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Gas Facts
• COGCC Complaint Process
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Contacting the COGCC
The COGCC regulates the oil and gas drilling and production industry in Colorado. The mission of the COGCC is to promote the responsible development of Colorado's oil and gas natural resources. This "responsible development" balances efficient exploration and production of oil and gas with the prevention of waste, protection of mineral owner's rights, and protection of public health, safety and welfare and the environment.
The COGCC issues permits for the drilling and operation of oil and gas wells, and enforces rules and regulations for the spacing of wells, well bore construction, and well site reclamation. Rules are also enforced for the abandonment of wells and for the treatment and disposal of oil and gas exploration and production waste. COGCC rules implement the statutory charge to prevent significant environmental impacts to air, water, soil, or biological resources caused by oil and gas operations. Below are the rule categories:
- Definitions (100 series)
- General Rules (200 series)
- Drilling, Development, Producing & Abandonment (300 series)
- Unit Operations, Enhanced Recovery Projects (400 series)
- Rules of Practice & Procedure (500 series)
- Safety Regulations (600 series)
- Financial Assurance & Environmental Response Fund (700 series)
- Aesthetic & Noise Control Regulations (800 series)
- Exploration & Production Waste Management (900 series)
- Reclamation Regulations (1000 series)
- Flowline Regulations (1100 series)
The COGCC is staffed with field inspectors, engineers, and environmental protection specialists who are responsible for reviewing permit applications and other technical information, and for inspecting oil and gas wells for compliance with COGCC regulations. These staff members also respond to complaints about oil and gas well sites by surface owners, citizens, and local governments. In addition to the main Denver office, the COGCC inspectors and field engineers are located throughout the state in Brush, Ft. Lupton, Lamar, Durango, and Grand Junction.
The Oil and Gas Conservation Commission board is made up of seven Commissioners. Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Monthly public hearings are held in Denver and in locations with oil and gas activity around the state.
If a surface owner or tenant has a complaint about an oil and gas operation, the COGCC encourages them to first contact the operator to see if a solution can be found that works for both parties. If no satisfactory solution can be found, a surface owner or tenant may file a complaint, preferably in writing on a COGCC complaint form, with the COGCC. Field inspectors, engineers and environmental specialists from the COGCC investigate complaints and take enforcement action if rule violations are found.
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Web site: www.oil-gas.state.co.us
The web site contains information for surface owners as well as answers to typical questions from the public about oil and gas development in Colorado. All rules and regulations can be found on the web site.
E-mail: dnr.ogcc@state.co.us
Main number: 303-894-2100
Toll free number: 888-235-1101
Fax number: 303-894-2109
Local number: 970-259-4587
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