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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 03/19/2013 - ITEMS RELATING TO AN OPERATOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THDATE: March 19, 2013
STAFF: Laurie Kadrich, Lindsay Ex
Dan Weinheimer
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 28
SUBJECT
Items Relating to an Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC.
A. Resolution 2013-024 Approving an Oil and Gas Operator Agreement Between the City and Prospect Energy,
LLC.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 057, 2013, Terminating the Moratorium Imposed by Ordinance No. 145, 2012
with Respect to Oil and Gas Operations Conducted under an Oil and Gas Operator Agreement Between the
City and Prospect Energy, LLC.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Council is considering the approval an Operator’s Agreement with Prospect Energy that would permit Prospect Energy
to conduct oil and gas operations in the city limits. The terms of the Agreement ensure stringent public health and
safety measures are in place through Best Management Practices (BMPs),which generally exceed current
requirements mandated by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), and provide strict controls
on the release of methane gases and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If the Agreement is approved,
Council will consider adopting Ordinance No. 057, 2013 removing the Moratorium imposed by Ordinance No. 145,
2012 with respect to an Oil and Gas Operator Agreement with Prospect Energy.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Oil and gas production is currently limited to the Fort Collins Field (Attachment #2), located in the northeast portion
of the city. The Fort Collins Field is regulated by the COGCC and has been in production since about 1925. In the city
limits, the field consists of seven oil producing wells and seven injecting wells, all of which are managed by one
operator, Prospect Energy. Prospect Energy is unable to drill new wells since Ordinance No. 145 (Moratorium) was
approved December, 2012. In addition, the company is no longer able to utilize hydraulic fracturing since the adoption
of Ordinance No. 032. Prospect Energy also holds certain leasehold interests within the City described as the
Undeveloped Area (UDA), as depicted in Attachment #2. Council allowed for exemptions from Ordinance No. 032
provided a Council approved operator agreement was in place that includes strict controls on methane release and
adequately protects the public health, safety and welfare of the city. The recommended agreement with Prospect
Energy contains such provisions. A summary of those provisions follows with more detailed information contained
in Exhibit A to Resolution 2013-024.
Summary of Controls for Methane Gas
Prospect Energy captures all gases from production and tanks and routes them to a thermal oxidizer for destruction.
This method currently results in over 99% of all emissions being destroyed. The COGCC rule requires 95% of
emissions be destroyed. This proposed Agreement requires at least 98% destruction and use of a thermo-oxidizer
for emission destruction to be utilized for any new wells in the Fort Collins Field. In the UDA, Prospect Energy will
capture and destroy emissions at the well (Exhibit A -Section 21 (b)) or send through a thermal oxidizer. Prospect
Energy also agrees to comply with:
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method 21 (Section 21 – Exhibit A)
• No uncontrolled venting of methane (Section 21 – Exhibit A)
• Minimal flaring during drilling and completions (Section 21 – Exhibit A)
• Develop and maintain a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) (Section 21 – Exhibit A)
N Use a Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera
N Notify the City for observation of testing
• Green Completions (Section 22- Exhibit A)
March 19, 2013 -2- ITEM 28
• Containment of all produced water or flowback fluids and no permanent storage of waste products (Section
45 – Exhibit A)
Summary of Best Management Practices
(Public Health and Safety Measures – details in Exhibit A)
Setbacks – Any new wells drilled will conform to the current COGCC rules which will be five hundred (500) feet from
any building and one thousand (1,000) feet from any institutional facility beginning August 1, 2013. However, in the
Fort Collins Field, new wells must be constructed on existing well pads because of an existing Surface Use Agreement
(SUA), which conform to previous COGCC setbacks. Those well pads are located near or within Water’s Edge,
Richard’s Lake and Hearthfire subdivisions.
Conceptual Review – No less than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of an Application for a Permit to Drill (APD)
(note: APD is the COGCC permitting process), Prospect Energy will schedule a meeting with the City to review the
proposed new well or drilling activity. The goal of this meeting would be for staff and the applicant to review the
proposed oil and gas operation in a manner that ensures compliance with the operator agreement and applicable state
and federal regulations. This pre-submittal meeting will also allow the applicant and staff to explore site-specific
concerns, to discuss project impacts and potential mitigation methods including field design and infrastructure
construction to minimize impacts, to discuss coordination of field design with other existing or potential development
and operators, to identify sampling and monitoring plans for air and water quality, and other elements of the operator
agreement as contained in Exhibit A.
Community Notice –Prospect Energy must provide community and staff notice. Prior to an APD, the Agreement
specifies mailed notice, posted notice, neighborhood meetings and also a notification to the public prior to the
commencement of drilling. Consistent with Option “B” of the proposed Land Use Code regulations, notice is required
for any oil and gas operation to surface owners within two thousand six hundred forty (2,640) feet of the parcel and
to persons registered in writing with the Planning Director.
Closed Loop Pitless Systems – are required for the Containment and/or Recycling of Drilling and Completion Fluids.
Wells shall be drilled, completed and operated using closed loop, pitless systems for containment and/or recycling of
all drilling, completion, flowback and produced fluids.
Chemical disclosure and storage - the City will be provided, in table format, the name, Chemical Abstract Services
(CAS) number, volume, storage, containment and disposal method for all drilling and completion chemicals (solids,
fluids, and gases) used on the well pad. Fracture chemicals will be uploaded onto the Frac Focus website. The City
will also post such information on the City website. The Company will not permanently store hydraulic fracturing
chemicals, flowback from hydraulic fracturing, or produced water in the current City limits.
Electric equipment – Prospect Energy will be required to utilize electric-powered engines for motors,
compressors, and drilling equipment and for pumping systems when feasible in order to mitigate noise and reduce
emissions.
Emergency preparedness plan – Prospect Energy is required to develop an emergency preparedness plan for each
specific facility site, which shall be in compliance with the International Fire Code. Among other provisions, the plan
shall be filed with the Poudre Fire Authority and the City of Fort Collins Office of Emergency Management and updated
on an annual basis or as conditions change (responsible field personnel change, ownership changes, etc.). The plan
includes a provision establishing a process by which the operator engages with the surrounding neighbors to educate
them on the risks of the on-site operations and to establish a process for surrounding neighbors to communicate with
Prospect Energy.
Air Quality – Prospect Energy must comply with emissions regulations as required by State and Federal laws. In
addition, there will be no uncontrolled venting of methane. All gas vapors will be captured to the extent practicable.
Vapor capture equipment will operate at 98% efficiency or better. There are no gas sales lines in the Fort Collins field
because the quantity and quality of gas is low and not marketable. If salable gas were to occur in the UDA, a sales
line would be constructed. The Operator will develop and maintain a leak detection and component repair (LDAR)
program according to EPA Method 21 for equipment used in permanent operations. LDAR will be performed on newly
installed equipment, and then on an annual basis. A forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera will be used as the
preferred implementation method of EPA Method 21 as available from the state; if unavailable, other methods will be
March 19, 2013 -3- ITEM 28
used in compliance with this method. Upon request from the City, Prospect Energy will implement EPA Method 21
should additional concerns arise. At least once per year, Prospect Energy will notify the City prior to FLIR camera use
in case the City wishes to observe the method.
Prospect Energy and the City will split the costs of baseline sampling and analytical work performed by a third party
consultant agreeable to both parties over a five (5) day sampling period. Prospect Energy will conduct air sampling
during well completion. Periodic air monitoring will be performed for hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a hazardous air pollutant
(HAP). Prospect Energy will perform field monitoring using the Jerome 631 XC or equivalent instrument annually, or
until such time that odors are not detected past the Fort Collins Tank Battery fence line in City Limits. The City may
require additional air monitoring as needed to respond to emergency events such as spill, process upsets, or
accidental releases or in response to odor complaints in City Limits.
During well completion, the capture and beneficial use of natural gas is preferred over flaring. However since the Fort
Collins field has so little natural gas it is not reasonable to capture the gas and as such minimal flaring will occur. What
flaring does occur will be monitored twenty-four (24) hours per day. During production the flare shall be fired with
natural gas and shall be operated with a ninety eight (98) percent or higher VOC destruction efficiency. An automatic
pilot system shall be used when feasible. Other ignition systems will include the installation and operation of a
telemetry alarm system or an on-site visible indicator showing proper function.
Water Quality Monitoring Plan – Prospect Energy shall comply with COGCC Rule 609. In summary, this requires
pre- and post-drilling testing. The rules require oil and gas operators to sample all “Available Water Sources” (owner
has given consent for sampling and testing and has consented to having the sample data obtained made available
to the public), with a cap of four (4) water sources, within one-half (1/2) mile radius of a proposed well, multi-well site,
or dedicated injection well. Water sources include registered water wells, permitted or adjudicated springs, and certain
monitoring wells. Prospect Energy agrees to the following requirements above and beyond the COGCC requirements:
analyzing for dissolved metals as indicated in the Land Use Code; sampling intervals to be baseline (before drilling),
post-drilling at one, three, and six years. Analytical results will be shared with the COGCC, the City, and the landowner.
All spills, for new and existing wells, shall be managed in accordance with COGCC regulations.
Soil Gas Monitoring – The City, at its discretion, may conduct soil gas monitoring to assess well casing integrity. This
would be typically completed within 90 days of new well completion. The City shall notify the Operator prior to entering
the site for soil gas monitoring.
Spills - The Company shall comply with COGCC Rule 609 “Spills and Releases”, and notify the City and whenever
there is notification to the COGCC. The Company shall also copy the City on any written correspondence to the
COGCC or other regulatory authority.
Transportation and circulation - Prospect Energy shall include in their applications detailed descriptions of all
proposed access routes for equipment, water, sand, waste fluids, waste solids, mixed waste, and all other material
to be hauled on the public streets and roads of the City. The submittal shall also include the estimated weights of
vehicles when loaded, a description of the vehicles, including the number of wheels and axles of such vehicles, trips
per day and any other information required by the Traffic Engineer. Preliminary information is required for this item
for the Conceptual Review meeting, in accordance with Exhibit A. The Company shall comply with all Transportation
and Circulation requirements as contained in the Land Use Code as may be reasonably required by the City’s Traffic
Engineer.
Wastewater and Waste Management - There will be minimal waste water in the Fort Collins Field, as there will be
no tank batteries (produced water and oil storage) in the City for the Fort Collins field. As described in “Closed Loop
System” and “Green Completions,” there is no discharge of fluids and fluids are contained. Storage, transportation,
and treatment of wastes during well drilling and completion are handled by third party contractors, under the direction
of the Operator. Waste is stored in tanks, transported by tanker truck, and disposed of at licensed disposal facilities.
In the UDA, new secondary containment shall be constructed of steel, with sufficient perimeter and height to hold one
and one-half (1.5) times the volume of the largest tank and sufficient freeboard to prevent overflow. No potential
ignition sources shall be installed inside the secondary containment area unless the containment enclosed a fired
vessel. The requirements for secondary containment will meet the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual. No land
treatment of oil impacted or contaminated drill cuttings are permitted. The use of a closed loop drilling system
precludes discharge of produced water or flowback to the ground or the use of pits. Produced water or flowback will
not be used for dust suppression. A copy of the field’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC)
March 19, 2013 -4- ITEM 28
will be given to the City, which describes spill prevention and mitigation practices. The Company will provide the City
documentation of waste disposal and its final disposition.
Water supply – Prospect Energy will identify in the site plan its source for water used in both the drilling and
production phases of operations. The sources and amount of water used in the City shall be documented and this
record shall be provided to the City annually or sooner, upon request of the City Manager. The disposal of water used
on site shall also be detailed including anticipated haul routes, approximate number of vehicles needed to supply and
dispose of water, and the final destination for water used in operation.
Comparison with LUC Option “B”
During Council deliberations, direction was given to staff to proceed with negotiations for an Agreement with Prospect
Energy that was consistent with the Land Use Code provisions reviewed by Council in Ordinance No. 144. While
Ordinance No. 144 was not adopted it contained regulation for oil and gas exploration and production. One of the
options was for a single-track development review process that generally contained more stringent regulations than
currently required by the COGCC and was described as Option “B”. Staff prepared a matrix illustrating how the
proposed agreement with Prospect Energy meets or exceeds requirements in Option B (Attachment 3).
Other Conditions of the Agreement
Through this Agreement, Prospect Energy will comply with all BMPs for New Wells as defined as a “Company-
operated well spudded during the term of this agreement, and located on either a currently existing well pad or a new
well pad that is located within the City limits.” In other words, BMPs will not apply to previously developed wells either
inside or outside the city limits owned by Prospect Energy. Approving this agreement requires Prospect Energy to
comply with the terms of the Agreement and removes any further development review permitting process. However,
the Agreement provides for public and staff notice, staff review and periodic inspections of any New Wells. Prospect
Energy will also be required to use the most stringent regulation in effect whether the regulation is a State, Federal
or required by this Agreement.
The term proposed in the Agreement is for five (5) years with successive five (5) year terms, until either Party wishes
to terminate the Agreement. The Agreement is binding to anyone who acquires either the Fort Collins Field or the
Undeveloped Acreage (UDA). There is also a non-performance clause in the Agreement which allows for mediation
and court remedies in the event the performance is not “cured.”
If Council approves this agreement, Prospect Energy has indicated they would continue operating the Fort Collins Field
and potentially increase the number of wells by six (6) to eight (8). As required by a SUA all new wells will be drilled
from existing well pads thus minimizing any future surface impact from the new drilling. It is likely that hydraulic
fracturing would be utilized in the operation of the field. This fracturing would not be in conjunction with horizontal
drilling and does not require intensive water usage seen in other natural gas developments. For example, the last six
(6) hydraulic fracturing processes in the Muddy J Formation - Fort Collins Field averaged 114,129 gallons of water
compared to 380,272 for a Wattenberg Vertical well or a Wattenberg Horizontal well requiring 2,992,374 gallons (data
provided by COGCC). In addition, it is likely that the Fort Collins Field will not produce any marketable gas due to the
extremely low quantity of gas contained in the field.
Prospect Energy also holds certain leasehold interests within the City described as the Undeveloped Area (UDA) as
depicted in (Attachment #2). If Council approves this agreement Prospect Energy intends to explore oil and gas
development in the UDA. It should be noted that Prospect Energy has Surface Use Agreements with the surface
owners for the Fort Collins Field (since 1988, amended 2001) and the UDA (2011). Those agreements govern any
potential well locations and associated facilities within the Subdivisions and other specified terms, including, but not
limited to, landscaping and fencing around wells and associated production equipment.
FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS
A true triple bottom line analysis includes an assessment of environmental, social, and economic impacts. Staff
analysis to date has focused on potential and possible environmental impacts if hydraulic fracturing is allowed. Staff
was unable to conclusively determine financial impacts of any health and safety hazard related to hydraulic fracturing
due to the significant number of variables that relate to the hydraulic fracturing process, transportation of material and
waste produced, and removal of waste materials. A social impact analysis has not yet been undertaken for this
March 19, 2013 -5- ITEM 28
discussion. It is assumed that social impacts of hydraulic fracturing are discussed and addressed in terms of concerns
about health impacts, impacts to property and housing values, and quality of life.
