Drilling plans near Denver's superfund site spark environmental concerns

A Colorado oil company's plan to drill near the Aurora Reservoir and a Superfund site is causing alarm over potential water contamination risks.

Jennifer Oldham reports for Capital & Main.

In short:

• Federal and state officials worry that drilling near the Lowry Landfill Superfund Site could release hazardous chemicals into groundwater.
• Civitas, the company behind the proposal, has pledged not to drill directly under the superfund site, aiming to protect the existing containment measures.
• Residents and environmental groups remain concerned about the proximity of the proposed drilling to water sources and the potential for seismic activity induced by fracking.

Key quote:

"The EPA is concerned that hydraulic fracturing surrounding and underneath the site could lead to a significant unintended release of hazardous substances."

— U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Why this matters:

The process of drilling and oil extraction uses chemicals and generates wastewater that can contaminate local water supplies. If these chemicals seep into groundwater or surface water, they can threaten the health of nearby communities and ecosystems, particularly in regions already struggling with pollution from Superfund sites.