Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON JOINT AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Date:04/24/2013
ATTENDANCE
Time:07:34 AM to 08:57 AM
Brophy
Buck
Place:HCR 0107
Coram
Garcia
This Meeting was called to order by
Giron
Representative Fischer
Harvey
Jones
This Report was prepared by
Lebsock
Brooke Maddaford
McNulty
Mitsch Bush
Rankin
Rosenthal
Saine
Sonnenberg
Tyler
Vigil
Fischer
Schwartz
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Colorado Oil and Gas Association and Colorado Petroleum Association
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Setback Rulemaking Process		Committee discussion only
Committee discussion only

07:34 AM -- Colorado Oil and Gas Association and Colorado Petroleum Association

Representative Fischer explained that roll would not be called as the joint meeting was not mandatory.

Stan Dempsy, Colorado Petroleum Association, and Jamie Jost, Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA), introduced themselves to the committee. Ms. Jost distributed a handout to the committee that discusses the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission's (COGCC) groundwater sampling rules (Attachment A). Ms. Jost gave a brief overview of the groundwater rulemaking process and discussed the specifics of the new Rule 609 which was adopted on January 7, 2013 and goes into effect on May 1, 2013. Ms. Jost answered questions from the committee regarding Rule 609 including if homeowners or well owners may opt in to groundwater sampling, exceptions from sampling requirements, and public disclosure requirements. Ms. Jost continued to answer questions from the committee regarding the cost of water sampling and how House Bill 13-1316 may impact the cost of sampling. Ms. Jost discussed exceptions from sampling requirements under Rule 609 and specifics of what is tested for during groundwater sampling. Ms. Jost discussed specifics of Rule 318A.e.(4), which is known as the "Greater Wattenburg Rule," and answered questions regarding Rule 318A.e.(4). Mr. Dempsy also addressed questions related to Rule 318A.e.(4).

130424 AttachA.pdf130424 AttachA.pdf


08:10 AM

Mr. Dempsy discussed the process and involvement of the Colorado Petroleum Association in adopting Rule 609. Mr. Dempsy explained that Rule 609 is supplementary to already existing COGCC rules and invited the legislators to involve COGA when crafting new legislation. Mr. Dempsy also discussed air quality issues and answered questions from the committee regarding permit processing.

08:20 AM -- Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Setback Rulemaking Process

Matt Lepore, Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), discussed the setback rulemaking process and the intentions of the new rules including improved dissemination of information to citizens, mitigation of oil and gas exploration impacts, and distance requirements. Staff distributed a handout from the COGCC discussing the setback rules and groundwater sampling rules (Attachment B). Mr. Lepore talked about the stakeholders who were involved in the setback rulemaking process and discussed specifics of the setback rules. Mr. Lepore answered questions from the committee regarding variances that may be granted by the COGCC, the role of surface use agreements during negotiations for well placement, and potential concerns of homeowners who live near well drilling operations. Mr. Lepore discussed high-occupancy building setback rules, designated outside activity area setback rules, possible exceptions to the setback rules, and existing surface use agreements. Mr. Lepore answered questions from the committee regarding groundwater sampling results, the Parachute oil spill, and the chemical disclosure database.

130424 AttachB.pdf130424 AttachB.pdf

08:57 AM

The committee adjourned.