Prospect Energy indicates that without this Agreement they would no longer be able to adequately operate the Fort
Collins Field or expand into other existing lease holdings currently within the city limits.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Documented in Agenda Item Summary (AIS) 26, prepared for Council Hearing February 19, 2013.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of Resolution 2013-024. If adopted, staff recommends exempting Prospect Energy from
the moratorium enacted by Ordinance No. 145, 2013.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Vicinity Map
2. Fort Collins Field & UDA
3. Matrix Comparing Agreement & LUC Option B
Collins Fort
Field
Undeveloped Acreage
Prospect City of Energy Fort Oil/Collins Gas Fields
CITY GEOGRAPHIC These and were map OF not products FORT designed and INFORMATION COLLINS or all intended underlying for general data SYSTEM are use developed by members MAP for use of
PRODUCTS the by the public. City of The Fort City Collins makes for no its representation internal purposes or only,
warranty dimensions, as to contours, its accuracy, property timeliness, boundaries, or completeness, or placement and of location in particular, of any its map accuracy features in thereon.
labeling or THE displaying CITY OF FORT
COLLINS PARTICULAR MAKES PURPOSE, NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED, WITH OR RESPECT WARRANTY TO THESE FOR FITNESS MAP PRODUCTS OF USE FOR OR THE
UNDERLYING FAULTS, and assumes DATA. Any all responsibility users of these of map the use products, thereof, map and applications, further covenants or data, and accepts agrees them
to hold AS the IS, City WITH harmless ALL
from made and this against information all damage, available. loss, Independent or liability arising verification from any of all use data of contained this map product, herein should
in consideration be obtained of by the any City's users having of
these liability, products, whether or direct, underlying indirect, data. or consequential, The City disclaims, which and arises shall or not may be arise held from liable these for any
map and products all damage, or the loss, use thereof or
by any person or entity. Printed: March 12, 2013
0 1 2 3 4Miles
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Fort Collins Field
Undeveloped Acreage
City of Fort Collins
Growth Management Area
ATTACHMENT 1
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Prospect City of Energy Fort Oil/Collins Gas Fields
CITY GEOGRAPHIC These and were map OF not products FORT designed and INFORMATION COLLINS or all intended underlying for general data SYSTEM are use developed by members MAP for use of
PRODUCTS the by the public. City of The Fort City Collins makes for no its representation internal purposes or only,
warranty dimensions, as to contours, its accuracy, property timeliness, boundaries, or completeness, or placement and of location in particular, of any its map accuracy features in thereon.
labeling or THE displaying CITY OF FORT
COLLINS PARTICULAR MAKES PURPOSE, NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OF MERCHANTABILITY OR IMPLIED, WITH OR RESPECT WARRANTY TO THESE FOR FITNESS MAP PRODUCTS OF USE FOR OR THE
UNDERLYING FAULTS, and assumes DATA. Any all responsibility users of these of map the use products, thereof, map and applications, further covenants or data, and accepts agrees them
to hold AS the IS, City WITH harmless ALL
from made and this against information all damage, available. loss, Independent or liability arising verification from any of all use data of contained this map product, herein should
in consideration be obtained of by the any City's users having of
these liability, products, whether or direct, underlying indirect, data. or consequential, The City disclaims, which and arises shall or not may be arise held from liable these for any
map and products all damage, or the loss, use thereof or
by any person or entity. Printed: March 12, 2013
0 1 2Miles
©
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 1
Oil and Gas
Operator Agreement Comparison with Proposed Land Use Code Regulations
How this Matrix is Organized: This matrix compares the proposed Operator Agreeement with the regulations from the Land Use Code “Option B” proposed
regulations. The first column includes the Best Managemetn Practices from Appendix A (or where noted, the body of the Operator Agreement) as compared to
the different standards from the proposed Land Use Code regulations. The final column includes comments from staff comparing what’s contained in the
Operator Agreement with the Land Use Code regulations.
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
1: General Application Procedure
Operator Agreement Body:
4. City Regulatory Approvals. The Company shall
not be required to obtain any project development
plan or final plan approval from the City to conduct
its oil and gas operations within the City limits, as
long as the Company complies with the terms and
conditions contained herein, and this Agreement
shall control all oil and gas operations conducted
by the Company within the City limits. Prior to the
submission of a COGCC Form 2 and/or Form 2A to
the COGCC, the Company shall meet with the City
to review the proposed oil and gas operation to
ensure compliance with this Agreement, all
applicable state and federal regulations, and any
site‐specific concerns, which concerns may include
overall project impacts and economically and
technically feasible mitigation measures or BMPs
related to field design and infrastructure
construction to minimize potential adverse
impacts to public health, safety and welfare. At
such time, if at all, that the City and Larimer
County, Colorado (the “County”) enter into a
written agreement that authorizes the City to
regulate the oil and gas operations of the
Company within the Growth Management Area,
Requires applications to be processed through a
development review process, including:
Conceptual Review
Neighborhood Meeting
Plan Submittal and Staff Review
Hearing (Type 2 or Planning and Zoning
Board)
Final Plan Submittal and Recording, if
approved
‐OR –
3.8.14(B)(2) Development Plan Review Not
Required. An oil and gas operation on public and
private land within the City need not comply with
this Section if such oil and gas operation is the
subject of a valid operator agreement between the
City and the operator that has been approved by the
City Council by resolution and in its sole discretion,
provided, however, that if the oil and gas operation
is located on City property, the operation must also
be conducted in accordance with a surface use
agreement approved by the City Council by
resolution.
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 2
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
such operations shall thereafter be governed by
the terms and conditions of this Agreement and
shall be subject to the City’s regulatory authority
as provided in this Agreement. “Growth
Management Area” shall be as described in that
certain Intergovernmental Agreement entered into
by the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County on
June 24,2008, nunc pro func [sic] October 17,
2006.
Appendix A
1. Regulations. The Company shall comply with all
applicable state and federal regulations in addition
to the terms of this agreement and the Best
Management Practices included below. Whichever
regulation is most stringent shall apply.
3. Conceptual Review. No less than thirty (30) days
prior to the submission of an Application for a
Permit to Drill, the Company agrees to schedule a
meeting with the City to review the proposed new
well or drilling activity. The goal of this meeting
shall be for staff and the applicant to review the
proposed oil and gas operation in a manner that
ensures compliance with the operator agreement
and applicable state and federal regulations. This
pre‐submittal meeting shall also allow the
applicant and staff to explore site‐specific
concerns, to discuss project impacts and potential
mitigation methods including field design and
infrastructure construction to minimize impacts, to
discuss coordination of field design with other
existing or potential development and operators,
to identify sampling and monitoring plans for air
and water quality, and other elements of the
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 3
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
operator agreement as contained in Appendices A
and B. Based upon the foregoing, applicants are
encouraged to conduct the pre‐submittal meeting
with the City prior to completing well siting
decisions, to the extent reasonably feasible.
2. Setbacks
2. Setbacks for New Wells. It is the intent of the
Company to maximize equipment and wellhead
setbacks from occupied buildings and residences
beyond the setbacks required by the COGCC to the
extent feasible and practicable.
The Parties recognize that a portion of the Field is
within the Fort Collins City Limits and as such,
development has occurred within the already
established Field. The surface owner has obtained
permitted plats for residential areas in the vicinity
of existing oil and gas activities, including a
constructed city park and contemplated building
units and public roads within three hundred fifty
(350) feet of an existing well. Further, the Parties
acknowledge that the Commission rules require a
minimum of five hundred (500) feet safety setback
for New Well construction from a building unit and
one thousand feet (1,000) from a high occupancy
building.
Any New Wells drilled shall conform to the
Commission setback rules then in effect. In the
Fort Collins Field, New Wells shall be constructed
on existing Well Pads, which due to previous
setback requirements, and City approval of
residential development, do not conform to five
hundred (500) feet setbacks, and are given an
(45) Setbacks. Oil and gas operations that do not
utilize an existing well pad must meet the following
siting criteria:
(a) The wellhead, pumping units, tanks, and
treaters are proposed to be at least five hundred
(500) feet from any occupied structure, or such
greater distance as may be required by the
Commission.
(b) The wellhead, pumping units, tanks, and
treaters are proposed to be at least one hundred
fifty (150) feet from any property line, unless
verified written consent is obtained from
affected property owners.
(c) The wellhead, pumping units, tanks, and
treaters are at least five hundred (500) feet from
any City‐owned natural area, any property
managed by the City’s Natural Areas
Department, any City Park, and any surface
water body including, but not limited to, rivers,
streams, ditches, wetlands, reservoirs and lakes.
(d) The wellhead, pumping units, tanks, and
treaters are proposed to be at least five hundred
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 4
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
exemption from the Commission in the Rules now
in effect.
The Parties recognize the existence of a Surface
Use Agreement (the “SUA”) between the
Company and the surface owner which expressly
governs the locations of wells and associated
facilities within the Water’s Edge, Richard’s Lake
and Hearthfire subdivisions (the “Subdivisions”),
and that certain terms found in the SUA may
affect Commission setbacks and other
Commission rules.
3. Notice
4. Mailed Notice. The City shall mail notice of the
pending Application for a Permit to Drill no more
than ten (10) days after the conceptual review
meeting has taken place. The Company shall
reimburse the City for the costs of the mailing.
Owners of record shall be ascertained according
to the records of the Larimer County Assessor’s
Office, unless more current information is made
available in writing to the City prior to the mailing
of the notices. Notice of the pending application
shall include reference to the neighborhood
meeting, if applicable, and be made as follows:
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of
land on which the oil and gas operation is
proposed to be located;
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of
land within five hundred (500) feet of a
proposed gathering line;
(5) Application Notice to Surface Owners and
Surrounding Landowners. This subsection shall
apply to oil and gas operations instead of the notice
provisions contained in Section 2.2.6 of this Land
Use Code.
(a) The Director shall mail notice no less than
five (5) days after the application has been
deemed complete by the Director. Notice of the
application shall be made as follows:
1. To the surface owners of the parcels of
land on which the oil and gas operation is
proposed to be located;
2. To the surface owners of the parcels
of land within five hundred (500) feet of a
proposed gathering line;
3. To the surface owners of the parcels
of land within two thousand six hundred
forty (2,640) feet of the parcel on which the
oil and gas operation is proposed to be
located; and
4. To persons registered in writing with the
Director as representing bona fide
The notice requirements outlined in the Land Use
Code Option B and in the proposed Operator
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 5
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of
land within two thousand six hundred forty
(2,640) feet of the parcel on which the oil and
gas operation is proposed to be located; and
⼀ To persons registered in writing with the
City as representing bona fide neighborhood
groups and organizations and homeowners'
associations within the area of notification.
5. Posted Notice. The real property proposed to
be developed shall also be posted with a sign,
giving notice to the general public of the proposed
development. For parcels of land exceeding ten
(10) acres in size, two (2) signs shall be posted.
The size of the sign(s) required to be posted shall
be as established in the Supplemental Notice
Requirements of Section 2.2.6(D) of the City’s
Land Use Code. Such signs shall be provided by
the City and shall be posted on the subject
property in a manner and at a location or
locations reasonably calculated by the City to
afford the best notice to the public, which posting
shall occur within ten (10) days following the
Conceptual Review meeting.
6. Neighborhood Meetings. A neighborhood
meeting shall be required on any New Well, even
on existing Well Pads, that requires an Application
for a Permit to Drill. Notice of the neighborhood
meeting shall be provided in accordance with
Sections 4 and 5 above. The Company shall attend
the neighborhood meeting. The City shall be
responsible for scheduling and coordinating the
neighborhood meeting and shall hold the meeting
neighborhood groups and organizations and
homeowners' associations within the area
of notification.
(b) The Director shall also provide public
notice of the application received by posting
the application on the City’s website for public
review, but excluding any information required
by the Commission to be kept confidential.
(c) Notice shall also be provided by the
Director of the neighborhood meeting and
public hearing in accordance with Section 2.2.6
of this Land Use Code.
(6) Posting Site. The Applicant shall post a
sign on the site in a location visible to the public
(i.e., visible from a public road) stating that a
development plan review application has been
applied for and providing the phone number of the
Planning Department where information regarding
the application may be obtained. All signs for oil and
gas operations shall be twelve (12) square feet in
size. For parcels of land exceeding ten (10) acres in
size, two (2) signs shall be posted. Such signs shall
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 6
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
in the vicinity of the proposed development. A
written summary of the neighborhood meeting
shall be prepared by the City. The written
summary shall be included in the Local
Government Designee (LGD) comments provided
to the COGCC at the time of the public hearing or
permit review to consider the Application for a
Permit to Drill.
7. Notification to the City and the public
regarding commencement of operations. Prior to
the commencement of any new drilling
operations, the Company shall provide to the City
Manager for posting on the website the
information outlined in Appendix B regarding
commencement of operations, which the
Company may revise from time‐to‐time during
operations, with prior approval from the City.
4. Development Standards
8. Inspections. The City shall have the right to
inspect the Company’s operations and its sites
during business hours, upon the giving of twenty‐
four (24) hour advance written notice to the
Company.
3.8.14(F)(2) Right to Enter. The applicant shall
provide the telephone number of a contact person
who may be reached twenty‐four (24) hours a day
for the purpose of being notified of any proposed
City inspection under this Section. Any site under an
approved development plan may be inspected by
the City at any time, to ensure compliance with the
requirements of the approved project development
plan, provided that twenty‐four (24) hours prior
notice is given to the contact person at the
telephone number supplied by the applicant. Each
approved project development plan shall contain the
following statement: “Applicant hereby consents to
allow the City the right of inspection of this approved
operation provided the City contacts the operator
Only difference is that notice shall now be provided
in a written format (email is an acceptable form of
notice, see #13 in the body of the Operator
Agreement).
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 7
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
with twenty‐ four (24) hours prior notice of such
inspection.”
9. Containment berms. The Company shall utilize
steel‐rim berms around tanks and separators at
new Well Pads. All berms and containment
devices shall be inspected at regular intervals and
maintained in good condition. No potential
ignition sources shall be installed inside the
secondary containment area unless the
containment area encloses a fired vessel. Refer to
American Petroleum Institute Recommended
Practices, API RP ‐ D16.
a) Containment berms shall be constructed of
steel rings, designed and installed to prevent
leakage and resist degradation from erosion or
routine operation.
b) Secondary containment for tanks shall be
constructed with a synthetic or engineered
liner that contains all primary containment
vessels and flowlines and is mechanically
connected to the steel ring to prevent leakage.
c) For locations within five hundred (500) feet
and upgradient of a surface water body,
tertiary containment, such as an earthen
berm, is required around production facilities.
N/A After the initial of the draft Land Use Code changes
for oil and gas operations, staff worked with
Prospect Energy to also compile best management
practices for waste management and waste
containment (see also #43 below). Staff will be
adding similar language to the proposed Land Use
Code changes prior to bringing the changes to
Council.
10. Closed Loop Pitless Systems for the
Containment and/or Recycling of Drilling and
Completion Fluids. Wells shall be drilled,
completed and operated using closed loop pitless
systems for containment and/or recycling of all
drilling, completion, flowback and produced fluids.
3.8.14(C)(40)(d) Use of Closed Loop Pitless Systems
for the Containment and/or Recycling of Drilling
and Completion Fluids. Wells shall be drilled,
completed and operated using closed loop pitless
systems for containment and/or recycling of all
drilling, completion, flowback and produced fluids.
11. Anchoring. All equipment at drilling and
production sites shall be anchored to the extent
necessary to resist flotation, collapse, lateral
movement, or subsidence. All guy line anchors left
3.8.14(C)(1) Anchoring. All mechanized heavy
equipment associated with oil and gas operations
shall be anchored so as to minimize transmission of
vibrations through the ground.
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 8
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
buried for future use shall be identified by a
marker of bright color not less than four (4) feet in
height and not greater than one (1) foot east of
the guy line anchor.
12. Burning. No open burning shall occur on the
site of any oil and gas operation.
3.8.14(C)(3) Burning of Trash. No burning of trash
shall occur on the site of any oil and gas operation.
Operator Agreement clarifies that no open burning,
of any items, is allowed within City limits. Staff will
update the Land Use Code to reflect this language.
13. Chains. Traction chains from heavy equipment
shall be removed before entering a City street.
3.8.14(C)(4) Chains. Traction chains from heavy
equipment shall be removed before entering a City
street.
14. Chemical disclosure and storage. The City
shall be provided, in table format, the name,
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, volume,
storage, containment and disposal method for all
drilling and completion chemicals (solids, fluids,
and gases) used on the Well Pad. Fracture
chemicals shall be uploaded onto the Frac Focus
website. The Company shall not permanently store
hydraulic fracturing chemicals, flowback from
hydraulic fracturing, or produced water in the City
limits.
3.8.14(C)(5) Chemical Disclosure. The Director shall
be provided a copy of all disclosures provided to the
Commission under Commission Rule 205A.
This standard also includes the safety requirement
that no chemicals may be permanently stored on
the site.
15. Color. Facilities shall be painted in a uniform,
non‐contrasting, non‐ reflective color, to blend
with the surrounding landscape and, with colors
that match the land rather than the sky. The color
should be slightly darker than the surrounding
landscape.
3.8.14(C)(6) Color. Facilities shall be painted in a
uniform, non‐contrasting, non‐ reflective color, to
blend with the surrounding landscape and, with
colors that match the land rather than the sky. The
color should be slightly darker than the surrounding
landscape.
