Frequently Asked Questions

Refracking, or refracturing, is the process of re-stimulating an existing oil or gas well to increase production using updated hydraulic fracturing techniques. It allows operators to improve recovery from wells that have declined in output without drilling new ones. This method is often more cost-effective and creates less disturbance than a new well. Advances in technology have made refracking more efficient and targeted, helping to maximize resource extraction and minimize environmental impact. 

Two websites that provide further information about fracking are the ECMC & Frac Focus. Frac Focus is the hydraulic fracturing chemical registry. It is a joint project of the Groundwater Protection Council and the Interstate Oil and Gas Company Commission.

The town of Frederick, located in Colorado, sites within the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, one of the most prolific oil and gas regions in the United States. This sedimentary basin spans several counties and contains rich deposits of oil, natural gas, coal, and other minerals. Frederick is situated within the Wattenberg Field, the DJ Basin's most productive area, which spans parts of Weld, Adams, Boulder, Broomfield, and Larimer counties. 

Oil and gas development has been a part of Frederick's local economy for decades. Historically, early energy extraction focused on underground coal and conventional vertical wells. However, since the early 2000's, advances in horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have dramatically increased production. That increase in production is particularly significant for the Niobrara and Codell formations.

The Wattenberg Field is among Colorado's larges oil and natural gas production zones. It contributes significantly to the state's energy output and economy, generating jobs, tax revenues, and royalties for mineral rights owners. Revenues from oil and gas development also support public infrastructure, schools, and community services in some areas.

The state governing body for oil & gas development and production is the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).

Oil and gas development in the greater Wattenberg area, including within the Town of Frederick, is regulated at the state, county, and local levels.

At the state level, the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), is the primary agency responsible for regulating oil and gas operations on non-federal lands in Colorado. The ECMC oversees well permitting, environmental protection, operator compliance, health and safety standards.

In addition to state oversight, municipal and county governments, including the Town of Frederick, have authority over land use and surface impacts of oil and gas development.

To learn more about the ECMC please visit their website or call (303) 894-2100.

To learn more about Town of Frederick Regulations please see Article 9 of the Town's Land Use Code or contact the Town's Oil and Gas Liaison.

The Town of Frederick is located within the Wattenberg Field, part of the larger Denver-Julesburg (DJ) Basin, one of Colorado's most active oil and gas regions. Please see the map of existing oil and gas wells. This area is geologically complex, containing multiple subsurface resources including oil, gas, coal, gravel, sand, groundwater, aggregate, etc. Some resources are near the surface, while others lie thousands of feet below the ground, requiring drilling for extraction.

How Well Locations Are Regulated:

Oil and gas drilling locations are governed by state law, local regulations, and the terms of private mineral leases. The primary state agency overseeing site approvals is the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).

Operators must submit a Form 2A - Location Assessment to the ECMC for all proposed locations, which must include:

• Environmental and wildlife impact evaluations
• Noise, light, and emissions control plans
• Health and safety compliance
• Public comment periods and notice to affected local governments

At the local level, the Town of Frederick requires a conditional use permit for any new wells drilled within the Town. The Town reviews proposed locations for compatibility with local land use, oil and gas standards, and zoning requirements. Town approval is required through the conditional use permit for all new surface locations within municipal boundaries, which is a quasi-judicial application process, including a neighborhood meeting and multiple public hearings.

Key Factors in Drill Site Selection:

Selection of drill sites is based on a combination of technical, regulatory, and surface use considerations, including:

Subsurface geology and reservoir characteristics

• Surface topography and access considerations
• Proximity to existing infrastructure (roads, utilities, pipelines, refineries, etc.)
• Minimizing impact to existing and planned surface uses (homes, schools, parks, etc.)
• Noise, visual, and air quality mitigation

Operators use advanced geophysical and geologic modeling tools to identify optimal well placements that balance resource recovery with environmental and surface-use sensitivity.

