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WELD COUNTY, Colo. – In a town surrounded by oil and gas development, a fight over a proposed natural gas processing plant has residents torn. Many residents are supportive of the industry, but they don’t believe the site is a good location.
A company called Rimrock Energy Partners wants to build a cryogenic gas plant, but it would involve the Town of Pierce annexing a parcel of land.
Jason Legler’s home would be one of the closest ones to the site, and he feels like the land use is inappropriate in a primarily agriculture-driven setting. He believes the proposed changes go against the spirit of the town’s code.
“I’m not against oil and gas,” said Legler. “The biggest thing is the school and the proximity of the traffic coming in and out of this location.”
His two children attend school nearby, and he also worries their school is too close to the site, especially if there was an accident.
Board of Trustees for Pierce heard public comment as they met to discuss the request amend the town’s comprehensive plan.
A representative from Rimrock Energy Partners explained the processing facility is desperately needed to keep up with all the oil and gas development in the area.
The board ultimately decided to hold off on moving forward with the proposals to allow more time for review. The board will meet again in October.
