The Lowry Ranch comprehensive area plan (CAP) is a proposed hydraulic fracturing project in unincorporated Arapahoe County with planned well sites north, east, and south of the Aurora Reservoir. Civitas Resources has submitted an application to lease 32,000 acres of land on a piece of state-owned property known as the Lowry Range. The Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is accepting public comments on the Lowry Ranch CAP through May 3, 2024.
While Civitas has stated a commitment not to penetrate the subsurface under the Lowry Superfund site and to maintain the newly established setback of 3,000 feet from the Aurora Reservoir, any approved well sites would be operating in close proximity to both. Emissions of hazardous gases have been projected to reach nearly 4,000 tons over the course of 10 years. Civitas anticipates each well to be in production for 20–25 years. The environmental impacts will last much longer.