Surface Use Agreements and Landowner Rights:

Under Colorado law, oil and gas companies are required to engage in good faith negotiations with surface owners before using private property for drilling. Often times a landowner owns the rights to the surface and an oil and gas operator owns the rights to the minerals below the ground surface. These negotiations typically results in a Surface Use Agreement (SUA), which:

• Identifies the location of the well pad, roads, flow lines, and facilities
• Establishes landowner compensation, access routes, etc.
• Addresses operational timing, fencing, landscaping, etc.

If a Surface Use Agreement is in place, it may be reflected in the property's title records and recorded with the county.

Please Note: The Town of Frederick encourages operators and landowners to work collaboratively to site oil and gas development in a manner that minimizes community impacts while allowing for the responsible development of subsurface resources. For more information please contact the Town's Oil and Gas Liaison, the Town's Planning Department, or review Article 9 of the Town's Land Use Code

Modern oil and gas development is a phased industrial process that includes site preparation, drilling, well completion, and production facility installation. In recent years, technology and environmental standards have significantly evolved to reduce surface impacts, lower emissions, and minimize disruption to surrounding communities.

Key Phases of Drilling and Development

1. Initial Site Assessment and Design:

• Operator evaluates surface and subsurface conditions.
• Location design includes environmental, topographic, and land use constraints.
• Site plans are submitted to the Town and the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) for review and approval.

  2. Site Preparation

• Grading of a small pad area (typically 2–3 acres or less, depending on design).
• Access road upgrades or construction (if needed).
• Erosion control measures installed (e.g., silt fences, stormwater BMPs).
• Construction fencing and security measures installed.

  3. Rig Mobilization and Drilling

• Electrified drill rigs are now commonly used in the DJ Basin to reduce noise and air emissions (powered from the grid or portable gas generators with emissions control).
• Drilling typically occurs 24 hours/day and lasts 2–10 days per well, depending on depth and formation complexity.
• Surface casing is set and cemented to protect groundwater and aquifer zones.

  4. Well Completion

• After drilling, the rig is removed and completion operations begin, which may include hydraulic fracturing (fracking) using a separate completion crew and equipment.
• Frac activities typically last 1–3 days per well, depending on stage count and design.
• Temporary water tanks, sand containers, and pressure pumps are staged at the pad during this time.

   5. Production Facility Installation

• Once a well is producing, it flows through a wellhead to a buried flowline that transports oil, gas, and produced water to centralized facilities.
• Many new sites use "tankless" production setups, eliminating on-site storage by piping oil, gas, and water directly off-site.
• Where tank batteries are installed, they often include:

Vapor recovery systems
Low-emission separators and heaters
Automated leak detection and remote monitoring
All new sites are fenced and include secondary containment berms) 

    6. Site Restoration

• Interim reclamation is performed shortly after drilling and completion, including regrading and revegetation.
• Final reclamation occurs after well abandonment or pad decommissioning, restoring the area to its pre-disturbance condition.

Noise, Dust, and Air Quality Mitigation 

Drilling and completion activities can produce temporary noise, dust, and emissions, particularly during high-activity phases. However, strict regulations require operators to minimize and control impacts:

• Electrified rigs and sound walls are used to reduce noise.
• Dust suppression methods include water trucks and stabilized road surfaces.
• Emissions from equipment and tanks are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), and operators must obtain and comply with air permits.
• Flaring and venting are restricted and monitored.

If you are concerned about noise, odors, or emissions from a drilling or production site:

• Contact the Colorado ECMC Complaint Line at 1-888-235-1101 or submit a report with the Town of Frederick.
• Reach out to the rig or well operator, whose contact information is posted on-site.
• You may also contact the Town of Frederick’s Oil & Gas Liaison for local support.

In the Wattenberg Field and the Town of Frederick, natural gas and oil pipeline infrastructure is essential for transporting products safely from the wellhead to processing and distribution facilities. There are several types of pipelines associated with oil and gas operations, each serving a specific role:

Types of Pipelines

1. Flowlines

• Transport oil, gas, and produced water from the wellhead to production equipment (e.g., separators or treaters).
• Increasingly, new facilities use direct-to-pipeline (tankless) systems that eliminate on-site storage by routing fluids directly offsite.
• Typically short-distance and operator-specific.

