Colorado requires oil and gas companies to restore all sites completely to reduce erosion, loosen compacted soil, prevent dust storms, and control invasions of noxious weeds. But, the state doesn’t set a timetable for getting the job done reports the Denver Post.
The land around about half of the inactive wells has yet to be restored, and 72 percent of these sites have been in process for more than five years.
Unlike many other states, Colorado doesn’t require companies to submit a reclamation plan prior to drilling.
Thomas Compton is the chairman of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. He says he’d like to consider improving the rules.
Here’s the link to a map of inactive wells in Colorado.