HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.04 Impact Analysis.pdf826 21 ½ Road | Grand Junction, CO 81505 | TEL 970.263.7800 | FAX 970.263.7456 Impact Analysis Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc Divide Road Produced Water Treatment Facility OA Project No.
012-0400
Impact Analysis Page 1 Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. Divide Road Produced Water Treatment Facility Impact Analysis Section 4-203.G.1 Adjacent Property Garfield County Assessor’s GIS data
was used to create adjacent parcels map identifying parcels located within 200’ of the subject parcel boundary. Below are the tax parcel numbers in bold and the corresponding land owners
and mailing addresses. Surface Owners – Garfield County Parcel Number: 191932300023 Aaron C Woodward 19294 Hwy 13 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 191529400002 Reuben G & Stephanie Diane
Oldland 14667 County Rd 5 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 213305100008 John W Jr, Roy E, Marshall T & Daniel W Savage PO Box 1926 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 213303200007 John W Jr,
Roy E, Marshall T & Daniel W Savage PO Box 1926 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 191520100952 Colorado River Valley Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2300 River Frontage Rd Silt,
CO 81652 Parcel Number: 191736400955 Colorado River Valley Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2300 River Frontage Rd Silt, CO 81652 Parcel Number: 213302400951 Colorado River Valley
Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2300 River Frontage Rd Silt, CO 81652 Parcel Number: 213304100952 Colorado River Valley Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2300 River Frontage
Rd Silt, CO 81652 Parcel Number: 213527300015 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. c/o KE Andrews & Company 3615 S Huron St, Ste 200 Englewood, CO 80110 Parcel Number: 191727400012 Encana Oil
& Gas (USA) Inc. c/o KE Andrews & Company 3615 S Huron St, Ste 200 Englewood, CO 80110 Parcel Number: 213308400006 Exxon Co USA Exxon Mobil Corporation PO Box 53 Houston, TX 77001 Parcel
Number: 191536400004 Exxon Co USA Exxon Mobil Corporation PO Box 53 Houston, TX 77001
Impact Analysis Page 2 Parcel Number: 213501200013 Exxon Co USA Exxon Mobil Corporation PO Box 53 Houston, TX 77001 Parcel Number: 191721400011 Piceance Creek Ranch, Ltd 11539 County
Rd 5 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 191523200001 Piceance Creek Ranch, Ltd 11539 County Rd 5 Rifle, CO 81650 Surface Owners – Rio Blanco County Parcel Number: 113536100002 Bureau of
Land Management 220 Market St Meeker, CO 81641 Parcel Number: 191714300002 XTO Energy Inc. c/o KE Andrews & Company PO Box 870849 Mesquite, TX 75187 Parcel Number: 191706100004 Property
Tax Oil Shale Corporation 4001 Penbrook St Odessa, TX 79762 Parcel Number: 191514200004 Piceance Creek Ranch, Ltd 11539 County Rd 5 Rifle, CO 81650 Parcel Number: 191507100007 Conoco
Phillips Co Property Tax Oil Shale Corporation 4001 Penbrook St Odessa, TX 79762 Mineral Owners Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 2717 CR 215, Suite 100 Parachute, CO 81635 Bureau of Land
Management c/o: Colorado River Valley Field Office 2300 River Frontage Road Silt, CO 81652 Section 4-203.G.2 Adjacent Uses The adjacent uses within a 1500’ radius of the site primarily
consist of agricultural activities and natural gas extraction. There are no private residences within a 1,500’ radius from the project site. The proposed use is consistent with the surrounding
land uses. The surrounding land uses will not be adversely impacted by construction and operation of the water treatment facility on the subject property due to the facility’s remote
location and the existing surrounding uses being similar to the proposed water treatment facility.
