Tuesday, Jan 25 2011 7:00PM
Some Wyoming residents are protesting drilling planned for the Wyoming Range, calling the act a "travesty".
Residents of Wyoming's Teton County recently came together to protest a proposal that would allow a Houston company to drill for natural gas in parts of the Wyoming Range, reported the Casper Star-Tribune.
About 250 people arrived at a public meeting to tell representatives of the Bridger-Teton National Forest that drilling in the area is a "travesty," the newspaper reported. But, according to Bridger-Teton Supervisor Jacque Buchanan, the decision to lease the land was made in 1992, meaning officials only have the power to manage - and not prevent - drilling activity.
Energy company Plains Exploration and Production plans on drilling 136 wells on 17 pads south of Bondurant in the Wyoming Range. An environmental impact report on the project is available for public comment through March 11, with a final version due later this year, according to the paper.
Wyoming residents who fear the environmental impacts of natural gas drilling do so with reason, as the Environmental Protection Agency found drilling has already contaminated drinking water and wastewater services in parts of the state. Scientists discovered water wells in Pavillion were contaminated with toxic chemicals like methane and benzene, both which could lead to serious illnesses if frequently consumed.