Jarryd Hughes bursting onto snowboard

cross scene SPORTS 10A

Nicole InglisEXPLORE STEAMBOAT

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Large, dense snowflakes had just begun to fall Friday on Mount Werner as 26 chil-dren tossed around snowballs and laughed on the side of the

NASTAR course at Steamboat Ski Area.

They wore sparkles, poodle skirts, pinwheels, ribbons and other bright decorations in celebration of the last day of the annual Sun-shine Kids Winter Games weeklong camp.

These children don’t need blue skies. They make their own light with their beaming smiles, spurred by the pure enjoyment they’ve found on the mountain during the past week.

Fourteen-year-old Isais Javi-er, a survivor of a form of bone cancer, said there’s no feeling like skiing.

“It feels like you’re flying,” Isais said. “It gives us a happi-er mood. You feel like you have hope because there are people helping you.”

Hope sometimes can be a tall order for the group of children, who have all been in treatment for some kind of cancer.

But Sunshine Kids, a non-profit based out of Houston,

Jack WeinsteinSTEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

A state ballot initiative that would legalize marijuana pos-session for recreational use is getting a lukewarm reaction from the owner of Steamboat Springs’ largest medical mari-juana dispensary.

Although he supports adult recreational marijuana use, Rocky Mountain Remedies co-owner Kevin Fisher said legalizing pot for all Colora-do adults could jeopardize the business model he and other state dispensary owners have worked hard to create. Specifi-cally, Fisher said he’s concerned approval of a system that per-

mits recreational marijuana use would lead to increased federal intervention in Colorado.

“While we support adult access to cannabis in any form, we’re not sure supporting this initiative is right at this time,” Fisher said last week.

The Colorado Secretary of State’s Office announced last week that it had certified a ballot initiative that would decriminalize adult recreation-al marijuana use. Amendment 64 would allow adults 21 and older to possess as much as 1

ounce of marijuana and grow six plants in their homes. It also would create a regulatory sys-tem.

Mason Tvert, co-director of the Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, said federal intervention isn’t a con-cern. His group is the one that led the effort to get Amendment 64 on the ballot.

“The feds don’t enforce state statutes,” Tvert said. “They don’t have DEA agents on the streets arresting adults for pos-sessing less than 1 ounce of marijuana. They don’t have U.S. attorneys going before fed-eral judges to prosecute petty cases. Essentially, if this initia-

Kevin Fisher says move could jeopardize business model

Jason Sandgren and Amy Guear will travel to Los Angeles from Steamboat

next month where one spin of the “Wheel of Fortune” could

change their fate, leading to marital bliss and a solu-tion to their housing dilemma. Or not.

Sand-gren and Guear are engaged,

but the ceremony is on hold until they can afford to gather family members.

“We’re hoping to be able to afford a wedding soon,” Guear said. She has a winning smile.

“I fell in love the day I saw her,” Sandgren said. “I told myself, ‘I’ve got to be with her.’”

Possibly of even greater urgency to the couple than get-ting hitched is the fact that they must vacate by the end of April the condo Sandgren has rented for four years so that it can be remodeled.

“I have no work right now,” Sandgren said. “We have to move by the end of April, and I’m worried about the first and last month’s rent and the security deposit.”

He has worked as a dry-waller here for most of 16 years and has cooked in restaurants.

Guear (pronounced Gweer) is a certified watch technician who can refurbish expensive time-pieces but can’t find that type of work here right now, either.

If this were a Hollywood movie, Sandgren said, Mark Wahlberg would play his part and hers would be played by Rachel McAdams (“Midnight in Paris,” how romantic!).

All their troubles could be solved and the path to matrimo-ny paved with rose petals before the lease is up if Guear gets lucky in L.A. and is selected to play a non-televised version of the long-running game, “Wheel of Fortune,” with celebrity hosts Vanna White and Pat Sajak.

You read that last sentence correctly. You won’t be able to watch this 21st-century version of “Romeo and Juliet” on your flat-screen. It is non-televised. That’s because Guear has been selected by the Colorado Lottery for the trip to California through a promotion connected to its $5 “Wheel of Fortune” scratch game.

She and three of her closest friends (she’s taking her parents —Christy and Don, of Afton, Wyo. — along with her beau) are among two winners from Colo-rado in the lottery’s multistate second-chance drawing.

Most of the lottery’s second-chance games, which require contestants to resubmit their los-

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

Rocky Mountain Remedies co-owner Kevin Fisher stands outside his Steamboat Springs business. As a business owner, Fisher said, he is concerned about the implica-tions of legalization of recreational marijuana.

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DELIVERY PROBLEM?PAGE DESIGNED BY LAURA MAZADE

SKI REPORTMidmountain base 67 inchesSummit base 82 inchesTrails open 165/165Lifts open 16/16Total snow* 215 inches*Total snow at Steamboat Ski Area since Oct. 7 as mea-sured at mid-mountain.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2012VOLUME 125, NUMBER 30 • STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO • SteamboatToday.com

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PILOT TODAY

Fateful spin

of the wheel

ComplexRelationshipSweet crude oil and natural gas are never har-

vested in isolation in Colorado. Their careful and often complicated with-

drawal from the earth is regulated by 175 pages of state rules, a team of 15 inspectors and the local governments that preside over the land where the precious resources are sucked from the ground.

“It’s a highly regulated, highly technical, highly professional, science-driven industry, and our over-sight is robust,” Colorado Department of Natural Resources spokesman Todd Hartman said. “These are serious operators who are very serious about the work they do, and they often live in the com-munities where they operate.”

But with the quality of air, water and the pub-lic health all potentially at stake, the relationship between the Colorado Oil and Gas Conserva-tion Commission, which regulates the state’s ener-gy industry, and local governments in Colorado is being tested, and sometimes fractured, as oil and gas exploration increases and stretches into communities like Routt County and Steamboat Springs.

Local governments seek stronger voice in oil and gas exploration

STORY BYSCOTT FRANZ

STEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

See Oil, page 7A

Sunshine Kids enjoy weeklong ski camp

Owner questions pot legalizationMEDICAL

MARIJUANA

mits recreational marijuana use

MARIJUANAIssues in Routt County

See Marijuana, page 5A

See Ross, page 12A

▲

VIDEO ONLINEWatch a video of the annual Sunshine

Kids Winter Games week in Steamboat Springs with this story at SteamboatToday.com.

Tom RossPILOT & TODAY

Like us on Facebook and follow Steamboatpilot on Twitter.

See Sunshine, page 5A

Jarryd Hughes bursting onto snowboard

cross scene SPORTS 10A

PILOT TODAY

LOOK InsIde for

Steamboat Pilot &Today • Sunday, March 4, 2012 | 7A

2 powersThe Colorado Oil and Gas

Conservation Commission, or COGCC, is not alone in over-seeing energy exploration in Routt County.

Local governments regulate the industry during the per-mitting process for oil and gas wells, but their power seems to end at the impact energy explo-ration has on roads and public services. In Hayden, for exam-ple, a recent request by Shell Oil to drive heavy equipment trucks on a town road was denied because of safety concerns.

But the well sites the trucks travel to ultimately are regulat-ed by the COGCC. The agen-cy, which also is tasked with ensuring that operators follow state and federal water and air quality rules, polices the drilling operation from its impact on the environment to the types of fluids it injects into the ground.

The regulatory environment is complex, and foreign to many.

“There is a lot of misinfor-mation about the industry and about the impacts, and we’re dealing with that along with addressing legitimate concerns,” Hartman said. “As drilling occurs in greater proximity to more people, then it can raise concerns, particularly in com-munities that don’t have a lot of history in oil and gas” explora-tion.

A vast fieldThe COGCC polices the

technical aspects of the drilling operation, including setbacks mandated for hydraulic frac-turing operations. The commis-sion’s team of 15 field inspec-tors, who each cover multiple counties, creates extensive digi-tal histories of all of the wells in their jurisdictions.

But the field of wells the inspectors must cover is vast, and the numbers grow each month.

Some engaged Routt Coun-ty residents question whether COGCC’s inspection team is large enough to monitor the compliance of the active wells that numbered 46,958 at the start of February and continue to grow each month. COGCC performed 12,239 field inspec-tions across the state in 2011, down from 17,075 in 2010, according to the agency’s Janu-ary staff report.

“It’s like your police force,” said Rodger Steen, co-chairman of the Community Alliance of the Yampa Valley’s Oil and Gas Committee. “The more people you have, the better your com-pliance is going to be.”

Kris Neidel, the COGCC field inspector assigned to Routt County, is based in Steamboat Springs but also inspects wells in Moffat, Summit, Grand, Eagle and Jackson counties.

Steen said because of the complexity of well sites, he doesn’t think there are enough boots on the ground to ensure all of the oil and gas operators are monitored sufficiently for spills and other hazards.

He said Routt County could use more specialized staff of its own to visit the wells more often.

“We believe there are inspec-tion deficiencies here,” Steen said, noting the size of the inspection team relative to the number of wells in Colorado. “The deficiencies can be mini-mized more and more with the addition of more specialized inspectors.”

Finding a balanceThe two bodies primar-

ily responsible for regulat-ing the industry have a com-plex relationship that today is being strained in some parts of the state as more drilling per-mits are issued along the Front Range and above the Niobrara Shale formation thousands of feet below the surface of North-west Colorado.

Steen said that because what happens at a well site doesn’t always stay contained at the well site, local governments should assert more control in regulat-ing such things such as air pol-lution and water quality, items the COGCC maintains are the state’s responsibility to monitor.

“The noise the wells make and the things they emit affect

the entire county,” Steen said. But state regulators and

some oil and gas operators fear the addition of several sets of local regulations that differ from county to coun-ty could prove to be exhaus-tive and unnecessary, and ulti-mately would be pre-empted by existing state rules.

Still, Stephen Lindsey, Quick-silver Resources’ senior director of government and community relations, said it always is in the best interest of an operator to meet or exceed regulations.

“It’s a balance between an economic engine, jobs and tax revenue for the state and local government, and the concerns that local populations have about the activity,” Lindsey said about the regulatory environ-ment.

His Fort Worth, Texas-based company will find out March 12 whether Routt Coun-ty will approve a permit for a second exploratory oil well on Wolf Mountain about six miles northeast of Hayden. The coun-ty’s Planning Commission gave its approval last week.

Routt County hosts 43 active wells, and only one was drilled last year. The COGCC approved 10 well permits here last year. One permit currently is pending.

While Routt County’s Plan-ning Department has a local governmental designee who works closely with the COGCC and operators like Quicksilver during the permitting process, the relationship between the COGCC, operators and leaders of other counties has not been as amicable.

Shades of grayRobbie Guinn, vice president

of SG Interests, a Houston-based oil and gas operator, said the line between the COGCC’s regulatory authority and that of local governments in Colo-rado has proven elusive to his company.

“That line is gray, and the courts have not defined it very well,” he said, noting it is costly litigation that so far has helped to clarify some of the cloudiness surrounding regulating authori-ty in Colorado. “There needs to be more clarity.”

SG Interests operates in five states and maintains close to 30 active wells in northwest Gun-nison County, Guinn said. His company has taken exception to Gunnison’s oil and gas regula-tions that require wells to oper-ate at least 500 feet from water sources. COGCC rules put the setback from certain water bod-ies at 300 feet.

“One of the problems with local jurisdictions is if they have multiple sets of rules in addition to state regulations, the permit-ting process becomes so cum-bersome that it is difficult to get a permit in a timely fashion,” Guinn said.

SG Interests last year sued Gunnison County’s commis-sioners, claiming the addition-al regulations they imposed, including the stricter setback from water sources and a longer permitting process, were pre-empted by state law.

However, Gunnison County celebrated a legal victory in Jan-uary when a district court judge handed down a summary judg-ment that reaffirmed a county’s

oil and gas regulations are not assumed to be pre-empted by COGCC regulations, and that an operator must provide evi-dence that the rules hindered its ability to operate.

Guinn said Friday that the lawsuit is on hold while SG Interests and the county work to find other ways to “settle the matter.”

Barbara Green, a land use attorney who has represent-ed Gunnison County, said the summary judgment and other court cases before it show there is plenty of room for counties to have a louder voice in the regula-tion of oil and gas exploration. Because they are so unique and feel impacts from oil and gas exploration differently, counties should have unique regulations to mitigate any negative impacts of drilling, she said.

“It’s not like the oil and gas commission is over counties with their regulations,” she said. “They are coequal when car-rying out the will of the state, and in some cases (counties) are superior to the state body.”

She said what is clear is that no county has the authority to ban oil and gas operations com-pletely, and their power to regu-late the industry is derived from their land use codes. What is not yet clear is whether counties can ban oil and gas operations from certain zoning classifica-tions or whether some county rules on the actual drilling pro-cess would be pre-empted by state law. She added that pre-emption of state law is never assumed and can be confirmed only if the operator can prove a county-imposed regulation cre-ates an “operational conflict,” a difficult feat that requires an evidentiary hearing.

State steps inGov. John Hickenlooper,

who recently said the state’s 64 counties shouldn’t each have their own set of oil and gas reg-ulations, on Wednesday signed an executive order to form a task force that will attempt to clarify the regulatory environ-ment in Colorado.

According to the order, the 11-member task force will be represented by two members of the COGCC, as well as by lead-ers of the state Legislature and directors of such groups as the Colorado Conservation Voters and the Colorado Municipal League.

The group will work to har-monize regulatory authority over such items as noise abate-ment, air quality and setbacks, according to the executive order.

Steen said only time will tell if the new group will do anything to help protect the land, water and people of Routt County.

“The concept is good, but at this point, we really don’t know what the commission will do,” he said. “There’s no guarantee this will help. If they’re willing to bring (regulations) up to cur-rent technology and make the industry meet stricter standards, then I feel most counties will accept it. If they come up with no changes to the rules, then there will be no solutions gener-ated to this problem.”

Operators like Guinn were quick to welcome the formation of the task force.

“I think it’s a positive step,” he said. “The state needs to

define (the regulatory) line. If it doesn’t, there’s going to be more and more litigation, which doesn’t answer the question.”

Not wasting timeCounties aren’t waiting for

the state to harmonize the mud-dled regulatory environment for them.

Routt County’s Board of Commissioners met with COGCC interim director Thom Kerr on Feb. 21 to discuss the county’s own desire for baseline water testing and quick respons-es to noise complaints, espe-cially in rural Routt County, where piercing silence usually pervades.

“There’s an expectation from the public we can leap build-ings in a single bound,” Com-missioner Doug Monger said two weeks before that meet-ing. “There’s a misrepresenta-tion that we have all this power, when the frustrating part is we have the power given to us by the state Legislature, and only that power.”

Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush said that as the coun-ty rolls out a new template for approval of oil and gas permits, it is trying to avoid the costly and lengthy lawsuits that can arise when oil and gas opera-tors think municipalities have overstepped their authority with local regulations. She said it continues to be a difficult task to find a balance between state and local control of the energy industry.

“If we regulate to our satis-faction, our regulations could be pre-empted (by state law) and lead to a court case,” she said. “But if you err on the side of being overly concerned about pre-emption, then you can end up with polluted air and water-sheds.”

Still, she said she would rath-er support regulations to pro-tect water and air quality rather than under-regulate.

Buying timeAs wells and horizontal drill-

ing operations creep closer to their population centers, some Colorado counties and munici-palities are buying more time to examine their regulations to ensure they are prepared to mit-igate any impacts from the ener-gy industry.

Boulder County and the city of Colorado Springs recent-ly imposed moratoriums on accepting new permits for oil and gas drilling.

New oil and gas explora-tion is suspended in Colorado Springs until May, and in Boul-der County until August. The city of Longmont is staying new oil and gas permits.

With the exception of Mitsch Bush, Routt County’s commis-sioners opposed a similar mor-atorium on new permits and instead expressed confidence in the regulations they already have in place.

However, an online petition that asked the commissioners to reconsider their opposition to a stay on new permits was signed by 3,431 Colorado resi-dents, including 861 from Routt County, said Kyle Elston, the Stagecoach resident who started the petition.

