Simulation of coalbed methane drilling on the Atlantic Rim of Central Wyoming

The Project

Wild Cow Creek citizens’ proposed wilderness

Sage Grouse

Atlantic Rim exploratory coalbed methane operations. Industrial use at this density leaves no habitat for wildlife and destrotys the land’s value for public uses.

BLM proposes to approve 2,000 wells at a density of 8 wells per square mile across a quarter million acres of land. The project area occupies an uplift at the eastern edge of the Red Desert which encompasses some of Wyoming’s most prime wildlife habitat. This is the biggest coalbed methane project ever considered outside the Powder River Basin.

Threatened by Drilling:

• One of the two largest sage grouse breeding concentration areas in Wyoming
• Some of the Red Desert’s finest habitat for elk and mule deer, and one of Wyoming’s most important hunting areas
• The Wild Cow Creek citizens’ proposed wilderness (33,000 acres)

Problems with the Project

• The BLM is approving the project without planning where the 2,000 wells, 1,000 miles of road, and 1,000 miles of pipeline will be sited. This amounts to a blank check for the oil and gas industry.
• Because the facility locations are unknown, BLM is unable to accurately assess the levels of impact, beyond stating that they will be severe.
• BLM proposes to rely on seasonal protections for wildlife that are proven failures in maintaining viable populations for mule deer and sage grouse.
• There is evidence that methane seeps resulting for coalbed methane exploration in this area pose a threat to wildlife, vegetation, and human safety.
• At the Operator’s request, the project is being processed for maximum profit for industry and scant consideration for maintaining other multiple uses in the area.