Confusion over the Fort Collins fracking ban; information incomplete

Map of impacted areas.

In the midst of cameras and microphones, which resulted in national press, the Fort Collins City Council passed a fracking ban with some exemptions for our existing operator.  With little public attention, the Prospect Energy Operating Agreement came to city council's table. The resulting discussion signaled confusion over what was actually passed in the ban.

A small contingent of citizens express concerns ranging from wanting an absolute ban to uncertainty over specifics such as fracking chemicals used and well pad exemptions. Comments from council members following the Citizen Participation established that council members were not previously briefed on an area referred to as the “UDA,” or "Undeveloped Acreage" – the apparent source of misunderstanding.

Prospect Energy was praised by city staff, various council members and even a few citizens who questioned the agreement. According to city staff, Prospect Energy follows several “best practices” and exceeds numerous state requirements. What’s troublesome is that decisions may have been made in the absence of pertinent facts.

For additional details, review the March 19, 2013 Agenda Item #28: Items Relating to an Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC. or view the discussion near the end of the Fort Collins City Council Meeting 3/19/13 (VIDEO).