By Paul Baker

GRAND JUNCTION - On Monday Mesa County commissioners approved a stipulation which will require gas drillers to notify land owners when drillers house up to 20 employees on the surface land owner’s property.

They’ll also need to give a “good faith estimate” on how long
those workers will be on their land.

The commissioners approved temporary housing regulations
for energy workers in June, but a question arose about the
notification to surface owners about the occupation of their
land by workers.

“This doesn’t mean the land owner has to consent,” said
Commissioner Janet Rowland. “Just that they’re notified. This
is for something already occurring.”

In Colorado, mineral rights below the surface are often owned
by someone or an entity other than the surface land owner.
State law allows the owners of those minerals to have adequate
access to them. In some isntances, this situation can create
conflict during drilling operations.

It should be noted that the regulations for man camps are
completely different than temporary housing on drill rigs.