16. Cultural and Historical Resource Protection. If
a significant surface or sub‐surface archaeological
site is discovered during construction, the
Company shall be responsible for immediately
contacting the City to report the discovery. If any
disturbance of the resource occurs, the Company
shall be responsible for mitigating the disturbance
3.8.14(C)(7) Cultural and Historic Resources
Standards. The installation and operation of any oil
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 9
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
to the cultural or historical property through a
data recovery plan approved by the City.
17. Discharge valves. Open‐ended discharge
valves on all storage tanks, pipelines and other
containers shall be secured where the operation
site is unattended or is accessible to the general
public. Open‐ended discharge valves shall be
placed within the interior of the tank secondary
containment.
3.8.14(C)(8) Discharge valves. Open‐ended discharge
valves on all storage tanks, pipelines and other
containers shall be secured where the operation site
is unattended or is accessible to the general public.
Open‐ended discharge valves shall be placed within
the interior of the tank secondary containment.
18. Dust suppression. Dust associated with on‐
site activities and traffic on access roads shall be
minimized throughout construction, drilling and
operational activities such that there are no
visible dust emissions from access roads or the site
to the extent practical given wind conditions. No
produced water or other process fluids shall be
used for dust suppression. The Company will avoid
dust suppression activities within three hundred
(300) feet of the ordinary high water mark of any
waterbody, unless the dust suppressant is water.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any
chemical based dust suppressant shall be
submitted to the City for approval prior to use.
3.8.14(C)(9) Dust Suppression. Dust associated with
on‐site activities and traffic on access roads shall be
minimized throughout construction, drilling and
operational activities such that there are no visible
dust emissions from access roads or the site to the
extent practical given wind conditions.
Operator Agreement clarifies that no produced
water shall be used for dust suppression and that
dust suppression within 300 of a water body shall
be avoided unless the dust suppressant is water.
Staff will update the Land Use Code to reflect this
language.
19. Electric equipment. Electric‐powered engines
for motors, compressors, and drilling equipment
and for pumping systems shall be used in order to
mitigate noise and to reduce emissions when
feasible.
3.8.14(C)(10) Electric Equipment. The use of
electric‐powered motors for pumping systems and
compressors shall be required if an oil and gas
operation is located in reasonably close proximity to
available electric transmission lines.
The intent of the statements is similar. The
Operator Agreement clarifies the purpose of the
standard. Staff will update the Land Use Code to
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 10
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
conditions change (responsible field personnel
change, ownership changes, etc.). The emergency
preparedness plan shall consist of at least the
following information:
a) Name, address and phone number,
including twenty‐four (24) hour emergency
numbers for at least two persons responsible
for emergency field operations.
b) An as‐built facilities map in a format
suitable for input into the City’s GIS system
depicting the locations and type of above and
below ground facilities including sizes, and
depths below grade of all oil and gas gathering
and transmission lines and associated
equipment, isolation valves, surface
operations and their functions, as well as
transportation routes to and from exploration
and development sites, for emergency
response and management purposes. The
information concerning pipelines and isolation
valves shall be held confidentially by the City's
Office of Emergency Management and the
Battalion Chief, and shall only be disclosed in
the event of an emergency or to emergency
responders. The City shall deny the right of
inspection of the as‐built facilities maps to the
public pursuant to C.R.S. § 24‐72‐204.
c) Detailed information addressing each
reasonable potential emergency that may be
associated with the operation. This may
include any or all of the following: explosions,
fires, gas, oil or water pipeline leaks or
ruptures, hydrogen sulfide or other toxic gas
emissions, or hazardous material vehicle
accidents or spills. A provision that any spill
(b) Emergency Preparedness Plan. Each
operator with an operation in the City is required to
develop an emergency preparedness plan for each
specific facility site, which shall be in compliance
with the applicable provisions of the International
Fire Code. The plan shall be filed with the Poudre
Fire Authority and updated on an annual basis or as
conditions change (responsible field personnel
change, ownership changes, etc.). The emergency
preparedness plan shall consist of at least the
following information:
1. Name, address and phone number, including
24‐hour emergency numbers for at least two
persons responsible for emergency field
operations.
2. An as‐built facilities map in a format suitable
for input into the City’s GIS system depicting the
locations and type of above and below ground
facilities including sizes, and depths below grade
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 11
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
outside of the containment area, that has the
potential to leave the facility or to threaten
waters of the state, or as required by the City‐
approved Emergency Preparedness Plan shall
be reported to the local emergency dispatch
and the COGCC Director in accordance with
COGCC regulations.
d) Detailed information identifying access or
evacuation routes, and health care facilities
anticipated to be used.
e) A project specific emergency preparedness
plan for any project that involves drilling or
penetrating through known zones of hydrogen
sulfide gas.
f) Detailed information showing that the
Company has adequate personnel, supplies,
and training to implement the emergency
response plan immediately at all times during
construction and operations.
g) The Company shall have current Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals
used or stored on a site. The MSDS sheets
shall be provided immediately upon request to
City officials, a public safety officer, or a health
professional.
h) The plan shall include a provision
establishing a process by which the Company
engages with the surrounding neighbors to
educate them on the risks of the on‐site
operations and to establish a process for
surrounding neighbors to communicate with
the Company.
i) All training associated with the Emergency
Preparedness plan shall be coordinated with
the City’s Office of Emergency Management
following: explosions, fires, gas, oil or water
pipeline leaks or ruptures, hydrogen sulfide or
other toxic gas emissions, or hazardous
material vehicle accidents or spills. For each
potential emergency, threshold/trigger levels
shall be pre‐identified to determine when a state
of emergency should be declared.
4. A provision that any spill outside of the
containment area or that has the potential to
leave the facility or to threaten waters of the
state shall be reported to the emergency dispatch
and the Director immediately.
5. Detailed information identifying access
or evacuation routes, and health care facilities
anticipated to be used.
6. A project specific emergency preparedness
plans for any project that involves drilling or
penetrating through known zones of hydrogen
sulfide gas.
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 12
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
and Poudre Fire Authority.
j) A provision obligating the Company to
reimburse the appropriate emergency
response service providers for costs incurred
in connection with any emergency in
accordance with Colorado State Statutes.
10. The plan shall include a provision
establishing a process by which the operator
engages with the surrounding neighbors to
educate them on the risks of the on‐site
operations and to establish a process for
surrounding neighbors to communicate with
the operator.
21. Air quality. The Company must comply with
emissions regulations governed by the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment
(CDPHE), Air Pollution Control Division (APCD). Air
emissions from wells shall be in compliance with
the permit and control provisions of the Colorado
Air Quality Control Program, Title 25, Section 7,
C.R.S., COGCC Rule 805, and all state and federal
regulations for the control of fugitive dust, and
control of ozone, ozone precursors, methane, and
hazardous air pollutants by the Larimer County
Public Health Department, and the CDPHE‐APCD.
The Company must comply with 40 CFR Subpart
OOOO as published on August 16, 2012 (Quad O).
a) General Duty to Minimize Emissions. The
Company shall incorporate in the development
plan; operations, procedures, and field design
features to the maximum extent feasible that
minimize air pollutant emissions including but
not limited to:
1) Consolidation of product treatment and
storage facilities
2) Centralization of compression facilities
3) Liquids gathering and water delivery
systems
4) Telemetric control and monitoring
systems
(40) Air Quality. Air emissions from wells shall be
in compliance with the permit and control
provisions of the Colorado Air Quality Control
Program, Title 25, Section 7, C.R.S., Commission Rule
805, and all state and federal regulations for the
control of fugitive dust, and control of ozone, ozone
precursors, methane, and hazardous air pollutants
by the Larimer County Public Health
Department, Air Pollution Control Division, and
the Commission. In addition, proposed oil and gas
operations shall submit an air quality mitigation plan
which establishes compliance with the following
mitigation measures of this Section.
(a) General Duty to Minimize Emissions. All
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 13
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
5) Pipeline infrastructure prior to well
completion.
b) In the UDA, the Company will utilize a
high‐low pressure vessel (HLP) and vapor
recovery unit (VRU) for New Wells that are
placed on production. The Company may
remove the VRU at such time it determines
that the VRU system is no longer necessary
due to reduced emission recoveries and/or
efficiencies, but no earlier than one (1) year
after the new well is placed on production.
The Company may opt to capture gas and send
through a thermal oxidizer in lieu of a HLP and
VRU.
c) Plunger lifts are not typically used in the
Fort Collins Field due to insufficient gas.
However if there is future use of plunger lifts,
emissions shall be controlled from the motor
control valve using low bleed pneumatic
controllers.
d) There shall be no uncontrolled venting of
methane. All gas vapors shall be captured to
the extent practicable. Vapor capture
equipment shall operate at ninety‐eight
percent (98) percent efficiency or better.
There are no gas sales lines in the Fort Collins
field because the quantity and quality of gas is
low and not marketable. If salable gas were to
occur in the UDA, a sales line shall be
constructed.
requirement shall be installed, calibrated,
operated, and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer’s recommendations, instructions,
and operating manuals.
(b) Flares and Combustion Devices. All flares
shall be designed and operated as follows:
1. The flare shall be fired with natural gas
and shall be operated with a ninety eight (98)
percent VOC destruction efficiency.
2. The flare shall be designed and operated in a
manner that will ensure no visible emissions,
pursuant to the provisions of 40 CFR 60.18(f),
except for periods not to exceed a total of five (5)
minutes during any two (2) consecutive hours.
3. The flare shall be operated with a flame
present at all times when emissions may be
vented to it, pursuant to the methods
specified in 40 CFR 60.18(f).
4. An automatic ignition system shall be installed.
5. If using a pilot ignition system, the presence of
a pilot flame shall be monitored using a
thermocouple or other equivalent device to
detect the presence of a flame. A pilot flame shall
be maintained at all times in the flare’s pilot light
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 14
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
e) Flaring during drilling and completions:
During well completion, the capture and
beneficial use of natural gas is preferred over
flaring. Minimal flaring may occur in the Fort
Collins field, because there is minimal gas in
the field. Flaring shall be continuously
monitored on‐site by the Company, under
twenty‐four (24) hour watch and is regulated
by COGCC Rules 317, 805B(3)B, and 912. No
venting of gas may occur, except under COGCC
Green Completion Practices (Rule 805 B(3)B),
or in very limited cases under Rule 912 with
the COGCC Director approval.
f) Flaring during production operations:
1) The flare shall be fired with natural gas
and shall be operated with a ninety eight
(98) percent or higher VOC destruction
efficiency.
2) The flare shall be designed and
operated in a manner that shall ensure
no visible emissions, pursuant to the
provisions of 40 CFR 60.18(f), except for
periods not to exceed a total of five (5)
minutes during any two (2) consecutive
hours. Where applicable, flares shall also
be in compliance with 5 CCR 1001‐9
Regulation 7 Section XVIIB for non‐
condensate oil.
3) The flare shall be operated with a flame
present at all times when emissions may
be vented to it, pursuant to the methods
specified in 40 CFR 60.18(f).
4) An automatic pilot system shall be used
recorder shall be installed, calibrated,
operated, and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer’s recommendations,
instructions, and operating manuals.
(c) Fugitive Emissions. The operator shall
develop and maintain a leak detection and
component repair program, such as a leak detection
and repair program appropriately scaled to the size
of the facility or a directed inspection and infrared
leak detection and maintenance program, using the
most effective performance technologies and
practices (e.g., EPA Method 21) for equipment used
on the well site for permanent operations. A
description of the leak detection and component
repair program shall be included in the air quality
mitigation plan submitted to the Director.
(f) Storage Vessels. The operator shall estimate
and report emissions immediately from new or
modified storage vessels added to well sites with
existing production wells or within 30 days for
vessels located at well sites with no existing wells in
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 15
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
when feasible. Other ignition systems may
include the installation and operation of a
telemetry alarm system or an on‐site
visible indicator showing proper function.
g) Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) – The
Company shall develop and maintain a leak
detection and component repair program
according to EPA Method 21 for equipment
used in permanent operations. LDAR shall be
performed on newly installed equipment, and
then on an annual basis. A Forward‐Looking
Infrared (FLIR) camera shall be used as the
preferred implementation method of EPA
Method 21 as available from the state; if
unavailable, other methods shall be used in
compliance with this method. Upon request
from the City, the Company shall implement
EPA Method 21 upon additional concerns. At
least once per year, the Company shall notify
the City prior to FLIR camera use in case the
City wishes to observe the method.
h) One Time Baseline Air Quality Monitoring ‐
the Company and the City shall split the cost
for a one time Baseline Sampling and
Analytical. The work shall be done by a third
party consultant agreeable to both parties
over a five day sampling period with each
location sampled per day. The sampling
locations shall be as follows:
1) Upwind of Tank Battery
2) Downwind of Tank Battery
3) City Park
4) One location downtown, such as
controllers, where such controllers are available for
the proposed application.
(i) Maintenance During Well Blowdowns. The
Air Quality Plan shall require the use of technologies
or practices that minimize or eliminate natural gas
emissions during well maintenance or blowdowns.
(j) Maintenance of Gathering Lines and
Pipelines. The Air Quality Plan shall require
technologies or practices that minimize or eliminate
emissions or spills during maintenance of pipelines.
(k) Rod‐Packing Replacement. Operators shall
replace rod‐packing from reciprocating
compressors every twenty six thousand (26,000)
hours or thirty six (36) months.
(l) Air Quality Monitoring for Air Toxics. The
operator shall be responsible for conducting baseline
air quality monitoring as specified in the City’s Air
Quality Baseline and Follow‐up Monitoring Plan and
providing a report and copies of all test results to
the Director and Commission in an electronic data
deliverable format. The operator shall
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 16
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
New Belgium Brewery or Wild Boar Coffee
i) One Time Air Sampling During Well
Completion – The Company shall conduct air
sampling during well completion. The work
shall be done by a third party consultant
agreeable to both parties. This shall be done
over a five day sampling period with each
location sampled per day. The sampling shall
be for one well completion in the City (City’s
choice of which well completion). The
sampling locations shall be as follows:
1) Upwind of well
2) Downwind of well
j) Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring ‐ Periodic
air monitoring shall be performed for
hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a hazardous air
pollutant (HAP). The Company shall perform
field monitoring using the Jerome 631 XC or
equivalent instrument annually, or until such
time that odors are not detected past the Fort
Collins Tank Battery fence line in City Limits.
k) The City may require the Company to
conduct additional air monitoring as needed to
respond to emergency events such as spill,
process upsets, or accidental releases or in
response to odor complaints in City Limits.
1) In response to emergency events
that involve the potential release of
hazardous air pollutants, the Company
may be required to conduct air sampling in
accordance with subsection i above.
2) In response to odor complaints,
compliance, including the date and duration of each
deviation and a compliance plan and schedule to
achieve compliance. The reports shall contain a
certification as to the truth, accuracy and
completeness of the reports.
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 17
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
the Company may be required to conduct
air sampling in accordance with subsection
j above or use a photo‐ionization detector
(PID) to measure detected levels of VOCs
that exceed acute health‐based exposure
thresholds, or other air sampling
methodology depending on the nature of
the complaint.
l) Air Quality Action Days. The Company
shall respond to air quality Action Day
advisories posted by the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment for the Front
Range Area by implementing air emission
reduction measures committed to in the Air
Quality Mitigation Plan. Emission reduction
measures shall be implemented for the
duration of an air quality Action Day advisory
and may include measures such as:
1) Minimize vehicle and engine idling
2) Reduce truck traffic and worker traffic
3) Delay vehicle refueling
4) Suspend or delay use of fossil fuel
powered ancillary equipment
5) Postpone construction activities
22. Green completions.
a) Gas gathering lines, separators, and sand traps
capable of supporting green completions as
described in COGCC Rule 805 shall be installed at
any location at which commercial quantities of gas
are reasonably expected to be produced based on
existing adjacent wells within one (1) mile or well.
b) Uncontrolled venting is prohibited.
(e) Green Completions. For each well
completion operation, the operator shall control
emissions by the operational procedures set forth
below:
1. For the duration of flowback, route the recovered
gas to the sales pipeline once the fluid flowing from
the well has enough gas to safely operate the
separator and liquid control valves.
The Company does not have gas in volumes that
are commercially viable, and this is clarified in the
Operator Agreement. However, the company has
committed to compliance with Quad O (see above)
and with COGCC and federal rules, which also
require green completions where feasible.