“I think we have all the tools in our toolbox necessary to deal with the issues of oil and gas

permits,” Commissioner Mon-ger said in January in response to the petition. “We probably have the strongest set of regula-tions in the state.”

Educating the publicTisha Schuller, president of

the Colorado Oil & Gas Asso-ciation, said the renewed inter-est in energy exploration contin-ues to pack town hall meetings across the state, especially along the Front Range.

She said counties without a recent history of energy explo-ration are concerned about the impacts of oil and gas produc-tion and often are moving to adopt new sets of regulations to address the concerns of their constituents.

“The No. 1 piece of mis-information about oil and gas regulations is that the oil and gas industry is unregulated,” she said. “That is a pervading senti-ment. It’s really scaring people. They bring their babies (to the meetings), and they are worried about their health. I want them to know the industry is regulat-ed, and there are a number of controls.”

She said initial meetings in municipalities about oil and gas exploration tend to start out heated, but as the conver-sations continue, they become

more fact driven and ultimately more meaningful.

“In the beginning, the meet-ing is dominated by misinfor-mation,” she said. “But after about three meetings, the emo-tionally charged conversations turn to ones more about prac-tical day-to-day engagement between the oil and gas indus-try and our community.”

She said the COGCC and COGA are adding more per-sonnel to work with local gov-ernments.

“What I found is that a year ago, local government wasn’t even in COGA’s job descrip-tion,” Schuller said. “This is quite a transformation for us as we recognize that this is where community members want to engage.”

Schuller acknowledged that no matter the strength of the regulations or the amount of outreach and education her organization conducts, there always will be opposition to the energy industry.

“Not everyone is going to want the development as their neighbor, and there are going to be disagreements,” she said. “But that doesn’t stop us from wanting to engage.”

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com

LOCAL

Oil continued from 1A

Renewed interest in energy exploration continues to pack town hall meetings

COLORADO OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION GIS PROGRAM

The gray dots on this map of Colorado show all of the pending oil and gas permits in the state.

where to worshipSTEAMBOAT SPRINGS ALPINE RESORT MINISTRIES1:30 p.m. Sunday at Vista overlook on Tower Run. Call Bill Montag at 276-7275.HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH524 Oak St., 879-0671. Saturday Mass at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. (in Spanish); Sunday Mass at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; Mass at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and 7:30 a.m. Wednesday and Friday; Communion Service at 7:30 a.m. Monday. On Holy Days, Mass is at 5:30 p.m. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH755 Concordia Lane (Corner of Maple Street and Amethyst Drive — above high school football field), 879-0175. Sunday worship at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Nursery services available during late service for infants and toddlers, birth to age 3. Sunday School is also offered at our late service for children age 3 through 5th grade. See www.steamboatlutheran.org for more information.CHRIST COVENANT REFORMED CHURCHSunday worship at 10 a.m. at the Perry-Mansfield Pavilion. Call Del at 879-5729.BUDDHIST CENTER OF STEAMBOAT SPRINGSMeditation and Dharma talk are at 7 p.m. Mondays at 2550 Copper Frontage Road, No. 201, off of Elk River Road in Copper Ridge Business Park. Call 846-2699.ECKANKAR, RELIGION OF THE LIGHT AND SOUND OF GOD Community HU Song is at 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday each month & Worship Service is quarterly on the fourth Sunday at 11 a.m. Both are at the Community Center. Singing HU, an ancient love song to God, silently or aloud, alone or in a group, is sim-ply to uplift oneself spiritually. Call 846-8956. ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCHNinth and Oak streets, P.O. Box 722. Sunday, 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist (no music); 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist (music/child care) in new church; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School— all ages; HAR MISHPACHA“The Mountain Family” Jewish Congregation of Steamboat Springs. Call 879-2082 for information. BAHA’I FAITHCall Sandy at 846-9994.CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTSChurch phone: 879-0220; 879-0224. Sunday meetings: 9 a.m. Sacrament Meeting; 10:20 a.m. Sunday School and Primary; 11:10 a.m. Priesthood, Relief Society, Young Men and Young Women. 1155 Central Park Drive.ANCHOR WAY BAPTIST CHURCH — SBC40650 Anchor Way, Steam boat II, 879-7062. Bible study and Sunday school 9:15 a.m.; worship at 10:15 a.m. EUZOA BIBLE CHURCHMeets at 10 a.m. Sundays at 32305 R.C.R. 38 in Strawberry Park. Nursery provided. Call 879-0123 or visit www.euzoa.com.SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH970-871-4927, 347 12th St. Saturday services 10 a.m.-noon with worship at 11 a.m.STEAMBOAT CHRISTIAN CENTER879-0063. The Log Church across from the Fairfield Inn on Hwy 40. Saturday service 6 p.m. Sunday service 10 a.m., Spanish service 7 p.m. www.steam-boatchristian.comCONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSESMeetings held at 3000 Elk River Road. For more in formation, call 879-4075. English speaking congregation — Public meeting and Watchtower Study, 1 p.m. Sunday. Bible study, ministry school and service meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Spanish speak-ing congregation — Public meeting and Watchtower Study, 10 a.m. Sunday. Bible study, ministry school and service meeting, 7 p.m. Wednesday. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH879-1446 or 870-9583. One mile north of U.S. Highway 40 on Elk River Road west of Steamboat. Sunday ser-vices: 10 a.m. Sunday School (all ages welcome); 11 a.m. morning worship; 6:30 p.m. evening worship.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCHThe Christian Science Society worships at 10:30 a.m. Sundays and at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month. For more information, e-mail cssteamboat@gmail.com. UNITED METHODIST CHURCHEighth and Oak streets, 879-1290. The regular Sunday worship service is at 9 a.m. “Elevate” Contemporary Service is at 10:45 a.m. Sunday School and nursery offered at 10:45 a.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST879-6670. 1698 Lincoln Ave. Sunday — Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m.CHURCH OF THE MOVEMENT OF SPIRITUAL INNER AWARENESS (MSIA)Mondays 7 to 9:30 p.m. half hour peace meditation, plus video tape seminar by John-Roger — discussion following. Call for location and more information 879-3157. Counseling and ceremonies available.STEAMBOAT SPRINGS EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCHMeets at Christian Heritage School in Heritage Park. Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Discipleship classes for all ages at 11:15 a.m. Call 879-3021; www.steamboatfreechurch.com.SK8 CHURCHSk8 Church is a non-denominational church that provides multiple environments throughout the week for personal and community growth, but our main gathering is High School+ Older Sk8 Church at 6 p.m. Thursdays at 2851 Riverside Plaza No. 260. Visit steamboatsk8church.com or call 970-846-0635.NORTH ROUTT COMMUNITY CHURCH Meets at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at Moon Hill Schoolhouse.

HAYDEN HAYDEN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - UCC202 E. Jefferson Ave., Hayden, 276-3510. Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m. and youth group at 6 p.m.HAYDEN CHURCH OF CHRIST301 E. Jefferson, 276-7268. Sunday Worship 11 a.m.; Bible Study 10 a.m., Ladies Bible class 12:30 p.m.; and Evening Worship Service at 7 p.m. Wednesday Bible study at 7 p.m.MISSION OF GRACE BAPTIST CHURCHHarvest Dr. and Cactus Street. 276-3111. Sunday ser-vice, 10:30 a.m.; Sunday evening and special services as announced. PENTECOSTAL CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIAOpens its doors for the entire Latin community of Steamboat Springs. Located at 1698 Lincoln Ave. (one stop after Dream Island on the bus route). 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. 702-445-9736.

SOUTH ROUTTGRACE EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH WISCONSIN SYNODServices are held on the second Sundays of the month. Worship and Bible study at 6 p.m. Call 736-2491 or 638-4647.SOUTH ROUTT BIBLE CHURCHHighway 131 Oak Creek, 736-8422. Sunday worship, 9:30 a.m.; Prayer and share, 11 a.m. Wednesday; AWANA Youth Program 6 p.m.ST. MARTIN OF TOURS CATHOLIC CHURCHSharp and Williams, Oak Creek, 879-0671. Mass is at 11 a.m. Sundays.FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHYampa, 638-4622. Sun¬day 9:45 a.m. Sunday School; 11 a.m. morning worship; 7 p.m. evening worship. Wednesday service from 6 to 7:30 p.m.YAMPA BIBLE CHURCHSunday school 9:45 to 11 a.m.; Sunday morning wor-ship 11 a.m.; prayer meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. McCOY COMMUNITY CHURCH653-4302, McCoy. 9:30 a.m. Sunday school and Bible study. 10:30 a.m. Church services.

For changes to these Worship Listings, please call 871-4243 or email ltamucci@steamboatpilot.com

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S t e a m b o a twednesday

July 11, 2012Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 24, No. 165R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

todayPicture-perfect landing

john f. russell/staff

A flower in bloom provides the perfect place for a butterfly Monday afternoon in Steamboat Springs. This week’s forecast calls for sun and high temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s.

Matt StenslandSteamboat today

steamboat springs

Mandatory water restric-tions now are in place for the small South Routt communi-ty of Phippsburg, and nearby Yampa may follow suit.

The Phippsburg Water and Sanitation District announced the measures Monday, citing historically low flows in the

Yampa River combined with a long-term forecast that predicts continued drought conditions.

“The restrictions are neces-sary to ensure that adequate water is available to serve the domestic needs of Phippsburg residents this summer,” Routt County Department of Envi-ronmental Health Director Mike Zopf said in a news release announcing the restrictions. “As you know, Phippsburg’s water

supply is dependent on flows of the Yampa River. As the river drops, we will find it increas-ingly difficult to process enough water for all uses.”

The restrictions are similar to ones enacted for Steamboat Springs municipal water users two weeks ago. The Phippsburg restrictions include:

■ Homes and businesses with

Phippsburg enacts rules

®

FRee

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INSIDE: Cedar Knob Fire burns south of Maybell in Moffat County, may have been ignited by lightning • page 14

Chance of rain.

High of 86.

Page 24

■ weather ■ rIver reportYampa River flow TuesdayNoon 97 cfs11 p.m. 95 cfsaverage for this date 423 cfsHighest for this date 2,720 cfs, 2011Lowest for this date 11 cfs, 1934Streamflow reported in cubic feet per second at the Fifth Street bridge as provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.

See details on Page 2

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Tom RossSteamboat today

steamboat springs

The Routt County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday night defied an eleventh-hour admo-nition from the acting director of the Colorado Oil and Gas

Conservation Commission and approved an oil well permit with requirements for water-qual-ity monitor-ing, which the board deemed necessary to

protect 39 domestic water wells a mile away from the well in unin-corporated Milner.

“We’ve been told we have an oil and gas commission that is putting stringent requirements on oil and gas operations. It sim-ply is not true,” Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said. “Protect-ing our water quality is a local concern. The (Oil and Gas Com-mission) has not helped us protect the water (wells) of Milner, which is why we are having to do it.”

A little more than an hour before the hearing was set to begin at 5 p.m., the commission-ers received an email from Oil and Gas Commission Acting Director Thom Kerr urging them to not impose their own conditions of approval on Quicksilver Resourc-

Water restrictions in place; Yampa may follow suit

See water, page 3

at a glancePhippsburg Water and Sanitation District water restrictions■ Homes and businesses with odd-numbered street addresses can water their lawns and gardens on mondays, thursdays and Saturdays. Customers with even-numbered addresses can water on tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. No one is allowed to water Wednesdays.■ No outdoor watering of any kind between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.■ No vehicle washing at residences.■ No washing of hard surfaces such as driveways and parking areas.

Commissioners approve Quicksilver well permit

onlineRead the let-ter from the Colorado oil and Gas Conservation Commission with this story at Steamboattoday.com.

County defies state oil official

See permit, page 2

2 | Wednesday, July 11, 2012 STEAMBOAT TODAYLOCAL

es’ application for a permit to allow the company to drill an oil well on the Camilletti Ranch.

Kerr wrote that any plans to require Quicksilver to drill a well between the oil well pad and Milner to monitor groundwater quality would usurp his agency’s authority.

“I strongly encourage the county to refrain from attach-ing any technical conditions of approval to Quicksilver’s Camil-letti 21-10 permit, including such conditions pertaining to water sampling and monitoring,” Kerr wrote.

But Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush, plainly irritated with the timing of the email from Kerr, said the county has statu-tory authority over matters of land-use policy and a respon-sibility to its residents to pro-tect their health, welfare and the environment. She added that she thinks the Oil and Gas Commis-sion does not have an adequate number of inspectors to moni-tor thousands of oil wells across the state.

“The agency charged with pro-tecting our air and water qual-ity (in the context of oil and gas exploration) really doesn’t do it,” Mitsch Bush said.

Mitsch Bush said she thinks the county must take measures to protect domestic wells in Milner, about 11 miles west of Steamboat Springs, before any signs of con-tamination appear.

“What we are doing here is to build conditions that can miti-gate impacts before they hap-pen, including water quality,” she said. “Not after water wells in Milner are contaminated but before.”

Quicksilver has been through numerous and lengthy public hearings regarding the well at the county level, with one of them lasting until 12:45 a.m.

Quicksilver Senior Director

of Governmental and Commu-nity Affairs Steve Lindsey said after Tuesday’s meeting that his company would redress its objec-tion to Routt County’s water-monitoring condition with the Oil and Gas Commission and would consider taking it to the Attorney General’s office if nec-essary.

“Our goal from the begin-ning was to work in a collabor-ative way, but I think there’s a fundamental disagreement with the county on the conditions of approval,” Lindsey said. “We want to work within the proce-dures of the (Oil and Gas Com-mission) so that it is consistent from the state to local level.”

Lindsey and Kerr suggested that the assurances Routt County seeks for protecting groundwater are provided by the state’s over-sight of the proper cementing and casing of the well bore.

Lindsey said that once the well is pressurized, any leaks of drill-ing fluids, for example, would be readily apparent.

“The pressure is monitored, and you can identify any issue immediately,” he said.

Among the county commis-sioners, Kerr and Lindsey, there are differing interpretations about how the county has participated in the Oil and Gas Commission’s local government designee proce-dure, which calls for a representa-tive of the county — in Routt’s case, county planner Chris Brookshire — to inform the Oil and Gas Commission board in writing when the county wants to add conditions of approval to a state drilling permit.

After the Camilletti permit application was deemed com-plete at the state level Nov. 7, Brookshire submitted comments explaining that the county was concerned about contamination. She went on to assert that Quick-silver should develop monitor-ing systems to address those con-cerns, according to Kerr.

However, Kerr added that Routt County’s designee did not exercise its right to a hearing before the nine-member commis-sion to demand that Quicksil-ver be required to monitor water quality.

“Why didn’t they do that?” Lindsey asked rhetorically after the meeting.

Stahoviak said she looked up a Oil and Gas Commission assess-ment of the Camilletti well loca-tion in which Kerr indicated the Routt County local designee had not commented on the well, a statement that was inconsistent with his letter Tuesday.

“That really concerns me,” Stahoviak said.

In his letter, Kerr sounded equally concerned that the coun-ty’s decision to impose its own water-quality testing measures at the Camilletti well could interfere with his agency’s ability to carry out state policies on oil and gas exploration.

“The county’s imposition of a costly water-sampling plan will usurp the (Oil and Gas Com-mission’s) authority to minimize adverse impacts arising out of oil and gas development, will bypass the (Oil and Gas Commission’s) permitting regime and relat-ed safeguards, and will impede the state policy ‘to encourage, by every appropriate means, the full development of the state’s nat-ural resources to the benefit of all of the citizens of Colorado,’” as required by state statute, Kerr wrote.

