The White Water Unit Master Development plan is a proposal by Fram Operating, LLC, to develop up to 108 wells from 12 new well pads over four years beginning in 2012. About one mile of new roads and 27 miles of pipeline would be constructed. The proposal area covers 26,000 acres in Mesa County. This project is undergoing agency review.
This proposal replaces a much larger development proposal for the Whitewater area submitted by Fram in spring 2010 that included lands in both Delta and Mesa counties. Because Fram has withdrawn that earlier proposal, the public comments BLM received on that proposal will not apply to this new proposal. Click here to read our scoping comments on the proposal.
On June 28, the BLM announced that they are seeking public comment for a scoping project for the Fram Whitewater Master Development Plan. In general, the Conservation Center supports the use of Master Development Plans because they take into account impacts on a larger scale.
In July, the Conservation Center submitted a joint letter with Western Colorado Congress requesting deferral until the BLM Grand Junction Field Office completes its RMP. On July 30, 2013 the BLM issued a two week comment period extension.
The Conservation Center submitted joint comments with Western Colorado Congress. The proposed MDP includes development close to municipal water supplies, homes,
businesses, and Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area—each of which merit
additional consideration and protection within the Environmental Assessment. The
proposed 108 wells, and future build-out scenarios in both Mesa and Delta Counties for
the Whitewater Unit, could exacerbate local air quality, risk water, impair tourism and
agriculture, and strain nearby communities. Click here to read the full comment letter
You can find more details at: http://www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/gjfo/energy/proposed_whitewater.html
