After completing the revisions - which include new guidelines for wildlife protection and pit-liner disposal - the planning commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt the final amended draft.
The county commission, which will begin its review of the draft later this month or in September, has the option of making further amendments before adopting the new regulations.
Under the drafted guidelines, well operators would need to comply with the Colorado Division of Wildlife's recommended standard operating procedures for protecting wildlife resources - and comply with them as they are updated. If the division's practices present land-use conflicts, operators can propose alternate, site-specific practices that the county would need to approve in writing before permit approval.
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is considering making similar amendments to its wildife regulations.
Wildlife biologist Gary Skeba was one of the few members from the public who spoke formally at Thursday's meeting, which was attended by about 30 people.
He urged the commissioners to take a strong stance on wildlife.
"The wildlife in the state of Colorado and the wildlife in La Plata County doesn't belong to the landowner, doesn't belong to the county, doesn't belong to the Division of Wildlife. It belongs to the people, and you have a responsibility to protect that wildlife for the people," he said.
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The planning commission also drafted new guidelines for pit-liner removal. They say that all pit liners and remaining materials that do not meet state clean-soil standards need to be removed from properties.
The commission made and adopted other proposed amendments to the code - including new guidelines for chemical disclosure - in a special meeting Aug. 7.
Commissioner Travis Craig voted against adopting the final amended draft.
During a break in the meeting, he said that overall he supported the revised document but specifically objected to the proposed amendments for chemical disclosure, which he believes will not be enforceable.
His concern, he said, was that taxpayers will be burdened with subsequent litigation.
