Major Oil and Gas Project Near Aurora Reservoir Faces Strong Community Opposition

Community Outcry Over Proposed Oil and Gas Development Near Aurora Reservoir

In a dramatic turn of events, a substantial oil and gas project near the Aurora Reservoir has sparked vigorous opposition from both local nonprofit organization Save The Aurora Reservoir (STAR) and numerous concerned residents. With the potential development set to become one of Colorado's largest residential fracking sites, community members are raising alarms about the impacts this project could have on public health, the environment, and essential water resources.

The Proposed Development

The plan for the State Sunlight-Long well pad involves a significant area exceeding 35 acres and is positioned alarmingly close—approximately 3,000 feet—from residential homes and just under a mile from Aurora Reservoir, a crucial drinking water source for the city. If approved, this would include drilling up to 32 wells, with horizontal drilling extending beneath the reservoir, an act that poses severe risks to local ecosystems and public safety.

Concerned residents and STAR recently concluded a public comment period that drew an unprecedented 1,500 responses, believed to be the highest number ever recorded for an oil and gas project in Arapahoe County. Many comments expressed fears regarding air and water contamination, increased risks of wildfires, disturbances from noise and light pollution, disruption to local wildlife, and the strain such development could place on Colorado's water resources.

Randy Willard, the president and spokesperson for STAR, stated, "This isn’t just an environmental issue—it's a public health emergency. Thousands of families could be exposed to long-term risks, and we're asking Arapahoe County to hit pause before irreversible harm is done."

Health and Safety Concerns

The proximity of the proposed site to residential areas and the reservoir has raised eyebrows among health experts. The research sheds light on severe health risks associated with living within close vicinity to fracking sites, highlighting increased dangers of serious health conditions such as cancer—particularly aggressive types of leukemia—which severely affects vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.

On April 6, 2025, the small community of Galeton in Weld County was forced to issue an emergency evacuation due to a potential pollution incident related to an oil and gas facility—an alarming reminder of the risks associated with such industrial operations.

Regulatory Concerns and Next Steps

Arapahoe County has indicated a willingness to grant an exception to its standard one-mile setback requirement from reservoirs, raising concerns about adequate environmental oversight. STAR argues that the evidence provided to justify this exception has been insufficient, and application information suggests that the well pad is placed at a higher elevation than the reservoir, raising further fears of potential contaminants flowing into vital water supplies.

Additionally, the development could pose challenges for the Denver Metropolitan/North Front Range area, already classified as experiencing significant issues with ozone pollution. Critics worry that if the project is approved, it would exacerbate the regional air quality crisis, further complicating current environmental challenges.

STAR has also requested a formal hearing with Arapahoe County, citing discrepancies in Civitas Resources' application. The local nonprofit continues to advocate for scientific scrutiny, urging the county to consider recent studies indicating health risks associated with nearby fracking activities.

Civitas Resources has signaled its intentions to proceed with the development unless stopped by regulatory action. The Lowry Ranch Comprehensive Area Plan, which encompasses the Sunlight-Long site, is the first of multiple large development efforts planned near the rapidly growing community of Southeast Aurora.

Conclusion

The fight against the proposed oil and gas project illustrates a broader conflict between energy development and community health and safety. While energy needs grow, local residents are calling for responsible and sustainable practices that protect their health and local environments. Understanding the opposition and addressing their valid concerns is vital as this situation unfolds, ultimately influencing decision-making about development throughout the region. STAR’s ongoing commitment to protect the Aurora Reservoir and surrounding communities stands as a testament to the power of local activism in the face of seemingly overwhelming corporate interests.