Impact Analysis Page 3 Section 4.203.G.3 Site Features The site is located on private lands approximately 16 straight-line miles northwest of Parachute, CO in Section 26, Township 4
South, Range 96 West, 6th Principal Meridian. The proposed project site is located on a ridge-top extending south from the Parachute Creek/Piceance Creek Divide. Divide Road is located
near the north end of the site. The terrain is relatively flat with elevation ranging from 8261 ft. to 8,286 ft. above mean sea level. An interpretation of the topographic map indicates
that flooding of the site is unlikely. Further investigation of the Garfield County Flood Risk Assessment does not show the project site to be within a floodplain. There are no lakes
or streams within the site. Yeh and Associates (YA) assessed the site groundwater. A number of test wells were drilled as part of YAs site assessment. Groundwater was not encountered
during the drilling of these test holes. Variations in groundwater conditions may occur seasonally. The magnitude of the variation will be largely dependent upon the amount of spring
snowmelt, duration and intensity of precipitation, and the surface and subsurface drainage characteristics of the surrounding area. Native vegetation includes sagebrush communities,
mountain shrub, and aspen woodlands found throughout the region. Specific plants found within a quarter mile of the site Arrowleaf balsamroot, (Balsamorhiza sagittata), Big sagebrush
(Artemisia tridentata), Astragalus sp. (Astragalus spp.), Needlegrass (Achnatherum spp.), Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata), Bluegrass (Poa spp.), Creeping barberry (Mahonia repens),
Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), Larkspur (Delphenium spp.), Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus), Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii), Sulfur flower buckwheat, (Eriogonum umbellatum),
Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides), Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii), Intermediate wheatgrass, (Thinopyrum intermedium) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Westwater Engineering
conducted an impact analysis which concluded that “no sensitive plant species would be expected near the site.” As a result of applying engineering design criteria detailed in the accompanying
diagrams, implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and EnCana’s industry BMPs, the water treatment facility will not affect the surrounding vegetation and water
resources. Section 4.203.G.4 Soil Characteristics A copy of a Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Survey Custom Soil Resource Report for the project site has been provided
within the Supplemental Materials section of this submittal. According to information prepared by the Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Survey, soils in these sections have
been mapped as Irigul channery loam (36), Northwater loam (48), and the Parachute-Rhone loams (53). Irigul channery loam (36) soils are developed on 9 percent to 50 percent slopes. Consist
of well-drained soils in the land setting of mountainsides and ridges. Elevations range from 7,800
Impact Analysis Page 4 feet to 8,700 feet above mean sea level. The parent material of this soil is Marl and/or residuum weathered from sandstone. The Northwater loam (48) is developed
on 15 percent to 65 percent slopes, at elevations of 7,600 to 8,400 feet. Found in the landform setting of mountainsides. The parent material of this soil is residuum weathered from
sedimentary rock. The Parachute-Rhone loams (53) soils are developed on 5 to 30 percent slopes and consist of well-drained soils on mountainsides and ridges at elevations of 7,600 to
8,600 feet. These soils are Marl and/or residuum weathered from sandstone. Section 4.203.G.5 Geology and Hazard The proposed project site is located near the eastern margin of the Piceance
Basin; an irregularly-shaped elongated basin formed by tectonic forces that downwarped the earth’s crust as a result of the uplift of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Areas on all sides
of the Piceance Basin have been uplifted by these same tectonic forces. The specific location for the proposed facility is not within any identified slope hazard area. Slope hazard areas
do exist surrounding the proposed site but not within the project site. As noted in the Geotechnical Report prepared by Yeh and Associates, the site slopes down to the west and southwest
at grades of less than 2 percent. No significant faults or fissures have been identified proximate to the proposed location. The Geotechnical Report noted that “the site appeared suitable
for the proposed construction.” Stormwater controls and best management practices should take into consideration the geology and soil types present at this location. These engineering
controls and practices should be used temporarily and permanently to divert stormwater away from the construction areas and to prevent additional weight which could trigger a debris
flow or landslide. Section 4-203.G.6 Effects on Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas According to the Geotechnical Report, groundwater was not encountered during Yeh and Associates
Geotechnical Investigation. Variations in groundwater conditions may occur seasonally. The magnitude of the variation will be largely dependent upon the amount of spring snowmelt, duration
and intensity of precipitation, site grading changes, and the surface and subsurface drainage characteristics of the surrounding area. Taking into consideration information and recommendations
contained in the Geotechnical Report, the facility and all structures have been designed to eliminate the potential of produced water impacting surface or groundwater. The facility will
be designed according to engineering standards required by the COGCC as part of the E&P waste permitting process. Stormwater management and other drainage controls have been designed
into the facility as shown in the SWMP, Drainage Report and Erosion Control Plan(s). Additional details related to surface and
Impact Analysis Page 5 ground water protection are included in sections 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 of Encana’s Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). Additionally, groundwater monitoring wells will
be utilized if required by the COGCC as part of their E&P Waste Facility Review. A complete assessment of the potential impacts to shallow groundwater and aquifers is required as part
of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) Form 28 review and approval process. No migration of hydrocarbons is anticipated to the existing groundwater. Section 4-203.G.7
Environmental Impacts. Determination of the existing environmental conditions on the parcel to be developed and the effects of development on those conditions, including: Section 4-203.G.7.a
Determination of the long-term and short-term effect on flora and fauna FAUNA Greater Sage-Grouse Approximately 11.76 acres of sagebrush habitat within an NDIS mapped sage-grouse production
area would be removed by development of the water treatment facility. An increase in vehicle traffic could result in mortality due to collisions (road-kill) during the construction period.
