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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.02 Impact AnalysisImpact Analysis PDC Energy Piceance Centralized Soil Treatment Facility OLSSON ASSOCIATES OA Project No. 011 -2627 760 Horizon Drive, Suite 102 1 Grand Junction, CO 81506 1 TEL 970.263.7800 1 FAX 970.263.7456 OLSSON ASSOCIATES PDC Energy (PDC) Piceance Centralized Soil Treatment Facility Impact Analysis Narrative Article IV, 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. This map has been provided in the supplemental materials section of this submittal and is identified as the Adjacent Parcel map. Below are the tax parcel numbers in bold and the corresponding land owners and mailing addresses. Parcel Number: 217325300035 A Douglas Teter Trust & Beverly A Teter Trust 4949 County Rd 309 Parachute, CO 81635 Parcel Number: 217322200951 US Naval Oil Shale Reserve c/o Colorado River Valley Field Office Bureau of Land Management 2300 River Frontage Rd Silt, CO 81652 -8633 Note: Parcel 217322200951 is a Garfield County tax - exempt parcel. The Garfield County Assessor's Office does not have a mailing address listed for this parcel. Management of the parcel is through the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Parcel Number: 217333100007 Attn: Tax Department Mobil Oil Corp PO Box 53 Houston, TX 77001 Parcel Number: 217335200016 Puckett Land Company & ConocoPhillips Company 5460 S Quebec St, Ste 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 -1917 760 Horizon Drive, Suite 102 TEL 970.263.7800 Grand Junction, CO 81506 FAX 970.263.7456 www.oaconsulting.com Mineral Rights Owners Barbara J Hoffman 10150 Torre Ave, Apt 206 Cupertino, CA 95041 Margo L Johnson 296 Nikolav Place Hilo, HI 96720 Aveyrl I Mahaffey 1205 N University Rd Spokane, WA 99206 -4812 Donna Joyce Mahaffey PO Box 492263 Redding, CA 96049 -2263 Merrill Dean Mahaffey 1707 E Earl Phoenix, AZ 85016 -7619 Philip R Mahaffey 542 Turkey Shoot Rd Pierson, FL 32180 Margaret Mahaffey Beckner 773 26 1/2 Rd Grand Junction, CO 81506 Maureen Mahaffey Frederick 773 26 1/2 Rd Grand Junction, CO 81506 Edra L Piepho 849 Georgetown PI San Jose, CA 95126 -3068 Article IV, 4- 203G.2. Adjacent Land Uses Black Magic #2, LLC 1720 S Bellaire, Ste 1209 Denver, CO 80222 ConocoPhillips Corporation 600 N Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77079 Cottonwood Minerals, LLC 4947 County Rd 309 Parachute, CO 81635 ExxonMobil Corporation PO Box 4610 Houston, TX 77210 -4610 Mahaffey Minerals, LLC 216 30 Rd Grand Junction, CO 81503 Puckett Land Company 5460 S Quebec St, Ste 250 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 -1917 David R Pichowski, Jr, PR The Estate of Linda C Mahaffey, Dec 14555 Wunderlinch Dr, #2915 Houston, TX 77069 Shelby Snyder WF & Genevieve Clough Estate PO Box 646 Rifle, CO 81650 The adjacent uses primarily consist of agricultural and natural gas extraction. The surrounding properties will not be adversely impacted by construction and operation of the proposed soil treatment facility. The proposed use is consistent with existing uses in the surrounding area. Numerous natural gas development activities are occurring within proximity (2 miles or less) of the proposed facility. An existing pipeline route is located immediately south of the proposed facility. The existing properties within a 1500' radius are identified in the list above and on the Adjacent Parcel map provided in the Adjacent Parcels section of this submittal. There are no residences within 1/2 mile of the proposed facility. Interstate highway 70 is immediately southeast of the proposed facility. Impact Analysis 2 Article IV, 4 -203 G.3. Site Features The site is located on private lands approximately 6.8 miles east of Parachute in the SW1 /4 of Section 25, Township 6 South, Range 95 West, 6th Principal Meridian. Access to the facility will be via a private road. The private road will be utilized via an existing permitted access that intersects with US Highway 6 approximately 3.25 miles northeast of the town of Parachute. Terrain is relatively flat at an elevation of approximately 5,200 ft above sea level. The project area lies north of the Colorado River on an upland terrace. Steep slopes and low hills lie north of the project site and are bisected by dry washes. Vegetation communities around the project area are disturbed by Interstate 70 (1 -70), natural gas development, and nearby industrial development. The surrounding area is dominated by sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) shrublands with a mixed forb /grass understory consisting of mostly annual plants. Pinyon - juniper woodlands are widely scattered on the hillsides and ridge tops near the project area and are dominated by Utah juniper (Juniperus osteosperma) with an occasional pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). Other vegetation observed in the area includes shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) throughout the understory. Approximately 30 percent of the centralized soil treatment facility parcel has been previously disturbed by a pipeline Right -of -Way (ROW). Vegetation found along the pipeline ROW is primarily composed of crested wheatgrass, annual wheatgrass (Eremopyrum triticeum), kochia (Kochia scoparia), and Russian thistle (Salsola spp.). Existing vegetation will be removed to accommodate construction of the site. The soil treatment facility will not affect the surrounding vegetation and water resources. No major geological hazards exist in the immediate vicinity of the proposed facility. The proposed facility is not located within a floodplain or floodway. Article IV, 4 -203 G.4. Soil Characteristics According to information provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), soils in these sections have been mapped as Badland (9), Arvada loam (3), and the Nihill channery loam (47). Arvada loam (3) soils are developed on 1 percent to 6 percent