To reach Tom Ross, call 970-871-4205 or email tross@SteamboatToday.com

Permit continued from 1

Kerr: Well requirement usurps authority

OIL AND GASISSUES IN ROUTT COUNTY

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When Routt Coun-ty Environmen-tal Health Direc-

tor Mike Zopf arrived at an active oil well north of

Hayden last month with a team of inspectors, he found the air around the site to be

crystal clear. That was until he peered

through a special camera.“At first, we thought it was

a very clean site. But when we looked through the view-finder of an infrared camera, we could see venting at points we didn’t expect,” Zopf said as he described how the lens revealed streaks of emissions from oil tanks and from the flare on top of the well. The tool was being used by an inspection team with the Col-orado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“At a different visual opti-cal range, you can really see the emissions,” Zopf said.

Since 1971, air in Steam-boat Springs constantly has been screened for small par-ticulates that originate from such sources as wood-burn-ing fireplaces, stoves and street sweepers. But emis-sions that originate from oil and gas wells in Routt Coun-

ty remain largely invisible and unmeasured.

As they anticipate a potential boom in oil and gas production, Zopf and

the Routt County Board of Commissioners hope that soon will change.

“We want to establish a baseline,” Zopf said. “We want transparency, and we want people to know what the current (air qual-ity) conditions are and what the trends are. The intent here is to welcome reason-able oil and gas development that does not create adverse effects to our environment.”

A regional snapshotTo establish a baseline of

air quality in Routt County, Zopf and the commissioners are looking to install air moni-tors in western Routt County and on top of the courthouse in downtown Steamboat Springs. The devices would detect ozone, a byproduct of some oil and gas emissions.

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EVENTS RIVER REPORTYampa River flow SaturdayNoon 1,260 cfs11 p.m. 1,530 cfsAverage for this date 1,210 cfsHighest for this date 2,650 cfs, 1920Lowest for this date 317 cfs, 1944Streamflow reported in cubic feet per second at Fifth Street.

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PILOT TODAYSteamboat

boys lacrosse notches 1st playoff win in team historySPORTS 9A

In the same minute that I read Thursday’s news release announcing Independence

Pass would open a couple of weeks early on May 11, I had a

flashback to one of my favor-ite Nitty Gritty Dirt Band songs, “Sarah in the Sum-mer.”

For-mer Dirt Band mem-ber Jimmy Ibbotson

wrote the song, and I always thought it was one of the most romantic lyrics I ever had heard.

The song describes a musi-cian (Ibbotson, I guess), com-ing off the road in Denver and making a beeline for his home in Aspen and the girl he loves. And if he was lucky, Independence Pass, representing a shortcut to Aspen, had shed its snow and was open for the season.

The key verse goes like this:

“I’ve driven this road as a stranger

I’ve driven this road as a friendI’ve driven this road as a slack-

jawed touristAnd I’m drivin’ on it once

againIt might be cold and long and

lonelyBut she’s waiting on the other

sideAnd I’m an hour closer to

Sarah in the summerAnd joyfully I ride.”

So, here’s the deal with Inde-pendence Pass. Aspen is at the end of a dead-end road, Colora-do Highway 82, all winter when the road over the 12,095-foot pass is closed. That means it’s possible to travel to Aspen much faster in summer when it’s possi-ble to go over the pass from the Arkansas Valley.

Most years, Independence Pass isn’t cleared of snow and ready to drive until the Thursday before Memorial Day, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. This year, that would have been May 24.

Opening the pass this year is no big deal. The CDOT news release sources the Colorado Avalanche Information Center as reporting that snowpack on Independence this year is zero percent of average.

Last year, the snowpack on the pass was 452 percent of aver-age in late May, and CDOT employees worked overtime to get the pass open before Memo-rial Day.

You might recall that the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band played a couple of notable free concerts at Howelsen Hill in the past 15 years, and the band has a full touring schedule this spring and summer. However, band photos seem to confirm Ibbotson still is missing from one of Colorado’s favorite country bluegrass bands.

No matter — I’ll always have a soft spot for Ibby’s Nitty Ditty about Sarah and Independence Pass in the summer.

A Nitty Gritty ditty

Tom RossPILOT & TODAY

MATT STENSLAND/STAFF

The Belton family saw a rarity at the ranch they lease along Routt County Road 129 when their 9-year-old Angus Hereford cross cow gave birth to two heifers and a bull April 22.

Matt StenslandSTEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Warm and dry weather has resulted in an uneventful cattle calving season in Routt Coun-ty with the exception of one, or rather three, surprises.

“First, we saw two, and we came back five minutes later, and there were three of them,” North Routt County fifth-gen-eration rancher Matt Belton said Wednesday. “Holy cow. It was cool.”

Their 9-year-old Angus Her-eford cross cow had given birth to two heifers and lastly a bull, which was a little smaller and

weaker than his sisters.“She had them all on her

own,” Belton said. “No trouble at all.”

What was even more unusu-al about the April 22 birth is

that all of the calves got up and started feeding.

“She took all three right away,” Belton said.

Sometimes, the mother will just walk away, not knowing that she has left a baby behind.

“They can’t count, I guess,” Belton said. “She’s a good mother.”

The odds of triplet calves being born has been reported as one in 100,000.

“I’ve heard of it, but it’s very infrequent,” said Lee Meyring, a veterinarian at Steamboat Vet-erinary Hospital.

Meyring, who cares for the

Triplets born to North Routt heiferWeather makes calving season easy on ranchers

▲

VIDEO ONLINEWatch North Routt rancher Matt Belton talk about

the cattle calving season this spring in a video with this story at SteamboatToday.com.

See Calving, page 5A

Officials study air qualityMonitors to keep eye on conditions near oil, gas development sites

SCOTT FRANZ/STAFF

Routt County Environmental Health specialist Jason Striker changes out the filter in an air quality monitor Thursday on top of the Routt County Courthouse in downtown Steamboat Springs. County commissioners are planning to add sensors on the roof and in western Routt County capable of detecting oil and gas emissions.

STORY BY SCOTT FRANZ

SUNDAYFOCUS

OIL AND GASISSUES IN ROUTT COUNTY

Ivan MorenoTHE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DENVER

A bill to allow civil unions for gay couples in Colorado must survive two more votes in the Republican-led House before it gets to the governor’s desk, but it appears closer than in any other year to becoming law.

If the legislation passes, Col-orado would join more than a dozen states that allow gay mar-riage or civil unions. Hawaii and Delaware began allowing civil unions earlier this year.

The measure does not allow gay marriage but does grant gay couples rights similar to mar-riage, including enhanced inher-itance and parental rights and the ability to be involved in a partner’s medical decisions.

So far, Colorado Democrats have been able to advance the bill past two Republican-led House committees. The finance committee approved the mea-sure with a 7-6 vote Friday after the bill passed the House judi-ciary committee late Thursday.

Rep. Don Beezley was the only Republican to support the measure on the finance panel.

“For me, it really came down to that basic issue of fairness and doing the right thing,” Bee-zley said, echoing a similar com-ment made by Republican Rep. B.J. Nikkel, who joined Demo-crats on the judiciary committee in approving the measure.

The bill now goes before the appropriations committee. Dem-ocrats on that panel unanimous-ly support the bill and need at least one Republican to vote yes for it to go to the full House.

Republican Rep. Cheri Gerou, a member of the appro-priations committee, previously said she supports the measure.

Republicans have a 33-32 vote advantage in the House. But given the committee votes, where Republicans joined Democrats, the bill could have

State bill on civil unions advances

NICOLE INGLIS/STAFF

North Routt resident and candidate forum organizer BJ Vale raises her hand on Saturday at the North Routt Candidate Forum to ask a question of Jessica Garrow, a candidate for 3rd Congressional District CU regent.

Candidates travel to North Routt forum

See Civil unions, page 5A

Nicole InglisSTEAMBOAT PILOT & TODAY

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

The atrium of the North Routt Charter School was sun-lit Saturday afternoon, illumi-nating the smooth surfaces of the beetle-killed pinewood that trims the new facility.

The new building is a point of pride in the North Routt community and was the set-

ting Saturday for candidates of local and state political offices to meet with residents and to discuss issues ranging from the economy to natural resources.

BJ Vale, who has organized

See Air quality, page 12A

See Forum, page 5A

ELECTION2012For more, visit SteamboatToday.com/election

PILOT TODAYSteamboat

boys lacrosse notches 1st playoff win in team historySPORTS

12A | Steamboat Pilot &Today • Sunday, May 6, 2012 local

Sitting in his downtown office Thursday, Zopf said the sites won’t be able to pinpoint the exact source of the emissions they pick up (there are many urban sources that contribute to the production of ozone), but the readings will give the county a chance to better understand the oil and gas indus-try’s effect on local air quality.

“With only about 40 wells here, we would just be establish-ing a database and a baseline,” Zopf said. “When we get these ozone monitors, I don’t antici-pate us seeing a spike (in the gas) that would require an immediate reaction.”

When emissions that con-tain volatile organic compounds are emitted from an oil well, the combination of sunlight and heat can convert the compounds into ozone, a colorless toxic gas.

Up in the atmosphere, ozone is beneficial, Zopf said, but near the ground, it’s a respiratory irri-tant. He said a spike in the gas in rural areas can be attributed to an increase of oil and gas emissions.

“While ozone is trending down nationally, it’s actually trending up in some rural areas,” Zopf said. “We’re seeing it increase in these rural areas most likely as a result of oil and gas, and that’s a real concern.”

The invisible gas also is expen-sive to find and track.

Based on his initial research, Zopf said each ozone monitoring site would cost $70,000 to install and another $35,000 annually to monitor and maintain. County commissioners have asked the Colorado Oil and Gas Conser-vation Commission, which regu-lates the energy industry, to fund the sites, but they haven’t heard whether the commission will pitch in.

“We’re not waiting on them,” Commissioner Nancy Stahovi-ak said Thursday. “We all feel this is a pretty important issue and maybe something that Routt County will have to fund itself.”

Zopf said commissioners also have mentioned the possibility of using infrared cameras to inspect sites and as educational tools for operators. Some local operators already use the technology to spot leaks.

But Zopf said a majority of wells in Routt County and Col-orado are not regularly tested for emissions, which are estimat-ed during the permitting process based on a well’s production level. The higher the estimated emis-sions, the more steps an opera-tor must take to mitigate them, he said.

Looking westAir pollutants don’t stop at

county lines or political borders, and commissioners in Routt County specifically are looking west at Moffat County, where oil production is busier, and wonder-ing what emissions are making their way across the border.

“It’s important to identify the sources coming into our coun-ty,” Stahoviak said, noting the combination of the sites in west-ern Routt County and Steamboat Springs could help the county take comprehensive snapshots of its regional air quality. “Our bor-ders with Moffat and Rio Blan-co are long, so we’ll need to fig-ure out the best place to put” an ozone monitor.

Stahoviak said Zopf is work-ing to hire a consultant who would work with the county to figure out where to place the equipment.

Meanwhile, Garfield County installed its second ozone moni-tor. The county, which is rich in oil and gas production, has sensors in Rifle and Carbondale. Environmental Health Manager Jim Rada said ozone has been measured since 2008 and is giving his department a sense of its nor-mal and seasonal behavior.

“It really brings attention to air quality,” he said about the sites. “We continue to watch the data year in and year out and compare it against the standards

to make sure we’re in compliance. There are lots of pollution sourc-es and lots of emission sources, but relatively speaking, we still have clean air.”

Rada said that since Gar-field County started monitoring ozone, it had seen some areas exceed acceptable levels of the gas in early 2008, but he attrib-uted that spike to an active wild-fire season.

Costly to cleanWhile Garfield County moves

forward with its own ozone moni-toring equipment, Zopf is think-ing back to 1993, when Steam-boat started an aggressive cam-paign to improve the quality of its air, which was threatened by particulate matter.

“The community spent well over a million dollars convert-ing wood-burning fireplaces and stoves into gas,” he said. “We did a complete emissions inventory and tried to identify all of the sources that were contributing to the problem.”

Air filters were sent to a lab at the University of Nevada, and particles were traced back to fire-places, restaurant grills, street sanding and the Hayden Sta-tion power plant. Then, the com-munity worked to reduce those emissions. Zopf said that cam-paign serves as a reminder of how important air quality is in Steam-boat and how costly it can be to bring it back from the brink.

“We have experience with being designated as a non-attain-ment area, and so the community spent a lot of money to come into compliance not only to improve public health and visibility but to avoid the regulatory pitfalls of noncompliance,” Zopf said. “When we talk about oil and gas, we’re simply trying to draw the industry into using the best avail-able control technology to mini-mize the impact of developing this resource because we don’t want to get to the point where there are adverse impacts to pub-lic safety and welfare.”

Air quality continued from 1A

Ozone ‘trending up in some rural areas’

ARIES(March21-April19):Take your time on the 6th. Think matters through and make a good decision that will bring solid practical results. Insti-gate change on the 7th and 8th. Visiting a place you’ve never been before or meeting new associates will help you further your educational or professional goals. Love is magnified. Share your intentions and make a promise. Focus on accomplish-ment on the 9th and 10th. It’s important to do the work expected of you before asking for a contract or commitment from some-one. Engage in something you enjoy do-ing on the 11th and 12th, but don’t get left picking up the tab. Your generosity will lead to undue stress and resentment. Stick to your budget. TAURUS(April20-May20):A stub-born attitude or making a big deal out of something will lead to a standoff on the 6th. Don’t ruin a good thing. On the 7th and 8th, take a closer look at your per-sonal papers and any health concerns you have. Resolving financial or medical mat-ters early will help to cut any down time or losses that might develop. You’ll have great social skills on the 9th and 10th. Share your ideas, and you will drum up interest in a project that you want to get up and running. Travel is highlighted. An emotional matter that arises on the 11th and 12th must not interfere with a job that needs to be finished. Set your priorities and stick to your schedule. GEMINI(May21-June20):Pay closer attention to what your peers, col-leagues and medical or financial advisors are saying on the 6th. The information will help you make an important decision. Mixed emotions will lead to questioning and a better relationship with the people you interact with daily on the 7th and 8th. Sort out your money situation on the 9th and 10th, and you will know where you stand with regard to improving your cur-rent lifestyle. Home improvement projects will pay off. On the 11th and 12th, you can improve your reputation and your sta-tus if you contribute a little extra to a job or project you are working on. Detail will make a difference to the outcome. CANCER(June21-July22):On the, 6th get involved in something that’s mean-ingful. Helping a friend or protecting the environment will be gratifying. Don’t let the changes going on around you on the 7th and 8th cause confusion. Do your best to finish what you start, and avoid com-plaints or criticism. On the 9th and 10th, emotional situations are likely to deterio-rate if you aren’t negotiable, compromis-ing or willing to consider doing things dif-ferently. Go over personal papers on the 11th and 12th, and look at your options regarding your overhead and cutting costs. You will be granted a favor if you are blunt and willing to ask. LEO(July23-Aug.22):Avoid be-ing talked into something that you really

don’t want to do on the 6th. Expect to face emotional problems that stem from some-one’s overindulgence or overreaction. Get involved in activities that challenge you on the 7th and 8th. Mental and physical stimulation will lead to new beginnings. A change of pace as well as surroundings will do you good. Put more emphasis on work and earning a living on the 9th and 10th, and you will advance. Less time spent making excuses and more time spent getting as much accomplished as possible will lead to victory. Excess and boasting will be the enemy on the 11th and 12th. Size up your situation and incorporate moderation. VIRGO(Aug.23-Sept.22):Discover new places or interests that will help you learn and expand your horizons on the 6th. Interacting with friends, relatives or people in your community will be enlight-ening. Don’t let love get you down on the 7th and 8th. You may want to keep your distance from someone who has the ability to cause you grief. Don’t jump to conclu-sions. You’ll have all the right moves on the 9th and 10th. Get out and join in activ-ities that will help you get ahead, and net-work as much as possible. Someone from your past will have an interesting proposal on the 11th and 12th. Listen carefully, and you will be able to use the information you receive to get ahead. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Look over your past financial records on the 6th, and you will realize there is a better way to handle your money in the future. On the 7th and 8th, an opportunity to take an in-vestment or size down your overhead is likely to develop if you talk to someone well informed financially. Consider mak-ing a move to a more affordable area of town. Someone will offer you good advice that will give you greater hope for the fu-ture on the 9th and 10th. Changes to the way you live will ease your stress. You deserve a break on the 11th and 12th. Get involved in something you find relaxing, enjoyable and conducive to romance and boosting your confidence. SCORPIO(Oct.23-Nov.21):Let things unfold naturally on the 6th, and you will find everything will fall into place. A little creative input coupled with com-promise will lead to a workable partner-ship that has the potential to bring high rewards. Don’t let your emotions lead to overspending or making promises that will be difficult to keep on the 7th and 8th. Have fun, but don’t feel obligated to pay for others. On the 9th and 10th, greater op-portunity will be yours if you discuss your plans with someone you feel has some-thing to contribute. Too much of anything will lead to trouble on the 11th and 12th. Keep things simple and cost efficient, and you will not end up feeling stressed or in-debted to anyone. SAGITTARIUS(Nov.22-Dec.21):You’ll be impulsive, impatient and emo-

