Q: What is the Response Line?
A: The Community Counts Response Line is a toll-free number, 1-866-442-9034, that allows residents to reach local operators with drilling activities in the area. The goal of the Response Line is for participants to hear about any negative impacts our neighbors experience such as dust, mud, noise, traffic and odors so that we can work to resolve complaints quickly. We also appreciate compliments.
Q: What happens when I call the Community Counts Response Line?
A: An automated response will prompt you to press 1 for Garfield County Dispatch, 2 for Mesa County Dispatch, and then continues with numbers for participating operators. You will then be connected to the appropriate operator’s on-call number. As always, if there is an emergency, please call 911 immediately.
Q: What if I don’t know which operator is working in my area and who to call?
A: No problem. Contact any one of us. If you reach the wrong operator, we will contact all other participating operators. Operators working in the area of the complaint will immediately take ownership of that complaint, contact the concerned resident, work with them to resolve the issue and then report back to the other operators that the issue has been resolved.
Q: What if I call, press a number and get no answer?
A: As a general rule, operators try to respond to Community Counts messages promptly in order to resolve an issue while it is happening. For safety reasons, they may not answer immediately, especially if they are driving. In addition, some of our operators have answering services that pick up calls after hours and relay critical messages to the operator’s on-call person. If you get a voice mail, do leave a message and they will get back to you in a timely manner. Unfortunately, human error and technical difficulties can occasionally cause a disconnection where you are unable to reach the operator’s on-call person. If this happens, press a different number for another operator. They will take your information and contact the appropriate operator for you. If none of the connections work, there is a technical problem with the phone service, in which case please contact Executive Director Karla Distel at 970-712-7317 or email her at karla@communitycountscolorado.com. You may also contact Karla if you have left a message and don’t get a response. As a reminder, if your call is an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Q: What happens if an operator’s employees and/or contractors don’t behave in a safe, courteous and respectful manner?
A: Each case is individually assessed by the appropriate operator. Consequences can range from a warning and additional training to dismissal, particularly in the case of intentional, unsafe behavior. The vast majority of our contractors work hard to educate their workers to be safe and respectful of our neighbors. They take this responsibility seriously and proudly represent our industry.
Q: What if my issue isn’t getting resolved?
A: If you feel your issue is not being adequately addressed, please contact the appropriate municipality or county officials in your area. You also may present your concerns at the Garfield County Energy Advisory Board or to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.
Q: What are some of the other Community Counts communications tools?
A: This website contains information about meetings, events and operator information. If you don’t see what you need here, please contact Karla Distel at 970-712-7317 or karla@communitycountscolorado.com for more information.
Q: Why should I join?
A: Community Counts was developed to support both the operator and the surrounding communities in which they operate. The program provides a direct source for an open dialogue with residents and other operators to approach activities collaboratively in a way that is safe and with minimal impacts to the community.
Q: Who’s involved?
A: Community Counts represents a partnership among operators, contractors, residents, municipalities, counties and the community at large.
Q: What are the membership requirements?
A: Each member is required to sign a Promise Document that outlines the expectations set forth by Community Counts of one’s commitment to continually minimize the impacts of operations and to be a good partner to both the community and other operators in the area. The membership and dues schedule is outlined here (PDF download). Each operator member is expected to place Response Line signs in their areas of operation. Signs can be ordered through the catalog. Call Karla Distel at 970-712-7317 or email karla@communtiycountscolorado.com for more information on dues or signage.
Q: Where do I start?
A: Individuals and organizations interested in becoming a member of Community Counts are encouraged to contact Karla Distel at 970-712-7317 or email karla@communtiycountscolorado.com for more information.