Wednesday, November 19, 2008

County document details drilling rules

Extensive list will guide development

Phaedra Haywood | The New Mexican

11/18/2008

"The Santa Fe County Commission approved one of two draft documents Tuesday aimed at regulating oil and gas activity in the county.

The approved document — called the Santa Fe County General Plan Oil and Gas Element — is an amendment to the county's general plan.

The purpose of the plan is to guide the county in making land-use and development decisions related to oil and gas activity.

It consists of two main elements.

One is a modeling and suitability component that considers approximately 27 factors — including the habitats of animals and birds, the prevalence of archaeological sites in an area and proximity to water sources — to delineate zones of high, moderate and low sensitivity to oil and gas development. Extraction activity in each zone would be limited depending on the level of sensitivity.

The Oil and Gas Element also sets forth standards for infrastructure, such as roads and fire protection, that would be required to accompany oil and gas development.

The commission delayed voting on a related draft ordinance which details the specific submittals and studies the county will require from anyone seeking oil and gas drilling permits in Santa Fe County. The commission will vote on the ordinance Dec. 9." More>>>>

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