tional on the 6th. Evaluate your situation and make a point to do what’s in your best interest. Present, promote and be ready to take on any opposition you face on the 7th and 8th. Taking action will allow you to control your situation before someone else steps in and takes over. On the 9th and 10th, you’ll recognize what needs to be done in order to get ahead. Use your ex-pertise to replace what’s faulty or missing, and you will impress someone of influ-ence. If you focus on a personal relation-ship, you can change your life on the 11th and 12th. Lay out your plans for the future and what you have to offer emotionally and financially. CAPRICORN(Dec.22-Jan.19): Make changes at home or to your invest-ments on the 6th, and you will save mon-ey. Listen to what others have to say on the 7th and 8th, and you will discover a way to capitalize. Making alterations to your residence will bring added comfort and pleasure. Good fortune is heading your direction. On the 9th and 10th, an op-portunity to cut your costs or make money will develop if you discuss your options with someone in a position to share infor-mation. Act fast and you’ll get ahead. A short trip on the 11th and 12th will allow you to look at more options or find out firsthand how you can turn a little some-thing into a lot. AQUARIUS(Jan.20-Feb.18):On the 6th, don’t make a move that you haven’t thought through thoroughly. Someone is likely to offer you an empty promise that will lead you astray. On the 7th and 8th, look into a job prospect that will allow you to utilize your skills. There is money to be made, which will allow you greater security, ease your stress and open doors. Someone from your past will help you make a connection on the 9th and 10th. An old debt will be paid back and a friendship from the past reunited. Show emotion on the 11th and 12th, and you will have the privilege of knowing where you stand and how you can move forward. PISCES(Feb.19-March20):On the 6th, take an idea you have and explore the possibility of turning it into a lucra-tive venture. Don’t let anyone take advan-tage of you on the 7th and 8th. Emotional blackmail must not be allowed to manipu-late you into something you don’t want to do. Protect your physical and financial well-being. On the 9th and 10th, get in-volved in an event or activity that will al-low you to expand your awareness and find out information that will help you di-versify what you have to offer. Love and romance are in the stars on the 11th and 12th. You can make a commitment that will enable you to plan for the future, save more money and alter the way you are currently living your life.

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Weekly HoroscopeEUGENIA LAST

Universal Press syndicate

Written by John TomerlinIllustrAted by mIchAel lAcApA

CHAPTER SEVENTEENstOry sO FAr: Jamie and salia have spent another night beside the travertine falls. A family of bighorn sheep leads them to a trail across the cliff face. meantime, their fathers prepare to launch a boat.

The TrailThe men carried the boat to

the river’s edge, the captain and Trooper Albert on one side, Nila and Siyuja on the other. The supply of rope had been divid-ed into two sections, the longer of the two attached to the boat’s stern, the shorter to its prow.

Albert and Siyuja would remain on shore to begin with, paying out rope as the boat entered the rapids; Manakita and the captain would go along the bank, holding onto the bow rope while Nila rode inside the boat, using a long pole to fend off boulders.

At first all went well, the boat nosing out into the cur-rent, catching the swell at the side of the first boulder, then sweeping down into the trough beyond it. Then everything went wrong.

The power of the river was too great to control. It seized the small craft as though in a giant fist, dragging it and the men holding the ropes down into the next trough, then up on a foam-ing crest of water, then over the tops of barely submerged rocks — and down again. Soon every-one was tangled in the ropes, struggling to stay afloat, and fighting to keep their small craft from escaping downriver.

Had the rapids gone on lon-ger or been slightly more vio-lent, all would have been lost. But just as the boat was about to capsize, Nila and the rope holders with it, the river released

them. Finding themselves in calmer water, the crew climbed on board, one by one.

“Stay close to the bank,” the Speaker gasped as the other men began to paddle. “And beware of the next rapids!”

***

They had traced the sheep’s hoof prints to a ledge leading across the cliff face. The trail, such as it was, seemed impos-sibly narrow. “We’ll never get across here,” Jamie told Salia, who was looking weaker than ever. “We might as well go back.”

Salia shook her head. “Go on. I will follow.”

Jamie hesitated. “You’re sure you can make it?”

“Yes,” she said firmly. “I am sure.”

The thought of climbing across the nearly vertical rock face, far above the river, scared Jamie as much as any danger he and Salia had faced so far. He no longer knew if he opposed the idea for her sake or for his own.

“All right, then,” he finally said, making up his mind. “Let’s go.”

Jamie set off first to make sure of the footing. Bighorn sheep were incredibly good climbers; but where they could go, people could, too. At least, he hoped this was true.

They climbed out of the smaller canyon and soon were clinging to the cliff face, moving out above the river. Jamie inched ahead, arms outstretched, glanc-ing downward only to pick the next spot to put his foot. He avoided looking down any far-ther, knowing he could become dizzy.

They’d gone only a short dis-tance before the ledge they were walking on gave way to small

spurs of rock just large enough to step on. “You okay?” Jamie called over his shoulder, not dar-ing to turn his head all the way for fear of losing his balance.

“Yes. Oh-kay.”He found another outcrop-

ping of stone and placed his foot on it; he thought he felt it give slightly, looked down, and saw that he’d almost stepped in the wrong place. The next solid rock was a few inches lower. He moved his foot to it and shift-ed his weight, set to take anoth-er step. Then he stopped. There was no other step.

He couldn’t believe it. The trail couldn’t simply end here. Sheep could climb, but they couldn’t fly — they must have gone somewhere!

Then Jamie saw where the trail began again. Another ledge protruded from the rock. And it was just wide enough to walk on. There was only one prob-lem. The ledge began slightly higher than the last step he’d taken — about knee level — an easy jump for a sheep, but impossible for a human.

“What’s wrong?” Salia asked.“I’m stuck!” Jamie admitted.

“I think we’re going to have to go back.”

She didn’t respond at once. “I can’t!” she said in a softer voice.

“We’ve got to. I can’t go any farther this way!”

“I ... don’t think ... I can turn!”

Jamie understood, what she was saying. Barely able, now, to cling to the face of the rock, they couldn’t turn around to see their way back down. They were trapped.

Jamie was wondering how much longer they could stand without falling when he heard voices. Someone was calling their names!

(To be continued)

Text copyright © 2002 John Tomerlin; Illustrations copyright © 2002 Michael Lacapa; Reprinted by permission of Breakfast Serials, Inc., www.breakfastserials.com

The Valley of no ReturnHavasu Canyon, an Ari-

zona branch of the Grand Canyon, is famed for its natu-ral beauty. However, it is less well-known that floods occa-sionally rampage through on their way to the Colorado River.

Two young people set out one afternoon in fall 1909 to visit Dead Man’s Falls north of the Supai Village. A prank played on them by a young member of the Havasupais Indian tribe becomes potentially lethal when a flash flood cuts off their return.

For the next several days the pair must endure cold and hunger while attempting to make their way to safety; the situation grows yet more deadly when they discover they are being stalked by a hungry mountain lion.

This is a story of two young people from diverse backgrounds and of the les-sons learned as they struggle for survival.

Teachers’ guideVocabularystern n. after part of a shipcapsize v. overturnvertical adj. straight upopposed v. to be against somethingfooting n. ground to stand onprotruded v. stuck out

Questions1. look up the word portage in the dictionary. explain how the Indians and captain merriman “portage” the boat along the rapids. Why was this neces-sary?2. Was the first rapids traveled suc-cessfully? explain.3. can people go where bighorn sheep can go?4. If the youngsters are trapped on the ledge, how can rescuers save them?

a breakfast serials story: The Valley of no Return

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Tom RossPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

There was no answer to the question of the night at the Routt County Courthouse on Thursday, but that’s the nature of wildcat drilling for oil and gas.

About 30 people took their seats in the Commissioners Hearing Room to hear a pre-sentation from David Neslin, director of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Com-mission, about the state’s reg-ulations of exploratory oil drilling. Based on a show of

hands, about 12 of those peo-ple were representing the ener-gy industry.

It was Steve Aigner, of the Community Alliance of the Yampa Valley, who finally asked the question on every-one’s mind.

“I don’t have any idea how many drilling permits we expect to have put in front of

us in the next 12 months to a year and a half,” Aigner told county officials. “Can anyone tell me?”

Chris Brookshire, the coun-ty planner who analyzes appli-cations for oil and gas drill-ing permits, said interest has definitely picked up in 2011 compared with 2010, but it’s difficult to predict how much of that interest will turn into drilling rigs.

“I do have a lot of conver-sations going on with a lot of people about sites they are considering,” Brookshire said. “But I don’t know how many will turn into permit applica-

tions. I do have four applica-tions on my desk right now.”

Interest in energy explora-tion in Routt County has been growing since February 2010, when a well drilled into the Niobrara shale beneath Weld County just south of the Wyo-ming border began producing 1,000 barrels of light sweet crude in its first day of opera-tion and continued producing.

The Niobrara shale layer extends west under the Rocky Mountains to Routt Coun-ty, where it is within reach of drilling rigs about 6,000 feet

County meeting explores oil and gas development issues, concerns

Sara BurnettTHE DENVER POST

DENVER

Part-time Steamboat Springs resident and developer Brooks Kellogg was sentenced to six years in prison Thursday for hiring someone to kill a former business

partner, a crime the judge said was about “greed with a capital G.”

Kellogg, 72, also was ordered to pay a $100,000 fine.

The U.S. pro-bation department

had recommended a fine of $15,000, based on financial doc-uments Kellogg submitted to the court that showed he had no income and that he is about $38 million in debt. But U.S. District Judge Christine Arguello said she didn’t think Kellogg was accu-rately reporting his assets.

Kellogg was arrested in Octo-ber after FBI agents said he flew to Denver and paid an undercov-er agent he thought was a hit man $2,000 to kill Steven Bunyard. Kellogg owed Bunyard $2.5 mil-lion as part of a legal settlement over Chadwick Estates, a Steam-boat development.

Bunyard told Arguello today that the threat on his life had been deeply disturbing to him and his family. He described Kellogg as a bully who had made previous threats against him.

“This is essentially a sociopath driven by power, driven by greed, and is as arrogant as any man I’ve ever encountered,” he said.

S T E A M B O A TFRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 2, 2011Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 23, No. 210

SteamboatToday.com R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

TODAY

JOHN F. RUSSELL/FILE

Oil extraction equipment is silhouetted on a ridge line that runs alongside U.S. Highway 40 just outside of Milner in western Routt County in 2008. Interest in energy exploration in Routt County has been growing since February 2010, when a well drilled into the Niobrara shale beneath Weld County just south of the Wyoming border began producing 1,000 barrels of light sweet crude in its first day of operation.

Answers locked in shale

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Kellogg gets 6 years in prison

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2 | Friday, September 2, 2011 STEAMBOAT TODAYLOCAL

beneath the surface. The inter-est in drilling here first came to light as landmen for oil com-panies appeared in numbers at the county Assessor’s Office to search for detached energy and mineral rights where the surface owners no longer con-trolled the riches that might lie beneath them.

“We may not see a growth in energy exploration,” Com-missioner Diane Mitsch Bush said Thursday night. “On the other hand, we know from other areas the Niobrara may produce and it may produce a lot. So it’s important that our regulations cover the interests of the community. I think it’s really important to learn from the other counties, from the state and other people with experience so we can build on those, leading to balanced oil and gas regulations in our county.”

Neslin told the gathering that oil exploration in Routt County goes back to the 1930s, but local oil and gas produc-tion represents a small fraction of Colorado’s total.

“Oil and gas production here is a relatively small but important part of the state’s overall production,” Neslin said. “Historically, 380 wells

(were) permitted in Routt County, most of which were never drilled or abandoned or plugged. There are current-ly 28 producing wells in the county with seven more per-mitted but not drilled and two pending.”

The oil and gas produced in Routt County annually rep-resent less than 1 percent of the state’s hydrocarbon energy production, he added.

Neslin took an hour to give a detailed overview of how his agency processes drilling appli-cations and inspects operations in the field. He paid particu-lar attention to the subject of hydraulic fracturing, common-ly referred to as fracking.

“Hydraulic fracturing is vir-tually ubiquitous of oil and gas drilling today. If they were not using (fracking), most (wells) would not be economi-cally practical to drill,” Neslin said. “High pressure injection of fluid and sand with (pro-portionately small amounts of chemicals) into the formation, releasing the natural gas or oil and improving the productiv-ity and ultimately the recovery from that well.”

Steamboat Springs water advocate Ken Brenner told Thursday’s gathering that dur-ing a recent statewide water con-ference a spokeswoman for the

Colorado Oil and Gas Associa-tion said vertically drilled wells typically use 1 million gallons of water and wells drilled hori-zontally use as much as 5 mil-lion gallons.

Actual consumption varies with the percentage of frack-ing fluid that is recycled, he said.

Sasha Nelson, a Steamboat native and representative of the Colorado Environmental Coalition, praised the coun-ty for launching a public dis-cussion of energy exploration early in the game but urged local officials to broaden the sources it relies upon for infor-mation about the regulatory environment.

By adopting strong regula-tions, Nelson said, the county isn’t necessarily putting undo constraints on the oil and gas industry. In many cases, strong regulations reward good cor-porate citizens like Quicksil-ver, which is currently drilling on Wolf Mountain, for their efforts and helping them to remain competitive.

Steamboat Springs attorney John Vanderbloemen asked the county for clarity on how it protects the rights of pri-vate property owners adjacent to oil drilling rigs on federal lands like those managed by the Bureau of Land Manage-ment.

County Planner Chad Phil-lips said he and Brookshire had analyzed BLM drilling regulations and determined they are consistent with the county’s.

To reach Tom Ross, call 970-871-4205 or email tross@SteamboatToday.com

Oil continued from 1

Planner: Regulations consistent with county

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october 18, 2011Steamboat Springs, colorado

Vol. 23, No. 249R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

todaySkating buddies

John F. Russell/staFF

Wyatt Graves rides his skateboard down a ramp at the Howelsen Hill Skateboard Park on Monday afternoon while his skating buddy, Rowan Turek, waits for his turn. The two 5-year-olds took advantage of a slight break in Monday’s cool, wet weather.

Tom RossPILOT & TODAY STAFF

steaMBoat sPRInGs

A riled up Routt County Board of Commissioners could hardly wait until today’s sched-uled public hearing to send Shell Oil back to the drawing board.

The commissioners expressed

their dismay Monday afternoon that information they sought more than a month ago to help them protect county roads in the vicinity of a proposed explor-atory oil well has not been pro-duced.

“We’ll begin the meeting by saying, ‘We’re really sorry, but we don’t have the information

we requested in order to pro-ceed,’” Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said. “Why should we encourage bad behavior? This shows a total lack of respect for the county and the Board of County Commissioners. We’re not going to start permitting drilling this way. It’s a bad prac-tice. A bad practice. This sub-

mittal is not completed.”Shell Oil is scheduled to

appear before the commission-ers this afternoon to make a second request for a special use permit to enable it to drill a well known as Dawson Creek about two miles south of Yampa Val-

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Jack WeinsteinPILOT & TODAY STAFF

steaMBoat sPRInGs

Ghost Ranch Saloon co-owner Amy Garris describes the three months since Steam-boat Springs’ new noise ordi-nance took effect as “pretty

uneventful.”Garris said

her downtown bar and enter-tainment venue has received a couple of c o m p l a i n t s about outside noise made by patrons, but not about the

music coming from inside. Garris said she’s heard similar reports from owners of other establish-ments.

