Protection of the quantity and quality of local water supplies is of paramount concern to GEC. Independent hydrology studies of the Grand Mesa area conducted by Wright Water Engineers, Inc., Cordilleran Compliance Services, Inc. and Delta County Local Government Designee Bruce Bertram support GEC's conclusion that water supplies are not at risk of contamination or depletion. The water utilized by Delta County residents is located almost exclusively in the relatively shallow alluvium and colluvium zones of the Grand Mesa. These zones are separated from potential gas producing sands and coal zones by thousands of feet of impermeable rock. There is no communication between the surface water in the shallow zones with water or gas in the deeper zones.

In cooperation with area water owners, GEC has conducted a baseline assessment of over 100 potable water sources in the area of influence of the proposed wells. GEC plans to continue monitoring water quality and quantity during and after drilling and completion activities. Therefore, GEC will be able to continually assure area residents as to the safety of their drinking water.

To assure there is no communication between the aquifers and fluids or gases from the deeper zones targeted by GEC, each well will be lined with at least two fully-cemented, steel casings through the water producing zones. The rest of the well will be fully lined with steel casing and cemented in place. This means that effectively four separate barriers will protect the surface zones: a layer of cement, an outer casing, another layer of cement and, finally, another inner casing. Note that the depth of the first casing string is regulated by the Colorado Oil & Gas Commission.