Thompson Divide Baseline Water Quality Study Overview - August 2009
Thompson Divide Macroinvertebrate Report Executive Summary - February 2010
Thompson Divide Water Quality Report Executive Summary - March 2011
June 2011 - Thompson Divide Baseline Water Quality Study Complete
Roaring Fork Conservancy and Thompson Divide Coalition are pleased to announce the completion of the Thompson Divide Baseline Water Quality Study. This study represents the culmination of one year’s worth of intensive surface and ground water testing in the Thompson Divide area. It incorporates two major components: water quality and field data analysis and aquatic macroinvertebrate (insect) community conditions and tissue analysis.
The study, commissioned by Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC) and conducted by Roaring Fork Conservancy (RFC), provides valuable baseline data for water resources in the area, serving as a “yardstick” against which future water quality changes can be measured. The primary focus of this study was to collect scientifically valid, legally defensible, data prior to potential oil and gas development in that area. It will, however, provide useful comparison for any future activities with the potential to affect water quality.
This study was designed and conducted by Roaring Fork Conservancy under the guidance of several consultants: Mr. Thomas Glibota (resource/environmental geologist), Dr. John Huntington (environmental chemist), Dr. William Miller (aquatic ecologist), and Dr. Robert Moran (hydrogeologist/geochemist). Additionally, Dr. William Miller conducted the macroinvertebrate component of the study and authored the associated report, and Dr. Robert Moran conducted data interpretation and authored the water quality report.
Overall, the Thompson Divide Baseline Water Quality Study indicates the areas of focus contain baseline waters which are healthy, uncontaminated, and support significant populations of aquatic organisms. Executive summaries of the reports can be found on the RFC website, www.roaringfork.org/publications. To request a full copy of the reports contact TDC at info@savethompsondivide.org or call 970-355-4223.
March 2011 - RFC Conducts Winter Sampling with Thompson Divide
 Roaring Fork Conservancy staff and volunteers have been busy sampling water quality in local creeks as part of an ongoing effort to protect the Thompson Divide area outside of Carbondale. Using snowshoes, snowmobiles and heavy clothing, they have been braving upwards of 4 feet of snow to reach remote sample sites throughout the area. Since Thompson Divide Coalition's inception in 2008, Roaring Fork Conservancy has been involved in guiding research and policy work related to water quality and rivers in that area. The extensive sampling plan will create a baseline for water quality in the event the area is developed for oil and gas production. Another way Roaring Fork Conservancy is proactively working to bring people together to protect our rivers.
For more information on the Thompson Divide Coalition visit www.savethompsondivide.org.
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savethompsondivide.org
Take Action!
Give public comment on "unitization" of 18 oil & gas leases in the Thompson Divide Area.
Take Action -
Write a Letter about unitization
(via Wilderness Workshop website)
Take Action -
Write a Letter about Thompson Divide area(via Thompson Divide Coalition website)
Thompson Divide Area Map
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