Anschutz to halt drilling next to Glacier park

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) – A Denver-based energy exploration company says it will stop drilling on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation next to Glacier National Park.

Anschutz Exploration Corp. has drilled 14 exploratory wells on the western side of the reservation closest to the park, drawing protests from conservationists and concern from park officials.

The company said in a statement Tuesday its tests have not found enough to support further exploration or development.

Anschutz spokesman Brent Temmer tells the Missoulian the company will surrender its leases in areas without producing wells, and it will continue to operate five or so producing wells for now.

It will begin reclamation projects that include plugging wells and replacing topsoil.

Two other exploration companies who have exploration leases on the reservation have already halted their operations.

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Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com