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 18
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
c) Temporary flowback flaring and oxidizing
equipment shall include the following:
1) Adequately sized equipment to handle 1.5
times the largest flowback volume of gas
experienced in a ten (10) mile radius
producing from the same formation;
2) Valves and porting available to divert gas
to flaring and oxidizing equipment; and
3) Auxiliary fueled with sufficient supply and
heat to combust or oxidize non‐combustible
gases in order to control odors and hazardous
gases. The flowback combustion device shall
be equipped with a reliable continuous
ignition source over the duration of flowback,
except in conditions that may result in a fire
hazard or explosion.
4) The Company has a general duty to safely
maximize resource recovery and minimize
releases to the atmosphere during flowback
and subsequent recovery/operation.
2. If compliance with the prior paragraph is infeasible
the operator shall capture and direct flowback
emissions to a completion combustion device
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source
over the duration of flowback, except in conditions
that may result in a fire hazard or explosion, or
where high heat emissions from a completion
combustion device may negatively impact waterways
or nearby structures. Non‐flammable gas may be
vented temporarily until flammable gas is
encountered where capture or combustion is not
feasible. Completion combustion devices shall be
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source
over the duration of flowback.
3. Operators have a general duty to safely maximize
resource recovery and minimize releases to the
atmosphere during flowback and subsequent
recovery / operation.
4. For wildcat or delineation wells in a location
without a pipeline, each well completion operation
at a gas wellhead affected facility shall reduce
emissions by using a completion combustion device
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source
over the duration of flowback.
5. The operator shall maintain a log for each well
completion operation at each gas wellhead affected
facility. The log shall be completed on a daily basis
and must contain the records specified in 40 C.F.R. §
60.5420(c)(1)(iii).
6. The operator of a well shall notify the Director at
least two (2) days prior to the commencement of
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 19
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
well drilling and completion. The notification shall
include contact information for the operator; the API
well number, the latitude and longitude coordinates
for each well in decimal degrees to an accuracy and
precision of five (5) decimals of a degree using the
North American Datum of 1983; and the planned
date of the beginning of drilling and completion /
flowback. The notice may be submitted in writing or
in electronic format.
23. Exhaust. The exhaust from all engines,
motors, coolers and other mechanized equipment
shall be vented up or in a direction away from the
closest existing residences.
3.8.14(C)(13) Exhaust. The exhaust from all engines,
motors, coolers and other mechanized equipment
shall be vented up or in a direction away from the
closest existing residences.
24. Fencing. Permanent perimeter fencing shall
be installed around production equipment, and
shall be secured. The main purpose of the fencing
is to deter entrance by unauthorized people. The
Company shall use visually interesting fencing,
when feasible, but the parties recognize that there
is a need for air circulation, and for the field
personnel who regularly inspect the facilities to be
able to identify visual operational deficiencies
when driving by. Landscaping may be used for
screening. If a chain link fence is required to
achieve safety requirements set by the COGCC,
then landscaping and other screening mechanisms
shall be required that comply with the City’s Land
Use Code regulations and the Company’s safety
requirements.
3.8.14(C)(14) Fencing. Permanent perimeter fencing
shall be solid, opaque and consist of masonry, stucco
steel, or other similar materials. Chain link fencing
shall be prohibited as a perimeter screening
material. If fencing is used along collector or arterials
streets, such fencing shall be made visually
interesting and shall avoid creating a “tunnel” effect.
Prospect Energy needs to have the wells ventilated
and solid fencing conflicts with this need. In the
past, the operator has used chain link fencing to
achieve this objective. As the Land Use Code does
not allow chain link fencing, staff will work with the
operator at each new well site to find an alternate
material that will achieve the same objectives. If
chain link fencing is the only option, then staff will
work with the operator to sufficiently screen the
fence while also allowing the operator to visually
inspect the site by driving by.
25. Flammable material. All land within twenty
five (25) feet of any tank, or other structure
containing flammable or combustible materials
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 20
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
26. Floodplains. All oil and gas operations shall
comply with Chapter 10 of the City Code.
3.8.14(C)(15) Floodplains. All oil and gas operations
shall comply with Chapter 10 of the City Code.
27. Water Quality Monitoring Plan. The Company
shall comply with COGCC Rule 609. In summary,
this requires pre‐ and post‐drilling testing. The
rules require oil and gas operators to sample all
“Available Water Sources” (owner has given
consent for sampling and testing and has
consented to having the sample data obtained
made available to the public), with a cap of four (4)
water sources, within one‐half (1/2) mile radius of
a proposed well, multi‐well site, or dedicated
injection well. Water sources include registered
water wells, permitted or adjudicated springs, and
certain monitoring wells. The Company agrees to
the following requirements above and beyond the
COGCC requirements: analyzing for dissolved
metals as indicated in the Land Use Code; and
sampling intervals to be baseline (before drilling),
post‐drilling at one, three, and six years. Analytical
results shall be shared with the COGCC, the City,
and the landowner. All spills, for new and existing
wells, shall be managed in accordance with COGCC
regulations.
(41) Water Quality Monitoring and Well Testing.
Proposed oil and gas operations shall implement a
water quality monitoring and well testing plan that
establishes compliance with the criteria of this
subsection.
(a) Water Well and Groundwater Monitoring.
1. Based upon records from the Colorado Division
of Water Resources, the operator shall identify
locations where groundwater may be monitored
upgradient and downgradient of a proposed
well. To meet this requirement, the operator may
sample existing water wells. If access to the
well is not allowed, the operator may sample
other groundwater features to meet the
requirements of this section.
2. If access is allowed, the operator shall identify
and sample at least four (4) water wells within a
one‐half (1/2) mile radius of the surface casing of
a proposed oil and gas well. One (1) well shall be
located up gradient of the proposed oil and gas
well and at least one (1) well shall be located
down gradient of the proposed oil and gas well.
Wells closest to the proposed well are preferred.
Where multiple defined aquifers are present, the
sampling locations shall sample from different
aquifers when possible.
3. If a water well owner allows access, the
operator shall conduct baseline monitoring of
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 21
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
collected at the same location one year, three
years, and six years after the conclusion of the oil
and gas well completion.
4. If a water well cannot be sampled within one‐
half mile of the proposed oil or gas well, the
Operator shall identify groundwater features
with reasonable access, such as groundwater
seeps or springs, for baseline testing. If a
groundwater feature does not exist or is not
accessible within one‐half mile, the Operator may
be required to install groundwater monitoring
wells upgradient and downgradient of the
proposed well. The operator shall conduct
baseline monitoring prior to the start of heavy
equipment operations at the oil and gas well site.
Post‐ completion test(s) may be required if
changes in water quality provide evidence of
possible groundwater contamination from oil and
gas operations.
5. After any COGCC water sampling, if any
additional sampling is requested, the Director
may require further groundwater sampling at
any time in response to complaints from
water well owners. All water well monitoring
results shall be reported to the water well owner
and the Director. All other groundwater feature
monitoring results shall be reported to the
Director.
6. The water well and groundwater sampling
described in this
Section shall include testing for the analytes
listed in Table 1, and the operator must measure
the depth to water in the water well. Current
applicable EPA‐approved analytical methods for
drinking water shall be used and analyses shall be
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 22
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
performed by laboratories that maintain state or
nationally accredited programs. Field
observations such as damaged or unsanitary
water well conditions, adjacent potential
pollution sources, odor, water color, sediment,
bubbles, and effervescence shall also be included.
The location of the water well shall be surveyed
using a sub meter GPS.
7. If the monitoring samples collected after the
oil and gas well completion indicate free gas or a
dissolved methane concentration level greater
than two (2) milligrams per liter (mg/l) is
detected in a water well, gas compositional
analysis and stable isotope analysis of the
methane (carbon and deuterium) shall be
performed to determine gas type. If the test
results indicate biogenic gas, no further isotopic
testing shall be done. If the test results indicate
thermogenic or a mixture of thermogenic and
biogenic gas, then the operator shall submit to
the Director and Commission an action plan to
determine the source of the gas. If the methane
concentration increases by more than five (5)
mg/l between sampling periods, or increases to
more than ten (10) mg/l, the operator shall notify
the Director, the Commission and the owner of
the water well immediately.
8. If, at any time, monitoring indicates
contamination, the operator shall immediately
notify the Director, the Commission and the
owner of the water well.
9. Copies of all test results described above
shall be provided to the Director, the Commission
and the water well owner within three (3)
months of collecting the samples. The analytical
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 23
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
data and surveyed well locations shall also be
submitted to the Director and Commission in an
electronic data deliverable format.
10. If a spill or release impacts or threatens to
impact a water well, the operator shall notify the
affected or potentially affected water well owner
immediately following discovery of the release,
and the spill or release shall be reported to the
Director and to the water well owner within 24
hours of becoming aware of the spill or release.
11. Operators shall conduct an active soil gas
survey in proximity to the wellhead ninety (90)
days after production begins to determine if any
leaks/releases have occurred as a result of
drilling, stimulation, and completion activities.
(b) Public Water Supply Protection. The
Operator shall comply with all requirements of
Commission Rule 317(b) regarding Public Water
Supply Protection.
(c) Surface Water Sampling and Monitoring.
1. Baseline Monitoring.
a. The Operator shall collect and
analyze representative samples of surface
water from classified water bodies within one‐
half mile cross and down gradient of the well
casing of the proposed oil and gas well. The
baseline samples shall be collected prior to the
start of heavy equipment operations at the site.
Samples shall be collected at the same location
one year after the conclusion of the oil and gas
well completion.
b. Analytes for surface water shall include, at a
minimum, those outlined in the Commission
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 24
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
Sampling and Analysis Plan (Table 1).
c. Copies of all baseline monitoring results
described above shall be provided to the
Director prior to the issuance of a permit and
within three months for samples collected after
the conclusion of well completion.
2. Active Soil Gas Monitoring. Operators shall
conduct an active soil gas survey in proximity to
the wellhead 90 days after production begins to
determine if any leaks/releases have occurred as
a result of drilling, stimulation, and completion
activities.
3. Surface and Groundwater Monitoring. If,
based on the test results of active soil gas
monitoring, there is an indication that
contamination may impact water quality cross
and down gradient of the contamination, then
the operator shall conduct additional post‐
completion testing to identify any impacts to
groundwater and surface water. Sampling
frequency and contaminants analyzed shall be
based on the risks associated with the type and
concentration of the contaminants identified and
the beneficial use of the water body or
groundwater, but in no case less than annually,
and in accordance with the approved Water
Quality Monitoring Plan.
4. Additional Monitoring. The operator shall
notify the Director if groundwater or surface
water monitoring is required based on the results
of soil gas monitoring and shall provide details
regarding the associated monitoring plan.
28. Landscaping. In the Fort Collins Field, existing
Well Pads shall be used for any New Wells and all
landscaping shall be in compliance with the City of
3.8.14(C)(18) Landscaping. If an oil and gas
operation has frontage on a public street, street
trees shall be planted along the roadway in
The Operator Agreement requires that a Visual
Mitigation Plan be prepared and submitted to the
City for the Conceptual Review meeting and with
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 25
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
Fort Collins Land Use Code standards and in
compliance with the safety requirements of the
Company. Existing vegetation shall be minimally
impacted. In the UDA, motorized equipment shall
be restricted to the Well Pad and access roads to
the Well Pads. A Visual Mitigation Plan, along with
fencing and landscaping, shall be developed for
new construction.
accordance with Section
3.2.1(D)(2) of this Land Use Code. Tree mitigation, if
applicable, shall comport with Section 3.2.1(F) of this
Land Use Code.
See also sections on Land Disturbance Standards
(Section 3.8.14(C)(17)) and Scenic and Rural
Character Standards (Section 3.8.14(C)(27)).
the state permit so that landscaping and other
visual mitigation standards can be discussed on a
case‐by‐case basis.
29. Lighting. Except during drilling, completion or
other operational activities requiring additional
lighting, down‐lighting is required, meaning that all
bulbs must be fully shielded to prevent light
emissions above a horizontal plane drawn from
the bottom of the fixture. A lighting plan shall be
developed to establish compliance with this
provision. The lighting plan shall indicate the
location of all outdoor lighting on the site and any
structures, and include cut sheets (manufacturer's
specifications with picture or diagram) of all
proposed fixtures.
3.8.14(C)(19). Lighting. Except during drilling,
completion or other operational activities requiring
additional lighting, down‐lighting is required,
meaning that all bulbs must be fully shielded to
prevent light emissions above a horizontal plane
drawn from the bottom of the fixture. A lighting plan
shall be developed to establish compliance with this
provision. The lighting plan shall indicate the location
of all outdoor lighting on the site and any structures,
and include cut sheets (manufacturer's specifications
with picture or diagram) of all proposed fixtures.
30. Maintenance of machinery. Routine field
maintenance of vehicles or mobile machinery shall
not be performed within three hundred (300) feet
of any water body.
3.8.14(C)(20) Maintenance of machinery. Routine
field maintenance of vehicles or mobile machinery
shall not be performed within three hundred (300)
feet of any water body.
31. Mud Tracking. The Company shall take all
practicable measures to ensure that vehicles do
not track mud or debris onto City streets. If mud
or debris is nonetheless deposited on City streets,
the streets shall be cleaned immediately by the
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 26
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
32. Natural Resources. An Ecological
Characterization Study shall be provided if any
New Well is within 500 feet of a Natural Habitat or
Feature, and if impacting these resources,
mitigation plans to ensure no net resource loss per
Fort Collins Land Use Code 3.4.1.
3.8.14(C)(42) Natural Resources. All applicants for oil
and gas operations under basic development review
shall comply with the requirements contained in
Section 3.4.1 of this Land Use Code.
Staff analyzed the presence of natural habitats and
features and found that the overlap of these
features with the fields is minimal and that all
features should be able to be avoided and
protected through the process. However, staff is
incorporating the “no net loss” language that the
City has used in the Energy by Design process as
well.
33. Noise mitigation. Noise mitigation measures
shall be constructed along any edge of any oil and
gas operation site if such edge is between the oil
and gas operation and existing residential
development or land which is zoned for future
residential development. The noise mitigation
measures shall, to the maximum extent feasible,
decrease noise from the oil and gas operations to
comply with the sound limitation regulations set
forth in Commission Rule 802. A noise mitigation
study shall be submitted with the application to
demonstrate that noise shall be decreased to the
maximum extent feasible.
3.8.14(C)(43) Noise mitigation. A noise mitigation
screen shall be constructed along any edge of any oil
and gas operation site if such edge is between the oil
and gas operation and existing residential
development or land which is zoned for future
residential development. The noise mitigation
screen shall, to the maximum extent feasible,
decrease noise from the oil and gas operations to
comply with the sound limitation regulations set
forth in Commission Rule 802. A noise mitigation
study shall be submitted with the application to
demonstrate that noise will be decreased to the
maximum extent feasible.
The Operator Agreement focuses on all noise
mitigation measures and not just a screen,
providing more flexibility to respond to noise issues
on a case‐by‐case basis. Staff will update the Land
Use Code to reflect this intent as well.
34. Pipelines. Any newly constructed or
substantially modified pipelines on site shall meet
the following requirements:
(a) To the maximum extent feasible, all flow
lines, gathering lines, and transmission lines
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 27
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
high water mark of any surface water body
shall incorporate leak detection, secondary
containment, or other mitigation, as
appropriate.
(b) To the maximum extent feasible, pipelines
shall be aligned with established roads in order
to minimize surface impacts and reduce
habitat fragmentation and disturbance.
(c) To the maximum extent feasible, operators
shall share existing pipeline rights‐of‐way and
consolidate new corridors for pipeline rights‐
of‐way to minimize surface impacts.
(d) To the maximum extent feasible, operators
shall use boring technology when crossing
streams, rivers, or irrigation ditches with a
pipeline to minimize negative impacts to the
channel, bank, and riparian areas.
body shall incorporate leak detection, secondary
containment, or other mitigation, as
appropriate.
(b) To the maximum extent feasible, pipelines
shall be aligned with established roads in order
to minimize surface impacts and reduce habitat
fragmentation and disturbance.
(c) To the maximum extent feasible, operators
shall share existing pipeline rights‐of‐way and
consolidate new corridors for pipeline rights‐of‐
way to minimize surface impacts.
(d) Operators shall use boring technology when
crossing streams, rivers, or irrigation ditches with
a pipeline to minimize negative impacts to the
channel, bank, and riparian areas.
