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EPA seeks public comment on steamflood injection pilot project (288 wells) in the Antelope Creek Field of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation

Release Date: 5/25/2004
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an Underground Injection Control (UIC) Public Notice, and a Statement of Basis and Draft Permit for oil and gas development activities in the Antelope Creek Field of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. EPA seeks public comment on its proposed authorization of the injection of steam for up to 288 wells in a 720-acre area of Duchesne County, UT. If the pilot project succeeds, the ultimate scope of the project could involve up to 8,008 steam injection wells spaced every 2.5 acres in a 32-square mile area. The comment period for the first 288 proposed wells will close July 9th, 2004.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) approved the Petroglyph Operating Company's thermally enhanced oil recovery development agreement with the Ute Indian Tribe. On March 16th, BIA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FNSI) for the Environmental Assessment for the 8,008 wells.

Concerns about cumulative impacts to air, threatened and endangered species, wetlands and cultural resources from the proposed project should be directed to the BIA's Uintah and Ouray Agency, which is accepting comments on the "Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Modifications to the Antelope Creek Oil and Gas Field Expansion/Infill and Thermal Recovery Projects, Uintah County, Utah" until June 11th, 2004. Comments may be directed to Chester Mills, Agency Superintendent, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, Uintah and Ouray Agency, P.O. Box 130, Fort Duchesne, UT 84026 (435-722-4300).