Erie Homeowners Feel Duped About Plans For More Drilling

ERIE, Colo. (CBS4) - Some homeowners in Erie told CBS4 they feel duped after learning about a plan to add wells for oil and gas drilling behind their new housing development.

Thirteen wells are being proposed on two pad sites without storage tanks.

"We all found out just by seeing these huge trucks out there stopping every few yards," Vista Ridge homeowner Kelly O'Neil said.

More than a year after paying a premium for her lot with a view, O'Neil says that view is changing.

"I think it's horrible. I mean I can't believe the town of Erie would allow that to happen. The citizens really need to be informed about these things," she said.

Erie officials will soon weigh a proposal from the Encana Corporation and decide whether to allow the oil and gas company to build the two drill pads on the land behind O'Neil's home on Catalpa Place. People who live there say neither the town nor or the builder disclosed that more fracking could happen nearby when they bought their homes.

Town officials and a spokesman for the builder didn't return calls from CBS4 on Monday. Encana says it notified the homeowners association and posted plans online.

"When people say, 'I'm surprised, I had no idea,' that's unfortunate and means we have more work to do," Wendy Wiedenbeck with Encana said.

For homeowner Steve Nelson, the proposal leaves more questions than answers.

"Is that it? Is this going to just be solid pads? It would be nice to know their plans," Nelson said.

If the Planning Commission and town board give approval construction starts in 2015 and most drill sites run for 30 years.

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