BLM tries to balance gas, art

In the Canyon Coalition's statement, it's estimated there have recently been as many as 342 trips in one day by "industrial traffic" through the canyon and that further oil and gas development in the area would add an estimated 500 more daily trips.

Last year Duane Zavadil, Barrett Corp.'s vice president of government and regulatory affairs, told the Deseret Morning News that environmental opposition and bureaucratic delays add $2 to $5 per 1,000 cubic feet of natural gas sold. At the time, he blamed the previous five years of increased natural gas prices, from $1.50 to $10, on opposition and delays.

"It's still very real," Zavadil said on the phone Friday about that cause and effect.

Utah, he added, is one of six states in the country that exports some of its natural gas. With moratoriums on the east and west coasts on natural gas drilling, Zavadil said increased production in the Rockies has helped to keep natural gas supply at least close to demand.

As for Barrett Corp.'s impact on rock art and wildlife, Zavadil said his employer has spent millions and will spend millions more to mitigate any potential for impacting art and animals. Public safety in the Nine Mile area, he noted, is also a major concern for Barrett Corp. and, at this point, Zavadil is encouraged that all sides interested in issues related to more drilling will be able to "gel" and move forward.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com