She was among the most vocal opponents of the new noise ordinance that the Steam-boat Springs City Council approved July 19. City Council members will hear an update about it tonight.

At the time, some bar and restaurant owners like Garris questioned whether they’d be able to comply with the pro-posed ordinance that limited noise in commercial areas to 60 decibels during nighttime hours.

That hasn’t been the case.“Anything that has come up

Ordinance is ‘uneventful’ for business owners

Noise rule not an issue

If you goWhat: Steamboat Springs City Council meetingWhen: 5:30 p.m. todayWhere: Citizens’ Meeting Room at Centennial Hall, 124 10th St.

See noise, page 3

Commissioners insist Shell Oil protect roads

County draws a line

See shell, page 2

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ley Regional Airport. The com-missioners previously tabled the permit Sept. 13 because of a lack of information about the protec-tion of wildlife, surface water and air quality and impact to local roads.

Michael Bergstrom, Shell Oil’s senior regulatory advis-er in Northwest Colorado, who spoke at the September hearing in Steamboat Springs, referred a request for a response to an associate based on the Western Slope. Her answering machine referred reporters to Shell Oil’s media desk.

During a Monday afternoon briefing with Planning Director Chad Phillips and county plan-ner Chris Brookshire, the com-missioners expressed amaze-ment that Shell Oil officials, who had been eager to begin devel-oping the well pad in mid-Sep-tember, had not been more dili-gent. They had asked Shell Oil to provide detailed information about the number of truck trips and the axle weight of the trucks that would deliver heavy drill-ing rigs to the site. They directed Shell to provide Road and Bridge Department Director Paul Drap-er with the information so he could relay it to a consultant working on the permit applica-tion. They also asked Shell to work with the Colorado Depart-ment of Transportation on the route the trucks would take to U.S. Highway 40 in Hayden.

“They haven’t even made a phone call to CDOT,” Commis-

sioner Diane Mitsch Bush said Monday. “I find that absolutely shocking. I think that we made it quite clear to Shell Oil on Sept. 13 what we needed.”

County Attorney John Mer-rill said that in addition to infor-mation about the nature of truck trips, the county needs cost esti-mates of necessary road improve-ments, a reimbursement agree-ment and arrangements for col-lateral to protect the county from any damage to roads.

Brookshire said she had been in touch with Shell officials last week and they submitted a writ-ten response outlining their stance on a variety of conditions the county is placing on approval of the special use permit. They range from measures to protect wildlife to surface water and air pollution monitoring.

In some cases, including ground water monitoring, Shell officials termed the county con-ditions redundant and asked the county to replace its language with requirements already put in place by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

Stahoviak said she would not entertain issuing a permit to Shell Oil until she’s reassured county roads are protected.

“I’m drawing the line, right here, right now,” she said.

Shell continued from 1

Shell missed road deadlineIf you goWhat: Drilling permit request from Shell OilWhen: 3:30 to 5 p.m. todayWhere: Commissioners Hearing Room in the Routt County Courthouse, 522 Lincoln Ave.

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S T E A M B O A TTHURSDAY

OCTOBER 27, 2011Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 23, No. 257R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

TODAY

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

Routt County Road and Bridge Department Director Paul Draper walks past equipment with Brad Benton, a supervisor with GasFrac Energy Services, during a tour of an oil platform Wednesday afternoon on Wolf Mountain. Watch a video with this story at SteamboatToday.com.

Tom RossPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Crews from Quicksilver Resources and the Canadian firm GasFrac Energy Services were preparing the fourth and final phase Wednesday of fracking an oil well on a sagebrush-cov-ered hillside overlooking Morgan

Bottoms along the Yampa River east of Hayden. And no water was being used in the process.

The fracking operations are

intended to stimulate the Nio-brara shale more than 8,000 feet beneath the surface and coax out the oil it is thought to contain.

“You have to liberate the hydrocarbons from the rocks,” Quicksilver Senior Director of Government and Communi-ty Affairs Stephen Lindsey said. The fracking fluid is made slip-pery to reduce friction and allow

the oil to flow out of the rock.Lindsey, who traveled to Col-

orado from Fort Worth, Texas, this week, led a tour of the oil pad for Routt County officials Wednesday.

The end of fracking signi-fies a milestone in the course of developing the Pirtlaw well on

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Quicksilver completing process on Wolf Mountain

Fracking without water

Scott FranzPILOT & TODAY STAFF

HAYDEN

As he prepared to leave an oil and gas workshop held at Hayden Public Library on Wednesday night, John Shaw said he was better prepared to protect his land if energy exploration in Routt County approaches his front door.

“I have a better sense of the direction I need to take as a sur-face owner to protect my rights,” he said after the meeting that focused on a landowner’s rights in oil- and gas-related leases. “There’s no question we need oil and gas. But as landowners, we need to know what our rights really are.”

Shaw arrived at the workshop convinced that he did not own the mineral rights beneath the 1,200 acres he owns just north of Hayden. But other landown-ers who attended the workshop, which was put on by Colora-do Northwestern Community College, convinced him that he should do some more digging at a title office to make sure.

“That will be my next step,” Shaw said, adding representatives from Quicksilver Resources have contacted him about possible oil and gas exploration on his land.

Shaw joined 11 other land-owners from Steamboat Springs, Hayden and Moffat County at the workshop led by attorney Anne Zoltani, who for three years has helped landowners understand

OnlineRead a point/counterpoint on the mer-its of fracking for natural gas (not oil) sponsored by Yale University with this story at SteamboatToday.com.

See Fracking, page 2

Learning rights of ownersHayden workshop focuses on oil- and gas-related leases

See Mineral rights, page 3

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the 20,000-acre Wolf Mountain Ranch, Quicksilver Completions Superintendent Carl Bowers said.

As fracking winds down, the date when the energy companies know if the well will produce oil is perhaps two to four weeks away. If the news is affirmative, Pirt-law will represent the first piece of a complicated mosaic that will guide petroleum engineers on how best to extract oil from this part of western Routt County.

“If this turns out to be the best well ever, the question becomes, ‘How many wells can we drill from this single pad?’” Bowers said. That would allow his com-pany to realize efficiencies and reduce impact on the landscape.

But production from Pirtlaw,

which is by no means guaranteed, also could allow Quicksilver to refine its best guess about how far away to build a second well.

Fracking with gelled butaneThe fracking being undertak-

en at Pirtlaw is notably different from the most common form of the practice in that it is not rely-ing on large amounts of water to create the tiny fissures in the shale that allow the oil to seep out of the rock.

“We used some water in the first 1,200 feet of drilling,” Bow-ers said. “But this well is using zero water in fracking.”

Instead, GasFrac is using gelled butane containing resin-coated sand to frack the well.

Choosing not to rely on water-based fracking reduces his company’s impact on Routt County in terms of eliminating the heavy truck traffic needed to haul water as well as reduc-ing the amount of sand needed in the process, Bowers said. But it’s also the case that water is not well-suited to fracking opera-tions in the Niobrara shale on the Western Slope, he added.

The butane injected into the well bore under high pressure will leave through pores extend-ing about 15 inches into the shale and fracture it. When the butane retreats during the flow-back process, which is about to begin at Pirtlaw, the sand lubri-cated by the resin will remain in place to hold the fissures open.

Another advantage to butane, Bowers said, is that a good por-tion of it can be recovered dur-ing flow-back, the precursor to the beginning of oil production. A portion of it will be flared off, and flaring will continue around the clock during that period of several weeks. Motorists travel-ing east on U.S. Highway 40 will be able to see the flare from the hill above the Carpenter Ranch.

Preparing to frackThe act of fracking an oil well

takes just 45 minutes and con-sumes about 1,500 gallons of die-sel fuel to run the big pumps that pressurize the bore hole, Bowers estimated.

But the setup and safety proce-dures for each of the four frack-ing procedures being used at the Pirtlaw well on Wolf Mountain take three hours.

Among any downsides to the use of gelled butane at Pirtlaw is the fact that it is a volatile and flammable compound. Bowers and his crew spoke often about their safety procedures during the two-hour tour Wednesday.

The crew from Quicksilver and GasFrac wear flame-retardant suits during the procedure, but thanks to a high-tech command post, all of them are behind safe-ty lines during the actual process. That’s thanks in large part to a command trailer where work-ers control all of the equipment, from hydraulic rams to vents and butane tanks.

Fracking continued from 1

Portion of butane used will be f lared off

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Only a few World War II vet-erans still live in Routt County, and although none of them were serving at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked 70 years ago today, they all said the event impacted their lives.

Because of the magnitude of the event that started World War II, residents who were alive at the time said news of the attack at the U.S. naval base on the Hawaiian island of Oahu made it to Steam-boat Springs and Routt County.

Just two weeks after they were married, Lloyd and Annabeth Lockhart were driving back to Steamboat from a day of skiing on Rabbit Ears Pass when they heard the news on their car radio.

“We were surprised, very sur-prised and couldn’t believe it,” said Annabeth Lockhart, 89, who followed Lloyd Lockhart across the country during his training for the U.S. Army after he was drafted. “We didn’t know where Pearl Harbor was. We were quite isolated. The radio reception was poor, and there was no TV. We were quite surprised when we got home.”

Fortunately, no Routt Coun-ty natives were among the 2,400 killed in the attack that also left nearly 1,200 wounded, said Jim Stanko, adjutant for American Legion Post No. 44. He said about 25 county natives lost their lives in World War II but most-

S T E A M B O A TWEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 7, 2011Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 23, No. 292R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

TODAY

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

Veteran Omar Campbell recalls his days in the U.S. Navy while checking out his old uniform at his home in Steamboat Springs. Pearl Harbor is particularly meaningful for the World War II veteran who toured the South Pacific during the war.

Reflecting on Pearl Harbor

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Tom RossPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

The Routt County Board of Commissioners heard strong public sentiment Tuesday night for a moratorium on new per-mits for oil and gas wells. How-ever, at the end of the night, board members sent a strong signal that they would prefer to continue strengthening the regulations and conditions they place on energy exploration rather than putting a temporary halt on new permit applications.

“I would not be in favor of a moratorium,” Commissioner Doug Monger said after hearing two hours of public comments. “We only have three or four wells a year. I think we took big steps a month ago when we took care of our road regulations.”

“Right now, the way I feel is that we can create conditions to protect public health, safety and welfare,” Commissioner Nancy Stahoviak said. “We have the ability to put really stringent conditions on oil and gas.”

With 80 interested people over-flowing the Commissioners Hear-ing Room in the Routt County Courthouse, Routt County Plan-ning Department Director Chad Phillips began the meeting by describing some of the ways in which the county might update its current oil and gas regulations. They include requiring drilling

See Oil and gas, page 2

County doesn’t see need to halt oil wells

2 | Wednesday, December 7, 2011 STEAMBOAT TODAYLOCAL

companies to use closed systems to handle the liquids that come out of bore holes rather than open pits; requiring green drilling and fracking fluids that do not contain toxic chemicals; requiring

energy companies to participate in regional and countywide air-quality monitoring; limiting flar-ing of ambient natural gas; and encouraging the use of electric motors on well-pad equipment whenever possible.

Speaking for the Communi-ty Alliance of the Yampa Val-ley, Paul Stettner expressed con-cern for water quality and urged commissioners to entertain a moratorium while they work to beef up regulations.

“Once you destroy ground-water, you’ve destroyed it for good,” Stettner said. “We believe it’s in the best interest of Routt County for the public to get proactive. We believe county and state regs are inadequate.”

Stettner also urged the coun-ty to take enforcement into its

own hands by sponsoring a com-pliance officer to ensure energy companies are living up to the conditions of their permits.

Monger said the idea of con-tracting with a compliance offi-cer to visit drilling sites was a concept he could embrace.

Chuck McConnell urged those at the meeting to look at the growing interest in energy exploration in Northwest Col-orado in terms of its potential economic benefits.

“Our current unemploy-ment rate is about 8.1 percent,” McConnell said. “And right here in Routt County, there are hundreds of skilled work-ers, construction workers and truck drivers. In North Dakota (where energy exploration has boomed), unemployment is less

than 4.5 percent. In about two years, we face the potential of much-decreased revenue to the county from property taxes. It looks to me, if that occurs, we could see decreased services. … I think we can surely solve prob-lems that might come up in Routt County so we can relieve some of the suffering” of people who are out of work.

Mark Stewart, a resident of the rural Saddle Mountain Ranchettes subdivision, identi-fied himself as an air-quality spe-cialist who has worked for Xcel Energy for 15 years. He said he thinks the county has an obliga-tion to protect the environmen-tal quality of the region from the potential threat that a well per-mit being sought by Quicksilver Resources could bring.

“I’m not against responsible oil and gas exploration,” Stew-art said. “The lease that is in our neighborhood is supposedly good for 47 years. That affects my son for the next 47 years. I think they should test our water for 47 years.”

Joan Ryan, who represents the owner of Wolf Mountain Ranch, where Quicksilver is waiting to learn the results of a newly drilled oil well, said she is reassured that it is possible to protect the strong conservation values on the ranch while living with an oil well.

“We have pretty much been successful working with Quick-silver,” Ryan said. “The oil com-pany is paying for a consultant

to establish baseline (environ-mental quality). I think we can blend the production while pro-tecting everything that’s impor-tant out there.”

In a response to a question from Ryan, county attorney John Merrill said state law pro-vides fairly narrow conditions on when counties can impose mora-toriums. He added there is case law that suggests that in the case of companies that already hold a drilling lease on a well site, where the three- to five-year window to drill is ticking, counties would have to be careful with regard to property rights to protect them-selves from a takings suit.

“It makes it quite clear, in my mind. There has to be a balanc-ing act between the interests of the landowner and the public in adopting a moratorium,” Mer-rill said.

Saddle Mountain resident Sandy Kebodeaux left the com-missioners with a poignant request.

“I want to know why it’s happening in a residential area where it’s going to affect so many people, when there are so many thousands of acres out there,” Kebodeaux said. “We’re going to be affected by that every single day, where if it was set two miles down the road, almost no one could notice it. That would solve a lot of my anguish.”

To reach Tom Ross, call 970-871-4205 or email tross@SteamboatToday.com

Oil and gas continued from 1

County attorney: Balance between landowner, public interests needed

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R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

TODAY

MATT STENSLAND/STAFF

A winch cat driven by Slope Maintenance Manager Frank Case drives up the Voo Doo moguls course Wednesday at Steamboat Ski Area. The machine uses a powerful winch to help pull itself up steep runs.

Matt StenslandPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

With a seemingly larger num-ber of people hiking up Steam-boat Ski Area at night, snowcat operators are asking people to stay clear of the winch cat.

“The danger is — to be hon-est — it will kill you,” Slope Maintenance Manager Frank Case said. “It will cut you right

in half.”The winch cat essentially

is a groomer equipped with a powerful winch that can pull 10,000 pounds using nine-six-teenths-inch steel cable. The machine was being used this week on Voo Doo where Case was building a table of snow where the mogul course will be carved out. Throughout the season, the winch cats are used to groom the steeper black runs

like See Me, Concentration and Vortex.

When a winch cats works on a run, crews connect the machine’s cable to one of the many concrete anchors located on top of the steep runs. The concrete anchors live on the mountain year-round and are buried about six feet deep.

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INSIDE: Find arts and entertainment events for the week with the Explore Steamboat calendar • page 17

FRIDAYDECEMBER 9, 2011

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 23, No. 294

SteamboatToday.com

Partly sunny.

High of 30.

