A new project, the West Mamm Creek Pipeline, proposes the installation of seven miles of water and natural gas pipelines south of Rifle, Colorado, near County Road 319. The plan aims to connect isolated wells to the existing infrastructure, streamline resource transportation, and reduce truck traffic on local roads.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service are currently inviting public comments on the project, with submissions open until January 3, 2025.
Reducing Heavy Traffic and Enhancing Efficiency
One of the primary goals of the West Mamm Creek Pipeline Project is to minimize the use of heavy trucks on dirt roads. According to John Lee, a ranger with the U.S. Forest Service’s Rifle Ranger District, approximately 156 large water trucks currently navigate these roads three times a week throughout the year. The pipeline would significantly reduce this traffic by providing a direct route for water and gas transportation.
“There are about 156 large water trucks that travel those roads three times a week all year to carry the water from the well pads,” Lee explained.
This reduction in truck usage is expected to lower road wear and tear, improve safety, and decrease dust and noise pollution in the area.
Minimal Environmental Impact Promised
Officials from the Forest Service and the BLM have emphasized that the project will involve minimal environmental disruption. The pipeline is set to be constructed along already disturbed areas, with a commitment to restoring the land to its original state post-construction.
“Any ground disturbance would happen on previously disturbed sites,” said Lee. “Once the pipeline is installed, the area will be reclaimed to its former state. That involves re-landscaping and putting vegetation back in place.”
The proposal does not include new oil and gas developments, although the improved infrastructure could potentially support such activities in the future.
Environmental Concerns from Local Groups
While the project aims to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact, it has drawn scrutiny from environmental advocacy groups. Citizens for Clean Air, a Grand Junction-based organization, highlighted concerns about hazardous chemicals often found in the water transported from wells.
“That water often contains hazardous chemicals. That’s why it is important to handle it carefully when it comes out of the ground and treat it to remove the hazardous chemicals,” said Gerald Nelson, Vice-President of Citizens for Clean Air.
Nelson urged residents to review the Environmental Assessment documents carefully, considering how the project might affect their daily lives and recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Public Comments Open Until January
The BLM and the Forest Service are encouraging public participation in the decision-making process. The agencies will accept comments and feedback on the project until January 3, 2025.
Stakeholders and residents are urged to evaluate the proposal’s potential benefits and drawbacks, including its impact on local infrastructure, the environment, and future resource development.