slopes, and consist of well drained soils on terraces and fans. Elevations range from 5,100 feet to 6,200 feet above mean sea level. The parent material of this soil is highly saline alluvium derived from sandstone and shale. The Badland (9) is developed on 1 percent to 99 percent slopes, mountainsides, drainage ways, mountain flanks, and base slopes. The parent material of this soil is soft sandstone and shale and /or soft shale and siltstone. The Nihill channery loam (47) soils are developed on 6 percent to 25 percent slopes and consist of well drained soils on valley sides and alluvial fans. These soils are alluvium derived from sandstone and shale. The underlining soils will not significantly affect the operation of the proposed soil treatment facility. Impact Analysis 3 Article IV, 4 -203 G.S. Geology and Hazard According to the Geologic and Soil Hazards Report submitted with this application the overall geologic and soil hazards at this location appear to be low. Stormwater controls and Best Management Practices (BMPs) 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. The proposed project 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. A complete Geologic and Soil Hazards Report is included. Article IV, 4 -203 G.6. Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas This facility has been designed to eliminate the potential for materials related to the treatment of hydrocarbon impacted soils (that will be remediated onsite) to impact the groundwater. The facility will be unlined. Remediation of soils associated with operation of the facility will typically occur within 18" (eighteen inches) of the surface. 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. As part of this process, the COGCC will assess the potential for groundwater contamination via leaching from the soils. This will include a geologic assessment of strata, soil types and permeability. The facility will be constructed and operated to minimize impact to groundwater in the area. As a result, no migration of hydrocarbons to the existing groundwater is anticipated. In order to ensure protection of water quality, PDC will install three (3) ground water monitoring wells in proximity to the facility. These wells will be installed, regularly monitored and reclaimed according the criteria identified by the COGCC and adherence to rule 908 of the COGCC code. Article IV, 4 -203 G.7.Environmental Impacts The proposed soil treatment facility will have a minimal impact, if any, to the surrounding flora and fauna; the Reclamation Plan (see below) has addressed the restoration of the site to pre - facility conditions by recontouring and revegetating. During the permitting process according to COGCC criteria, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife was consulted and an onsite assessment was performed. The DPW has confirmed that the facility will have minimum impact to fauna in the area. The Class I Cultural Resources Study concluded that no significant archaeological, cultural or historical resources will be affected by this development. The Wildlife Assessment concluded that the facility will not create hazardous attractions to avian or mammalian wildlife species, block migration routes, or cause a change in habitat use. No impacts to federally listed or locally significant plants or animals are anticipated. Details from the Wildlife and Vegetation Impact Analysis are contained below. Impact Analysis 4 Determination of long term and short term effect on flora and fauna: FAUNA Raptors No direct impacts will occur to raptor nesting habitat and no nest sites are located where removal of the nest tree is a concern. Short -term indirect impacts in the form of raptor avoidance of the area due to human presence and disturbance from construction are possible. A loss of foraging habitat would occur. American Elk and Mule Deer The proposed soil treatment facility would be located within Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Game Management Unit 32. Project development will reduce available cover and forage although vegetative conditions on the site have been previously altered and are of marginal quality for big -game. The physical presence of the facility will mostly impact deer or elk habitat use within the footprint of the site itself, as these species have become mildly habituated to increased human presence and vehicle traffic in this area. It is unlikely that operation of the facility would influence population densities or distribution as the site is situated near 1 -70 and experiences a high degree of human activity both on the freeway and on existing natural gas developments in the area. The condition of the roads and internal policies of the companies operating in the area restrict vehicle speeds to less than 25 miles - per -hour, and therefore vehicle related mortality for these species is not expected. Black Bear and Mountain Lion Indirect effects from development of this project should not impact either bears or mountain lions. Small Mammals, Birds (BCC), and Reptiles Effects of habitat loss for birds would include the loss of nesting and foraging habitat for a variety of species. The removal of existing vegetation contributes to the cumulative effects of resource development in the project area, although suitable habitat for most bird species in the project area is abundant. Affects to small mammals and reptiles are expected to be minimal due to the large amount of habitat available in the surrounding area, although the development could contribute to increased predation of these species by creating edge habitat. Vehicle related mortality for birds, small mammals, and reptiles may occur, but should not significantly affect populations of these species. FLORA Native vegetation including sagebrush and greasewood communities will be removed for construction. No TESS plants would be affected. Implementation of an integrated vegetation management plan