35. Recordation of flowlines. All new flowlines,
including transmission and gathering systems, shall
have the legal description of the location recorded
with the City Clerk and the Larimer County Clerk
and Recorder within thirty (30) days of completion
of construction. Abandonment of any recorded
flowlines shall be recorded with the Larimer
County Clerk and Recorder’s office within thirty
(30) days after abandonment.
3.8.14(C)(23) Recordation of flow lines. All flow
lines, including transmission and gathering systems,
shall have the legal description of the location
recorded with the City Clerk and County Recorder
within thirty (30) days of completion of construction.
Abandonment of any flow lines shall be recorded
with the Clerk and Recorder’s office within thirty (30)
days after abandonment.
The key difference is that the operator has
committed to recording all new flowlines instead of
all existing flowlines.
36. Recreational Activity Standards. The
installation and operation of any oil and gas
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 28
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
37. Removal of debris. When an oil and gas
operation becomes operational, all construction‐
related debris shall be removed from the site for
proper disposal. The site shall be maintained free
of debris and excess materials at all times during
operation. Materials shall not be buried or burned
on‐site.
3.8.14(C)(25) Removal of debris. When an oil and
gas operation becomes operational, all construction‐
related debris shall be removed from the site for
proper disposal. The site shall be maintained free of
debris and excess materials at all times during
operation. Materials shall not be buried on‐site.
The Operator Agreement clarifies that materials
cannot be buried or burned on site. Staff will
update this language in the proposed Land Use
Code changes.
38. Removal of equipment. All equipment used
for drilling, re‐completion and maintenance of the
facility shall be removed from the site within thirty
(30) days of completion of the work, unless
otherwise agreed to by the surface owner.
Permanent storage of equipment on Well Pad sites
shall not be allowed.
3.8.14(C)(26) Removal of equipment. All equipment
used for drilling, re‐completion and maintenance of
the facility shall be removed from the site within
thirty (30) days of completion of the work, unless
otherwise agreed to by the surface owner.
Permanent storage of equipment on well pad sites
shall not be allowed.
39. Soil Gas Monitoring. The City, at its discretion,
may conduct soil gas monitoring to assess well
casing integrity. This shall be typically completed
within ninety (90) days of New Well completion.
The City shall notify the Company prior to entering
the site for soil gas monitoring.
2. Active Soil Gas Monitoring. Operators shall
conduct an active soil gas survey in proximity to
the wellhead 90 days after production begins to
determine if any leaks/releases have occurred as
a result of drilling, stimulation, and completion
activities.
As indicated above, in the agreement, the City
would conduct the soil gas monitoring (an early
warning system for any potential contamination).
40. Spills. The Company shall comply with COGCC
Rule 609 “Spills and Releases”, and notify the City
and whenever there is notification to the COGCC.
The Company shall also copy the City on any
written correspondence to the COGCC or other
regulatory authority.
3.8.14(C)(29) Spills. Chemical spills and releases shall
be reported in accordance with applicable state and
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 29
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
41. Stormwater control plan. All oil and gas
operations shall comply and conform with the Fort
Collins Storm Criteria Manual (FCSCM), including
submission of an Erosion Control Report and Plan.
3.8.14(C)(30). Stormwater control plan. All oil and
gas operations shall comply and conform with the
Fort Collins Storm Criteria Manual (FCSCM), including
submission of an Erosion Control Report and Plan.
42. Temporary access roads. Temporary access
roads associated with oil and gas operations shall
be reclaimed and re‐vegetated to the original
state.
3.8.14(C)(32) Temporary access roads. Temporary
access roads associated with oil and gas operations
shall be reclaimed and re‐vegetated to the original
state.
43. Trailers. A construction trailer or office is
permitted as an accessory use during active drilling
and well completion only.
3.8.14(C)(33) Temporary housing. Temporary
housing at any oil and gas operations, including
without limitation, trailers, modular homes and
recreational vehicles shall be prohibited.
Allowing a trailer or office on the site during active
drilling and completion ensures that staff is
available to immediately respond to any concerns.
44. Transportation and circulation. All applicants
for drilling and completion operations (New Wells)
shall include in their applications detailed
descriptions of all proposed access routes for
equipment, water, sand, waste fluids, waste
solids, mixed waste, and all other material to be
hauled on the public streets and roads of the City.
The submittal shall also include the estimated
weights of vehicles when loaded, a description of
the vehicles, including the number of wheels and
axles of such vehicles, trips per day and any other
information required by the Traffic Engineer.
Preliminary information is required for this item
for the Conceptual Review meeting, in accordance
with Appendix B. The Company shall comply with
all Transportation and Circulation requirements as
contained in the Land Use Code as may be
reasonably required by the City’s Traffic Engineer.
3.8.14(C)(34) Transportation and circulation. All
applicants for oil and gas operations shall comply
with the requirements contained in Division 3.6 of
this Land Use Code pertaining to transportation and
circulation. All applicants for oil and gas operations
shall include in their applications detailed
descriptions of all proposed access routes for
equipment, water, sand, waste fluids, waste solids,
mixed waste and all other material to be hauled on
the public streets and roads of the City. The
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 30
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
without limitation, water, sand, waste fluids, waste
solids and mixed wastes.
45. Wastewater and Waste Management. In the
Fort Collins Field, all fluids shall be contained and
there shall be no discharge of fluids, as described
in the Closed Loop System and Green Completions
section of this Appendix. Waste shall be stored in
tanks, transported by tanker trucks, and disposed
of at licensed disposal fields. In the UDA, new
secondary containment shall be constructed of
galvanized steel, with sufficient perimeter and
height to hold one and one‐half (1.5) times the
volume of the largest tank and sufficient freeboard
to prevent overflow. No potential ignition sources
shall be installed inside the secondary
containment area unless the containment
enclosed a fired vessel. The requirements for
secondary containment shall meet the Fort Collins
Stormwater Criteria Manual. No land treatment of
oil impacted soil or contaminated drill cuttings are
permitted. The use of a closed loop drilling system
precludes discharge of produced water or
flowback to the ground or the use of pits.
Produced water or flowback shall not be used for
dust suppression. A copy of the field’s Spill
Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan
(SPCC) shall be provided to the City, which
describes spill prevention and mitigation practices.
The Company shall provide the City
documentation of waste disposal and its final
disposition.
As with containment berms, the draft Land Use
Code changes for oil and gas operations did not
contain language regarding wastewater and waste
management. Staff will be adding similar language
to the proposed Land Use Code changes prior to
bringing the changes to Council.
46. Water supply. The Company shall identify in
the site plan its source for water used in both the
drilling and production phases of operations. The
sources and amount of water used in the City shall
3.8.14(C)(36) Water supply. The operator shall
identify in the site plan its source for water used in
both the drilling and production phases of
operations. The sources and amount of water used
ATTACHMENT 3
Operator Agreement – Comparison Matrix to Land Use Code Option B 31
Proposed Operator Agreement
City of Fort Collins ‐ Option B – Proposed
Regulations
Staff Comments
be documented and this record shall be provided
to the City annually or sooner, upon request of the
City Manager. The disposal of water used on site
shall also be detailed including anticipated haul
routes, approximate number of vehicles needed to
supply and dispose of water and the final
destination for water used in operation.
in the City shall be documented and this record shall
be provided to the City annually or sooner, upon
request of the City Manager. The disposal of water
used on site shall also be detailed including
anticipated haul routes, approximate number of
vehicles needed to supply and dispose of water and
the final destination for water used in operation.
47. Weed control. The Company shall be
responsible for ongoing weed control at oil and gas
operations, pipelines, and along access roads
during construction and operation, until
abandonment and final reclamation is completed
per City, Larimer County or other applicable
agency regulations. The appropriate weed control
methods and species to be controlled shall be
determined through review and recommendation
by the County Weed Coordinator by reference to
the Larimer County Noxious Weed Management
Plan and in coordination with the requirements of
the surface owner.
3.8.14(C)(37) Weed control. The Company shall be
responsible for ongoing weed control at oil and gas
operations, pipelines, and along access roads during
construction and operation, until abandonment and
final reclamation is completed per City, Larimer
County or other applicable agency regulations. The
appropriate weed control methods and species to be
controlled shall be determined through review and
recommendation by the County Weed Coordinator
by reference to the Larimer County Noxious Weed
Management Plan and in coordination with the
requirements of the surface owner.
Other Sections of the Proposed Land Use Code
Regulations:
Applications and Permits – addressed in Appendix B
Engineering Standards – building permits are not
required
Reclamation – addressed in Appendix B
Trash and Recycling Enclosure – not applicable
Representations – not applicable
Well Abandonment – required by the COGCC
RESOLUTION 2013-024
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING AN OIL AND GAS OPERATOR AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY AND PROSPECT ENERGY, LLC
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 032, 2013, the City Council amended the City Code by
adding new Sections 12-135 and 12-136 imposing a ban on hydraulic fracturing and open pit storage
but providing exemptions for oil and gas operations that are the subject of an operator agreement
between the City and an oil or gas operator, as long as such agreement includes strict controls on
methane release and, in the judgment of the City Council, adequately protects the public health,
safety and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has presented a draft Oil and Gas Operator Agreement
between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC to the City Council which, in the judgment of the City
Council, contains strict controls on methane release and adequately protects the public health, safety
and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the approval and execution of the proposed
Oil and Gas Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC is in the best interests
of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the proposed Oil and Gas Operator Agreement between the City and
Prospect Energy, LLC, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, is hereby determined by
the City Council to include strict controls on methane release and to adequately protect the public
health, safety and welfare of the City, and is hereby approved.
Section 2. That the City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to execute said
agreement in substantially the same terms and conditions shown on Exhibit “A” subject to such
minor modifications in form or substance as the City Manager, in consultation with the City
Attorney, determines to be necessary and appropriate to protect the interests of the City or effectuate
the purpose of this Ordinance.
Section 3. That the Oil and Gas Operator Agreement may only be amended by the City
Council by resolution.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 19th
day of March, A.D. 2013.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk
1
OIL AND GAS OPERATOR AGREEMENT
THIS OIL AND GAS OPERATOR AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered
into this _____ day of ___________, 2013 , by and through Prospect Energy, LLC, whose
address is 1600 Stout Street, Suite 1710, Denver, CO 80202 (referred to hereinafter as the
“Company”), and The City of Fort Collins (referred to hereinafter as the “City”) with an address
of 300 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80522, which may be collectively referred to herein as
the “Parties”, or individually as a “Party”.
WHEREAS, the Company and its affiliates, namely, Black Diamond Minerals, LLC
(“BDM”), the parent of the Company, engage in the exploration, development, production and
marketing of natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids in the Rocky Mountains, including the State
of Colorado. The Company currently operates the Fort Collins Field (the “Field”) located in
Larimer County, with certain portions of the Field located within the City, as depicted in Exhibit
A, and, as such, is the only operator with active oil and gas operations within the City. The
Company through its parent BDM, also holds certain leasehold interests within the City
described as the Undeveloped Area (the “UDA”), as depicted in Exhibit B.
WHEREAS, the Field was discovered in 1924, and has continually produced oil and
associated hydrocarbons to this day. As is common with other older, once remote, oil and gas
developments around the state, urban growth and subsequent annexation of certain lands by the
City have encroached upon the Field. These annexations, including the Richard’s Lake
subdivision (developed in the late 1990’s) and the Hearthfire subdivision (developed in the mid
2000’s), have allowed developers to place residential areas in the vicinity of active oil and gas
operations. Some property lines are now within 150 feet of oil wells constructed on then-rural
well pads.
WHEREAS, the Field is an oil producing field unitized for waterflood operations from
the Muddy Sandstone Formation (which yields the majority of the Field’s production), but the
Field also produces oil from the Niobrara, Codell, Dakota, and Lyons Formations, all of which
may need future development.
WHEREAS, recent engineering and geological analysis indicates that certain parts of the
Field may yield substantial incremental resource recovery by expanding the secondary recovery
waterflood project by drilling and hydraulic fracturing new wells drilled from lands currently
called Waters Edge, Richard’s Lake and Hearthfire subdivisions (the “Subdivisions”). The
Company is presently studying the UDA to assess whether it would support the development of
mineral resources.
WHEREAS, in the Field and UDA, the Company has entered into Surface Use
Agreements with the surface owners, dated December 19, 1988, as amended April 19, 2001, and
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March 17, 2011, respectively, which expressly govern the locations of wells and associated
facilities within the Subdivisions, and other specified terms, including, but not limited to,
landscaping and fencing around wells and associated production equipment.
WHEREAS, the City and the Company value a balanced approach to oil and gas
development that is protective of public health, safety and welfare, including the environment
and wildlife resources. To that end, in order to achieve those goals in a cooperative manner, the
City and the Company enter into this Agreement to identify best management practices
(“BMPs”) for the Company’s future drilling operations within the City’s boundaries.
WHEREAS, the Field extends beyond the City limits and the Company, as a responsible
oil and gas operator, has installed a vapor recovery unit at its existing production facility located
just south of Douglas Road (the “Fort Collins Tank Battery”) as shown in the Exhibit A attached
hereto which lies outside of the City limits. All water, oil and gas produced from any New Well,
as defined herein, and located in the Field, will flow into existing or future pipelines to the Fort
Collins Tank Battery where gas will be captured and sent to the thermal oxidizer for destruction.
Equipment, both at the Fort Collins Tank Battery and within City limits, will capture and destroy
at least 98% of any methane and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
WHEREAS, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Act, C.R.S. §34-60-101 et. seq. (the
“Act”), authorizes the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (“COGCC” or
“Commission”) to adopt statewide rules and regulations, which the Commission has done.
Further, the Commission continues to consider changes to the rules and regulations.
WHEREAS, on December 18, 2012, by the adoption of Ordinance 145, 2012, the City
Council imposed a temporary moratorium until July 31, 2013 on the acceptance, processing and
approval of any land use applications relating to new oil and gas development (the
“Moratorium”).
WHEREAS, on March 5, 2013, by the adoption of Ordinance No. 032, 2013, the City
Council enacted Sec. 12-135 of the City Code prohibiting the use of hydraulic fracturing in the
City, as well as the storage in open pits of solid or liquid wastes and /or flowback (the “Ban”)
and, through the enactment of City Code Sec. 12-136, exempted from the Ban any oil or gas
wells or pad sites existing within the City as of February 19, 2013, that become the subject of an
operator agreement between the operator of the same and the City, as long as such agreement
includes strict controls on methane release and, in the judgment of the City Council, adequately
protects the public health, safety and welfare.
3
WHEREAS, by Resolution ______, the City Council has approved this Oil and Gas
Operator Agreement with the Company, and the Parties agree to the terms and conditions
contained below.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and mutual promises set forth in
this Agreement, including in the recitals, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Effective Date. When this Agreement is presented to the City Council for its
consideration, City staff will also present to the City Council an ordinance exempting all
Company operations from the Moratorium and the Ban, which exemption will continue in effect
as long as the Company’s operations are conducted in accordance with this Agreement. The
Effective Date of such ordinance shall be the “Effective Date” of this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be void and of no effect as of August 1,
2013, unless this Agreement is fully executed by the Parties on or before such date.
2. The Company’s Best Management Practices (“BMPs”) within City Limits. The
Company shall include the BMPs listed in Appendix A, attached hereto and by reference made a
part hereof, on all Applications for Permit-to-Drill, Form 2, and Oil and Gas Location
Assessments, Form 2A, submitted to the Commission for a ”New Well”. For the purposes of
this provision, “New Well” shall mean any Company-operated well spudded during the term of
this Agreement, and located on either a currently existing well pad or a New Well pad that is
located within the City limits, and a “New Well Pad” shall mean any area that is directly
disturbed during the drilling and subsequent operation of a New Well, including any production
facilities directly associated with such well, and its associated Well Pad, insofar as it covers
lands located in the City limits. The BMPs shall apply to all New Wells drilled by the Company
while this Agreement is effective.