   2. Gathering Lines

• Carry gas, oil, or water from multiple well sites or facilities to centralized treatment or processing plants.
• Often serve multiple operators or regional systems.

   3. Transmission Lines

• Operated by pipeline companies, these large-diameter lines carry processed gas or oil over long distances to end users (utilities, refineries, export terminals).

Pipeline Routing and Placement

Pipeline routes are determined by a combination of technical, environmental, and legal factors, including:

• Operator preference for efficiency and shortest distance.
• Subsurface rights and surface use constraints.
• Topography and existing land uses.
• Minimizing impacts to existing infrastructure, natural features, and sensitive areas.

Pipelines are usually placed within:

• Recorded easements or rights-of-way, which may appear in county real estate records.
• Surface Use Agreements (SUAs) between landowners and operators.
• Rights granted under oil and gas leases, when no SUA exists.

Once buried (typically at least four feet deep, though depth may vary by pipe type and local requirements), pipeline markers are installed at road crossings, fence lines, or field edges. These markers include:

• Operator name and emergency contact information.
• Type of product transported (e.g., gas, oil, water).

Important: Markers do not indicate the exact location or depth of the pipeline.

Locating Pipelines Before You Dig

Before any digging, fencing, or construction activity, even on private property, you are legally required to contact the Colorado 811 system:

• Call 811 or 1-800-922-1987 at least 3 business days before you dig (Colorado811.org).

This free service will coordinate a utility locate (including oil and gas flowlines and gathering lines), ensuring public safety and preventing damage to buried infrastructure.

If you have additional questions about pipeline rights-of-way, you may contact:

• The pipeline or well operator.
• The Town of Frederick Planning Department.
• The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC).

Oil and gas development, particularly during drilling and well completion, can produce temporary increases in noise, dust, and air emissions, and carries inherent industrial risks. However, significant advancements in technology, state regulations, and local authority have helped reduce these impacts, especially in growing communities like Frederick.

Regulatory Oversight

• The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) (formerly COGCC) sets statewide rules for oil and gas operations, including health, safety, noise, air emissions, and spill prevention.
• The Town of Frederick, under updated state law (SB19-181), now has enhanced authority to regulate the location, noise, aesthetics, traffic, and nuisance impacts of oil and gas development through its Land Use Code (LINK to Article 9) along with our Oil and Gas Standards Document (LINK to standards document).
• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regulates air and water quality impacts and enforces permit conditions for emissions and stormwater.

Noise and Emissions Mitigation

Modern operations are required to implement a range of best management practices (BMPs), including:

• Electrified drilling rigs to reduce diesel engine noise and emissions.
• Sound walls or enclosures around high-noise equipment.
• Vapor recovery units (VRUs) and low-bleed air powered pneumatic controls to reduce air emissions.
• Enclosed or tankless production systems to limit odor and fugitive emissions.
• Automated monitoring for leak detection.

Local noise limits may also apply. In Frederick, the Town reviews proposed oil and gas locations through its Conditional Use application process.

Dust and Air Quality

• Dust is primarily a concern during site preparation and high-traffic periods. Operators are required to use water trucks, stabilized entrances, and dust suppressants as needed.

Emissions from equipment and operations are regulated by CDPHE, with permits required for:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Methane
• Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

Safety and Setbacks

Operators are required to comply with minimum safety setbacks between well sites and occupied buildings, parks, and public spaces. These include:

• State minimums, which vary based on use and terrain.
•  Local setbacks, which may exceed state requirements based on Frederick’s zoning and land use code (Article 9).
• Emergency action plans (EAP), tactical response plans (TRP), spill response protocols, and fire department coordination are required before operations begin.
• Fencing, signage, and secured access help ensure public safety.

