Public asked to weigh in on oil and gas drilling

By Phaedra Haywood | The New Mexican

6/10/2008

Planners hired to draft Santa Fe County policies for oil and gas production say the process will be an open and inclusive one.

Bruce Peshoff, one of a group of experts the county has hired, said his firm, Planning Works, will conduct four public workshops and two multiday design sessions designed to encourage public involvement. "It shows (the public) it's not just as simple as saying I don't want this here," Peshoff said to the County Commission on Tuesday.

Residents will be able to track the planning process, read documents, look at maps and make comments on a Web site that will be devoted to the project, he said.

Peshoff said the group will focus on general planning decisions, such as what types of growth should be allowed where, in addition to issues specific to hydrocarbon extraction — such as setbacks, noise and dust pollution.

Peshoff said the planners will develop a "pay as you grow" funding mechanism to ensure new infrastructure is paid for by new developments and not existing taxpayers.

Another member of the planning team, Bruce Kramer, a Houston-based attorney and professor who specializes in local regulation of oil and gas issues, said his role will be "essentially to assist the county in coming up with ordinances that are legally defensible."

Peshoff said county staff will be incorporated into the process as well. "We want them to be our go-to team," Peshoff said.

The oil and gas planning team is being charged with:

• Creating a legislative overlay zoning district for extraction activities in the Galisteo Basin.

• Creating a Galisteo Basin area plan.

• Making oil- and gas-related amendments to the county's general plan.

• Adopting a capital-improvement plan outlining the long-term goals of the county regarding public services such as fire, police and ambulance service.

• Amending the Land Development Code to address oil and gas development.

• Creating a special improvement district to pay for the additional public services that may be required in areas effected by oil and gas development.

Santa Fe County began revamping its development ordinances last fall after Tecton Energy announced plans to drill for oil in the Galisteo Basin. The county passed an interim ordinance in February that banned oil and gas production in the county for at least one year. It allows for a six-month extension.

Peshoff told the commission the work will be done by February, and the extension would not be needed.

County Attorney Steven Ross said the first round of public meetings will be held July 14-16.

Contact Phaedra Haywood at 986-3068 or phaywood@sfnewmexican.com.