In a significant collaborative effort, Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins are actively working to ensure the safe closure of all wells owned by Prospect Energy, a local oil and gas company currently facing multiple state violations related to leaking facilities, spills, air pollution, and illegal flaring.

This latest action concludes several years of working with the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) on this issue. The ECMC is expected to schedule a hearing in a few weeks that will likely result in the termination of Prospect’s license to operate in the State of Colorado in exchange for suspending fines totaling $1.7 million.

The oil field operated by Prospect Energy, first discovered in 1924, is one of the oldest in the region, with aging infrastructure that poses significant risks. For several years, Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins have been united in their efforts to advocate for the safe operation and potential closure of numerous Prospect Energy wells. This joint approach ensures the safe closure of all wells and prioritizes the long-term safety and environmental health of our community.

The county and city are pursuing agreements with Prospect Energy to ensure the safe closure and inspection of its wells within 21 days. These unique agreements allocate resources towards safe closure and reclamation rather than fines and penalties, contingent upon Prospect Energy’s commitment to cease all operations and safely shut-in all of its wells.

"It's better for our community if Prospect Energy uses its money to safely close its wells instead of paying fines or going bankrupt and leaving," said Commissioner John Kefalas, Chair of the Larimer County Board of Commissioners. "By teaming up with the City of Fort Collins and pushing for this solution, we want to make sure our residents stay safe and our environment stays healthy in the long run."

"I am super happy to join our county partners in making this announcement for the health and safety of our residents," said Fort Collins Mayor Jeni Arndt. "This agreement is a significant win for our community. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and our shared commitment to addressing serious violations effectively. By ensuring the safe closure of these wells, we are taking essential steps toward a safer and more environmentally sustainable future for our community."

The collaboration between Larimer County and the City of Fort Collins underscores the importance of joint efforts in addressing environmental and safety concerns in our community.