To Bill Barrett Corp. (BBC), a July 29 agreement that let the US Bureau of Land Management issue a final environmental impact statement a day later for the proposed West Tavaputs natural gas project means the Denver independent can move ahead on one of its primary eastern Utah holdings.
To the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the same agreement protects the Green River's Desolation Canyon segment from the sight and sound of industrial development as BBC develops the 324 bcfe of proved reserves on more than 40,000 acres.
To Utah Gov. Gary R. Herbert, it was "a perfect model of cooperation, and proves that when people come together with a common goal, solutions are possible."
And to US Interior Sec. Ken Salazar, the agreement was "historic in many ways," adding, "It clearly provides for the orderly and balanced development of our nation's energy supply while, at the same time, serving as an outstanding example of the fresh look of how we can better manage our energy resources. It improves protections for air, land, water, and cultural resources, while reducing potential conflicts that can lead to costly and time-consuming litigation."
Five years of work
The agreement was the culmination of 5 years of work by negotiators from BBC, BLM, and archeological, wilderness, and wildlife interests, said BBC Chief Executive Fred Barrett.
"Energy production on federal land means working with a broad spectrum of stakeholders," he explained. "SUWA and the organizations it represented contributed to making our project what I believe is the most environmentally progressive gas development in Utah. The collaboration leading to this record of decision is simply good business."
Stephen Bloch, SUWA's attorney and energy program director, said the original West Tavaputs proposal included more than 225 surface locations in proposed wilderness areas.
Fewer locations
Under this agreement and BBC's contracted surface development plans, fewer than 6 locations would be developed. Placement of gates on several remote dirt roads will ensure that fragile cultural sites, wildlife, and wilderness values are protected, he said.
Herbert, a Republican, created the Balanced Resource Council last fall to unite people with different viewpoints to reach similar agreements. Its chairman is his senior environmental advisor, former Salt Lake City Mayor Ted Wilson, a Democrat.
BBC plans to seek drilling permits once a 30-day period for appealing BLM's decision expires. It will provide more details of its year-round, multiyear program once it gets the permits.
"We believe we have set a collaborative and positive precedent for the future," said Fred Barrett. "This is an important asset in our portfolio, and we are very excited to proceed with our program."
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