Drilling Health Lawsuit Revived in Colorado

A western Colorado family that believed oil and gas drilling activities contaminated their drinking water and air and forced them from their home will be allowed to proceed with a lawsuit thanks to a successful appeal.

The Glenwood Springs Post-Independent reported that Bill and Beth Strudley will be allowed to proceed with a 2011 lawsuit they filed against the Denver-based Antero Resources gas drilling company.

A decision by Denver Appeals Court Judge Ann B. Frick said that the Strudleys’ lawsuit was wrongly dismissed by a lower court last year. That court said the Strudleys hadn’t provided enough evidence to support their case.

Frick’s order sends the case back to the trial court, unless the companies decide to appeal the decision to the Colorado Supreme Court.