Page 32

■ WEATHER

page 17

Skiers warned about dangers of skiing after hours

▲

VIDEO ONLINEWatch a video of Frank Case talking about the operation and dangers of winch cats with this

story at SteamboatToday.com.See Winch cats, page 2

Scott FranzPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Kyle Elston said Thursday that he was convinced he need-ed to inject himself into Routt County’s oil and gas debate shortly after he finished building fences last summer on a ranch south of Stagecoach.

“I was working alongside a couple people who came here from Rifle and told me about all the negative impacts of hydrau-lic fracturing and oil and gas exploration in Garfield Coun-ty,” Elston said before he started his shift as a substitute teacher at Soroco High School. “They said the air quality there is ter-rible and some livestock are suf-fering.”

Elston, who said he oppos-es most forms of oil and gas exploration, said he has attend-ed every public meeting he can in Routt County that centers on the permitting process. At a Tuesday night Routt County Board of Commissioners meet-ing, he was disappointed when two of the three commissioners opposed a short-term morato-rium on new permits for oil and gas wells.

“It’s very frustrating to me because it seemed like they closed their ears to the demands of people in the room,” he said.

On Wednesday afternoon,

Petition asks for stay on permitsResidents seek oil, gas moratorium

See Petition, page 3

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Elston launched an online peti-tion asking the commissioners to reconsider their opposition to the moratorium. Twenty-four hours later, more than 150 peo-ple had joined him in signing it. Elston said that he isn’t hoping to reach a specific threshold of signatures but that he hopes the petition persuades the commis-sioners to impose stricter regu-lations on oil and gas develop-ment, including baseline testing for water and air quality.

“In a lot of ways, I’m happy that so many people have signed it already,” said Elston, who graduated from the University of Colorado in August. “I’m at this age where in some ways I’m not ready to just completely give up on a democratic system. I’m not ready to be complacent and accept the answer of the com-missioners when I know (their decision) wasn’t what the major-ity of the people (at the meet-ing) wanted.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, which drew about 80 community members to the Routt Coun-ty Courthouse, Commission-ers Doug Monger and Nancy Stahoviak opposed a moratori-um on new oil and gas permits and said the county should con-tinue strengthening the regula-tions it already places on ener-gy exploration. Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush offered the dissenting voice and said she would like to see a two- to three-

month halt on new well per-mits because the county does not have enough information as to how an increase in drilling would affect air and water qual-ity, among other things.

“We need more time to look at all the data we have and take the advice of the many people and citizens who are so con-cerned about this,” Mitsch Bush said Thursday.

She added that the county’s tourism-based economy, envi-ronment and health are at stake.

“All you need is one well to go bad, and then a property becomes worthless. We’ve seen it in other places, and I certain-ly hope we can learn from the other problems other areas have had.”

Stahoviak and Monger said they were receiving emails Thursday from constituents who signed the petition, but both indicated the opposition will not cause them to reconsid-er a moratorium.

“We already knew these peo-ple were against our decision, and it doesn’t change my pic-ture of it at all,” Monger said. “I think we have all the tools in our toolbox necessary to deal with the issues of oil and gas permits. We probably have the strongest set of regulations in the state.”

He added that state statue likely would disallow the coun-

ty from imposing a moratorium on new permits.

Stahoviak said the process the county already has in place to approve new permits is suf-ficient.

“My bottom-line reaction is we don’t believe we need a new moratorium,” she said. “I appreciate the passion and the desire for everyone to want to be involved in this issue, and I con-tinue to ask them to do that.”

Meanwhile, Elston is using social media sites like Facebook to continue spreading the peti-tion. He plans to collect more signatures this weekend in per-son in downtown Steamboat Springs.

Tim Rowse, who was among the first to sign the petition, said a moratorium would be benefi-cial to the county and to energy companies.

“Every element of the exist-ing code needs to be looked at and then some,” he said. “A moratorium on oil and gas per-mits is a good idea until we do strengthen our regulations.”

Petition continued from 1

Goal of petition is to persuade officialsHAVE SOMETHING TO SAY?

Continue the conversation online at SteamboatToday.com

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S T E A M B O A TWEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 14, 2011Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 23, No. 298R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

TODAYDown a snowless road

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

Skier Mark Anderson makes his way along Second Street on Monday afternoon in downtown Steamboat Springs. Anderson was headed to Steamboat Ski Area to catch a few afternoon runs. To find out if there is a chance of snow in Steamboat this week, see page 16.

Jack WeinsteinPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Once again, a change to the Colorado House of Represen-tatives map is impacting Rep. Randy Baumgardner.

The Colorado Supreme Court approved new state House and Senate district maps Mon-

day, the second version of the changes suggested by the Col-orado Reapportionment Com-mission. The first versions were returned to the commission by the Supreme Court in Novem-ber because they split too many counties into separate districts.

Baumgardner, a Hot Sulphur Springs Republican, has repre-sented House District 57, which

includes Routt County, for two terms. In the rejected first ver-sion of the new House map, Grand County was moved out of the district and into the pro-posed H.D. 63.

At the time, Baumgardner leased a ranch in Jackson Coun-ty — which would have allowed him to seek re-election for H.D. 57 — for reasons he said had

nothing to do with the district boundary changes.

After it was kicked back to the Reapportionment Commis-sion, the map changed again, and it now includes Routt and Eagle counties as the new H.D. 26. Grand and Jackson coun-ties would join H.D. 13 along

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INSIDE: Routt County Board of Commissioners vote to approve a 2012 budget of $46.3 million • page 14

Tom RossPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Local and regional advocates of more stringent oil and gas industry regulations called Tues-day’s announcement about new Colorado rules, which require

the industry to divulge details about the chem-icals used in hydraulic frac-turing, a step in the right direc-

tion but not the answer to all of their concerns.

“It’s a great step forward, but this doesn’t get us 100 percent of the way there,” said Rodger Steen, of the Community Alli-ance of the Yampa Valley.

The Associated Press report-ed Tuesday that members of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conser-vation Commission approved a new set of rules to take effect in April that would require energy companies to disclose the chem-icals they use in fracking and the proportions or concentrations of those chemicals. The rules allow energy companies to with-hold some details about com-pounds they deem proprietary except in cases of an accident. The companies would have to explain the proprietary nature of the chemicals and name the chemical family of those com-pounds. Should an accident occur, the companies would be obligated to provide full details

New disclosure statutes called ‘step in right direction’

Fracking rules are praised

For moreColorado’s new fracking rulesSee page 18

See Fracking, page 2

House District 26 doesn’t include Grand or Jackson counties

Baumgardner out again

See Districts, page 3

Where’s the best fishing and

tackle shop?Survey begins December 15 at ExploreSteamboat.com

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2 | Wednesday, December 14, 2011 STEAMBOAT TODAYLOCAL

to emergency responders.Mike Chiropolos, land pro-

gram director for Western Resource Advocates in Boulder, said simply knowing the chemi-cals used in fracking won’t be sufficient to protect public health should those chemicals show up in drinking water wells. In addi-tion, he said, the citizens of Col-orado should be protected by baseline and ongoing testing to establish water quality prior to the commencement of energy drilling in locations across the state. The recent finding by the EPA that fracking fluids are a possible cause of well-water con-tamination in Pavillion, Wyo., speaks directly to the need for baseline testing, he added.

Energy industry officials are saying the EPA’s report is unfounded. Chiropolos said prior water testing could have answered the question with more certainty.

“This was a compromise, but it was an example of a collab-orative effort,” Chiropolos said about Tuesday’s decision in Colorado. “Baseline testing (of water) is integral to this. If you don’t know the problem, you can’t address it. That’s unaccept-able. It should be mandatory for every well in every formation. It shouldn’t matter where you live.”

Steen is co-chairman, with Paul Stettner, of the Commu-nity Alliance committee on the county’s oil and gas regulations.

He said his group is pushing for energy drilling permits to be a county permit process sepa-rate from the permission to use hydraulic fracturing on the same well.

Routt County Planning Department Director Chad Phil-lips said Tuesday that current reg-ulations do not allow the county to directly regulate whether an energy company fracks a well. However, the county exerts indi-rect influence on that decision because it has the authority to regulate the use of county roads, which lead to most fracked wells, because of the heavy weight and resulting impact of the water trucks that make multiple trips to the well pad during fracking.

Fracking continued from 1

Contaminated wells found in Wyoming

Oil and gas working group to be formed

Routt County Planning Department Director Chad Phillips said Tuesday that the Routt County Board of Commissioners has directed him to form a working group of informed citizens to explore issues related to energy exploration in Northwest Colorado.

“We have a lot of people living here who have expertise,” Phillips said.

Formation of a working group was a suggestion that came out of a Dec. 8 public work session on the county’s oil and gas regulations. Phillips said he tentatively is planning a meeting in the last week of December and another in early January.

The meetings will be public but will not involve public comment.

JOHN F. RUSSELL/FILE

Colorado passed new rules governing fracking that require the disclosure of what chemicals are being used. Seen is a well on Wolf Mountain that used fracking techniques.FEATURED DEAL

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STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Steamboat Springs is jump-ing on the oil and gas regulation bandwagon.

The city, like Routt Coun-ty, soon will work on develop-ing its own regulations specif-ic to oil and gas development. The City Council unanimously and without discussion Tuesday approved giving city staff the go-ahead to begin drafting regu-lations regarding potential ener-gy exploration within city limits.

City Attorney Tony Lettu-nich presented an update to City Council members about local oil and gas issues. The county has been working to draft revised conditions for all oil and gas permit applications. The work is being done because of the grow-ing interest in the region and its Niobrara Shale layer. Quicksil-ver Resources reported recently that its well on Wolf Mountain in Routt County was producing 500 barrels of sweet crude oil per day.

“It’s hard to anticipate exact-ly what will happen, but the hope is we won’t be in the cross-hairs of drilling,” Lettunich said Tuesday.

Lettunich told the City Coun-

cil that Steamboat has limited regulatory authority as long as those rules don’t prohibit oil and gas exploration. He said local regulations also can’t con-flict with those from the state.

State setback provisions require 350 feet between drill-ing operations and buildings, schools, jails and related struc-tures in high-density areas, Let-tunich said. He said the same setback existed for other des-ignated areas, such as parks. For the sake of the presenta-tion, he said both setbacks were assumed.

Lettunich explained that after applying those setback provi-sions, there still was the poten-

tial for oil and gas exploration in several areas of the city. They include the areas directly north, south and west of Steamboat Springs Airport; northwest of the Steamboat Springs Ceme-tery; north of Colorado Moun-tain College’s Alpine Campus; west and south of Howelsen Hill; north of Steamboat Bou-levard; north of Burgess Creek Road; and between Ski Trail Lane and Laurel Lane west of Steamboat Ski Area.

In addition to the state set-back provisions for high-den-sity areas and designated out-door activity areas, Lettunich

City Council directs staff to draft oil and

gas regulations

Exploration possible in city

See Energy, page 13

MIchAEl SchRANTz/STAff

C.R . 129C.R. 44 Steamboat Springs

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Potential drill areas within Steamboat Springs city limits

No-drill areasLegend

Potential drill areasCity limits

Source: City of Steamboat Springs1 mile

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said there were setbacks up to 2,600 feet from public water sys-tems, such as Fish Creek Reser-voir and the infiltration galleries to the Yampa River.

He added that the city’s watershed protection ordinance, which the City Council adopt-ed in 2007, requires a permit in anticipation of mining or drill-ing near public water supplies.

Lettunich suggested moving forward with a city regulatory system similar to the county’s, and the City Council agreed. He said Planning Director Tyler Gibbs has been in contact with the county about drafting simi-lar regulations.

“They have suggested that it might be good for the city to adopt a permitting plan and conditions similar to those the county is working on so there would a uniformity of regula-tory scheme in this area,” Let-tunich said.

Gibbs said Wednesday that there’s no specific timeline for drafting city oil and gas regu-lations. But he said the Plan-ning and Public Works depart-ments would be working with city attorneys to create regula-tions similar to the county’s that don’t duplicate what the state already requires.

“The question will be, ‘Is there something important to the city that isn’t addressed by those entities that the city

should do?’” Gibbs said. “I think we’ll get those together fairly promptly.”

He said any regulations would have to be approved by the City Council.

Also Tuesday:■ City Council member

Scott Myller asked whether city staff could pursue extend-ing the Yampa River Core Trail west of Steamboat. Parks, Open Space and Recreational Services Director Chris Wilson said staff would start meeting with resi-dents about whether they’d be interested in selling property to the city for right of way needed for the trail extension.

“I would let people know that we’re just looking at routes and we’d like their support,” he said.

City Council member Cari Hermacinski added that the city wouldn’t take eminent domain action to acquire property.

■ Kim Weber, the city’s bud-get and tax manager, has been promoted to finance director as part of a reorganization of city departments. The reorgani-zation was a strategic initiative that will save the city more than $53,000 next year, according to city officials.

■ Bike skills park planner Blair Seymour told the City Council that the Directional Development Foundation, the group proposing to build the bike park on the Bear River Parcel, had $14,000 to design, construct and maintain it for a year. Seymour added that cash and in-kind contributions from Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare and Ski Haus would provide main-tenance at the park for beginner and intermediate riders for an estimated six to 10 years.

The City Council previously had asked to see financial data before approving a modification to the Bear River Parcel to add the bike park as a permitted use there.

To reach Jack Weinstein, call 970-871-4203 or email jweinstein@SteamboatToday.com

Energy continued from 12

No timeline for drafting city regulations

Sheraton creates libraryPILOT & TODAY STAFF

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

The Sheraton Steamboat Resort donated more than 600 children’s books and $650 for furniture to create Eliza’s Library at Advocates Building

Peaceful Commu-nities, according to a press release.

“We are beyond thrilled that the children visiting our shelter can now enjoy the magic of reading in this welcoming, peaceful library,” Director of Advo-cates Diane Moore said in the release.

Advocates assists victims of domestic abuse and sexual vio-lence and their family members through crisis services, counsel-ing, advocacy and community education.

The library was created as part of the Eliza’s Wish foun-dation, which was started by the family of Eliza Williams,

a 6-year-old Utah girl suffer-ing from metachromatic leuko-dystrophy, a genetic degenera-tion of the white matter of the brain. Eliza’s Wish encourag-es people and groups to create children’s libraries as a way to honor Eliza, help other children develop a love for reading and

spread awareness about her dis-ease.

The Sheraton is continuing to accept books for Eliza’s Library, with donation boxes located throughout the hotel.

Find more information about Eliza’s Wish at www.elizaswish.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Sheraton Steamboat Resort donated more than 600 children’s books and $650 for furniture to create Eliza’s Library at Advocates Building Peaceful Communities. Pictured is the group of Sheraton employees who helped with the project.

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Matt StenslandSTEAMBOAT.PILOT.&.TODAY

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

An early wildfire season amid extremely dry conditions has local officials drawing com-parisons to Routt County’s last big fire season of 2002.

“Right now I think it’s pru-dent of us to prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” said John Twitchell, district for-ester for the Colorado State Forest Service.

That was his message Tues-day to a group of local officials trained to relay information to the public during incidents such as plane crashes and fires. With an agenda focused on the wild-

fire season, the meeting was packed.

An unusually dry and warm spring has provided an early start to the 2012 wildfire sea-son, beginning March 15 when an agricultural burn got out of control along U.S. Highway 40. Since then, there have been at least 10 other wildfires that started as agriculture burns. A fire reported while the public information officers were meet-ing Tuesday ended up burning an estimated 225 acres of veg-etation on ranch land along Routt County Road 31 before being brought under control.

“Something different about

Dry, warm conditions draw comparisons to active 2002 fire season

County’s wildfire costs mount

TOM ROSS/FILE

The Wolverine Fire burns a mountainside in the Routt National Forest in August 2005. In the foreground are the charred remnants of trees that fell victim to the Hinman Fire in 2002.

Scott FranzSTEAMBOAT.PILOT.&.TODAY

STEAMBOAT TODAY

Chris Oxley has watched oil activity in Moffat County ebb and flow for many years. The executive director of Craig’s Chamber of Commerce said Thursday that pipeline projects and oil drilling has filled area hotels, trailer parks and rooms in private residences. It also has brought a buzz of activity to town.

