Doubling density near Durango.

This article presents information on the deals between commissioners in La Plata County, Colorado, and two energy companies, which allow the companies to double the density of coalbed methane wells near Durango. From the two decades, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission was trying to hold the line against an increase in oil and gas drilling. According to the agreements, the county pledged not to oppose the proposals from BP and from Samson Resources Co. to reduce spacing from one well per 160 acres to one per 80 acres. The companies will try to use existing well pads when possible. Directional drilling will be employed to cut noise and emissions from well pumps. The companies have also agreed to pay road-impact fees. According to county officials, the deals were the best they could hope for: However, Dan Randolph of the San Juan Citizens Alliance, a Durango-based environmental group, says that the agreements were close to meaningless, because the companies would have implemented similar measures anyway.