However the installation of this facility would decrease the amount of truck traffic to move water in and out of the area resulting in less chance of collisions throughout the life of
the facility. Certain features of the water treatment facility could provide hunting perches for raptors that could contribute to an increase in sage-grouse mortality. Raptors No raptor
nesting habitat is directly affected. There is a possibility for long or short-term effects related to increased human presence and activity associated with construction and operation
of a water treatment facility. American Elk and Mule Deer Approximately 11.76 acres of vegetation removal will reduce available foraging habitat for big game. Human presence and activity
may affect animal distribution. Some chemicals on the site may be toxic to wildlife including big-game but chemical totes will be located inside of closed buildings not accessible to
wildlife. Black Bear and Mountain Lion A small amount of serviceberry and Gambel oak will be removed by development of the site, minimally reducing the amount of available forage for
black bears. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution. Potential encounters of black bear with construction personnel could occur if garbage or food is available to
resident bears and incidences of human-black bear interactions sometimes result in the euthanasia of offending bears by the CPW.. Mountain lion would be minimally affected.
Impact Analysis Page 6 Small Mammals, Birds (BCC), and Reptiles Habitat loss to these species is approximately 11.76 acres. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution.
Some chemicals on the site may be toxic to wildlife. FLORA Approximately 11.76 acres of native vegetation will be removed for construction. No TESS plants would be affected. Implementation
of Encana’s integrated vegetation management plan (WWE 2009) would reduce the effects of disturbance to the project site. Section 4-203.G.7.b Determination of the effect on significant
archeological, cultural, paleontological, and historic resources. Based on the results of the Class I inventory, Flattops Archaeological Consultants recommends a finding of no historic
properties affected. Therefore, construction and operation of the proposed facility will not impact any cultural or historic resources. Section 4-502.G.7.c Determination of the effect
on designated environmental resources, including critical wildlife habitat. As detailed in the Wildlife and Vegetative Impact Analysis Report accompanying this submittal, given the limited
construction activity and small footprint of the proposed facility, there will be minimal impacts to natural habitat as a result of construction and operation of the facility. To mitigate
impacts associated with the proposed project, Encana will adhere to the recommendations included in the Wildlife and Vegetative Impact Analysis Report. No impacts to federally listed
or locally significant plant or animals are anticipated. See the Wildlife and Vegetative Impact Analysis report for further information. Section 4-502.G.7.d Impacts on Wildlife and domestic
animals through the creation of hazardous attractions, alteration of existing native vegetation, blockage of migration routes, use patterns, or other disruptions. Creation of hazardous
attractions: Some passerine bird species may choose to nest in or on equipment or objects at the water treatment facility. By closing or covering all ports, hatches, cavities, and openings
(such as the ends of pipes) this potential is decreased. Most non-game bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712; Ch. 128; July 13, 1918; 40 Stat.
755) and tampering with occupied nests could be considered a “take” resulting in a violation. Indirect Construction Effects: Construction of the site introduces factors such as the presence
of personnel and noise from equipment, which have potential to affect wildlife distribution and habitat use in a negative manner.
