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Environmental Planning Policy and Oil and Gas Monthly Update
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Summary & Background
The purpose of this presentation is to provide a monthly update to the City Council regarding the progress of the environmental planning efforts in which the City is engaged as well as the oil and gas activities occurring in the City.
Environment Planning and Policy
The City’s environmental planning efforts include policy development, air quality monitoring, and water quality monitoring. Through the organizational sustainability work, internal stakeholders (i.e., City staff, Department heads, key decision-makers) were engaged by consultants, Lotus Sustainability and Engineering, to identify the key components of a vision for organizational sustainability and the energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water use strategies as it pertains to municipal facilities and operations (i.e., buildings, infrastructure, equipment, and fleet). A draft memorandum that synthesized the data collected is currently under review by Staff.
The Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC) members are reviewing resources and information related to environmental issues and policy. The members are also considering a meet and greet open house to further lay the groundwork for the work ahead.
The current air quality efforts build on the City’s previous work to strengthen air quality requirements, better inform the City of air quality technologies and strategies and continue to improve air quality in and around the City. A draft air quality monitoring plan that includes comprehensive air quality ideas for monitoring has been received. It is under review by Staff.
Water quality monitoring efforts include the development of policies and plans associated with improving the water quality of rivers and streams in Commerce City. Presently, a low impact development (LID) guidance document is in development.
Oil and Gas
The Oil and Gas update includes information regarding City and State permitting activities as well as activities at the Suncor oil refinery.
There are five oil and gas applications active with the City, all made by Exploration Oil and Gas, now known as Civitas Resources. Civitas Resources is considering withdrawing applications for two of the proposed well sites at TR Ranch. They have also withdrawn all Form 2 and Form 2A applications with the State. These applications will be resubmitted to the State at such time that approvals have been obtained from the City. No activity has occurred with regards to spacing orders within the City.
Six exceedances to State and Federal emissions limits occurred between November 22, 2021 and December 20, 2021 due to two events, one on November 28, 2021 and another on December 7, 2021. There were also notices of fires at the refinery on November 29, 2021 and December 17, 2021. Emergency response teams responded to both events. An all clear notice was sounded for the November 29, 2021 event. Activities resumed on December 17, 2021 after all personnel were accounted for and no injuries were reported. The Commerce City-North Denver Air Monitors did not record an exceedances to emissions limits before, during, or after this event. The cause of this event is under investigation.
Staff Responsible (Department Head): James Tolbert, Director of Community Development
Staff Presenting: Anita Riley, Principal Planner
Financial Impact: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
Staff Recommendation: N/A
Suggested Motion: N/A