Study Shows Residents Near Oil and Gas Sites Risk Health
A study that took years to complete and was done by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has some somber news for people who live near oil and gas sites.
The study, called the Human Health Risk Assessment for Oil and Gas Operations in Colorado shows people who live within 2,000 feet of gas and oil sites have a higher probability of developing headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, and other irritations during what is known as "worst-case scenarios" such as setting up and preparing sites for operation.
The law in Colorado states setbacks needs to be at 500 feet.
Officials with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission and the State of Colorado said these findings will have an impact on future permits as well as encouraging further studies of emissions near oil and gas sites.
Future rulings concerning placing new sites will use this information to try and make it as safe as possible for those who live nearby, including looking at all current applications to see if they fall within the 1,500-2,000 foot range.