Show All Answers

1. What is fracking and how can I learn more?

Hydraulic fracturing or fracking has been used by the oil and gas industry since the 1940s. The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, managed by the State of Colorado, is a great resource for detailed information about fracking, why it’s done, how it’s regulated and more. Visit the following links to learn more: Animation of Hydraulic Fracturing

2. Can Arapahoe County prohibit drilling or fracking within the County?

No. Arapahoe County does not have the authority to ban oil and gas drilling or fracking. Mineral rights associated with oil and gas are property rights. 

3. How do I know if I own the mineral rights on my land?

Due to the complexity of evaluating mineral rights ownership, the best way to determine your interests would be to contact a title company or a real estate attorney experienced in this subject matter.

4. Are there any public documents I could obtain that relate to my property?

You can obtain title documents (deeds, easements, etc.) from the Arapahoe County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, Assessor’s Office and/or the Treasurer’s Office located in the Administration Building, 5334 S. Prince St., Littleton, CO. By law, Arapahoe County employees are not allowed to give an assessment of your ownership rights or provide legal advice. Employees can only provide you with public documents and information.

5. What's the difference between state and local control/regulations?

The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) has regulatory power over oil and gas operations. Colorado Senate Bill 181 was passed in April of 2019 allowing local governments more control over the surface impacts. In late 2019, the County began a public feedback process to draft new regulations that, if approved, will be adopted to the Land Development Code. This process is expected to be complete around May of 2020. Visit www.apapahoegov.com/oilandgas for updates on the process. 

The state health department (CDPHE) regulates air emissions from oil and gas facilities. 

6. How do I comment on active well permit applications?

STATE: Visit this link on the state's page http://cogcc.state.co.us/permits.html#/permits and use the drop down menus to choose Arapahoe County. Once you hit "Go," a list of current permit applications will appear. To comment on a case, click on the document number in the far left column and a form will open for you to enter comments. 

COUNTY: Visit the current planning cases map to identify the project near you. Click on the project and a pop window will identify the appropriate staff member to contact for more information on the case. 

COGCC How to Make Public Comment

7. How do I address concerns about well water quality?

If you live within ½ mile of a new oil and gas operation, your water well can be sampled at no expense to you. Call the County at 720-874-6650 for more information about this. 

Most water well concerns (color, odor, or suspected contamination) are caused by lack of recent disinfection. For questions about water quality, contact Tri-County Health Department https://www.tchd.org/717/Water-Testing 

TCHD: How to disinfect a water well

8. Can a horizontal well go under my neighborhood?

To date, there are no directional wells that extend under neighborhoods in unincorporated Arapahoe County. Horizontal wells are only 5 to 7 inches in diameter and have cement and steel casings that support the production tubing. At depths of over 7,000 feet below the surface, the dense rock structure above can fully support a minimal void of this size. 

9. What is a setback?

The regulated distance from an oil and gas well location to residences or community buildings. It is measured from the center of the well to the nearest wall of the residence or other building. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) requires a 500-foot setback from most buildings, and 1,000 feet from schools and high-occupancy buildings.