Impact Analysis Page 7 Alteration of Existing Vegetation: Approximately 11.76 acres of native vegetation would be removed as a result of this project. Big Game Production Areas, Winter
Range, and Migration Corridors: The proposed site is situated near an elk production area and mule deer and elk overall range. No specific deer or elk migration corridors are affected,
though migration occurs through and around the site. Road-kill: Speed limits are 25 miles-per-hour or less on Encana property, and most wildlife in the area have become habituated to
vehicle traffic. The potential for road-kill for most species should be low, with the exception of small mammals, birds (including sage-grouse), and reptiles. Bird Nesting Habitat: Bird
nesting habitat would be lost within the footprint of the water treatment facility, including nesting habitat for Brewer’s Sparrow and sage-grouse. To mitigate impacts associated with
the proposed project Encana will adhere to the recommendations included in the Wildlife and Vegetative Impact Analysis Report. Section 4-203.G.7.e Evaluation of any potential radiation
hazard that may have been identified by the State or County Health Departments. There are no potential radiation hazards associated with this facility. Section 4-203.G.7.f Spill Prevention
Control and Counter Measures plan, if applicable The facility will be covered under Encana’s Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC). All hydrocarbon-based liquid storage
will be in accordance with the SPCC plan. Containment will be designed to accommodate 110% of the largest storage volume, including but not limited to earthen berms, impervious liners
and steel containment. Section 4-203.G.8 Nuisance Adjacent lands will not be impacted by the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare or vibration. Encana will apply the appropriate
level of controls to accommodate potential impacts via adherence to CDPHE Air Quality regulations and the implementation of industry BMPs included in the SWMP and dust control plan.
This proposed use will comply with Colorado Revised State Statute regarding noise at all times. Section 4-203.G.9 Reclamation Plan Encana estimates that the proposed facility will be
in operation for an anticipated period of approximately twenty (20) years during development and production of Encana’s Garfield County operations. Upon termination of the development
and production activities, the facility will be reclaimed, as outlined below:
Impact Analysis Page 8 • All equipment and structures will be removed. • Encana will remove all safety and stormwater BMPs, and other surface objects from the premises. • Encana will
restore the site to prefacility conditions by recontouring and revegetating the site. Top soil will be redistributed across the site and will be reseeded with an approved seed mix (see
attached seed mix recommendation). • Encana will monitor the site to ensure that 70 percent of the preexisting vegetation is achieved. Seedbed Preparation and Slope Reconstruction: Cut
and fill slopes will be backfilled and recontoured to a slope of 3:1 – 2.5:1 or less in instances where necessary to match the existing natural contours. Following final contouring,
all backfilled or ripped surfaces will be covered evenly with topsoil. Recontouring should form a complex slope with heavy pocking. In areas with slope greater than 3 percent, imprinting
of the seed bed is recommended. Final seedbed prep will consist of scarifying/imprinting the topsoil prior to seeding. Imprinting can be in the form of dozer tracks or furrows perpendicular
to the direction of slope. When hydroseeding or mulching, imprinting should be done prior to seeding, unless the mulch is to be crimped into the soil surface. If broadcast seeding and
harrowing, imprinting will be done as part of the harrowing. Furrowing can be done by several methods, the most simple of which is to drill seed perpendicular to the direction of slope
in a prepared bed. Other simple imprinting methods include deep hand raking and harrowing, always perpendicular to the direction of slope. All compacted areas will be ripped to depth
of 18” with max furrow spacing of 2’. Where practicable, ripping will be conducted in two passes at perpendicular direction. Topsoil: Following final contouring, all backfilled or ripped
surfaces will be covered evenly with topsoil. The topsoil in the cut slope on the back of the pad will be heavily pocked using the excavator bucket to form an uneven soil surface complex
which will aid in revegetation and help with slope stabilization. The fill slope, and remaining disturbed, and reclaimed areas will be track walked to aid in revegetation and slope stabilization.
In areas that may not have been disturbed during the reclamation process or areas of suspected compaction that will be reseeded, measures will be taken to loosen and spread the topsoil.