would reduce the effects of disturbance to the project site. The development and expansion of the site is not expected to significantly affect any critical wildlife habitat for any wildlife species. Potential issues are outlined below. Impact Analysis 5 Creation of hazardous attractions: No project feature will create hazardous attractions for wildlife or introduce features that would likely entrap or harm wildlife that occur in the area. Proper fencing would prevent big -game from entering the facility. Indirect Construction Effects: Project construction factors such as the presence of construction personnel and noise has a potential to affect wildlife in a negative manner, particularly within big -game winter range from late -fall to early- spring. Since construction and operation of this facility is limited to a relatively small area, and the project takes place adjacent to significant human presence related to the presence of 1 -70 and other activities in the area, the amount of disturbance from this project is likely to be negligible at other times of the year. Alteration of Existing Vegetation: The existing vegetation within the approximately 9.5 -acre project footprint will be lost for the duration of the facility's existence. The vegetation affected is neither unique, nor in limited availability relative to the large expanse of similar vegetation in the area. Soil disturbances and removal of native vegetation will create an opportunity for noxious weeds to spread. A Noxious Weed Management Plan is included with this submittal. Big Game Migration Corridors: No specific deer or elk migration corridors will be affected, though big game certainly migrates into the project area. Roadkill: Vehicle speeds would be low (less than 25 miles - per -hour) though traffic volumes along the access road would likely increase. Since the gravel access road does not allow for high speeds, the chance for increased roadkill of big -game wildlife is remote. Potential for roadkill on small mammals and reptiles exists, but should not affect populations significantly. Bird Nesting Habitat: Bird nesting habitat will be lost due to project development. No potential radiation hazards have been identified. No hydrocarbon based liquids or tankage will be stored onsite, thus there is no requirement for Spill Containment, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) documentation. PDC will obtain final approval for all applicable federal and state air quality permits prior to construction and operation of the facility. Article IV, 4 -203 G.8. Nuisance Adjacent lands will not be impacted by the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, glare or vibration. Any vapors generated by the facility will be limited in accordance with the thresholds identified in the CDPHE air quality permit and appropriate Federal regulation. In accordance with the PDC Fugitive Dust Mitigation Plan, water will be delivered to the site and used for dust suppression. There will not be any onsite lighting at this facility except during upset events or emergencies. Typical operational activities associated with the proposed facility will be the delivery of hydrocarbon impacted soils via truck, treatment using a tractor, and removal of treated materials for beneficial reuse via trucks. These activities will preclude any significant impacts from smoke, glare or vibration. No equipment will be stored and no structures will be constructed on Impact Analysis 6 site, thus limiting visual impacts along the 1 -70 corridor. The security fence required by the COGCC will be constructed to minimize visual impacts using materials which will blend with the existing surroundings. Article IV, 4 -203 G.9. Reclamation Plan PDC estimates that the proposed facility will be in operation for an anticipated period of approximately twenty -five (25) years during development and production of PDC's Garfield County operations. Upon termination of the development and production activities, the project area will be reclaimed, as outlined below: • PDC will remove all safety and stormwater BMPs, and other surface objects from the premises. • PDC will restore the site to pre - facility conditions by re- contouring and re- vegetating the site. Top soil will be redistributed across the site and will be reseeded with an approved seed mix (see attached seed mix recommendation). • PDC will monitor the site to ensure that 70 percent of the pre- existing vegetation is achieved, per the requirements of the CDPHE Stormwater Permit for the site. Seedbed Preparation and Slope Reconstruction: Cut and fill slopes will be backfilled and re- contoured 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. Re- contouring 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 hydro- seeding or mulching, imprinting will 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 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. Any fill slopes 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 Impact Analysis 7 spread the topsoil. These measures may include scarifying the soil by racking or harrowing the soil. Seed Mix: Seed mix used for reclamation will be selected according to the discussion and agreements with the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife: Seeding Procedures: For best results and success, the recommended grass mixture reseeding will be done in late autumn in order to take advantage of natural precipitation for the region. The reseeding rate will 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; • hydro- seeding (most economical in terms of seed cost); and • hand raking and broadcast followed by re- raking 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: With 24 hours of reseeding (weather permitting) hydromulch will be applied to all reclaimed and reseeded surfaces. Areas where the erosion potential is such that biodegradable blankets will be used will not be hydromulched. Impact Analysis 8