"It's intensive and it's all-encompassing and it's a rigorous process that we go through in conjunction with other state and federal agencies . . . and, of course, public participation."

After the Federal Register notice is published, scoping meetings will be held.

"The EIS process itself is likely to take from two to three years," O'Ferrall said. If gas field development is approved, after wells are drilled, their anticipated lifetimes would be 20 years.

LaVonne Garrison, assistant director of Utah's School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration, said the state has land in Nine Mile Canyon and nearby areas. Studies involving archaeology, avoidance of sites, protection of threatened and endangered species, etc., "need to be done" before the project begins, she said.

The state supports Barrett's developing its mineral resources, she said.

Bill Barrett Corp. has drilled on other state holdings in the area, she said.

"They've done a good job," Garrison added, "so we are supportive of their being able to develop the resources."

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E-mail: bau@desnews.com