But she said the buzz doesn’t tend to last long, and the eco-nomic impact of the oil rig workers who sleep and stay in Craig when exploration activity ramps up is smaller than many realize.

“The biggest effect it is going to have here is on government in terms of the taxes collected, mineral royalties and the sever-ance tax down the road,” Oxley said about oil and gas activity overall.

Oxley said she and about 11 other business leaders met Tues-day with Moffat County Nat-ural Resources Director Jeff Comstock for a roundtable dis-cussion that wasn’t supposed to

focus exclusively on oil and gas. But with companies like Shell Oil and Quicksilver Resources continuing to explore the Nio-brara Shale formation below Northwest Colorado, she said that’s where the conversation quickly turned.

Oxley said the feedback she got from business owners from lodging, retail, real estate and construction companies at this week’s meeting reaffirmed her long-held belief that drilling crews continue to have a mini-mal economic impact in Craig.

“We don’t see a big impact on retail sales. Sometimes we get an impact on our lodging, but even that can minimal,” she said. “Most of these (drilling crews) work on a per diem, and most of them try to maximize their money so they have dollars to take home.

Yampa Valley Data Partners: Drilling crews leave small economic footprint

A different type of visitor in counties

Nicole InglisSTEAMBOAT.PILOT.&.TODAY.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

On the drive of U.S. High-way 40 west of Steamboat, the sight of several spindly-legged calves gamboling in the pas-tures indicates that the calving season already has begun in Routt County.

But it’s never too early for ranchers to start thinking about next year’s generation of live-stock.

More than 100 turned out for Saturday’s North Western Colorado Bull Sale on Saturday afternoon at the Routt County Fairgrounds, which netted the highest ever sales at $112,000.

In its 10th year, the North

Western Colorado Bull Sale has grown to 35 bulls coming from 13 consignors from across the region.

Marsha Daughenbaugh, Community Agriculture Alli-ance executive director, said most of the bulls will stay in Routt, Moffat and Rio Blanco counties and will populate the region with strong calves in the coming years.

“I think it’s some of the best bulls we’ve ever had,” Daugh-enbaugh said before the sale.

The average price for a bull at this year’s sale was $3,200, up $500 from the sale’s 2011 aver-age. In 2011, the prices were up $500 from the year before.

NICOLE INGLIS/STAFF

More than 100 people gathered Saturday afternoon at the Routt County Fairgrounds for the 10th annual North Western Colorado Bull Sale, which netted $112,000 from 35 bulls, the highest ever.

Henry C. JacksonTHE.ASSOCIATED.PRESS

WASHINGTON

Freshman Republican Rep. Joe Heck sees no reason to back down after voting for a Repub-lican budget plan that combines deep spending cuts in safety-net programs for the poor with a dramatic overhaul of Medicare and steep drops in tax rates.

The blueprint “is not perfect, but it’s something that is on the table to start moving forward and say, ‘Look, we face serious challenges, not just today, but over the next decade,’” Heck said after a job fair in his sub-urban Las Vegas district. A top target of Democrats this November, Heck is certain that seriousness about addressing the federal deficit will win over vot-ers, especially in his state, hit hard by home foreclosures and record unemployment.

In Colorado, Democrat-ic Rep. Ed Perlmutter is deter-mined to use the spending plan crafted by the House Budget Committee chairman, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., as a campaign issue.

“It’s a winner (for Demo-crats) because that budget is such a loser,” said Perlmutter, a suburban Denver congressman facing a challenge from a well-known name — Joe Coors Jr., scion of the brewing company.

Democrats and Republicans in Congress can’t agree on a bud-get, but there’s no disagreement about using Ryan’s to highlight an election-year divide.

President Barack Obama has called the GOP budget a back-

ward “radical vision” and “thin-ly veiled social Darwinism” that would let many people struggle while the rich benefit. Repub-licans say their plan is a sober approach to dealing with out-of-control government spending and higher taxes in an era that demands fiscal austerity.

The debate underscores the broader dispute between the two parties about the role and size of government.

From town halls to job fairs to meet-and-greets with vot-ers during Congress’ two-week recess, Democrats and Repub-licans focused on the budget in a preview of the seven-month campaign to November. The economy and jobs are voters’ priorities, and how the budget debate plays out could prove critical in the fall, with control of the White House, Senate and House at stake.

Obama and likely GOP pres-idential nominee Mitt Romney have both signaled that the bud-get plan will be an element in their race.

The House plan would make deep cuts to government pro-grams. Everything from food stamps to transportation is on the chopping block. It calls for shrinking the current six

Fight about budget previews fall races

See.Fires,.page.5A

C A R D B O A R D S TAY S C L A S S Y

JOEL REICHENBERGER/STAFF

The Griswolds from the National Lampoon movie series fly down the Cardboard Classic run and brace for impact with the cushions at the end in their station wagon. Darcie Scheuring, right in white hat, was joined by Tony Scheuring, Regina Scheuring, Hilary Stojak, Katrin Iken and Mike Nagao in the wild ride. Visit SteamboatToday.com for a photo gallery and a video of the event.

▲

Bull sale nets its highest numbers ever at $112,000Crowd of more than 100 turns out for Saturday’s event at Routt County Fairgrounds

See.Bull sale,.page.5A

See.Impact,.page.12A

Obama Romney

See.Budget,.page.12A

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12A | Steamboat Pilot &Today • Sunday, April 15, 2012 LOCAL

“I really do think there’s a disconnect between what peo-ple are expecting the impact to be and what it actually is. We’ve already got all of this activity and all of these trucks and this drilling, and people are saying, ‘Nothing is happening to my business.’”

A Yampa Valley Data Part-ners report released this month supports the notion that North-west Colorado business owners shouldn’t expect drilling crews to inject significant revenues into their businesses.

However, the study acknowl-edged that drilling crews are just one piece of oil and gas development’s overall econom-ic impact.

A minimal impactScott Ford, a local eco-

nomic analyst and an adviser for Yampa Valley Data Part-ners, said his recent analysis of the three phases of well development and his discus-sions with Shell Oil officials who are working in the region led him to predict that the eco-nomic impact of drilling crews who work in Routt and Mof-fat counties will continue to be minimal.

In a study he did for Data Partners’ second-quarter eco-nomic forecast, he concluded that if 10 wells were in devel-opment annually in Routt or Moffat, spending by the crews who build and develop them would support only an addi-tional 6.2 jobs split between the retail/trade and accommo-dations/food service industries.

“They are a very differ-ent kind of visitor,” Ford said about drilling crews.

He noted many of them are subcontracted by oil compa-nies, don’t live in the commu-nities they work in and receive a per diem for their food and lodging. They also work long

days and don’t have much downtime.

“They’re very focused on their work, and their econom-ic impact on a community is probably substantially less than we would think,” Ford said. “They have an incentive not to spend their per diem or spend very little of it if they can get away with it.”

Ford said his study assumed wells take 90 to 100 days to complete and utilize crews of six to 10 people who some-times work 12 hours per day for two weeks straight to com-plete their task before being replaced by another crew.

His economic forecast stat-ed that if drilling activity in Moffat County is as busy as it was in 2006, spending by drilling crews would result in $18,821 in sales tax revenue for Craig and $18,221 for the state of Colorado.

But some business owners in Craig, especially in the lodg-ing industry, are adamant the economic impact of the crews help keeps them afloat.

Filling roomsWhen a well needs to be

punched in Moffat County, Craig’s Candlewood Suites can fill up pretty quickly.

“And when something breaks at a mine or a power plant, or drilling ramps up, we can suddenly have an awesome year in terms of sales,” said Tammie Thompson-Booker, the hotel’s director of sales. “I’m a firm believer in the positive impact the commu-nity receives from the energy industry.”

Drilling crews also are fre-quent guests at Craig’s Holi-day Inn. Sales and market-ing director Renee Campbell said her hotel didn’t project 2011 would be a particularly good revenue year, but strong bookings related to oil and gas exploration in the fall months

made it one.Lodging executives like

Thompson-Booker and Camp-bell usually see their bookings thrive when Moffat is ripe with new oil and gas projects and drilling crews need a place to stay.

Thompson-Booker said that because Craig isn’t much of vacation destination, her hotel that specializes in long-term stays always is at the mercy of the business activity around it.

She said workers must be having some sort of impact beyond their hotel bills.

“I just can’t believe they don’t feel there is that much of an economic impact,” Thomp-son-Booker said. “These work-ers have to eat. They have to gas up their vehicles. Some of them bring their wives and families out here.”

Campbell has a different view. She acknowledged that while it’s easy for her to see the benefits of ongoing devel-opment to her business, she’s heard from other business owners in Craig who aren’t reaping the rewards of energy development.

“We see (drill crews) fill our rooms, but I’ve talked to some restaurant and retail owners near us recently and they tell me they aren’t seeing any ben-efit from it,” she said.

Measuring growthThe oil and gas industry

has long touted energy explo-ration’s economic impact on communities that comes from more than just drilling crews.

Tisha Schuller, president of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, said the economic impact of oil and gas grows as an oil play progresses.

“Early in a play, during the exploration phase, visit-ing drilling crews will increase hotel, restaurant and retail business,” she wrote in an email. “As a play evolves into

development, communities will experience increased local employment and the addition of new businesses to support longer-term business plans. This will have a positive effect on housing, job creation, and the creation of local business-es.

“Local oil and gas produc-tion will directly increase local tax revenues and all local eco-nomic development activities will increase the regional tax base.”

But back at the Chamber of Commerce in Craig, Oxley said it’s difficult to deter-mine just how much economic growth can be attributed to oil and gas at a given time.

“In 2006-07 we started to see oil and gas activity gear up, and we saw some growth,” she said. “People naturally want-ed to attribute it to oil and gas work. But at the same time you have pipeline crews coming through, or the power plant has an outage, and you start seeing more activity that’s not necessarily related to oil and gas. We had a lot of differ-ent activity in a lot of different sectors that contributed to that feeling of ‘Wow, the economy is really going to break loose because of oil and gas devel-opment.’”

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com

Impact continued from 1A

Study acknowledges crews only part of overall impact

income-tax rate system to just two and lowering the top rate to 25 percent from the current 35 percent.

The most politically dicey ele-ment is the change in Medicare, the $500 billion-per-year health insurance program for older people. Both parties are keenly aware that this group votes in high numbers and cares passion-ately about the program.

Republicans would leave the plan alone for retirees and those nearing retirement. For young-er people, Medicare would be reshaped into a voucher-like sys-tem in which the government would subsidize people’s health care costs. Republicans say that would drive down costs by giv-ing beneficiaries a menu of com-peting options. Democrats say government payments won’t keep up with the rapid inflation of medical costs, leaving many struggling to afford the care.

Heck’s district has its share of seniors at retirement commu-nities. The 50-year-old former state senator won his seat in 2010 by just 1,748 votes and faces a strong challenge from the speak-er of the Nevada Assembly, John Oceguera. He calls the Ryan plan, passed just two weeks ago, one of the keys to victory.

“The Ryan budget and the Medicare issues are big for peo-ple,” Oceguera said. “We would like to get information out about how damaging that could be to people’s personal lives. It’s going to affect a lot of folks.”

Heck focused on job creation and the economy during his remarks at the job fair he orga-nized. He didn’t mention the House GOP budget, but said he is confident voters will support it when they learn more.

Nate Williams, a 22-year-old unemployed electrician who attended Heck’s job fair, said he had thought he had heard of Ryan’s plan but wanted to hear more about how to create jobs.

In a swing district in Michi-gan, Republican Rep. Dan Ben-ishek was greeted at a town hall by a group of seniors holding signs saying “Save Medicare.” They pressed the freshman law-maker about the GOP budget’s proposed cuts.

“We’ll have a significant change to benefits unless we do something about” Medicare, Benishek told constituents, while standing by his budget vote.

At a town hall event in New Hampshire, GOP Rep. Char-lie Bass faced similarly pointed questions. He told voters some of what’s been publicized about the plan has been mischarac-terized. Rep. Vicky Hartzler, R-Mo., who defeated 17-term Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton in 2010, also faced questions from constituents about the plan’s effect on Medicare.

All three, in seats Democrats would like to win this fall, can expect Democrats to bring up the issue over and over again.

Perlmutter said he’s heard from several voters about the Ryan plan. Republicans see his district, split nearly even-ly among Republicans, Demo-crats and independents, as one of their best pick up opportuni-ties in the fall. They’ve recruited Coors to run against him.

At an event in a grocery store, Perlmutter’s constituents showed why both sides feel they can get traction on the budget issue in the fall.

Glen Erfman, a 56-year-old U.S. Postal Service employee from Lakewood, Colo., quizzed his congressman on the budget plan and called it “terrible.”

“My main issue with Con-gress is, they’re out to do all they can to cut everything for regular people but not rich people,” Erf-man said.

Steps away at the same event self-employed 62-year-old Rick Piggott, also from Lakewood, said Democrats needed to give the plan much more serious con-sideration.

Budget continued from 1A

Medicare politically dicey“They’re very focused on their work, and their economic impact on a community is probably substantially less than we would think. They have an incentive not to spend their per diem or spend very little of it if they can get away with it.”

Scott FordLocal economic analyst and adviser for Yampa Valley Data Partners

Written by John TomerlinILLUSTRATED BY MICHAEL LACAPA

CHAPTER FOURTEENSTORY SO FAR: After being trapped in Havasu Canyon by flood waters, Jamie and Salia must walk the length of the valley to reach the Colorado River. On the way, Salia is injured by a mountain lion.

River Of Dark SpiritsJamie and Salia stood on a sand-

bank at the mouth of Havasu Creek and watched the mighty Colorado flow past. Swollen with water pouring down from the side canyons, the river had become a dark and churning mass, great liquid swells dragging whole trees and chunks of nameless debris in its sweep. On either side rose towering stone walls, sheer faces of multi-layered rock whose changing colors painted millions upon millions of years of geological history.

As dangerous as it was majestic, this river could easily inspire dread in the peo-ple who lived near it, thought Jamie.

After pausing to rest, Jamie and Salia set out eastward following a narrow sand embankment at the base of the south wall of the Grand Canyon. Later,

when they stopped again, Jamie changed Salia’s bandage. He noticed less inflammation around the claw marks; the poultice seemed to have helped. He made a new compress with more of the shred-ded root they’d brought with them, and bound it in position.

“Ready?” he asked. When Salia nodded he helped her stand, then lent her his arm for support as they went on.

For several hundred more yards the bank remained wide enough for them to walk on dry land; after that it became nar-rower and was broken in places, forcing them to wade waist-deep through swift-moving water.

“How much farther?” Salia asked the next time they stopped to rest.

“Not far, I think.” Jamie had studied his father’s maps and knew Bright Angel Canyon lay ahead of them, but how far he wasn’t sure. “Maybe a mile ... or two,” he added.

But they’d gone less than that when the embankment came to an end.

It stopped at the mouth of a side can-yon, a small opening where a stream joined the bigger river. Jamie waded out a few steps and looked up. He saw a series of terraces, “steps” formed from large boulders whose tops had been hollowed out by falling water. He helped Salia climb to the first of these shelves, and they slumped down to rest, exhausted.

Any other time, they could have enjoyed the beauty of their surround-ings. They had come upon a “traver-

tine” formation, a set of miniature water-falls carved by water rich in limestone. The mineral had filtered out and coated everything with a smooth, marble-like substance that made each pool sparkle a clear, emerald green.

The rocks beside the pool where they sat were warm, and Jamie and Salia stretched out full-length to rest. The soft splash of water was peaceful. Higher up the rift Jamie saw green plants and a few small trees; if it hadn’t been for

Salia’s injury and the need to find help, he thought he’d be content to remain here awhile.

***

The rescue party found little of use at the former army campsite, only the shell of a wooden boat that had been wrecked in the rapids below Bright Angel. Its prow was smashed, and there were wide gaps between the planks.