While modern oil and gas operations prioritize safety, no industrial process is without risk. Frederick works closely with regulators and operators to minimize those risks to the community and ensure that complaints are investigated quickly and thoroughly.

Reporting a Concern

Residents with concerns about noise, air quality, or safety should contact the well operator directly (information is posted on-site or at our operators in Frederick section of the website (LINK)). Residents who wish to submit a report, click here.

Oil and gas operations properly sited, constructed, and regulated, can operate with minimal and manageable impact to wildlife, air, and water. In a region like the Wattenberg Field, which overlaps with growing communities and agricultural lands, both the State of Colorado and the Town of Frederick have strengthened regulations to ensure responsible energy development alongside environmental protection.

Wildlife Protection

Although Frederick lies within a highly developed part of northeastern Colorado, wildlife considerations remain important. Operators are required by both the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to avoid, minimize, and mitigate potential impacts to species and habitat, including:

• Raptor nesting sites, threatened/endangered species, wetlands, and migration corridors.
• Timing restrictions for construction near sensitive habitats (e.g., avoiding breeding/nesting seasons).
• Site-specific wildlife mitigation measures, such as relocating access roads or using low-impact lighting.

Operators must assess environmental constraints during the planning phase.

Air Quality

Air emissions from oil and gas sites are regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) through enforceable permits.

Water Quality and Spill Prevention

To protect groundwater, drinking water supplies, and surface waters, multiple safeguards are now in place at every stage of development:

• Steel casing and cement are installed in wells to protect freshwater zones.
• Stormwater controls are installed before construction and maintained throughout development.
• Secondary containment systems now include impermeable liners underneath well pads, tanks, and transfer areas, paired with engineered berms to contain any spills or leaks.
• Operators must report, remediate, and document all reportable spills under state rules.

Most residents in the Frederick area receive drinking water from a centralized treated water system, not private groundwater wells. However, wellhead protection areas and sensitive zones are still prioritized in site planning.

Regulatory oversight is provided by the Town of Frederick, ECMC, CDPHE, EPA, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Together, these agencies ensure that oil and gas development aligns with environmental protection goals while supporting Colorado’s energy economy.

Monitoring & Inspections

Each operating company is primarily responsible for monitoring their own well sites to ensure safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental protection. These responsibilities include:

• Routine well checks (often daily or weekly) by field technicians or “pumpers”.
• Immediate response to spills, leaks, equipment malfunctions, or trespass incidents
• Ensuring site signage includes current operator contact information

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), formerly COGCC, continues to conduct state inspections of oil and gas facilities. The Town of Frederick is actively developing a municipal level oil and gas inspection program, which will provide supplemental monitoring and enforcement of Town requirements for sites located within Town boundaries.

Maintenance & Site Conditions

Once drilling operations are complete, operators are required to:

• Reclaim disturbed areas with approved vegetation (often native grasses or approved seed mixes)
• Maintain the site free from noxious weeds, debris, and visible trash

Ensure all fencing around new facilities complies with Town design standards, which may include:

• Six-foot fencing around wellheads or production equipment
• Color and material standards for visual mitigation

How often are well sites maintained?

Maintenance frequency depends on the age and productivity of the well, its location, and the operator’s internal protocols. Active wells are typically:

• Monitored regularly (often daily or weekly)
• Visited more frequently during active drilling, completions, or repairs
• Re-inspected after storms, equipment upgrades, or compliance violations
• Inactive or plugged wells may be subject to longer intervals between checks but are still regulated.

How are weeds, trash, or vandalism addressed?

Operators are responsible for:

• Weed management in compliance with local and state requirements
• Keeping the location free of debris and litter
• Repairing vandalism or unauthorized access

If you witness suspicious activity or property damage, contact local law enforcement and notify the operator listed on the posted site signage.

How can I find out if a new well is planned or maintenance is scheduled near my property?

New Well Notifications

Notice Radius: As of 2025, the Town of Frederick requires oil and gas operators to provide notice to all property owners within a ½-mile (2,640 feet) radius of a proposed new well or facility.

