During a work session on Tuesday, July 14, the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) heard concerns from Arboles residents in regard to a drilling project taking place just across the state line in New Mexico and the truck traffic the community is experiencing.
Samantha Williams and Rhonda Messier, both residents along County Road 975, provided comments to the BoCC highlighting safety concerns that residents in the area are dealing with.
Williams began by expressing gratitude for Commissioner Veronica Medina’s involvement in the Arboles community, explaining that prior to Medina being in office, the shared sentiment amongst Arboles residents was that their community was “often the forgotten part of Archuleta County.”
Williams also noted Commissioner Warren Brown’s contributions to the Arboles community.
“My concern is that once you leave, Arboles may again be overlooked,” Williams stated.
Williams then expressed dissatisfaction with Commissioner John Ranson, stating that Ranson had helped with issues along County Road 977, but not County Road 975.
Williams described the conditions that she and her neighbors are dealing with as hazardous, adding they are forced to deal with them daily.
“The situation on County Road 975 presents a serious danger not only to residents but also to our livestock, pets and property,” Williams said.
She then provided an anecdotal story of nearly being involved in a fatal accident where a truck driving at excessive speeds nearly collided with her vehicle as she was attempting to pull into her driveway.
Williams added that residents should not have to fear for their lives for simply leaving their home.
Other questions about the operation were raised, such as why the site is being used to stage materials instead of having those materials transported directly to their final destination.
“Many of these truck drivers show little regard for the people who live along this road,” Williams added.
She also suggested that the BoCC has the “authority to regulate, reroute, or restrict commercial truck traffic on county roads when public safety is at risk.”
She added, “This is clearly such a situation.”
Williams provided another anecdotal story of a truck driver who crashed along the side of the road and fled the scene.
She stated that the driver was later charged with driving under the influence.
Williams also suggested that the county could enable the sheriff’s office to have a deputy dedicated specifically for the Arboles community.
“This is a public safety issue, and I believe this project should be suspended until these concerns are addressed,” Williams said, adding that if the county is unwilling to halt traffic, it could at least restrict the heavy commercial traffic to certain time periods, such as weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Williams also noted that the heavy use of “Jake brakes” through the night are causing residents to lose sleep, and that residents are no longer able to sit outside and comfortably enjoy their properties.
Williams spoke on the condition of County Road 975 as well, noting that the road has sustained significant damage from the trucking associated with the drilling project in the area, suggesting the road needs to be repaved and that residents in the area should be “fairly compensated” for the impacts on their quality of life.
Williams indicated that the county has a number of “tools” available to limit the traffic and minimize safety concerns, such as implementing a weight limit on the county road and adopting truck routing regulations that limit heavy commercial traffic on residential county roads.
Williams concluded her statement requesting the BoCC take action “before someone is seriously injured or killed.”
Messier spoke next, explaining that she believes the companies involved in the drilling project may not even have a valid permit for the current work site.
Medina then explained that Public Works Director Mike Torres placed a traffic counter device on County Road 975 from July 9 to July 13, which showed a total of 3,943 vehicles passing through the area over that time period.
Medina indicated that, according to that study, the average rate of speed was between 65 and 70 mph.
The posted speed limit on County Road 975 is 30 mph, Medina noted.
“They are operating all hours,” Medina added, explaining the traffic study showed vehicles passing through from 10 p.m. to midnight.
Medina also indicated that the road is likely not built to withstand that amount of weight and traffic.
“It’s in shambles,” Williams said in regard to County Road 975.
Messier explained that residents and truck drivers are having to dodge massive potholes, causing vehicles to go into opposing lanes.
Other residents in the room indicated that County Road 975 was last paved in the early 2000s, with Torres explaining that would mean the road is near “end of life” and needs to be repaired.
“Its very dangerous,” Messier said.
Another anecdotal story was shared by residents, explaining that a truck had broken down in front of the Williams’ home, “completely blocking” their driveway.
Messier suggested the county deny the drilling companies the usage of County Road 975.
Ranson commented that he had visited the area multiple times, stating, “It’s a serious matter; I understand that.”
Ranson explained that he previously suggested that the BoCC meet with La Plata County and the sheriff to see what can be done about the situation, requesting a second time to have that meeting scheduled.
Williams indicated that the company is running its drilling operation out of New Mexico.
“They have no business in Colorado,” she said.
Torres explained that he has not been in contact with the drilling companies, Hilcorp and GORE Energy, over the past month.
He explained that, after his most recent contact with the companies, some of the issues had died down,“but then a couple weeks passed and it got worse again.”
Torres also explained that the county uses County Road 975 to haul gravel from the C&J gravel pit in the area.
“And, so, that is one of the main sources of gravel we use as well,” he said.
Torres also commented on the traffic study, noting that the number of vehicles passing through was “pretty surprising.”
Torres mentioned that his recommendation is to get law enforcement involved and have a larger presence in the area.
Ranson commented that the county should not have to pay to repave the road, and that responsibility is on the drilling companies.
“I think we really gotta get serious with these folks,” he said, suggesting that if the county needs to take legal action, “let’s do it.”
Torres explained that he directed staff to come up with a preliminary estimate about what it would cost to repair the portion of County Road 975 that is deteriorating.
“I think we gotta go after them,” Ranson said.
Medina commented that a meeting with all of the entities involved is a “great start,” but suggested sending a letter from the county’s legal department directly to the drilling companies.
Commissioner Warren Brown then suggested the county entertain the idea of submitting a letter of cease and desist to the drilling companies to suspend their operations until these concerns are resolved.
Brown’s suggestion was received with a round of applause by the work session audience.
County Attorney Cathleen Giovannini indicated that she is “open” to Brown’s suggestion, but noted, “These are public roads.”
County Manager Longinos Gonzalez indicated that he intends to provide the drilling companies with an invoice on the cost to repair County Road 975 at some point.
Gonzalez also mentioned that the sheriff has expressed concerns about the practicality of enforcing some of the recommended restrictions to be placed on the road, even if it is legal to do so.
Ranson responded by stating that he’s heard that “a lot,” but, “we got a sheriff’s department for a reason — it’s to enforce the law.”
Brown requested an update on the matter from the county’s legal department during its next regular work session, scheduled for July 28 at 8:30 a.m in the commissioner’s room at 398 Lewis St.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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