True Oil is once again looking to drill exploratory wells in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The company first proposed drilling the wells in 2012, but never moved forward with the plan.
The wells are proposed for roughly 22 miles northwest of Big Piney. One of them would be on an existing well pad, the other would be on a previously reclaimed well pad.
"And so if there’s great interest in the project and in those resources out there, we highly encourage the public to comment in this 30 day window," said Mike Thom, the Forest Service district ranger for the area. He says this is a new opportunity for the public to comment on the proposal.
The comment period ends December 1. Thom says the Forest Service received two dozen comments back in 2012. The area where the wells would be located is a popular hunting area with several lakes.
If True Oil wanted to develop the area further, beyond the exploratory wells, they would need additional permits.