Landowners, Frackers in Tense Faceoff in Wake of Colorado Blast

Residents and builders seek more transparency from companies
Fatal blast opened statewide debate as shale boom is expanding

DACONO, CO - JUNE 7: A roundabout on Flying Circle Blvd was constructed to go around an oil derrick that sits inside a housing development on June 7, 2017 in Dacono, Colorado. Gas and oil development, exploration and fracking operations are colliding more and more with subdivision and housing developments as the front range continues to grow. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Photographer: Helen H. Richardson/Denver Post via Getty Images

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Meenal Vamburkar

January 26, 2018 at 5:01 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

The fracking frenzy in Colorado is spurring a tense faceoff between shale drillers in the region and residents seeking a better handle on the dangers in their own backyards after a killer pipeline explosion last year.

Gov. John Hickenlooper ordered a review of oil and natural gas operations after the April blast, which destroyed a home, killed two men and injured a woman just north of Denver. Now the industry is clashing with state residents who are pushing for new rules that would mandate precise and comprehensive public mapping for underground lines.