GREELEY, Colo. (AP) — An oil and gas firm says 80 percent of its drilling operations near an east Greeley school will occur outside of school hours.

The Greeley Tribune reports the announcement by Extraction Oil and Gas caps two years of communications with Greeley-Evans School District 6 officials regarding the planned well site near Bella Romero Academy of Applied Technology.

District 6 Superintendent Deirdre Pilch said in an Extraction news release that the company's announcement is a step in the right direction and that the district appreciates the company considering its students and staff.

The proposed well, which is about 1,350 feet (411 meters) from the school, has sparked protests.

The district has created an enhanced evacuation plan to ensure student safety in the event of a gas leak, fire or explosion.

___

Information from: The Tribune of Greeley, Co, http://greeleytribune.com