THORNTON, Colo. -- Drilling has become a part of reality for many of the people living in Thornton.
Jerry Miller, a Thornton resident, said is going to take the leasing offer given to him by Western Oil and Gas in return for possibly drilling underneath his house. But even if he didn't take the offer, the company can still drill underneath.
The same goes for Adams 12 Five Star Schools board. The board was approached by the company on the possibility of drilling underneath Horizon Senior High School.
“Oil and gas is something that used to happen far away from any homes and schools so we have concerns,” said school board president Kathy Plomer.
But they can't say no. Despite owning the rights to the minerals underneath, oil and gas companies in Colorado have mineral rights if they can obtain them legally.
The line between the school and the site is just over a mile and the school board has no choice but take the leasing offer.
“Leasing gives us more ability to bargain with the oil and gas company to get terms that are favorable as far as some safety things that are added,” said Plomer.
The board will vote on the leasing proposal on Sept 20.