“There’s got to be a way to get down-river,” the captain said desperately.

“Perhaps there is, “ the Speaker said, examining the ruined boat.

“There’s no ‘perhaps’ about it!” the captain said, losing his temper for the first time. “My son’s life is at stake!”

Manakita didn’t respond at once. Instead, he called the man named Nila to him, and began giving him instructions; when he was finished, both Nila and Siyu-ja started back up the canyon at a fast jog.

“What did you tell them?” the captain demanded. “Where are they going?”

The Speaker sat against the gunwale of the damaged boat and looked at the captain. “My daughter’s life also,” he said softly.

“What? Well, of course — I meant her, too.”

“We Havasupai know much about the loss of children, Captain. We have lost ours to hunger, to illness, and there have been other times when our valley has flooded. There is no safety for those who are forced to live in one small place ... who have been driven off the land of their ancestors, as we have been.”

Captain Merriman understood what the Speaker meant. He knew the effect his report was likely to have on the tribe. Prospectors would come pouring into the canyon as soon as they heard about the silver; and if this happened, the Indi-ans were almost certain to be driven out. They’d be sent to live in unfamiliar and inhospitable territory, as so many other tribes.

For the first time, Captain Merriman felt a twinge of guilt over what his duty forced him to do.

(To be continued)

Text copyright © 2002 John Tomerlin; Illustrations copyright © 2002 Michael Lacapa; Reprinted by permission of Breakfast Serials, Inc., www.breakfastserials.com

The Valley of no ReturnHavasu Canyon, an Arizo-

na branch of the Grand Can-yon, is famed for its natural beauty. However, it is less well-known that floods occasionally rampage through on their way to the Colorado River.

Two young people set out one afternoon in fall 1909 to visit Dead Man’s Falls north of the Supai Village. A prank played on them by a young member of the Havasupais Indian tribe becomes poten-tially lethal when a flash flood cuts off their return.

For the next several days the pair must endure cold and hunger while attempting to make their way to safety.

This is a story of two peo-ple from diverse backgrounds and of the lessons learned as they struggle for survival.

Teachers’ guideVocabularydebris n. rubble, ruincompress n. a pad to reduce inflamma-tion or swellingembankment n. an earthwork used to prevent flooding or hold up a roadtravertine n. a mineral consisting of a massive usually layered calcium car-bonate formed as deposits from spring waters or hot springsprow n. forepart or bow of a shipancestors n. forefathers)effect n. consequence, resultprospectors n. explorers, miners

Questions1. Why is this chapter well named – “River of Dark Spirits”?2. Why might Jamie have wanted to stay in this canyon?3. What do you think Mr. Manakita has told his friends Nila and Siyuja?4. How are Mr. Manakita and Captain Merriman different from each other?5. How has the government policy of taking land from the Indians damaged their tribe?6. Captain Merriman feels the conflict between performing his duty and doing what is right. Explain each side of the dilemma.

a breakfast serials story: The Valley of no Return

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S t e a m b o a tTuesday

april 24, 2012Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 24, No. 98R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

todayInto the sunset

Scott franz/Staff

Bruce Brown harrows a field at sunset Sunday on a ranch south of Steamboat Springs.

Tom RossSteamboat today

StEaMBoat SPrInGS

One doesn’t need to be a hydrologist to recognize that the Yampa River where it flows through Steamboat Springs will not match the spring runoff of 2011.

All you have to do is con-sult your car’s thermometer and gaze up at the rapidly receding snowline on Mount Werner to infer that the river is unlikely to go over its banks like it did last year when the Yampa peaked at

4,970 cubic feet per second on June 8.

In late May and early June last summer, the Yampa inun-dated parking lots and ran out of its banks on the city’s south side. Tributaries like Soda Creek poured into a city park, and the Elk River overwhelmed culverts to gnaw away at county roads.

What a hydrologist can pro-vide is some mathematical prob-abilities on how close the Yampa could come to the average peak flow in 2012 before the snow-pack is spent.

“It’s safe to say you’ll be

below the average peaks on the Elk and the Yampa,” said Ashley Nielson, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Colorado Basin River Forecast Center in Salt Lake City.

Nielson confirmed that a long-term forecast updated by her office late last week gives the Yampa a 90 percent chance of surpassing 1,200 cubic feet per second before it begins to drop for the season. Twelve hundred cfs is less than half of the Yam-pa’s historic average peak of 3,070 cfs where it flows beneath

the Fifth Street Bridge in down-town Steamboat.

The forecast gives the Yampa just a 75 percent chance of peak-ing above 1,400 cfs, and an even 50-50 chance of topping out at 1,800 cfs. The chance of the Yampa peaking above 2,200 cfs is just 25 percent, and the prob-ability slips to 10 percent that it will flow past the threshold of 2,600 cfs.

Nielson stressed that the cur-rent long-term peak flow fore-cast has a great deal of uncer-

Yampa runoff falling short

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INSIDE: Water testing at issue in potential approval of drilling permit at Camilletti oil well site • page 5

Storm possible.

High of 74.

Page 14

■ weather ■ rIver reportYampa River flow MondayNoon 584 cfs11 p.m. 735 cfsaverage for this date 867 cfsHighest for this date 2,470 cfs, 1936Lowest for this date 179 cfs, 1944Streamflow reported in cubic feet per second at the Fifth Street bridge as provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Scott FranzSteamboat today

StEaMBoat SPrInGS

Routt County commission-ers said an oil and gas task force created by Gov. John Hicken-looper in February did little to clarify local government’s role in regulating energy exploration alongside the state. But all three commissioners hold out hope that the task force was the begin-ning of a more substantial pro-cess.

“I don’t believe we’ve seen the end of this conversation,” Commissioner Doug Monger said Sunday. “I don’t believe (the task force) solved any of my heartburn about whether we’re pre-empted” by the state in regu-lating certain aspects of oil and gas exploration.

Recognizing that the relation-ship between the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commis-sion, which regulates the indus-try, and local governments is being strained in some parts of the state as exploration edges closer to municipalities, Hick-enlooper created a 12-member task force that included energy industry representatives, envi-ronmentalists and municipal leaders to address the issue. He specifically asked the group to help clarify regulatory authority over items such as noise abate-ment, air quality and setbacks.

Disputes between oil and gas operators and municipalities over how those things should be regulated have led to costly

Officials looking for clarity on energy regulation

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court cases in recent years as local governments have sought to better protect their constit-uents from the potential nega-tive impacts of energy explo-ration.

But in its final report to the governor earlier this month, the task force didn’t specifically address those items or recom-mend the adoption of any new laws or rules that could prevent the disputes from ending up in court.

Instead, the group made eight recommendations that centered on increasing commu-nication between the COGCC and local governments with the use of a local governmental designee, which Routt County already uses.

High risk, low rewardMike King, chairman of

the task force and the exec-utive director of the Colora-do Department of Natural Resources, said Monday that instead of “picking winners and losers” and drawing lines between the regulatory author-ity of the state and local govern-ments, the task force came up with a list of recommendations he thinks will address a wide range of issues.

“Whether it be emissions or setbacks or whatever the issues of concern are, we can plug it into this process we’ve creat-ed and give local elected offi-cials far more input,” he said about utilizing a local govern-mental designee or using exist-ing statutes to delegate inspec-tions of oil wells. “I think that’s the beauty of the product we came up with.”

He said drawing jurisdiction lines between the state and local governments was a “high risk and low reward game” for the task force.

“There was some expectation that we would come together and say, ‘The county does this and the state does this,’ but it was apparent that was not like-ly the kind of dialogue that has the best chance to fix this,” King said.

Low expectationsMonger said he listened to

all of the audio streams of the task force meetings that started

March 9, and he appreciated the start of a statewide dialogue on the issue of regulatory author-ity. But his expectations for the task force were low from the outset.

“I really didn’t expect a lot out of (the task force) when it started. I thought it was set up to appease disenchanted com-munity members, and I think it probably did that a little bit, but this (issue of clarity) is not going to go away.”

During testimony at one of the task force’s meetings, Mon-ger said Routt County was look-ing to improve how it is notified about potential violations at its well sites. He said commission-ers are sometimes notified of well violations by their constitu-ents before they have a chance to learn about them from the COGCC.

“We were successful in hav-ing that aspect move on,” he said.

Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush said the task force “got people to sit down and talk to each other about how better to cooperate,” but the group’s rec-ommendations likely won’t have any immediate impact on Routt County.

“It’s always nice to have a process like that, but I hope it’s the beginning and not the end,” she said. “But again, with this issue of pre-emption, that can only be decided by a court of law, and we’ll see who prevails there.”

Commissioner Nancy Staho-viak said she was disappoint-ed the task force had a limited scope and a short timeline.

“I think the task force mem-bers were very sincere in what they were doing, and I think they had some good discus-sion,” she said. “It’s a good start. It’s just unfortunate the timeline was so short and they could not get into some of these issues that are so critical to our state, including air and water quality and setbacks.”

Getting technicalWhile oil and gas operators

who work in Routt County last month hailed the creation of the task force as a positive step, local activists were skeptical of what it could accomplish.

After hearing the summa-ry of the task force’s findings

Monday, Rodger Steen, co-chairman of the Community Alliance of the Yampa Valley’s oil and gas committee, wasn’t impressed.

He said he was disappointed the task force made no tech-nical recommendations that would help mitigate energy exploration’s affect on air and water quality.

“The task force is useful in improving education, but it is not useful in limiting and decreasing impacts to air and water,” he said. “I consider what they’ve done is insulting to our intelligence. They’re tell-ing us nothing more than we already knew.”

Moving forwardDespite not getting much

clarity from the task force on the county’s regulatory author-ity, Stahoviak said Routt Coun-ty is in the early stages of estab-lishing a baseline for its air quality.

She said commissioners have applied to the COGCC for funding to install air quality monitors in west Routt Coun-ty and in Steamboat Springs that would help create such a baseline.

Routt County Environmen-tal Health Director Mike Zopf said Monday that while five air monitors on the roof of Steamboat Springs’ downtown courthouse have monitored air for particulate matter since the early 1970s, the county does not have air sensors to moni-tor ozone and oil and gas emis-sions. He estimated the ozone sensors would cost $70,000 per site.

“Getting some monitoring at the western end of the coun-ty is critical, especially since we have more (energy) devel-opment there and in Moffat County,” Stahoviak said. “It would be nice to have a base-line right now so we can see how it’s going to impact us.”

To reach Scott Franz, call 970-871-4210 or email scottfranz@SteamboatToday.com

Regulation continued from 1

Task force made list of recommendations

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S t e a m b o a tThursday

auguSt 23, 2012Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Vol. 24, No. 202R O U T T C O U N T Y ’ S D A I L Y N E W S P A P E R

todayBack to the swing of things

Scott Franz/StaFF

Camron Wisecup goes for a swing on the monkey rings Wednesday during the first day of classes at South Routt Elementary School in Yampa.

Tom RossSteamboat today

Steamboat SpringS

Several energy exploration companies that are new to Routt County are applying for permits to drill oil wells here. They include J-W Operating Co., a division of Dallas-based J-W Energy; Entek GRB, which already is active-ly drilling in the Slater Dome Field in Moffat County; Omi-mex Resources; and Continental

Resources, which bills itself as a top 10 oil producer in the U.S. and the largest leaseholder in the Bakken Field, of North Dakota. True Oil also is seeking to drill its second well here.

Routt County Planning Department Director Chad Phil-lips said Wednesday that 13 oil and gas drilling permits are in various stages of the approv-al process in his office, includ-ing Shell Oil’s recently approved Dawson Creek permit.

When applicants that have state permits but have not applied to the county are considered, the total number of potential wells to be permitted in the future grows to 17, according to the Planning Department.

The Dawson Creek permit is awaiting the routine approval by the Routt County Board of Commissioners of the minutes from its public hearing before the permit is sent to the company for its signature, Phillips said.

Another approved permit, Quicksilver’s Camilletti proj-ect north of Milner, was sent to Quicksilver for signature more than two weeks ago, Phillips said. A company spokesman said at the time of the county’s approval of the permit July 10 that Quick-silver objected to conditions requiring a groundwater qual-ity monitoring well. In a recent email to planning staff, Quicksil-

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■ Indexbriefs . . . . . . . . .10Classifieds . . . . .27Comics . . . . . . . .23Crossword . . . . .23directory. . . . . . .25Happenings . . . . .6

Lotto. . . . . . . . . .25movies . . . . . . . . .7the Record. . . . .11Scoreboard. . . . .25Sports. . . . . . . . .17ViewPoints . . . . . .8

INSIDE: Colorado Mountain College celebrates new academic center with grand opening today • page 11

Chance of rain.

High of 78.

Page 24

■ weather ■ rIver reportYampa River flow WednesdayNoon 116 cfs10 p.m. 126 cfsaverage for this date 135 cfsHighest for this date 415 cfs, 1957Lowest for this date 26 cfs, 1940Streamflow reported in cubic feet per second at the Fifth Street bridge as provided by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Tom RossSteamboat today

Steamboat SpringS

The intended bank merger announced in early December 2011 is complete, and the for-mer Steamboat Springs branch of Millennium Bank now is part of the nine-branch Centennial Bank.

Paul Clavadetscher, president of the Steamboat location, said his management team has been through the merger process before and is well prepared to make the transition smooth for customers.

“The first thing my employees asked me was, ‘Do I have a job?’ and I said, ‘Yes,’” Clavadetscher said Wednesday. “Next, they asked, ‘Do my colleagues have a job?’ and again I said, ‘Yes.’ Our customers want to know if we’ve become part of a giant bank, and the answer is, ‘Definitely not.’”

Michael D. Williams, execu-tive vice president of Centennial’s mountain banks, wrote on the company Web page this month that though the signs of the banks have changed to reflect the merg-er, bank customers wouldn’t see any changes until the second phase is launched.

“It’s important to point out that there will be no changes to your accounts until Phase Two, when we change the bank’s sys-tems,” Williams wrote. “You can continue to use your Millenni-um Bank checks, debit and cred-it cards. There will also be no immediate changes to your direct

See Bank, page 2 See oil, page 3

Energy companies are applying for permits to drill wells in Routt County

Millennium now part of Centennial

Merger complete; bank gets new name

Growing interest in oil

See details on Page 4

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ver’s Steve Lindsey wrote, “Given the attached condition, our com-pany is valuating its options. At this point, we won’t be taking any action on the permit.”

Continental Oil has a drill-ing permit in the county pro-cess for the Peltier Well that has been deemed complete, Phillips said, but the company has asked the county to table it for the time being. It has been rescheduled for public hearings before the Routt County Planning Commission on Sept. 20 and the Routt Coun-ty Board of Commissioners on Oct. 23. The well would be drilled in the Bear River Field east of Hayden.

The next oil well permit to come before the county commis-sioners is Gnat Hill on Aug. 28. The well is 7.8 miles southeast of Hayden and north of Routt County Road 65.

Nine more well permit appli-cations are in the county planning office waiting to be deemed com-plete, Phillips said, including two more Quicksilver wells.

Planning staff has done dili-

gence on almost all of those per-mit applications toward deem-ing them complete and ready for public hearings, according to a written report provided to the county commissioners. Phillips said that in cases where they are waiting for hearings, it’s because

the applicants have been asked to provide necessary information to make the applications complete.

“Are we holding them up? No we are not,” Phillips said.

In some cases, applications are incomplete because they required more traffic analysis.

Oil continued from 1

7 permits waiting to be deemed complete

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

Sprucing up downtownMerry Morgan works on the flowers lining the parking lot of the Old Town Hot Springs. Morgan was trading her time to help pay for her yearly pass to the downtown health and fitness center.

JOHN F. RUSSELL/STAFF

A private road leads to the area where Quicksilver Resources previously planned to build and operate an oil well on property owned by longtime Routt County resident Frank Camilletti and his family. The permit was approved July 10 by the Routt County Board of Commissioners. Quicksilver did not support the conditions on the permit and an official emailed the Routt County Planning Commission that the company is “valuat-ing its options.”

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