These measures may include scarifying the soil by raking or harrowing the soil. Seed Mix: Seed mix used for reclamation will be taken from the approved seed mixtures identified below:
Impact Analysis Page 9 Low-Elevation Salt-Desert Scrub/Basin Big Sagebrush Common Name Scientific Names Form PLS lbs/acre* Fourwing Saltbush Atriplex canescens Shrub 1.9 Shadscale Atriplex
confertifolia Shrub 1.5 Galleta Pleuraphis [Hilaria] jamesii Bunch 2.5 Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides Bunch 0.2 Streambank Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. Psammophilus, Agropyron
riparium Sod-forming 2.5 Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron trachycaulum Bunch 1.8 Sandberg Bluegrass Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda Bunch 0.3 *Based on 45 pure live seeds
(PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (90 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded. Spruce-Fir Forest, Including Mountain Meadows Common Name Scientific Names
Form PLS lbs/acre* Mountain Brome Bromopsis [Bromus] marginatus Bunch 5.8 Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron trachycaulum Bunch 3.3 Letterman Needlegrass Achnatherum [Stipa]
lettermanii Bunch 3.5 Blue Wildrye Elymus glaucus Bunch 4.8 Thickspike Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Agropyron dasystachyum Sod-forming 3.4 Idaho Fescue Festuca, idahoensis
Bunch 1.2 Wheeler Bluegrass Poa nervosa Sod-forming 0.6 *Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Mountain/Wyoming Big Sagebrush Shrubland Common Name Scientific Name Form PLS lbs/acre* Indian Ricegrass Achnatherum [Oryzopsis] hymenoides Bunch 1.9 Galleta
Pleuraphis [Hilaria] jamesii Bunch 2.5 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata, Agropyron spicatum Bunch 2.8 Slender Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron trachycaulum Bunch
3.3 Mutton grass Poa fendleriana Bunch 0.6 Sandberg Bluegrass Poa sandbergii, Poa secunda Bunch 0.6 *Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate
(120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
Impact Analysis Page 10 Mixed Mountain Shrubland, Including Oakbrush Common Name Scientific Names Form PLS lbs/acre* Thickspike Wheatgrass Elymus lanceolatus ssp. lanceolatus, Agropyron
dasystachyum Sod-forming 3.4 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Pseudoroegneria spicata, Agropyron spicatum Bunch 3.7 Bottlebrush Squirreltail Elymus elymoides, Sitanion hystrix Bunch 2.7 Slender
Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron trachycaulum Bunch 3.3 Canby Bluegrass Poa canbyi. P. secunda Bunch 0.6 Mutton grass Poa fendleriana Bunch 0.6 Letterman Needlegrass Achnatherum
[Stipa] lettermanii Bunch 1.7 Columbia Needlegrass Achnatherum [Stipa] nelsonii, Stipa columbiana Bunch 1.7 Indian Ricegrass Achnaterum [Oryzopsis] hymenoides Bunch 1.9 Junegrass Koeleria
macrantha, K. cristata Bunch 0.1 *Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foot) if broadcast or hydroseeded. Seeding Procedures:
For best results and success, the recommended grass mixture reseeding should be done in late autumn in order to take advantage of natural precipitation for the region. The reseeding
rate should be doubled for broadcast application. Preferred seeding method is multiple seed bin rangeland drill with no soil preparation other than simple grading to slope and imprinting
and waterbars, where applicable. Alternative seeding methods include, but are not limited to: • harrow with just enough soil moisture to create a rough surface, broadcast seed and reharrow,
preferably at a 90 degree angle to the first harrow; • hydroseeding (most economical in terms of seed cost); and • hand raking and broadcast followed by reraking at a 90 degree angle
to the first raking. These are not the only means of replanting the site. However, these methods have been observed to be effective in similar landscapes. The prepared soils will be
seeded (weather permitting) no more than 24 hours following completion of final seedbed preparation. The seeding will be conducted by means of drilling the prescribed seed at prescribed
seeding rate. The seed will be drilled with a common range drill at a depth of 0.25 – 0.5” beneath the soil surface. The seed will be drilled horizontally across the pad faces and perpendicular
to the track walking when possible. When slope gradient less than 2.5:1 exists and drilling is not possible from a mechanical and safety standpoint, the soils will be broadcast seeded
at twice the prescribed amount. The reseeding will be monitored and reseeded as appropriate until the reclamation standards detailed above are met. Mulch: Within 24 hours of reseeding
(weather permitting) hydromulch will be applied to all reclaimed and reseeded surfaces.