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Federal land managers could sign off this winter on a new 1,491-well gas field northeast of Price and Nine Mile Canyon in eastern Utah.
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is taking public comments on its draft environmental study of a Gasco Energy Co. plan for the natural-gas wells and a 325-mile web of new roads on 207,000 acres mostly on the West Tavaputs Plateau in southern Duchesne County. Its eastern reaches approach the Green River near Desolation Canyon, a rafting attraction.
First proposed in 2006 during the Bush administration's push for domestic energy production, the project was delayed by worsening Uinta Basin air pollution linked to the industry. Ultimately, BLM environmental coordinator Stephanie Howard said Friday, the agency's air modeling showed minor contributions — less than 1 part per billion — toward the basin's winter ozone troubles.
Estimated for completion by 2016, the development offers a chance to reinvigorate an eastern Utah energy boom that leveled off during the Great Recession. "Both from an energy standpoint and an economic development standpoint, this type of project is critical for the state," said Lee Peacock, president of the Utah Petroleum Association. "We need the gas."
But it also pushes into some largely inaccessible country, worrying advocates for backcountry recreation and wildlife.
The BLM's study predicts that the project would benefit hunters by increasing access to deer and elk, although the roads ultimately could reduce the herd sizes. Industrial development also could encroach on Sand Wash, the main launch for Desolation Canyon rafters, warned Steve Bloch, staff attorney for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
Bloch is especially troubled by large-scale expansion of gas drilling when Environmental Protection Agency monitors found Uinta Basin air violated federal ozone standards on dozens of days last winter.
"We're concerned," Bloch said, "that BLM is focusing on approving a project like this at a time when there seems to be growing recognition that oil and gas development in the Uinta Basin is having effects on human health and the environment."
Gasco officials did not respond Friday to requests for comment.
The BLM's Howard said the industrial activity is not expected to generate any traffic through — or dust in — Nine Mile Canyon, which contains a trove of ancient rock art that preservationists say would be threatened by those impacts. SUWA and another gas company, Bill Barrett Corp., reached an agreement this summer allowing a smaller drilling project to go forward. Barrett's operation includes truck traffic in the canyon.
Nine Mile Canyon Coalition President Pam Miller said she hasn't reviewed the study of the Gasco development, but will watch closely to ensure it protects archaeological sites.
"There are air-circulation patterns that cause downdrafts into the canyon," Miller said. "Just because they're north of the canyon, that doesn't mean dust won't find its way into the canyon."
Public meetings to be held on Gasco project
P Price • 6 p.m. Oct. 26, College of Eastern Utah's Jennifer Leavitt Student Center.
Duchesne • 6 p.m. Oct. 27, Duchesne County Administration Building.
Vernal • 6 p.m. Oct. 28, Western Park Convention Center.
Comment • Accepted until Nov. 15.