The Crestone Eagle, February 2007:

Lexam to start seismic testing on Baca Nat’l Wildlife Refuge
Drilling permits in process
by Lisa Cyriacks

Lexam Explorations Inc. will be conducting seismic tests February 2007 on the land just west of the Grants in the Baca Grande subdivision. At the request of Ron Garcia, Baca National Wildlife Refuge Manager, the seismic testing is being conducted while the ground is frozen to minimize damage. The seismic contractor has also agreed to limit stream crossings to already existing points of access. USFWS employees will monitor the entire process that includes 200+ miles of seismic lines.

Due to Lexam’s failure to file the cultural assessment with the proper authorities prior to scheduling with the seismic sub-contractor, the crew has been waiting on the ground since mid-January. The crew laid the lines for the trucks to follow on foot, since they do not have clearance to use machinery on the site yet. The seismic testing is currently on hold pending clearance from the State of Colorado on the report. The cultural assessment revealed forty plus sites, requiring the survey crew to re-route the lines for the seismic trucks to follow.

Mid-January, Dave Dillon of COGCC requested a meeting with representatives from Lexam Explorations Inc., the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), Saguache County, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and a few community members, to review the conditions being added to the state drilling permits. A quick review of the work done-to-date was given. Early in December, data was collected from sampling 33 wells, creating a baseline to be used for measuring water contamination if necessary.

The COGCC commission has not yet issued the two drilling permits. A result of the meeting in January was the identification of sixteen conditions for the permits—most of which deal with protecting water quality, prevention of surface contamination by drilling processes, and minimizing long-term surface impacts.

Jack Clark, Lexam Explorations Inc, reviewed the process for drilling the 14,000-foot wells. Points of discussion included a review of the depth for the cement casing, the ongoing water testing on site to control and mitigate contamination, disposal of drilling waste using a closed loop system and hauling all drill cuttings off site for proper disposal. Lexam may want to adjust the location of the wells based on the seismic data, which require notification of the COGCC, but not a re-issuing of the permits or a re-negotiation of conditions to the permits. All things proceeding as planned and the availability of a drill rig, Lexam plans to commence drilling operations in early summer 2007.

Lexam and all of its contractors will coordinate with Wendi Maez, Saguache County Administrator to review safety requirements and emergency response plans for each action. Work crews are also trained to handle safety, fire and accidents on site. Saguache County representatives: Sam Pace, Randy Arredondo, and Wendi Maez were interested in the use of county roads and dust mitigation measures. Each truck, based on weight, could represent income for Saguache County to offset damage to the roads.

As it turns out, truck traffic will be fairly extensive. Five days and seventy truckloads to deliver the drill rig. Several truckloads of material to upgrade the existing road, build new roads to the drill sites, and construction of drill pads. During the course of the drilling operation it will take over ten truckloads to deliver the concrete for casing; trucks every two days to deliver diesel fuel and supplies; four trips a day for two work crews in two vehicles each; plus, the possible necessity to deliver water via truck. A total of seventy-five days will be required to drill the well to a 14,000-foot depth with 24-hour operation. All of the drill cuttings will need to be trucked out to an approved disposal site and all of the constructed roads and well pads will need to be removed and re-vegetated to pre-drilling contour and condition.

Chris Canaly, San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC), presented the community’s questions and concerns regarding an environmental impact statement of the areas impacted. USFWS has made the determination that a National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) review, including an Environmental Impact Statement is not required. Instead Lexam has agreed to negotiate an operating plan with USFWS that will include an environmental analysis.

SLVEC and the Water Watch Alliance (WWA) do not agree with the USFWS determination that NEPA is not a required process and will have the relevant NEPA and surface use agreement documents reviewed by legal counsel. Financial contributions in support of this effort can be made to SLVEC. Please put WWA on the memo line, and mail to: SLVEC, PO Box 223, Alamosa, CO81101. Contributions are tax deductible.

The Crestone/Baca Land Trust (CBLT), at the request of the Water Watch Alliance is fundraising to contract with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program to do a biological inventory. CBLT is exploring grant opportunities to fund this effort, but will still need to provide matching funds. Financial contributions can be made to the Crestone/Baca Land Trust, PO Box 893, Crestone, CO 81131. Contributions are tax deductible. To contact Water Watch Alliance in order to volunteer: please call #937-4405 (local call).

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