A proposed oil and gas lease sale near the Utah-Colorado border is raising concerns because of its proximity to Hovenweep National Monument. The Cortez Journal reports that the Bureau of Land Management’s March lease sale includes two parcels totaling about 2700 acres in eastern Utah that could mean visual and noise impacts to the monument. The Journal reports that environmental groups including the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance have criticized the proposed lease sale, saying drill rigs and storage tanks could be visible from parts of Hovenweep. In addition, lights might be visible at night from the monument, which has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The BLM is taking comments through October 23rd. Comments are accepted via BLM’s ePlanning website at https://go.usa.gov/xNfAT, by email at BLM_UT_MB_Comments@blm.gov or by mail to the BLM Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532. Include “Canyon Country District March 2018 Oil and Gas Lease Sale” in the subject line of emails.
Oil and Gas Parcels Near Hovenweep Raise Concerns
Austin Cope
