Judge again rejects effort to stop pipeline in western Colo.

DENVER — A federal judge has again denied an effort to prevent construction of a natural gas pipeline through roadless national forrest land in western Colorado.

The ruling Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert Blackburn in Denver means the 25.5-mile pipeline south of Silt can start soon. Pitkin County and environmental groups were seeking to halt construction by asking for an injunction.

It is the second time the groups sought an injunction. Blackburn denied an earlier motion last week.

Environmental groups, including the Wilderness Workshop, say the pipeline would violate a 2001 federal ban on development of roadless national forest land. And Park County officials say they fear the pipeline will lead to the drilling of was wells.

The project by Gunnison Energy and SGI Interests would be built on the White River and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests.