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PERMITTING UNIT -- DATABASE AND MAP SYSTEM
Database
The COGCC requires operators to submit permit applications for most oil and gas
activities: building a location, drilling and completing a well, installing production
facilities, constructing a pit, conducting a seismic survey, operating a centralized
waste management facility, operating an injection facility, and plugging a well. The
COGCC also requires operators to submit reports upon the completion of these
permitted operations as well as for other subsequent operations, including monthly
production reports. Almost all of these submittals involve the completion of a form
with supporting documentation.
All of the information submitted to the agency for every well and facility is retained
in the COGCC database. The information provided regarding each form includes the
numeric and text data, an electronic image of the form, and an electronic image of the
attached documents. The numeric and text data is stored in the data tables of a
relational database created on a SQL platform. The database also contains data,
reports, and supporting documentation regarding site inspections, spills and releases,
violations, and complaints.
This database, managed and maintained by COGCC with assistance from the
Governor’s Office of Information Technology, is a comprehensive repository of
Colorado’s oil and gas data. The information in the database is available to the
public from COGCC’s website through a variety of search functions, tools, and
down-loadable files.
Online Map
The COGCC website includes an online interactive map system. All wells and
facilities are presented spatially within the standard governmental survey. The map
system enables the display and use of other critical spatial information related to
permit approval process, including the wildlife areas defined by the Colorado Parks
and Wildlife and the public water supply system buffer zones defined by the Colorado
Department of Public Health and the Environment.
The functionality of the map system is further enhanced by the agency’s acquisition
and incorporation of other spatial data such as topography, roads and railroads,
water resources, county and municipality boundaries, federal and state surface and
minerals, and aerial photos.
Governor’s Task Force on State & Local Regulation of Oil & Gas Operations
DATABASE AND MAP SYSTEM
Uses of the Database and Map System
The uses of the database and map system are numerous and varied:
COGCC staff uses it to:
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Review permit applications;
Review operations reports;
Conduct inspections; and
Respond to inquiries from land owners, mineral owners, the general public,
government officials, researchers, students, environmentalist, and the media.
Oil and gas operators use it to:
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Study existing reservoirs;
Explore for new reservoirs;
Plan new wells;
Track production from partners’ wells; and
Monitor competitors’ activity.
Landowners and the public use it to:
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Monitor permit applications; and
Monitor ongoing operations.
Mineral owners use it to:
Monitor development of their minerals; and
Track production from wells on their leases.
Local governments use it to:
 Monitor permit applications in and near their community; and
 Monitor ongoing operations in and near their community.
Researchers, students, environmentalists, and the media use it to study and report
on all aspects of the oil and gas industry, including:
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Completion techniques;
Production;
Location selection; and
Proximity to wildlife, people, water resources, and cultural features.
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