BLM to consider 2 more alternatives for Pinedale Anticline
by Bureau of Land Management
August 30, 2007
The Bureau of Land Management will release two additional alternatives for the Pinedale Anticline Project Area Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (PAPA SEIS) later this year.
“Comments received from the public, operators and the Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. have provided additional insight into this project,” BLM Wyoming State Director Bob Bennett said. “These insights and proposals were significant enough to warrant two additional alternatives for public review. The BLM appreciates all of the comments and input received from the public and cooperating agencies.”
The new Alternative D would allow for operators to develop during wildlife timing stipulations in a larger “core” area than originally proposed, while suspending leases on the East and West flanks of the PAPA. A wildlife matrix and mitigation fund has been incorporated into this alternative to address on and off-site mitigation.
The new Alternative E will analyze full field development with wildlife timing stipulations carried forward from the 2000 PAPA Record of Decision and subsequent Pinedale Anticline decisions.
The two alternatives will be released for public comment later this year in a revised Draft SEIS, with a final decision scheduled for early 2008. The PAPA encompasses 198,000 acres south of Pinedale, Wyo. Immediately north of the Jonah Field.
The BLM is analyzing a proposal for long-term development of natural gas resources in the PAPA from Questar Market Resources, Shell Exploration and Production Company, and Ultra Resources Inc. They propose to conduct year-round drilling and completions in Concentrated Development Areas within the PAPA.
Production of natural gas recovered could be up to 25 trillion cubic feet (TCF), enough to heat 12.5 million homes for a span of 20 years. The royalties over the Life of Plan from the production of natural gas would generate approximately $16 billion, with $8 billion going to the State of Wyoming. Public comment on the Draft PAPA SEIS closed March 15, 2007, following a December 2006 release.
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Additional contacts for more information on this topic:
Bureau of Land Management: Contact Steven Hall, 307-775-6015
Bureau of Land Management, Pinedale Field Office
Joint Ultra-Shell-Questar information website and contact phone:
Collaboration, Conservation & Commitment on the Pinedale Anticline
1-877-526-1007
www.PinedaleSEIS.com
Company contacts:
Deena McMullen, Senior Communications Advisor
Shell Exploration & Production
4582 S. Ulster Street Parkway, Suite 1400
Denver, CO 80237
(303) 222-6348
Emily Fisher, Communications Specialist
Questar Market Resources
1050 17th Street, Suite 500
Denver, CO 80265
(303) 308-3623
Belinda Salinas, Manager, Environmental, Safety and Regulatory Affairs
Ultra Petroleum
PO Box 1768, 255 E Magnolia, Pinedale, WY 82941
Direct line: 307-367-6442 ext 228
Cell: 307-367-9137
Fax: 307-367-4797
Related Links:
Pinedale Anticline SEIS
Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG)
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