3. City Regulatory Approvals. The Company shall not be required to obtain any project
development plan or final plan approval from the City to conduct its oil and gas operations
within the City limits, as long as the Company complies with the terms and conditions contained
herein, and this Agreement shall control all oil and gas operations conducted by the Company
within the City limits. Prior to the submission of a COGCC Form 2 and/or Form 2A to the
COGCC, the Company shall meet with the City to review the proposed oil and gas operation to
ensure compliance with this Agreement, all applicable state and federal regulations, and any site-
specific concerns, which concerns may include overall project impacts and economically and
technically feasible mitigation measures or BMPs related to field design and infrastructure
construction to minimize potential adverse impacts to public health, safety and welfare. At such
time, if at all, that the City and Larimer County, Colorado (the “County”) enter into a written
agreement that authorizes the City to regulate the oil and gas operations of the Company within
the Growth Management Area, such operations shall thereafter be governed by the terms and
conditions of this Agreement and shall be subject to the City’s regulatory authority as provided
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in this Agreement. “Growth Management Area” shall be as described in that certain
Intergovernmental Agreement entered into by the City of Fort Collins and Larimer County on
June 24,2008, nunc pro func [sic] October 17, 2006.
4. Operations on Existing Facilities. For any Facility owned by the Company and existing
prior to the Effective Date and located within the City limits, the Parties hereby agree that the
Company may perform routine maintenance operations on said Facility and perform such
operations the Company deems prudent and necessary, including, but not limited to, stimulating
existing wells through hydraulic fracturing and temporarily storing chemicals on existing well
pads for that purpose. The Company agrees to conduct such operations as a prudent operator in
accordance with the rules and regulation of the COGCC; however, the Company shall not be
subject to the BMP’s as attached hereto, except for Appendix A paragraphs 20(j) and 20(k)
thereof. “Facility” as used in this provision shall include wells, pipelines, and all equipment
necessary and appurtenant to such wells and pipelines.
5. Term. This Agreement is effective upon the Effective Date and shall remain in effect for
five (5) years from the Effective Date, at which time the Agreement shall be automatically
renewed and extended for successive five (5) year terms, unless and until either Party elects to
terminate the Agreement at the end of the then current five (5) year term by providing written
notice of such intent to the other party at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of said term.
6. Force Majeure. Neither Party will be liable for any delay or failure in performing under
this Agreement in the event and to the extent that the delay or failure arises out of causes beyond
a Party’s reasonable control, including, without limitation, war, civil commotion, act of God,
strike or other stoppage (whether partial or total) of labor, or any law, decree, regulation, or order
of any government or governmental body (including any court or tribunal).
7. Authority to Execute Agreement. Each Party represents that the undersigned have the
full right and authority to enter into this Agreement and bind the Parties to the terms and
conditions contained herein. This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument executed
by both Parties hereto.
8. Successors and Assigns. The terms and conditions of this Agreement shall bind and
extend to the City and the Company, and the Company’s successors and assigns.
9. No Third Party Beneficiaries. Except for the rights of enforcement by the Commission
with respect to the BMPs, this Agreement is not intended to, and does not create, any right,
benefit, responsibility or obligation that may be enforced by any non-party. Additionally,
nothing in the Agreement shall entitle any third party to any claims, rights or remedies of any
kind.
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10. Notices. All notices and other correspondence related to this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be delivered by: (i) certified mail with return receipt, (ii) hand delivery with
signature or delivery receipt provided by a third party courier service (such as FedEx, UPS, etc.),
(iii) fax transmission if verification of receipt is obtained, or (iv) email with return receipt, to the
designated representative of the Party as indicated below. A Party may change its designated
representative for notice purposes at any time by written notice to the other Party. The initial
representatives of the Parties are as follows:
11.
City: City of Fort Collins
300 LaPorte Avenue
P.O. Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
Attn: City Manager
Telephone: 970-416-2253
Fax: 970-224-6107
Email: datteberry@fcgov.com
Company: Prospect Energy, LLC
1600 Stout Street, Suite 1710
Denver, CO 80202
Attn: Scott D. Hall, Manager
Telephone: 303-973-3228, ext. 223
Fax: 303-346-4893
Email: sdhall@bdminerals.com
12. Default; Remedies. If either party believes that the other Party has failed to comply with
any provision of this Agreement, or if any other kind of dispute arises under any provision of this
Agreement that cannot be resolved by good faith negotiation between the Parties, the Party
claiming that a breach of this Agreement has occurred or seeking resolution of any other dispute
under this Agreement shall send written notice to the other Party, specifying its position in the
matter and invoking the dispute resolution process in this section. Within fifteen (15) days of the
date of delivery of such notice, the Parties shall meet to resolve the matter described in the
notice. If either Party believes that mediation would be advantageous in connection with such
meeting, or if a resolution of the matter cannot be achieved at the meeting, both parties agree to
make a reasonable effort to work through and with a mutually acceptable mediator to attempt to
resolve the dispute. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if either Party believes that the dispute will
not otherwise be resolved in a sufficiently prompt and effective manner, such Party may, at its
discretion, take such legal action and seek such legal or equitable remedies as it determines to be
appropriate or necessary to protect and enforce its rights under this Agreement. Such remedies
may include, without limitation, an injunction to stop an alleged violation or an order requiring
the performance of all acts and things required to be performed hereunder by the other Party.
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13. Integration Clause: This Agreement, along with all exhibits and appendices attached
hereto encompasses the entire agreement of the Parties and supersedes all previous
understandings and agreements between the Parties, whether oral or written.
14. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of Colorado without reference to its conflicts of laws provisions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by a
duly authorized representative on the day and year first written above.
THE CITY:
CITY OF FORT COLLINS, COLORADO
A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION
By: _____________________________________
Darin Atteberry, City Manager
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
Deputy City Attorney
THE COMPANY:
PROSPECT ENERGY, LLC
By (signature):
_________________________________________
Scott Hall, CEO
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List of Exhibits
Exhibit A - Map of the Fort Collins Field and City boundaries
Exhibit B - Map of the Undeveloped Acreage (UDA) and City Boundaries
Appendix A – List of BMP’s
Appendix B – Submittal Requirements
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APPENDIX A
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR LOCATIONS
WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF FORT COLLINS
Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company shall include the best management
practices listed below on all Applications for Permit-to-Drill, Form 2, and Oil and Gas Location
Assessments, Form 2A, (for New Well Pads only), submitted to the Commission for New Wells
the Company drills after the Effective Date within the city limits of Fort Collins.
1. Regulations. The Company shall comply with all applicable state, and federal regulations
in addition to the terms of this agreement and the Best Management Practices included
below. Whichever regulation is most stringent shall apply.
2. Setbacks for New Wells. It is the intent of the Company to maximize equipment and
wellhead setbacks from occupied buildings and residences beyond the setbacks required
by the COGCC to the extent feasible and practicable.
The Parties recognize that a portion of the Field is within the Fort Collins City Limits and
as such, development has occurred within the already established Field. The surface
owner has obtained permitted plats for residential areas in the vicinity of existing oil and
gas activities, including a constructed city park and contemplated building units and
public roads within three hundred fifty (350) feet of an existing well. Further, the Parties
acknowledge that the Commission rules require a minimum of five hundred (500) feet
safety setback for New Well construction from a building unit and one thousand feet
(1,000) from a high occupancy building.
Any New Wells drilled shall conform to the Commission setback rules then in effect. In
the Fort Collins Field, New Wells shall be constructed on existing Well Pads, which due
to previous setback requirements, and City approval of residential development, do not
conform to five hundred (500) feet setbacks, and are given an exemption from the
Commission in the Rules now in effect.
The Parties recognize the existence of a Surface Use Agreement (the “SUA”) between
the Company and the surface owner which expressly governs the locations of wells and
associated facilities within the Water’s Edge, Richard’s Lake and Hearthfire subdivisions
(the “Subdivisions”), and that certain terms found in the SUA may affect Commission
setbacks and other Commission rules.
3. Conceptual Review. No less than thirty (30) days prior to the submission of an
Application for a Permit to Drill, the Company agrees to schedule a meeting with the City
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to review the proposed new well or drilling activity. The goal of this meeting shall be for
staff and the applicant to review the proposed oil and gas operation in a manner that
ensures compliance with the operator agreement and applicable state and federal
regulations. This pre-submittal meeting shall also allow the applicant and staff to explore
site-specific concerns, to discuss project impacts and potential mitigation methods
including field design and infrastructure construction to minimize impacts, to discuss
coordination of field design with other existing or potential development and operators,
to identify sampling and monitoring plans for air and water quality, and other elements of
the operator agreement as contained in Appendices A and B. Based upon the foregoing,
applicants are encouraged to conduct the pre-submittal meeting with the City prior to
completing well siting decisions, to the extent reasonably feasible.
4. Mailed Notice. The City shall mail notice of the pending Application for a Permit to Drill
no more than ten (10) days after the conceptual review meeting has taken place. The
Company shall reimburse the City for the costs of the mailing. Owners of record shall be
ascertained according to the records of the Larimer County Assessor’s Office, unless
more current information is made available in writing to the City prior to the mailing of
the notices. Notice of the pending application shall include reference to the neighborhood
meeting, if applicable, and be made as follows:
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of land on which the oil and gas operation is
proposed to be located;
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of land within five hundred (500) feet of a
proposed gathering line;
⼀ To the surface owners of the parcels of land within two thousand six hundred
forty (2,640) feet of the parcel on which the oil and gas operation is proposed to be
located; and
⼀ To persons registered in writing with the City as representing bona fide
neighborhood groups and organizations and homeowners' associations within the area
of notification.
5. Posted Notice. The real property proposed to be developed shall also be posted with a
sign, giving notice to the general public of the proposed development. For parcels of land
exceeding ten (10) acres in size, two (2) signs shall be posted. The size of the sign(s)
required to be posted shall be as established in the Supplemental Notice Requirements of
Section 2.2.6(D) of the City’s Land Use Code. Such signs shall be provided by the City
and shall be posted on the subject property in a manner and at a location or locations
reasonably calculated by the City to afford the best notice to the public, which posting
shall occur within ten (10) days following the Conceptual Review meeting.
6. Neighborhood Meetings. A neighborhood meeting shall be required on any New Well,
even on existing Well Pads, that requires an Application for a Permit to Drill. Notice of
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the neighborhood meeting shall be provided in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 above.
The Company shall attend the neighborhood meeting. The City shall be responsible for
scheduling and coordinating the neighborhood meeting and shall hold the meeting in the
vicinity of the proposed development. A written summary of the neighborhood meeting
shall be prepared by the City. The written summary shall be included in the Local
Government Designee (LGD) comments provided to the COGCC at the time of the
public hearing or permit review to consider the Application for a Permit to Drill.
7. Notification to the City and the public regarding commencement of operations. Prior to
the commencement of any new drilling operations, the Company shall provide to the City
Manager for posting on the website the information outlined in Appendix B regarding
commencement of operations, which the Company may revise from time-to-time during
operations, with prior approval from the City.
8. Inspections. The City shall have the right to inspect the Company’s operations and its
sites during business hours, upon the giving of twenty-four (24) hour advance written
notice to the Company.
9. Containment berms. The Company shall utilize steel-rim berms around tanks and
separators at new Well Pads. All berms and containment devices shall be inspected at
regular intervals and maintained in good condition. No potential ignition sources shall be
installed inside the secondary containment area unless the containment area encloses a
fired vessel. Refer to American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practices, API RP -
D16.
a) Containment berms shall be constructed of steel rings, designed and installed to
prevent leakage and resist degradation from erosion or routine operation.
b) Secondary containment for tanks shall be constructed with a synthetic or engineered
liner that contains all primary containment vessels and flowlines and is mechanically
connected to the steel ring to prevent leakage.
c) For locations within five hundred (500) feet and upgradient of a surface water body,
tertiary containment, such as an earthen berm, is required around production facilities.
10. Closed Loop Pitless Systems for the Containment and/or Recycling of Drilling and
Completion Fluids. Wells shall be drilled, completed and operated using closed loop
pitless systems for containment and/or recycling of all drilling, completion, flowback and
produced fluids.
11. Anchoring. All equipment at drilling and production sites shall be anchored to the extent
necessary to resist flotation, collapse, lateral movement, or subsidence. All guy line
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anchors left buried for future use shall be identified by a marker of bright color not less
than four (4) feet in height and not greater than one (1) foot east of the guy line anchor.
12. Burning. No open burning shall occur on the site of any oil and gas operation.
13. Chains. Traction chains from heavy equipment shall be removed before entering a City
street.
14. Chemical disclosure and storage. The City shall be provided, in table format, the name,
Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number, volume, storage, containment and disposal
method for all drilling and completion chemicals (solids, fluids, and gases) used on
the Well Pad. Fracture chemicals shall be uploaded onto the Frac Focus website. The
Company shall not permanently store hydraulic fracturing chemicals, flowback from
hydraulic fracturing, or produced water in the City limits.
15. Color. Facilities shall be painted in a uniform, non-contrasting, non- reflective color, to
blend with the surrounding landscape and, with colors that match the land rather than the
sky. The color should be slightly darker than the surrounding landscape.
16. Cultural and Historical Resource Protection. If a significant surface or sub-surface
archaeological site is discovered during construction, the Company shall be responsible
for immediately contacting the City to report the discovery. If any disturbance of the
resource occurs, the Company shall be responsible for mitigating the disturbance to the
cultural or historical property through a data recovery plan approved by the City.
17. Discharge valves. Open-ended discharge valves on all storage tanks, pipelines and other
containers shall be secured where the operation site is unattended or is accessible to the
general public. Open-ended discharge valves shall be placed within the interior of the
tank secondary containment.
18. Dust suppression. Dust associated with on-site activities and traffic on access roads
shall be minimized throughout construction, drilling and operational activities such that
there are no visible dust emissions from access roads or the site to the extent practical
given wind conditions. No produced water or other process fluids shall be used for dust
suppression. The Company will avoid dust suppression activities within three hundred
(300) feet of the ordinary high water mark of any waterbody, unless the dust suppressant
is water. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for any chemical based dust suppressant
shall be submitted to the City for approval prior to use.
19. Electric equipment. Electric-powered engines for motors, compressors, and drilling
equipment and for pumping systems shall be used in order to mitigate noise and to
reduce emissions when feasible.
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20. Emergency preparedness plan. The Company is required to develop an emergency
preparedness plan for each specific facility site, which shall be in compliance with the
International Fire Code. The plan shall be filed with the Poudre Fire Authority and
the City of Fort Collins Office of Emergency Management and updated on an annual
basis or as conditions change (responsible field personnel change, ownership changes,
etc.). The emergency preparedness plan shall consist of at least the following
information:
a) Name, address and phone number, including twenty-four (24)-hour emergency
numbers for at least two persons responsible for emergency field operations.
b) An as-built facilities map in a format suitable for input into the City’s GIS system
depicting the locations and type of above and below ground facilities including
sizes, and depths below grade of all oil and gas gathering and transmission lines and
associated equipment, isolation valves, surface operations and their functions, as well
as transportation routes to and from exploration and development sites, for
emergency response and management purposes. The information concerning
pipelines and isolation valves shall be held confidentially by the City's Office of
Emergency Management and the Battalion Chief, and shall only be disclosed in the
event of an emergency or to emergency responders. The City shall deny the right of
inspection of the as-built facilities maps to the public or for the training of emergency
responders pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-72-204.
c) Detailed information addressing each reasonable potential emergency that may be
associated with the operation. This may include any or all of the following:
explosions, fires, gas, oil or water pipeline leaks or ruptures, hydrogen sulfide or
other toxic gas emissions, or hazardous material vehicle accidents or spills. A
provision that any spill outside of the containment area, that has the potential to
leave the facility or to threaten waters of the state, or as required by the City-
approved Emergency Preparedness Plan shall be reported to the local emergency
dispatch and the COGCC Director in accordance with COGCC regulations.
d) Detailed information identifying access or evacuation routes, and health care
facilities anticipated to be used.
e) A project specific emergency preparedness plan for any project that involves
drilling or penetrating through known zones of hydrogen sulfide gas.
f) Detailed information showing that the Company has adequate personnel, supplies,
and training to implement the emergency response plan immediately at all times
during construction and operations.
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g) The Company shall have current Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all
chemicals used or stored on a site. The MSDS sheets shall be provided
immediately upon request to City officials, a public safety officer, or a health
professional.
h) The plan shall include a provision establishing a process by which the Company
engages with the surrounding neighbors to educate them on the risks of the on-site
operations and to establish a process for surrounding neighbors to communicate with
the Company.
i) All training associated with the Emergency Preparedness plan shall be coordinated
with the City’s Office of Emergency Management and Poudre Fire Authority.
j) A provision obligating the Company to reimburse the appropriate emergency
response service providers for costs incurred in connection with any emergency in
accordance with Colorado State Statutes.
