Eaton to utilize the oil and gas energy department

Published on September 25, 2025

For the third time this year, a municipality and the Weld County Board of Commissioners have agreed to terms, allowing the county’s oil and gas energy department (OGED) to be a helpful asset in municipal oil and gas permitting. Through an intergovernmental agreement (IGA), the Town of Eaton will utilize the OGED for its expertise regarding oil and gas activity within its jurisdiction. The IGA follows similar ones entered into with Severance in June and Ault in July.

“Our staff within the OGED does a great job in regulating surface-site permitting in unincorporated Weld County, and to be able to offer that same expertise to our municipalities is an added benefit,” said Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner and Commissioner Coordinator of the OGED. “Rather than hiring an outside group to help with permitting, municipalities can use our department. This helps them conserve resources and broadens the reach of our services.”

Per the agreement, the OGED will assist Eaton by processing oil and gas applications, conducting hearings on behalf of and in coordination with the town, reevaluating applications, performing regular inspections and holding suspension or revocation hearings if necessary. The OGED will also review drainage reports submitted with applications, issue grading reports for oil and gas sites and ensure compliance with floodplain regulations. As the permits are in Eaton’s jurisdiction, the town will make the final decision regarding approval or denial.  OGED services will be provided free to Eaton, with any expense covered by application fees already collected by the county.

Agreements like these are becoming more common for the OGED. In addition to the ones signed with Severance and Ault earlier this year, the county has similar agreements with Keenesburg (2023) and Evans (2022) — reflecting what OGED Director Brett Cavanagh believes is a continued goal: having the department be as beneficial as possible.

“These partnerships provide tangible benefits: They foster trust, streamline communication and enhance our ability to address community concerns proactively,” Cavanagh said. “This also positions Weld County as a leader in effective, coordinated, oil and gas oversight.”

The agreement with Eaton will last until Dec. 31 of this year. It will be automatically renewed on a yearly basis unless terminated by the town or the county.

Learn more about the OGED.