Post Independent file photo
The U.S. Forest Service has approved a proposal for two new natural gas storage wells in Wolf Creek.
Black Hills Energy will replace two existing gas storage wells at the site south of the Four Mile Park area. The new wells will be drilled within the original footprint of the existing well pad location.
“Replacing these two storage wells will help meet current and future natural gas demands in the Roaring Fork Valley,” said Karen Schroyer, Aspen-Sopris district ranger, in a press release.
Construction on the new wells will begin this summer and continue throughout the year. Truck traffic will increase along 4 Mile Road and 300 Road to transport workers to and from the site.
Access to surrounding National Forest lands will continue during the project, but the site of the pad will be closed to the public during the drilling.
A recent analysis found that new wells are necessary to improve storage efficiency. The Forest Service opened a public comment period for the well drilling proposal in March, and closed the comment period in April.
The Wolf Creek Storage Area is used to store natural gas to serve the Roaring Fork Valley during high demand winter months.