21. Air quality. The Company must comply with emissions regulations governed by the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Air Pollution
Control Division (APCD). Air emissions from wells shall be in compliance with the
permit and control provisions of the Colorado Air Quality Control Program, Title 25,
Section 7, C.R.S., COGCC Rule 805, and all state and federal regulations for the
control of fugitive dust, and control of ozone, ozone precursors, methane, and hazardous
air pollutants by the Larimer County Public Health Department, and the CDPHE-APCD.
The Company must comply with 40 CFR Subpart OOOO as published on August 16, 2012
(Quad O).
a) General Duty to Minimize Emissions. The Company shall incorporate in the
development plan; operations, procedures, and field design features to the
maximum extent feasible that minimize air pollutant emissions including but not
limited to:
1) Consolidation of product treatment and storage facilities
2) Centralization of compression facilities
3) Liquids gathering and water delivery systems
4) Telemetric control and monitoring systems
5) Pipeline infrastructure prior to well completion.
b) In the UDA, the Company shall utilize a high-low pressure vessel (HLP) and
vapor recovery unit (VRU) for New Wells that are placed on production. The
Company may remove the VRU at such time it determines that the VRU system is
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no longer necessary due to reduced emission recoveries and/or efficiencies, but no
earlier than one (1) year after the New Well is placed on production. The
Company may opt to capture gas and send through a thermal oxidizer in lieu of a
HLP and VRU.
c) Plunger lifts are not typically used in the Fort Collins Field due to insufficient gas.
However if there is future use of plunger lifts, emissions shall be controlled from
the motor control valve using low bleed pneumatic controllers.
d) There will be no uncontrolled venting of methane. All gas vapors shall be
captured to the extent practicable. Vapor capture equipment shall operate at
ninety-eight percent (98%) efficiency or better. There are no gas sales lines in the
Fort Collins field because the quantity and quality of gas is low and not
marketable. If salable gas were to occur in the UDA, a sales line shall be
constructed.
e) Flaring during drilling and completions:
During well completion, the capture and beneficial use of natural gas is preferred
over flaring. Minimal flaring may occur in the Fort Collins field, because there is
minimal gas in the field. Flaring shall be continuously monitored on-site by the
Company, under twenty-four (24) hour watch and is regulated by COGCC Rules
317, 805B(3)B, and 912. No venting of gas may occur, except under COGCC
Green Completion Practices (Rule 805 B(3)B), or in very limit cases under Rule
912 with the COGCC Director approval.
f) Flaring during production operations:
1) The flare shall be fired with natural gas and shall be operated with a
ninety eight (98) percent or higher VOC destruction efficiency.
2) The flare shall be designed and operated in a manner that shall
ensure no visible emissions, pursuant to the provisions of 40 CFR
60.18(f), except for periods not to exceed a total of five (5) minutes during
any two (2) consecutive hours. Where applicable, flares shall also be in
compliance with 5 CCR 1001-9 Regulation 7 Section XVIIB for non-
condensate oil.
3) The flare shall be operated with a flame present at all times when
emissions may be vented to it, pursuant to the methods specified in 40
CFR 60.18(f).
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4) An automatic pilot system shall be used when feasible. Other ignition
systems may include the installation and operation of a telemetry alarm
system or an on-site visible indicator showing proper function.
g) Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) – The Company shall develop and maintain
a leak detection and component repair program according to EPA Method 21 for
equipment used in permanent operations. LDAR shall be performed on newly
installed equipment, and then on an annual basis. A Forward-Looking Infrared
(FLIR) camera shall be used as the preferred implementation method of EPA
Method 21 as available from the state; if unavailable, other methods shall be used
in compliance with this method. Upon request from the City, the Company shall
implement EPA Method 21 upon additional concerns. At least once per year, the
Company shall notify the City prior to FLIR camera use in case the City wishes
to observe the method.
h) One Time Baseline Air Quality Monitoring - the Company and the City shall split
the cost for a one time Baseline Sampling and Analytical. The work shall be done
by a third party consultant agreeable to both parties over a five day sampling
period with each location sampled per day. The sampling locations shall be as
follows:
1) Upwind of Tank Battery
2) Downwind of Tank Battery
3) City Park
4) One location downtown, such as New Belgium Brewery or Wild Boar
Coffee
i) One Time Air Sampling During Well Completion – The Company shall conduct
air sampling during well completion. The work shall be done by a third party
consultant agreeable to both parties. This shall be done over a five day sampling
period with each location sampled per day. The sampling shall be for one well
completion in the City (City’s choice of which well completion). The sampling
locations shall be as follows:
1) Upwind of well
2) Downwind of well
j) Ongoing Air Quality Monitoring - Periodic air monitoring shall be performed for
hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a hazardous air pollutant (HAP). The Company shall
perform field monitoring using the Jerome 631 XC or equivalent instrument
17
annually, or until such time that odors are not detected past the Fort Collins Tank
Battery fence line in City Limits.
k) The City may require the Company to conduct additional air monitoring as
needed to respond to emergency events such as spill, process upsets, or accidental
releases or in response to odor complaints in City Limits.
1) In response to emergency events that involve the potential release of
hazardous air pollutants, the Company may be required to conduct air
sampling in accordance with Subsection i. above.
2) In response to odor complaints, the Company may be required to conduct
air sampling in accordance with subsection j above or use a photo-
ionization detector (PID) to measure detected levels of VOCs that exceed
acute health-based exposure thresholds, or other air sampling
methodology depending on the nature of the complaint.
l) Air Quality Action Days. The Company shall respond to air quality Action Day
advisories posted by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
for the Front Range Area by implementing air emission reduction measures
committed to in the Air Quality Mitigation Plan. Emission reduction measures
shall be implemented for the duration of an air quality Action Day advisory and
may include measures such as:
1) Minimize vehicle and engine idling
2) Reduce truck traffic and worker traffic
3) Delay vehicle refueling
4) Suspend or delay use of fossil fuel powered ancillary equipment
5) Postpone construction activities
22. Green completions.
a) Gas gathering lines, separators, and sand traps capable of supporting green
completions as described in COGCC Rule 805 shall be installed at any location at
which commercial quantities of gas are reasonably expected to be produced based on
existing adjacent wells within one (1) mile or well in the Fort Collins Field,
whichever is greater.
b) Uncontrolled venting is prohibited.
c) Temporary flowback flaring and oxidizing equipment shall include the following:
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1) Adequately sized equipment to handle 1.5 times the largest flowback volume of
gas experienced in a one (1) mile radius (or well in the Fort Collins Field),
whichever is greater;
2) Valves and porting available to divert gas to flaring and oxidizing equipment; and
3) Auxiliary fueled with sufficient supply and heat to combust or oxidize non-
combustible gases in order to control odors and hazardous gases. The flowback
combustion device shall be equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source
over the duration of flowback, except in conditions that may result in a fire
hazard or explosion.
4) The Company has a general duty to safely maximize resource recovery and
minimize releases to the atmosphere during flowback and subsequent
recovery/operation.
23. Exhaust. The exhaust from all engines, motors, coolers and other mechanized equipment
shall be vented up or in a direction away from the closest existing residences.
24. Fencing. Permanent perimeter fencing shall be installed around production equipment,
and shall be secured. The main purpose of the fencing is to deter entrance by
unauthorized people. The Company shall use visually interesting fencing, when feasible,
but the parties recognize that there is a need for air circulation, and for the field personnel
who regularly inspect the facilities to be able to identify visual operational deficiencies
when driving by. Landscaping may be used for screening. If a chain link fence is required
to achieve safety requirements set by the COGCC, then landscaping and other screening
mechanisms shall be required that comply with the City’s Land Use Code regulations and
the Company’s safety requirements.
25. Flammable material. All land within twenty five (25) feet of any tank, or other structure
containing flammable or combustible materials shall be kept free of dry weeds, grass or
rubbish, and shall conform to Section 315 of the International Fire Code.
26. Floodplains. All oil and gas operations shall comply with Chapter 10 of the City
Code.
27. Water Quality Monitoring Plan. The Company shall comply with COGCC Rule 609.
In summary, this requires pre- and post-drilling testing. The rules require oil and gas
operators to sample all “Available Water Sources” (owner has given consent for sampling
and testing and has consented to having the sample data obtained made available to the
public), with a cap of four (4) water sources, within one-half (1/2) mile radius of a
proposed well, multi-well site, or dedicated injection well. Water sources include
registered water wells, permitted or adjudicated springs, and certain monitoring wells.
19
The Company agrees to the following requirements above and beyond the COGCC
requirements: analyzing for dissolved metals as indicated in the Land Use Code and
sampling intervals to be baseline (before drilling), post-drilling at one, three, and six
years. Analytical results shall be shared with the COGCC, the City, and the landowner.
All spills, for new and existing wells, shall be managed in accordance with COGCC
regulations.
28. Landscaping. In the Fort Collins Field, existing Well Pads shall be used for any
New Wells and all landscaping shall be in compliance with the City of Fort Collins
Land Use Code standards and in compliance with the safety requirements of the
Company. Existing vegetation shall be minimally impacted. In the UDA,
motorized equipment shall be restricted to the Well Pad and access roads to the
Well Pads. A Visual Mitigation Plan, along with fencing and landscaping shall be
developed for new construction.
29. Lighting. Except during drilling, completion or other operational activities requiring
additional lighting, down-lighting is required, meaning that all bulbs must be fully
shielded to prevent light emissions above a horizontal plane drawn from the bottom of
the fixture. A lighting plan shall be developed to establish compliance with this
provision. The lighting plan shall indicate the location of all outdoor lighting on the site
and any structures, and include cut sheets (manufacturer's specifications with picture or
diagram) of all proposed fixtures.
30. Maintenance of machinery. Routine field maintenance of vehicles or mobile
machinery shall not be performed within three hundred (300) feet of any water body.
31. Mud Tracking. The Company shall take all practicable measures to ensure that vehicles
do not track mud or debris onto City streets. If mud or debris is nonetheless deposited
on City streets, the streets shall be cleaned immediately by the Company using
pressured water from a water truck. This shall be done as part of maintenance. If for
some reason it cannot be done, or needs to be postponed, the LGD shall be notified of
the Company’s plan for mud removal.
32. Natural Resources – An Ecological Characterization Study shall be provided if any New
Well is within 500 feet of a Natural Habitat or Feature, and if impacting these resources,
mitigation plans to ensure no net resource loss per Fort Collins Land Use Code 3.4.1.
33. Noise mitigation. Noise mitigation measures shall be constructed along any edge of any
oil and gas operation site if such edge is between the oil and gas operation and existing
residential development or land which is zoned for future residential development. The
noise mitigation measures shall, to the maximum extent feasible, decrease noise from the
oil and gas operations to comply with the sound limitation regulations set forth in
Commission Rule 802. A noise mitigation study shall be submitted with the application
to demonstrate that noise will be decreased to the maximum extent feasible.
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34. Pipelines. Any newly constructed or substantially modified pipelines on site shall meet the
following requirements:
(a) To the maximum extent feasible, all flow lines, gathering lines, and transmission lines
shall be sited a minimum of fifty (50) feet away from general residential, commercial,
and industrial buildings, as well as the high-water mark of any surface water body.
This distance shall be measured from the nearest edge of the pipeline. Pipelines and
gathering lines that pass within 150 feet of general residential, commercial, and
industrial buildings or the high water mark of any surface water body shall incorporate
leak detection, secondary containment, or other mitigation, as appropriate.
(b) To the maximum extent feasible, pipelines shall be aligned with established roads in
order to minimize surface impacts and reduce habitat fragmentation and disturbance.
(c) To the maximum extent feasible, operators shall share existing pipeline rights-of-way
and consolidate new corridors for pipeline rights-of-way to minimize surface impacts.
(d) To the maximum extent feasible, operators shall use boring technology when crossing
streams, rivers, or irrigation ditches with a pipeline to minimize negative impacts to
the channel, bank, and riparian areas.
35. Recordation of flowlines. All new flowlines, including transmission and gathering
systems, shall have the legal description of the location recorded with the City Clerk and
the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder within thirty (30) days of completion of
construction. Abandonment of any recorded flowlines shall be recorded with the
Larimer County Clerk and Recorder’s office within thirty (30) days after
abandonment.
36. Recreational Activity Standards. The installation and operation of any oil and gas
operation shall not cause significant degradation to the quality and quantity of
recreational activities in the City. Methods to achieve compliance with this standard
include, but are not limited to locating operations away from trails and from property
used for recreational purposes, or by using existing Well Pads.
37. Removal of debris. When an oil and gas operation becomes operational, all
construction-related debris shall be removed from the site for proper disposal. The site
shall be maintained free of debris and excess materials at all times during operation.
Materials shall not be buried or burned on-site.
38. Removal of equipment. All equipment used for drilling, re-completion and maintenance
of the facility shall be removed from the site within thirty (30) days of completion of
21
the work, unless otherwise agreed to by the surface owner. Permanent storage of
equipment on Well Pad sites shall not be allowed.
39. Soil Gas Monitoring – The City, at its discretion, may conduct soil gas monitoring to
assess well casing integrity. This shall be typically completed within ninety (90) days of
New Well completion. The City shall notify the Company prior to entering the site for soil
gas monitoring.
40. Spills. Chemical spills and releases shall be reported in accordance with applicable
state and federal laws, including the Emergency Planning and Community Right To
Know Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, the Oil and Pollution Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act and the Spill Control Prevention and Countermeasure plan, as
applicable. If a spill or release impacts or threatens to impact surface water or a
water well, the Company shall notify the affected or potentially affected owner
immediately following discovery of the release, and the spill or release shall be reported
to the City and to the surface water or water well owner within twenty-four (24) hours of
becoming aware of the spill or release.
41. Stormwater control plan. All oil and gas operations shall comply and conform with the
Fort Collins Storm Criteria Manual (FCSCM), including submission of an Erosion
Control Report and Plan.
42. Temporary access roads. Temporary access roads associated with oil and gas operations
shall be reclaimed and re-vegetated to the original state.
43. Trailers. A construction trailer or office is permitted as an accessory use during active
drilling and well completion only.
44. Transportation and circulation. All applicants for drilling and completion operations
(New Wells) shall include in their applications detailed descriptions of all proposed
access routes for equipment, water, sand, waste fluids, waste solids, mixed waste, and
all other material to be hauled on the public streets and roads of the City. The
submittal shall also include the estimated weights of vehicles when loaded, a description
of the vehicles, including the number of wheels and axles of such vehicles, trips per
day and any other information required by the Traffic Engineer. Preliminary information
is required for this item for the Conceptual Review meeting, in accordance with Appendix
B. The Company shall comply with all Transportation and Circulation requirements as
contained in the Land Use Code as may be reasonably required by the City’s Traffic
Engineer.
45. Wastewater and Waste Management. In the Fort Collins Field, all fluids shall be
contained and there shall be no discharge of fluids, as described in the Closed Loop
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System and Green Completions section of this Appendix. Waste shall be stored in tanks,
transported by tanker trucks, and disposed of at licensed disposal fields. In the UDA, new
secondary containment shall be constructed of steel, with sufficient perimeter and height
to hold one and one-half (1.5) times the volume of the largest tank and sufficient freeboard
to prevent overflow. No potential ignition sources shall be installed inside the secondary
containment area unless the containment enclosed a fired vessel. The requirements for
secondary containment will meet the Fort Collins Stormwater Criteria Manual. No land
treatment of oil impacted or contaminated drill cuttings are permitted. The use of a closed
loop drilling system precludes discharge of produced water or flowback to the ground or
the use of pits. Produced water or flowback will not be used for dust suppression. A copy
of the field’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) will be given to
the City, which describes spill prevention and mitigation practices. The Company will
provide the City documentation of waste disposal and its final disposition.
46. Water supply. The Company shall identify in the site plan its source for water used
in both the drilling and production phases of operations. The sources and amount of
water used in the City shall be documented and this record shall be provided to the
City annually or sooner, if requested by the City Manager. The disposal of water used
on site shall also be detailed including anticipated haul routes, approximate number of
vehicles needed to supply and dispose of water and the final destination for water used in
operation.
47. Weed control. The Company shall be responsible for ongoing weed control at oil and
gas operations, pipelines, and along access roads during construction and operation, until
abandonment and final reclamation is completed per City, Larimer County or other
applicable agency regulations. The appropriate weed control methods and species to be
controlled shall be determined through review and recommendation by the County Weed
Coordinator by reference to the Larimer County Noxious Weed Management Plan and in
coordination with the requirements of the surface owner.
