Commissioners in Garfield County, Colorado continue to seek answers from the state regarding what has appeared to be many lapses in oil and gas drilling enforcement for water contamination problems. Commissioners met to discuss the situation earlier this week as to how they were going to demand more answers in regards to the West Divide Creek benzene and methane leak that occured in 2004.
According to county consultant Dr. Geoffrey Thyne, the seep that happened at West Divide Creek may not be able to be fully contained with repairs from EnCana. Many residents and officials also worry that the benzene and other toxic chemical issues in the area will not be limited to one well drilled by the company.
Leak Causes Benzene Exposure
The seep reportedly contained so much benzene and other chemicals property owner Lisa Bracken was able to light the creek water on fire in 2004. Government officials claim that since this time the benzene levels at the creek have lowered, however there is still cause for concern in terms of residents becoming the victims of benzene exposure. According to environmentalists and local officials, the methane levels have remained consistent since 2004 which is also alarming to those who living in the area and in terms of the safety of the environment.
The seep all is thought to have occured when hydraulic fracturing increased around the area. Hydraulic fracturing is when chemicals like benzene are injected into the sand and water into gas wells in order to free up more natural gas. However, this technique has been put in question due to situations like this since more research needs to be done regarding how the chemicals communicate with groundwater supplies.
Two Republican members of the Garfield County commissioners are now looking to Governor Bill Ritter’s COGC for answers about the recent water quality concerns relating to the oil and gas industry. they have more recently been criticized for failing to pass a bill that would require EPA to gain more control over hydraulic fracturing in the area.