The City of Longmont is working through a systematic process to proactively investigate all nine active wells, and all 17 plugged and abandoned (P&A) wells within city limits. In 2013, the City conducted site investigations of active wells. The City is now moving into the next phase, which is to conduct site investigations of plugged and abandoned wells. There is no known threat; however, these investigations are being done out of an abundance of caution to confirm that there is no risk to the community.

In 2012, the City completed historical records investigations on plugged and abandoned wells. Oil and gas regulations have significantly changed since the 17 P&A wells were initially drilled. Therefore, the City is confirming that these wells were properly abandoned as the records investigation has indicated. This comprehensive investigation is intended to confirm that no water, soil or air contamination exists from the past drilling activities. Information gathered will be made available to the public on the City’s Oil & Gas webpage at bit.ly/longmont-oil-gas.

The first site selected for inspection is the recently (2016) plugged and abandoned Rider 1 Well, located near St. Vrain Road and County Line Road on the east side of Longmont. The inspection will take place on Friday, September 15. As inspections are scheduled for the other 16 P&A wells, additional outreach be conducted individually with residents and neighborhoods near those well sites. Residents can expect investigations to consist of site surveying, as well as collecting and analyzing soil, air, and groundwater samples. On-site surveying and sampling generally will take one day to complete.

For additional information on oil and gas well management and oversight across Colorado, please go to the Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission’s webpage at cogcc.state.co.us. You can view an interactive map of wells and associated information at cogccmap.state.co.us/cogcc_gis_online. Longmont residents seeking further details can also visit bit.ly/longmont-oil-gas, email pwnr@longmontcolorado.gov or call 303-651-8416.