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APPENDIX B
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COMPANY FOR NEW WELL
LOCATIONS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF FORT COLLINS
1. Conceptual Review Submittal Requirements. The following documents shall be submitted
prior to the Conceptual Review meeting outlined in Appendix A:
a) A preliminary summary of planned operations, including identified access points and
operational timeline for posting to a local community information web-page;
b) A preliminary site plan for site preparation, mobilization and demobilization;
c) A preliminary plan for interim reclamation and revegetation of the well pad and final
reclamation of the well pad;
d) A preliminary plan for noise, light and dust mitigation;
e) A preliminary traffic management plan;
f) A preliminary Visual Mitigation Plan, including but not limited to, a list of the
proposed colors for the operations’ equipment, proposed fencing and screening in
accordance with Appendix A.
g) A preliminary list of permits that shall be submitted in conjunction with the APD and
any exceptions proposed to be requested.
h) A draft air quality mitigation plan in accordance with Appendix A.
i) A draft emergency response preparedness plan in accordance with Appendix A.
j) Preliminary list of chemicals proposed to be disclosed through the “Frac Focus”
uploading mechanism and regulated through the COGCC Rule 205.
k) Proposed sampling locations in accordance with the water quality monitoring plan
outlined in Appendix A.
2. Submittal Requirements Prior to Commencement. The following documents shall be
submitted by the Company prior to the commencement of drilling and completion:
a) A response letter that outlines how staff comments from the Conceptual Review were
addressed during the APD permitting process.
24
b) A summary of planned operations, including identified access points and operational
timeline for posting to a local community information web-page;
c) A site plan for site preparation, mobilization and demobilization;
d) A plan for interim reclamation and revegetation of the well pad and final reclamation
of the well pad;
e) A plan for noise, light and dust mitigation, to the extent reasonably feasible;
f) A traffic management plan, if applicable, and a reasonable bond to cover any damage
to public infrastructure during active drilling and completion;
g) A Visual Mitigation Plan, including but not limited to, a list of the proposed colors
for the operations’ equipment, proposed fencing and screening in accordance with
Appendix A.
h) Copies of all permits requested, including any exceptions.
i) A final air quality mitigation plan in accordance with Appendix A.
j) A final emergency response preparedness plan in accordance with Appendix A.
k) Updated preliminary Chemical disclosure using the “Frac Focus” uploading
mechanism, and Chemical Inventory per COGCC Rule 205.
l) Baseline water quality data collected in accordance with the Water Quality
Monitoring Plan.
3. Submittal Requirements Post Well-Completion. The following documents shall be
submitted by the Company after well-completion:
a) Chemical disclosure using the “Frac Focus” uploading mechanism, and Chemical
Inventory per COGCC Rule 205.
b) Water quality data collected at 1, 3, and 6 year post-completion intervals, as described
in Appendix A.
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c) Air quality and other data collected throughout the post-completion phase, as
identified in Appendix A.
ORDINANCE NO. 057, 2013
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TERMINATING THE MORATORIUM IMPOSED BY ORDINANCE NO. 145, 2012
WITH RESPECT TO OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS CONDUCTED
UNDER AN OIL AND GAS OPERATOR AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
AND PROSPECT ENERGY, LLC AND EXEMPTING SUCH OPERATIONS FROM
THE PROHIBITIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 12-135 OF THE CITY CODE
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 145, 2012, the City Council established a moratorium on the
acceptance or processing of land use applications, permit applications and other applications seeking
approval to conduct oil and gas extraction or related operations within the City (the Moratorium”);
and
WHEREAS, Section 12-135 of the City Code prohibits hydraulic fracturing and open pit
storage in the City; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution 2013-024 of the Council of the City of Fort Collins, the City
Council has approved an Oil and Gas Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy,
LLC dated March 19, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the oil and gas operations of Prospect
Energy, LLC should be exempted from the Moratorium and the prohibitions contained in Section
12-135 of the City Code as long as such operations are conducted in conformance with the terms and
conditions of said agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS thatas follows:
Section 1. The moratorium imposed by Ordinance No. 145, 2012 is hereby terminated
with respect to all oil and gas operations conducted in conformance with the terms and conditions
of that certain Oil and Gas Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC dated
March 19, 2013.
Section 2. The prohibitions contained in Section 12-135 of the City Code shall not apply
to oil and gas operations conducted by Prospect Energy, LLC as long as Prospect Energy, LLC
conducts its operations in conformance with the terms and conditions of that certain Oil and Gas
Operator Agreement between the City and Prospect Energy, LLC, dated March 19, 2013, and
provided further that in the event that a conflict exists between the provisions contained in Section
12-135 of the City Code and this ordinance, this ordinance shall control.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
March, A.D. 2013, and to be presented for final passage on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2013.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2013.
_________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
City Clerk
submittal shall also include the estimated weights of
vehicles when loaded, a description of the vehicles,
including the number of wheels and axles of such
vehicles and any other information required by the
Traffic Engineer. In addition to any other bonding or
indemnification requirements of the City as may be
reasonably imposed, all applicants for oil and gas
operations shall provide the City with a policy of
insurance in an amount determined by the City
Manager to be sufficient to protect the City against
any damages that may occur to the City’s streets,
roads or rights‐of‐way as a result of any weight
stresses or spillage of hauled materials including,
The only difference in the Operator Agreement is
that the requirement for a bond for protection of
the City’s infrastructure is implicit within the
“requirements as contained in the Land Use Code
as may be reasonably required by the City’s Traffic
Engineer.” It is further clarified in Appendix B that a
bond will be required during active drilling and
completion to protect public infrastructure.
federal laws, including the Emergency Planning and
Community Right To Know Act, the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act, the Oil and Pollution Act, and the Clean Water
Act, as applicable. If a spill or release impacts or
threatens to impact a water well, the operator shall
notify the affected or potentially affected water well
owner immediately following discovery of the
release, and the spill or release shall be reported to
the City and to the water well owner within twenty‐
four (24) hours of becoming aware of the spill or
release.
operation shall not cause significant degradation
to the quality and quantity of recreational
activities in the City. Methods to achieve
compliance with this standard include, but are not
limited to locating operations away from trails and
from property used for recreational purposes, or
by using existing Well Pads.
3.8.14(C)(24) Recreational Activity Standards. The
installation and operation of any oil and gas
operation shall not cause significant degradation to
the quality and quantity of recreational activities in
the City. Methods to achieve compliance with this
standard include, but are not limited to locating
operations away from trails and from property used
for recreational purposes, or by using existing well
pads.
shall be sited a minimum of fifty (50) feet away
from general residential, commercial, and
industrial buildings, as well as the high‐water
mark of any surface water body. This distance
shall be measured from the nearest edge of
the pipeline. Pipelines and gathering lines that
pass within 150 feet of general residential,
commercial, and industrial buildings or the
3.8.14(C)(44). Pipelines. Any newly constructed or
substantially modified pipelines on site shall meet
the following requirements:
(a) All flow lines, gathering lines, and
transmission lines shall be sited a minimum of
fifty (50) feet away from general residential,
commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as
the high‐water mark of any surface water body.
This distance shall be measured from the nearest
edge of the pipeline. Pipelines and gathering
lines that pass within 150 feet of general
residential, commercial, and industrial buildings
or the high water mark of any surface water
Pipelines are frequently regulated or bound by a
Surface Use Agreement. As Surface Use
Agreements are already held for the Fort Collins
Field and the Undeveloped Acreage (UDA), these
standards shall be applied to the maximum extent
feasible.
Company using pressured water from a water
truck. This shall be done as part of maintenance.
If for some reason it cannot be done, or needs to
be postponed, the LGD shall be notified of the
Company’s plan for mud removal.
23. Mud Tracking. The Company shall take all
practicable measures to ensure that vehicles do not
track mud or debris onto City streets. If mud or
debris is nonetheless deposited on City streets, the
streets shall be cleaned immediately.
The Operator Agreement clarifies what will happen
if mud is deposited and the communication
measures to be taken. Staff will update the Land
Use Code with this updated language.
the water well during two (2) sampling events
prior to the start of heavy equipment operations
at the oil and gas well site. If monitoring is
desired by the water well owner, samples shall be
The COGCC updated their regulations after staff
initially drafted the Land Use Code regulations. The
Operator has committed to exceed COGCC
regulations, similar to what the Land Use Code
required, by requiring post‐completion sampling at
one, three and six years (the state only requires
post‐completion sampling at one and six years). In
addition, the operator has agreed to test the full
list of analytes proposed by the City, which also
exceeds COGCC regulations.
In the agreement, the City would conduct the soil
gas monitoring (an early warning system for any
potential contamination). The operator agreement
does not require compliance with the Public Water
Supply Protection Standards of the COGCC because
no public water supply has been identified (by the
COGCC, who oversees this standard) within the
operational boundaries.
shall be kept free of dry weeds, grass or rubbish,
and will conform to Section 315 of the
International Fire Code.
3.8.14(C)(15) Flammable material. All land within
twenty five (25) feet of any tank, or other structure
containing flammable or combustible materials shall
be kept free of dry weeds, grass or rubbish.
The Operator Agreement clarifies this standard is in
a compliance with the International Fire Code. Staff
will update the Land Use Code to reflect this
language.
provide air toxics monitoring during well
completion and the Director may require additional
post‐completion test(s) if changes in air quality are
identified during follow‐up testing or in response to
citizen complaints.
(m) Certification. An authorized representative for
the operator shall submit annual reports to the
Director certifying compliance with these air quality
requirements and documenting any periods of non‐
production.
(g) Capture of Produced Gas from Wells. Gas
produced during production shall be captured, to the
maximum extent feasible, and not flared or vented
except in situations where flaring or venting is
required to ensure that associated natural gas
can be safely disposed of in emergency shut‐down
situations to prevent the risk of fire and explosion.
(h) Pneumatic controllers. The operator shall
use only no‐bleed or low‐bleed pneumatic
burner. If the pilot flame goes out and does not
relight, and if no telemetry alarm system is in
place, an on‐site, visible alarm shall be
immediately activated.
6. If using an electric arc ignition system, the
arcing of the electric arc ignition system shall
pulse continually and a device shall be installed
and used to continuously monitor the electric arc
ignition system.
7. Any flare, auto ignition system, and
current CDPHE (Colorado Dept. of Public Health
and the Environment) require reporting and control
for condensate tanks, though this Company does
not have condensate. State regulations are also
being considered for amendments and in the next
year, the CDPHE will likely require reporting for all
new tanks. The other controls and measures
agreed to by the operator have a more significant
impact on air quality than these measures. Being
more stringent than current state regulations is not
suggested at this time.
‐Regarding blowdowns, blowdowns are not
considered to be a significant source of fugitive air
emissions from this operator’s type of
development/operations. In addition, the operator
has agreed to no uncontrolled venting of methane
and the capture of all gas vapors to the extent
practicable.
‐The operator agreement does not require rod‐
packing replacement; this is a specific requirement
included in the NSPS Quad O for some types of
compressors. So if it applies, operator will be
required to do it under that regulation.
‐The operator agreement does not require annual
certification, because the City is not the regulatory
agency that certifies compliance with air quality
regulations and these certifications are readily
available on the internet.
continuously operated equipment, including but not
limited to, storage vessels, tanks, separators,
pneumatic pumps, dehydrators, and compressors,
shall route natural gas and VOC vapors to a capture
or control device with at least a ninety eight (98)
percent VOC destruction efficiency, to the maximum
extent feasible. The applicant shall submit to the
Director a manufacture test or other data
demonstrating a ninety eight (98) percent VOC
destruction or control efficiency. Any flare, auto
ignition system, recorder, vapor recovery device or
other equipment used to meet the ninety eight (98)
percent VOC destruction or control efficiency
Note that certain sections, e.g., green completions
(below) and closed loop pitless systems (above) are
represented elsewhere in this matrix.
Key similarities between the Land Use Code and
the Operator Agreement:
‐There is a general duty to minimize emissions in
both documents.
‐All VOCs will be captured and destroyed at a 98%
efficiency rate or higher.
‐If plunger lifts are used, then low‐bleed pneumatic
controllers will be used.
‐Use of flares will be minimized. When used, they
will destroy VOCs at a 98% efficiency rate or higher.
‐Baseline, well completion and ongoing air quality
monitoring are a component of both documents,
though the operator agreement tests air quality for
only five days instead of the seven outlined in the
Land Use Code and the City shares the cost of the
baseline monitoring in the operator agreement.
Key differences between the Land Use Code and
the Operator Agreement:
‐The Fort Collins Field produces little gas and
cannot capture the gas and place it to beneficial
use.
‐The operator will not have to report emissions
from newly installed storage vessels because
7. A provision obligating the operator to
reimburse the appropriate emergency response
service providers for costs incurred in connection
with any emergency.
8. Detailed information showing that the
operator has adequate personnel, supplies, and
funding to implement the emergency response
plan immediately at all times during construction
and operations.
9. A provision obligating the operator to have
immediately available on each site current
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all
chemicals used or stored on a site. The MSDS
sheets shall be provided immediately upon
request to the Director, a public safety officer, or
a health professional.
of all oil and gas gathering and transmission lines
and associated equipment, isolation valves,
surface operations and their functions, as well as
transportation routes to and from exploration
and development sites, for emergency response
and management purposes. The information
concerning pipelines and isolation valves shall be
held confidentially by the City's Office of
Emergency Management, and shall only be
disclosed in the event of an emergency. The City
shall deny the right of inspection of the as‐built
facilities maps to the public pursuant to C.R.S. §
24‐72‐204.
3. Detailed information addressing each
potential emergency that may be associated with
the operation. This may include any or all of the
reflect this language.
20. Emergency preparedness plan. The Company
is required to develop an emergency preparedness
plan for each specific facility site, which shall be in
compliance with the International Fire Code. The
plan shall be filed with the Poudre Fire Authority
and the City of Fort Collins Office of Emergency
Management and updated on an annual basis or as
3.8.14(C)(11) Emergency Preparedness Plan.
(a) In General. Oil and gas operations shall not
cause an unreasonable risk of emergency situations
such as explosions, fires, gas, oil or water pipeline
leaks, ruptures, hydrogen sulfide or other toxic gas
or fluid emissions, hazardous material vehicle
accidents or spills.
and gas operation shall not cause significant
degradation of cultural or historic resources, of sites
eligible as City Landmarks or the State or National
Historic Register, as outlined in Section 3.4.7 of the
Land Use Code.
The intent of the standards is the same – to protect
cultural and historical resources and if any damage
is to occur, then mitigation is required. In the Fort
Collins Field and in the Undeveloped Acreage
(UDA), staff is not aware of any resources, so the
standard is tailored to the discovery of any
resource during site construction.
be provided by the Director and shall be posted on
the subject property in a manner and at a location
or locations reasonably calculated by the Director
to afford the best notice to the public, which posting
shall occur within fourteen (14) days following
submittal of a development application to the
Director.
Agreement are nearly identical. The only difference
is that, in the Land Use Code option, the
determination of a complete application is what
triggers the notice process, whereas in the
Operator Agreement, the conceptual review
meeting initiates the notice process.
(500) feet from any domestic or commercial
water wells.
Except on existing well pads, all new wells will be a
minimum of 500’ setback from a building and
1,000’ from a high occupancy building, which
includes schools, nursing facilities, hospitals,
correctional facilities, and child care centers.
The only opportunity for decreasing that setback
on new well pads is if landowners affected by the
decreased setback, e.g., the land upon which the
well is located, were to sign off on that decrease.
The COGCC estimated there have been
approximately 5 variances granted statewide to
the standard building setback rule (formerly 150’,
currently 500’) and approximately 20 variances for
the high density setbacks (formerly 350’, currently
1000’).
As proposed in the Land Use Code, if an Operator
has an agreement with the City, then the
development review process is not required.
However, the City will still hold a conceptual review
meeting at least 30 days prior to the submittal of a
permit to the COGCC to review the operator’s plan
for air quality, water quality, emergency response,
traffic, etc. during that meeting and schedule a
neighborhood meeting, as applicable (see below).
Fort Collins Field
Undeveloped Acreage
City Limits
Growth Management Area
ATTACHMENT 2