February 25, 2008--San Juan Basin stakeholders group forms (Durango Herald)
With a nudge from a U.S. congressman, a new stakeholders group has been formed to give voice to individuals affected by coal-bed methane drilling in the northern San Juan Basin. Coal-bed methane drilling has the potential to affect water quality. The group will hold its first open house early in March. U.S. Rep. John Salazar, D-Manassa, asked U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management officials to create working groups after Salazar toured the HD Mountains east of Bayfield in 2006. Salazar heard concerns from many residents, especially regarding drilling in or near the 1½-mile Fruitland outcrop. The formation of a technical working group was included in the Environmental Impact Statement that was approved in April 2007.
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