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BLM Proposes Measures For Oil, Gas Lease Parcels

MONTROSE, Colo. (AP) - The Bureau of Land Management is proposing several measures to protect the environment on North Fork Valley parcels scheduled to be offered at an oil and natural gas lease auction in August.

The BLM released an environmental assessment Wednesday of the proposed lease sale of 22 parcels in western Colorado. Its preferred alternative is to offer 21 of the parcels and to impose conditions to protect steep slopes, watersheds, water supplies, coal development, threatened and endangered species, air quality, and crucial deer and elk winter ranges while also addressing noise and impacts from vehicles.

Public comments on the proposal are due by April 6.

The BLM says the area in Gunnison and Delta counties contains three active coal mines and 43 active oil and gas wells.

LINK: http://on.doi.gov/z9Pgll

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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