If the proposed location is within a designated Disproportionately Impacted Community (per ECMC criteria), additional engagement and enhanced notice may be required.

Permitting Process

All new wells within the Town of Frederick require:

• A Oil and Gas Development Plan (OGDP) and permit from the ECMC (State).
• A Conditional Use Permit from the Town, which includes multiple opportunities for public comment.

The Town’s Conditional Use Permit process is quasi-judicial and involves:

• Published notices in the newspaper.
• Posted signage at the proposed location.
• Written notice to surrounding property owners.
• Public hearings at both the Planning Commission and the Board of Trustees.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these hearings and submit written or verbal public comment.

The impacts of a new oil and gas facility can vary depending on proximity, site design, and the phase of development. Modern technology and evolving regulations have significantly reduced many of the visible and audible effects of oil and gas operations, but it's important for residents to understand that all industrial activities, including oil and gas, carry some inherent level of risk.

Typical Phases & Associated Impacts:

1. Development Phase (Temporary Impact)

During the site construction, drilling, and completion phase, nearby residents may experience:

• Increased traffic, dust, noise, and lighting.
• Short-term odors from drilling fluids or venting operations.

This phase typically lasts a few weeks per well, depending on site design and total well count.

Note: Many modern sites use electrified drill rigs, quiet completions, and tankless production designs.

   2. Production Phase (Long-Term Impact):

Once operational, the well pad is typically reduced in size, visually screened, and partial reclamation of the land.

Equipment may include a wellhead, bollard-style protection, fencing, and on-site production infrastructure.

Tankless and piped systems are now more common, improving air quality, reducing truck traffic, and improving visual impact.

Setbacks & Safety Buffers

The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and Town of Frederick require specific setback distances between oil and gas facilities and structures such as homes, schools, businesses, or other types of buildings. These setbacks help reduce impacts related to air quality, noise, and emergency response. The Town may also require additional setbacks or site-specific mitigation through its Conditional Use Permit process. For more details, see Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code (LINK).

Inherent Risks of Oil and Gas Development

While most operations are conducted safely and under strict regulation, all oil and gas facilities inherently carry risks that can affect life, health, and property, including:

• The potential for leaks, spills, or equipment failure.
• The possibility of subsurface contamination.
• Risks associated with legacy wells (older or abandoned wells that may have been improperly plugged or mapped).

These risks are generally low and are mitigated through state and local regulations, routine inspections, and operator safety practices, but they cannot be eliminated entirely.

Health Resources and Research

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) offers several resources and programs to monitor and assess potential health impacts of oil and gas development:

• Oil and Gas Health Information Response Program (OGHIRP) provides public health expertise and responds to community concerns.

CDPHE conducts air quality monitoring, health impact assessments, and community-based studies related to exposure risks near oil and gas operations. Residents with health-related concerns are encouraged to contact CDPHE’s Environmental Public Health Tracking program or OGHIRP for more information.

Potential Implications for Property

Oil and gas activity can affect property in the following ways:

• Properties with oil and gas infrastructure may have easements, surface use agreements, or mineral rights severed, which can affect future use or property value.
• In rare cases, legacy wells or pipelines may create title complications, particularly if improperly decommissioned or unmapped.
• New developments near oil and gas infrastructure must account for setbacks and other land use limitations.

If you're purchasing property, you are encouraged to consult with a real estate attorney or title professional to identify any subsurface agreements or nearby well infrastructure.

Community Benefits

Despite these risks, oil and gas development can also bring community benefits, such as:

• Local tax revenue that supports infrastructure, schools, and emergency services
• Open space preservation, often made possible through operator partnerships
• Community grants and investment programs

For example, the Town of Frederick partnered with EnCana Oil & Gas to enhance the Bulrush Wetlands on the Town’s west side.

