Drilling rule would protect groundwater
The Colorado Oil and Gas Commission is considering amending the rules for water sampling and monitoring around oil and gas wells, as well as injection wells used for hydraulic fracturing.

“The quality of groundwater can affect not only human health, wildlife resources and the environment, but also society and the economy,” the COGCC said in a statement about the rule-making process. Details of the rule were discussed Monday, and could be formalized at the commission’s January meeting.

Currently, different orders and rules across various parts of the state lack consistency. The proposed changes would establish specific, statewide water sampling and monitoring requirements for all oil and gas wells, multi-well sites or dedicated injection wells. It would allow for consistent data and quick reaction to potential contaminants.

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has expressed support for this rule, citing the fact that it would show that drilling for oil and gas using the process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is safe.

According to the COGCC, the proposed rule is meant “to protect and preserve Colorado’s groundwater resources, detect potential contamination and inform all stakeholders of groundwater quality both before and after oil and gas development.”

Under the new rule, which does not apply to coalbed methane wells covered elsewhere, two samples would be taken within a half mile of the drilling site. That distance could be extended to one mile if the sampling location is nonexistent or unavailable.

These samples would be taken once before drilling and twice after completion as a follow-up and then long-term test. The follow-up would occur within six to 12 months, and the long-term test would be 60 to 72 months later. The results could then be posted on a searchable water-quality database.

The original sample would create a baseline, noting naturally occurring contaminants in the groundwater or those from other sources, like agricultural activity or use of a septic system. The follow-up tests are then monitored for potential changes in water quality.

Also discussed at the meeting was the minimum safe distance a well can be to a building, which is considered a controversial issue as some drilling creeps closer and closer to suburban areas.

The newly elected Senate majority leader for Colorado, Morgan Carroll (D-Aurora), has proposed legislation called the Fracking Safety Act of 2013, to address issues like the distance between drilling rigs and buildings, calling for a 2,000-foot setback.
– Tracy Chamberlin

Authorities warn of ‘kidnapper’ hoax
While hundreds turned out last Saturday to search for missing teen Dylan Redwine, at least one scam artist has turned up trying to make a buck off the tragedy.

Investigators with the Dylan Redwine Task Force are cautioning local residents about a hoax circulating on Facebook that claims to have the missing 13-year-old in kidnapper’s custody. A man identifying himself as Abass Gadafi, a “new resident of the Bayfield area,” claims to be the “boss of a kidnapper gang” that is holding Dylan captive. The man demands $1,000 for a photo of Dylan and another $4,000 for his release. The scammer asks that money be sent to an address in Ontario, Canada, via Western Union, to his gang “United Kingdom.”

Meanwhile, an anonymous donor has given $5,000 to Crime Stoppers for information leading to the recovery of Dylan. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 970-247-1112.  

The Task Force is continuing to solicit any video footage or photographs that include vehicles traveling between Durango and Vallecito between 6 p.m. Sun., Nov. 18 - noon, Mon., Nov. 19.

Anyone with footage is asked to call La Plata County dispatch at (970) 385-2900.  People with information can leave a message on the Dylan Redwine Tip Line at 970-382-7511. If a return call is needed, callers must leave their contact information, but anonymous tips are also accepted.  This tip line is checked several times a day.

Tele writer goes on injured reserve
The Durango Telegraph’s much loved “Top Shelf” column is going on hiatus.

The weekly arts, entertainment and nightlife column’s author, Chris Aaland, will be taking a medical leave of absence effective immediately.

 

Aaland, who has infused his wit, humor and touching real life anecdotes and experiences into the column for six years, will be undergoing surgery to replace a heart valve on Thursday in Albuquerque. He had suffered sleeplessness and shortness of breath over the weekend, and tests earlier this week at Mercy Medical Center confirmed aorta problems.

He assured us Tuesday that it is a “pretty routine procedure” with a two- to four-week recovery period. “I should be bedridden and grumpy by next week,” said Aaland, who will also be taking a leave from his duties in the Athletics Department at Fort Lewis College.

Aaland, a devout food and beer connoisseur, whose most inventive gastrointestinal claim to fame is perhaps the “trout-tini,” said he will be most sad about saying good-bye to frequent hoppy brews and salt as per doctor’s orders. “I guess it’s time to discover cayenne pepper,” he said. “Surprisingly enough, red meat seems to be OK.”

Our thoughts, prayers and good vibrations go out to Aaland; his wife, Shelly; and 5-year-old son, Otto. Stay tuned to the Telegraph for updates or check out Chris’ Facebook page for up-to-the-minute details.

– Missy Votel