LONGMONT, Colo. — The Longmont City Council is set to discuss a proposal to do away with oil and gas drilling within city limits.
Under the proposal, two oil and gas companies, TOP Operating and Cub Creek LLC, would take the following steps:
- Plug and leave eight wells that are currently active
- Relinquish the rights to 11 future drilling sites
- Give up 80 potential well permits
- Never drill within Longmont city limits again
In return, Longmont will pay the companies $3 million. If it is approved, the wells would need to begin to close within 120 days of the agreement being enacted.
Some Longmont residents liked the idea to do away with oil and gas drilling.
“I don’t believe it’s healthy for the environment for children or for neighborhood, so let’s keep it out of our city limits,” said Longmont resident Cassie Darnel.
However, others worried about the economic impact closing those wells will have.
“I just don’t think that they should be banned. I think it’s perfectly fine,” said Longmont resident Steve Carr. “It’s great for Colorado economy, it brings in a lot of revenue and creates a lot of jobs. And, I think with all the regulations in Colorado it’s really safe, so I don’t think there should be a ban.”
The companies would still be able to access the oil and gas under the city using horizontal drilling methods from Weld County.
The city council will discuss the proposal during its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday night.
