous small spills on land present long-term environmental impacts and chronic health effects including the potential risk of cancer.
Offshore oil spills, such as the explosion of BP’s Deepwater Horizon unit in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, affect marine mammals through direct contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic oil. Under President Trump, there are attempts to quietly open marine sanctuaries and monuments to drilling. Certain inhaled and ingested chemicals in oil may:
Damage animals’ organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen or brain Cause cancer, immune system suppression and lead to reproductive failure Further injured or disturb animals due to response activities and long-term ecological changes https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 3/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n… In spite of these threats posed to the environment, the oil and gas industry has been exempted from all or portions of seven key environmental statutes.
Photo: Florian Schulz
3. Landscape changes from well pads and roads
Construction activities associated with oil and gas drilling leave behind radical impacts to the landscape. Well pad and road construction require the use of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, road graders and gravel trucks. Development of oil and gas complexes:
Strip the environment of vegetation Increase erosion (which could lead to landslides and flooding) and the opportunity for weed infestation Disturb the land’s ground surface Seriously fragment once unspoiled wildlife habitats
The impacts caused to public lands by construction of oil and gas sites are often irreversible.
Photo: Ecoflight
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 4/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n…
4. Oil and gas infrastructure and traffic spoil peaceful settings for visitors
Outdoor recreation and tourism are major economic engines for America’s local communities and contribute billions to the U.S. economy every year.
But oil tanks, power poles, noisy compressors and a network of roads compromise scenic values and important sources of revenue for our local communities. Too much noise near a good fishing hole, a reduction in numbers of an interesting bird species or excessive weedy plants such as thistles and tumbleweeds may lead to reduced satisfaction with the outdoor experience among fishermen, hunters, hikers, nature photographers and bird watchers.
Reduced recreational use of an area, due to the unsightly effects of oil and gas, can result in a loss of economic activity for the local community. But under Trump, polluters are getting to call the shots on public lands, ushering in a new era of unbridled energy development on wild lands that deserve preservation.
Photo: Mason Cummings/TWS
5. Haze, toxic chemicals and dust pollute the air and water
Open pits, ponds, and lagoons can contain wastewater, organic chemicals, petroleum hydrocarbons, surfactants and other substances which compromise the safety of our water. Pipeline explosions and wells (even if properly drilled) can cause drinking water problems by cross-contaminating aquifers. Development of gas wells may even require releases of methane and myriad toxic gases into the atmosphere. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 5/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n… There are 96,000 active oil and gas wells on public lands, and pollution from these well not only contribute to climate change, but also have been linked to asthma attacks in children and worsening respiratory disease. In six western states, nearly 74,000 people are threatened by pollution emitted from wells, tanks and pipelines.
Photo: Libelul, flickr
6. Machinery, gas flares and light pollution disrupt scenic views and clear night skies
Even in areas without specific cultural significance, the ongoing presence of oil and gas production and well sites destroys precious scenic values. Particularly along major travel routes or uniquely beautiful public lands, the presence of oil or gas wells is devastating.
The glare of America's oil and gas boom is even visible from space, as shown in NASA's high- definition photos of Earth at night, where North Dakota's Bakken oil fields burns almost as bright as nearby Minneapolis and Chicago. In the Bakken, much of that light is produced by burning off—or flaring—natural gas that is produced as a byproduct from oil wells.
Photo: dandeluca, flickr
Bakken oil fields from space. Photo: NASA/Ceres https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 6/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n…
7. Dangerous methane emissions contribute to climate change
Methane, the main component in natural gas, is up to 84 times more harmful to the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, trapping heat more effectively and intensifying global warming. What is even more worrisome is that 21 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, can be traced to oil, gas and coal extracted from federal lands, according to a December 2014 study by The Wilderness Society.
Preventable leaks and faulty infrastructure in natural gas production are so common that they contribute significantly to methane pollution in and around wild lands. In recent years, a noxious methane plume the size of Delaware was discovered hovering above the Four Corners region of New Mexico. Oil and gas companies also often deliberately discharge methane into the air through venting, the controlled release of natural gas, and flaring, the burning of it off in the air.
Congress failed in an attempt to dismantle pollution safeguard that help stop natural gas waste and methane pollution- -a small victory in a bigger battle against the Trump administration furious attack on policies that help protect public health and the environment from dirty fossil fuel development.
Methane flare on Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado. Photo: Mason Cummings
Too Wild to Drill
Much of America’s oil and gas comes from public lands, which is why The Wilderness Society continues to fight against drilling in our nation’s wildest places. Check out 15 places in 2017 that are simply too wild to drill.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 7/8 4/4/2018 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Mail - Fwd: [EXTERNAL] Planned sale of mineral rights (gas and oil) for 18,000 acres on 11 parcels of land n…
Search form Search this site
-- Melissa K.S. Garcia Field Manager San Luis Valley Field Office Bureau of Land Management 1313 Highway 160 E Monte Vista, CO 81144 c: 719.239.0494
-- Keith E. Berger Field Manager Royal Gorge Field Office Bureau of Land Management 3028 E. Main St., Canon City CO. 719-269-8515 [email protected]
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=eb55cae1df&jsver=A8g5Xln1WA8.en.&view=pt&search=inbox&th=162911d83bff2665&siml=162911d83bff26… 8/8