Learn More or Ask Questions

For further information or concerns, contact:

Town of Frederick Oil & Gas Liaison: (720) 382-5649

Town of Frederick Planning Department: (720) 382-5610

ECMC (formerly COGCC): ecmc.state.co.us

Colorado Oil & Gas Health Information Response Program: cdphe.colorado.gov/oil-and-gas

Before beginning any construction, renovation, or land development near an oil and gas facility, it’s important to understand the applicable zoning regulations, building codes, and oil and gas setback requirements that apply to your property. Both the Town of Frederick and the State of Colorado have regulations designed to protect public safety, property rights, and critical infrastructure.

Setbacks and Development Restrictions

The Town of Frederick and the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) establish minimum setback distances between buildings and oil and gas infrastructure, including:

• Active and inactive wellheads (including plugged and abandoned wellheads).
• Flow lines, pipelines, transmission lines, gathering lines, etc.
• Production facilities.

These setbacks are designed to reduce potential safety hazards and ensure safe separation between industrial operations and residential or commercial uses.

Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code outlines local setback requirements and development standards near oil and gas facilities.

Some areas may also be subject to Surface Use Agreements or easements that grant oil and gas operators access to subsurface resources, even if they are not currently in use.

Surface Use Agreements and Operator Access

Property owners should verify whether a Surface Use Agreement (SUA) or Mineral Lease applies to their land. These agreements may:

• Limit or condition construction near future or existing well pads
• Require operators to retain access rights for maintenance, reentry, or future development

Even if a well site appears inactive or reclaimed, it may still require access for plugging, remediation, or monitoring, which can affect future development plans.

Safe Excavation and Utility Locates

Before digging for any reason (fencing, landscaping, foundation work, etc.), you are required by law to contact Colorado 811 to locate buried pipelines and utilities. Call 811 or visit Colorado811.org at least three business days before you dig to ensure you receive proper markings and utility clearance.

Building Permits, Zoning, and Land Use Review

If you are planning to build a home, business, addition, or subdivide property, you must first:

• Check zoning designations and land use allowances for your parcel.
• Consult with Town Planning Department Staff to determine if proximity to an oil and gas facility affects your plans.
• Submit all required documentation and receive approval before construction begins.

For information on, subdividing or rezoning your property, applying for a building permit, understanding oil and gas development constraints

Contact the Town of Frederick Planning Department at (720) 382-5610

Contact the Town of Frederick Building Department at (720) 382-5605

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649

Additional Resources

Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC): ecmc.state.co.us

Town of Frederick Land Use Code – Article 9

Colorado 811: colorado811.org or dial 811

Oil and gas infrastructure is a normal part of the landscape in energy-producing regions like Frederick, located within Colorado’s Wattenberg Field. Understanding how this infrastructure works can help you make informed decisions about health, safety, and property.

How does the oil and gas production process work?

When a new well is drilled and completed, it begins producing a mixture of oil, natural gas, condensate, and water directly from the underground formation. This mixture, known as wellbore fluid, is brought to the surface at a wellhead, typically secured within a fenced site and regulated by both state and local standards. From there, a system of flowlines transfers this mixture to nearby production facilities, such as tank batteries with separators, where the different products are separated and temporarily stored. Gathering pipelines then transport the processed oil, gas, or water to centralized processing plants or downstream infrastructure, where it is ultimately refined, marketed, and distributed for public use. Each step of this process—production, separation, transportation, and storage—involves specialized equipment and operations that must comply with strict federal, state, and local safety standards.

Are there risks associated with oil and gas infrastructure?

Yes. Like all industrial activities, oil and gas development carries inherent risks that can include equipment failure, leaks, spills, fires, or exposure to emissions. These risks can vary based on the age of the infrastructure, environmental conditions, and the proximity of homes or businesses to the site. That said, oversight and regulation have increased significantly in recent years. In Frederick oil and gas operators must follow Article 9 of the Town’s Land Use Code (LINK), in addition to meeting requirements set by the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) and federal agencies. This includes half-mile notification requirements to all residents for proposed new well sites, and permits go through a quasi-judicial process, allowing for public comment and review by the Planning Commission and Board of Trustees. Inspections are conducted by the ECMC and the Town’s own inspection program, which is currently in development. Furthermore, regulations now require secondary containment structures such as earthen berms and impermeable liners, air quality monitoring, noise mitigation, fencing, and emergency access. These measures are designed to reduce the likelihood and impact of accidents.

