One of the longest oil well projects ever proposed in Colorado moved a step closer to reality Tuesday night as the Town of Erie reached a tentative agreement with SM Energy to sell its remaining mineral rights connected to the proposed Draco oil and gas development.
The state approved the Draco project’s 26 wells in Weld County last year. The wells would extend roughly five miles underground, stretching beneath parts of Erie. Before drilling can begin, however, the town must decide whether to sell the remaining 3% of mineral rights it still owns beneath portions of the community near the project.
The issue drew a packed room at Tuesday’s meeting at the town council, where residents met in front to share concerns about property values, environmental impacts, and health risks.
Heather Sabo, who has lived in Erie for 17 years, said she is considering moving if the town approves the sale…