Oil Drilling Begins, Not A Factor In El Paso County Republican Primary

As four El Paso County commissioner candidates compete for two spots, don’t expect oil drilling to be a hot button issue.

At Friday night’s Rocky Mountain Black Tea Party forum, it wasn’t even a question for the candidates.

Over the past year, fracking triggered moratoriums and letters to industry leaders by the El Paso County commissioners questioning what kind of chemicals were used underground.

Since then, commissioners have backed off that demand and opened the door for the first two exploratory wells in El Paso County.

“How can you be against business when things are so well regulated and there are so many safeguards put in place?” asked Commissioner Peggy Littleton. She visited one of those wells near Ellicott on Friday.

One concern from the public was water use. Littleton said the well she visited bought water from a private land owner and that she doesn’t see that as an issue moving forward.

Another concern has already been addressed by one of the drilling companies, according to a press release issued last week. Elected leaders met with Ultra Petroleum regarding dust control and damage to county roads as a result of oil and gas exploration.

“Ultra officials have agreed to immediately discontinue use of Drennan Road for transportation of water and equipment to its drilling sites,” said the release. “Ultra also agreed to schedule their own water trucks to mitigate fugitive dust problems caused by drilling-related traffic on Baggett and Handle Roads.”

Commissioners were encouraged by the quick resolution.

“I’m pleased to see our county staff out there monitoring the impacts of drilling operations, and I am equally pleased to hear that the company is taking immediate action to address the dust complaints,” said Commissioner Amy Lathen. “We have worked for months to develop practical policies and procedures that will allow for development of these valuable resources with minimal impact to residents, and I’m encouraged by the company’s willingness to work with us to resolve these issues.”

The El Paso County commissioner District 3 race pits Sallie Clark, going for her third term, against Karen Magistrelli. In District 4, incumbent Dennis Hisey is up against Auddie Cox.

The primary will be held on held on June 26.