What about health concerns?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) actively studies and monitors the public health effects of oil and gas activity. Their programs provide resources on air quality, exposure risk, and public health advisories related to proximity to oil and gas facilities. Residents can learn more or report health concerns directly through the CDPHE’s Oil and Gas Health Information & Response Program

What should I do if I notice a problem?

If you observe something unusual, like a strong odor, visible damage to equipment, or suspicious activity, take the following steps:

• Leave the area immediately if you believe there's a leak or immediate hazard.
• Call 911 to alert local emergency responders.
• Report the issue to the well operator (listed on site signage), the Town of Frederick, and the ECMC.

Unauthorized access to oil and gas sites is both dangerous and illegal, and could result in harm to people, property, and the environment.

Need more information?

To better understand oil and gas activity near your home or business:

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649

Visit the Energy & Carbon Management Commission website 

View the Town’s Land Use Code – Article 9

Learn about health programs at the CDPHE Oil and Gas Health Program

No, not as a private individual. Pump jacks and other oil and gas equipment are the private property of the operating company and are regulated by the Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC).

Painting

Painting or otherwise modifying a pump jack is not allowed unless done by the operator in compliance with ECMC standards. These standards may include specific color requirements for visibility, corrosion control, and site identification. If you have concerns about a pump jack’s condition or appearance, contact the operator listed on the on-site signage or at our Oil & Gas Operators in Frederick section of the Town's Oil & Gas Information Hub section of the website.

Screening and Fencing

While safety and visibility remain top priorities, especially for emergency access, it is increasingly common for oil and gas facilities to include screening or fencing. This can include privacy fencing, sound walls, or landscaping, which help reduce visual and noise impacts. However, these measures are typically installed by the operator as part of an approved site plan, often required by the Town of Frederick through its conditional use permitting process.

Any screening must not interfere with site safety, visibility of critical infrastructure, or operator access. Residents cannot install screens or fencing themselves around pump jacks or other equipment.

If you’d like to know more about plans for a specific site or to offer feedback on visual impacts, contact:

The operating company

Contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649.

There are several resources available to help you learn more about oil and gas related infrastructure:

Regulatory Agencies and Information

• Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC)
  Formerly known as the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC), the ECMC regulates oil and gas operations in Colorado.
  Website: ecmc.state.co.us
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
  Oversees environmental health aspects related to oil and gas activities.
  Website: cdphe.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Department of Revenue – Severance Tax Information
  Provides information on taxes related to oil and gas production.
  Website: tax.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Geological Survey
  Offers geological maps and publications related to oil and gas.
  Website: coloradogeologicalsurvey.org

Industry Associations

• American Petroleum Institute (API)
  Provides information on oil and gas industry standards and practices.
  Website: api.org
  
  
• Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA)
  Represents oil and gas companies operating in Colorado.
  Website: coga.org

Major Operators in the Area

• Occidental Petroleum Corporation
  Acquired Anadarko Petroleum Corporation in 2019.
  Website: oxy.com

Civitas Resources

        Formed through the merger of Bonanza Creek Energy, Extraction Oil & Gas, and Crestone Peak Resources.

        Website: civitasresources.net

Additional Resources

• Utility Notification Center of Colorado (Call Before You Dig)
  720.382.5500. Dial 811 before starting any digging projects to locate underground utilities.
  Website: colorado811.org
  
  
• Colorado Public Utilities Commission
  Regulates gas pipelines and other utilities.
  Website: puc.colorado.gov
  
  
• Colorado Department of Labor and Employment – Division of Oil and Public Safety
  Handles inspections and complaints related to service stations and storage tanks.
  Website: cdle.colorado.gov

Please note that while the Town of Frederick strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information, contact details and organizational structures may change over time. For the most current information, we recommend visiting the official websites of the respective organizations.

