Lapses in drilling rules concern Colorado municipalities, outdoor enthusiasts

LONGMONT — Gaps in state rules leave Colorado cities and towns in the lurch as they deal with increased oil and gas drilling within municipal limits.

Environmental and sportsmen's groups, too, are frustrated, because state rules allow drilling near most mountain streams.

All are urging state regulators to live up to a commitment made in 2009 to launch stakeholder groups to finish rules for in-town and streamside drilling.

Two years later, nothing has been done.

This means Longmont may be powerless to stop plans to drill next to Union Reservoir — a city recreation area used by 250,000 visitors a year.

It means fishing guides working in North Park, near Walden, face a drilling platform by the Michigan River.

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