Evidence for shallow natural gas in the Silt, Colorado Area

Larry Moyer

A map and correspondence found in circa early 1960's legacy prospect and well files from a pioneering geologist and independent producer notes a gas show in a water well in the vicinity of Silt, Colorado. This provides evidence that shallow natural gas was present in the area prior to any oil and gas drilling. This data is potentially significant because in recent years claims have been made that oil and gas drilling has contaminated water wells in the area. A cursory examination of water well data in the vicinity did not reveal confirming evidence. Further work, including a field investigation, has been proposed to regulators to validate the basic water well data. Other historic data including death records related to contaminated water in the vicinity will be presented. Historic data related to poor quality ground water in the area of Wasatch Formation outcrops will be presented.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90156©2012 AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, Grand Junction, Colorado, 9-12 September 2012