If you’re just finding out that Verdad Resources has proposed a 22-well fracking pad near your neighborhood in Windsor, Severance, or Timnath, you’re not alone. And you’re not too late! The ECMC will eventually schedule a hearing for the Century Pad’s permit which means there’s still time to get informed, get organized, and get heard before a decision is made. Here’s where to start.
get a yard sign
Every yard sign is an opportunity to rally your neighbors to get informed and involved, get yours (or one for a friend) now!
Make sure your neighbors know
Weld County only required Verdad to formally notify property owners within 2,000 feet of the proposed pad. ECMC’s notice area is wider. Within 7 days of ECMC deeming the application complete, Verdad must notify property owners, tenants and residents within half a mile of the pad, along with nearby schools and child care centers. Those same people must also be notified at least 60 days before the ECMC hearing.
If you live further out, or you’re not sure your neighbors got notice, tell them yourself. Share this website with them. The more people who know this is happening, the more voices will be heard when it matters.
prepare for the ecmc Hearing
Now that Weld County has approved the Century 1041 permit (we’re still waiting on the final order with conditions of approval), the next step is for Verdad to seek approval of its Oil and Gas Development Plan from the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC). During this process, the public will have up to three opportunities to comment on Verdad’s proposal:
- Written comment period. Once ECMC deems the application complete, a written public comment period of 45 to 60 days opens. Comments are considered by ECMC staff before they make their recommendation and become part of the record the Commissioners review. We don’t yet know when this will begin.
- Local public hearing (Rule 511). We’ve officially requested a Rule 511 public hearing, where the Commission would hear feedback from the community in person. The Commission decides whether to grant the request, and it can’t be filed until the application has a docket number. If granted, we expect it late this year or early next year.
- Commission hearing. At the ECMC hearing, the Commission may take oral public comment, which the Commissioners will consider in their deliberations. Most likely this will be a virtual Zoom meeting. We don’t yet know when it will be held.
Request an informational session
If you’re part of an HOA, church group, school group, or just a handful of neighbors who want the full picture, we’ll come to you. We’ll walk through what’s being proposed, what it means for your neighborhood, and what your options are — no pressure, just information.