If you have specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Liaison at (720) 382-5649.

While mineral rights often supersede surface rights, the Town advocates for residents' interests and works to reduce impacts through planning and negotiation. All new wells being drilled must be approved through the conditional use permit process which includes a mandatory neighborhood meeting and must be presented to the Planning Commission then Board of Trustees for approval. All of the previously mentioned steps have opportunities for public comment.

Surface and mineral rights can be owned separately. If you don't own the mineral rights under your land, another party may have the legal right to access them.

Property values can be influenced by proximity to oil and gas operations. The Town aims to mitigate nuisances and maintain quality of life.

Residents can visit the Notification Center (Link), subscribe to Town newsletters, attend public meetings, and check the other areas of the Town's Oil & Gas Information Hub.

- The liaison gathers public feedback, communicates resident concerns to operators and regulators, and facilitates community meetings when needed. Additionally, residents are encouraged to attend public hearings and make public comment.

As in most industries, the oil field uses many abbreviations and terms that are difficult for outsiders to understand. The ECMC has a Glossary of Oil and Gas Terms, which is a good place to start.

Operators must follow detailed health, safety, and environmental regulations, including air monitoring, noise limits, dust control, and emergency response protocols. Specific answers can be found within the ECMC rules, in Town of Frederick Land Use Code, Article 9, the Town of Frederick Oil and Gas Standards Document, the operations permit with the Town, or in the Oil and Gas Development Plans (OGDP) with ECMC.

In case of immediate danger, always call 911. For non-emergencies, the Complaints section of the website has various contact information and instructions on who to contact.

Most activities have some sort of impact on the environment around us, oil and gas development is no different. The ECMC, CDPHE, and other agencies monitor air, soil, and groundwater regularly. The Town works with operators to ensure best practices are used to limit impacts. ECMC rules and regulations dictate remediation of any oil and gas impacts, including reclamation of the land after the oil and gas infrastructure has been retired.

Yes. There are minimum setbacks required by Colorado law. The Town of Frederick has additional setbacks for active wellheads, plugged and abandoned wellheads, and active tank batteries/facilities that can be found in Town of Frederick, Land Use Code, Chapter 9 - Oil and Gas Drilling and Production.

Many of the oil and gas facilities process and separate crude oil, gas, and water before pipelines carry them to market or storage tanks. Older facilities may still truck the oil off-site. The Town reviews negotiates surface use agreements and traffic plans to minimize disturbances. Technologies like electric drilling rigs and sounds walls further protect nearby residents and businesses. Various rules and regulations require studies for noise, light, and traffic prior to accepting permits for new oil and gas developments.

The liaison serves are the point of contact between residents, operators, and local/state agencies. In addition to those responsibilities, the Oil and Gas Liaison reviews of planning documents, provides updates to Land Use Code, conducts oil and gas inspections, and process oil and gas related permits. All to help ensure oil and gas operations are conducted safely, transparently, and in compliance with all regulations.

Frederick is located within the Denver-Julesburg (DJ) basin, an area with plentiful oil and gas reserves. Many of the wells predate current residential development.

Oil and gas operations are regulated by the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC), our air is regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE), Weld County, and the Town of Frederick, each with specific roles and oversight authority.

One resource is the ECMC Daily Activity Dashboard (DAD) which is a great tool to increase transparency and results can be custom tailored to show activities in Frederick only. Access the DAD and there are instructions on how to use the web-based platform. If any issues arise regarding oil and gas you can submit a report on the Town of Frederick website. 

Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is a common technique used in the DJ Basin, including Frederick. If fracking occurs in or near Frederick, it must follow strict state and local safety regulations.

Operators are required to notify nearby residents before drilling, all land owners and tenants within 1/2 mile must be notified of planned oil and gas developments in various stages of the permit application phase. In addition, the Town will post permit applications and notices on its website. It is also best practice for operators to notify residents before other stages of oil & gas development.