HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.16 Reclamation PlanReclamation Plan
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
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
MASTER RECLAMATION PLAN
OCTOBER, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
2.0 RECLAMATION OBJECTIVES 3
3.0 AFFECTED COMMUNITIES /HABITAT 5
4.0 PREDISTURBANCE INVENTORY AND SITE PLANNING 5
4.1 Wellpad and Facility Site Construction 6
4.2 Roads 6
4.3 Pipelines 6
5..0 SOILS OF THE PROJECT AREA 7
5.1 Topsoil Salvage 7
5.2 Subsoil Salvage 9
6.0 STOCKPILING 9
6.1 Topsoil Stockpiling 9
6.2 Pit Soil Stockpiling 9
7.0 TEMPORARY REVEGETATION EFFORTS 9
8.0 SOIL AMENDMENTS AND FERTILIZERS 10
8.1 Soil Amendments 10
8.2 Fertilizers 11
9.0 STABILIZATION AND INTERIM RECLAMATION 11
10.0 SOIL REPLACEMENT 12
10.1 Topsoil and Pit Soil Replacement 12
10.2 Wetland Soil 13
11.0 FACILITY AND STRUCTURE REMOVAL 13
12.0 SURFACE PREPARATION 13
12.1 Backfilling and Grading 13
13.0 SEEDBED PREPARATION /SOIL TILLAGE 14
14.0 SEEDING METHODS 14
14.1 Seeding Times 14
14.2 Seeding Methods 14
15.0 SEED MIXTURES 14
16.0 MULCHING AND EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS 16
16.1 Mulch 16
16.2 Erosion Control Blankets 16
17.0 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 16
17.01 Sediment Basins 17
17.02 Straw Bale Dikes 17
17.03 Silt Fence 17
17.04 Continuous Berms 17
17.05 Rock Check Dams 17
18.0 FENCING 18
18.1 Installation 18
18.2 Maintenance 18
19.0 WEED CONTROL PLAN 18
19.1 Post Revegetation Weed Inspections 18
19.2 Weed Control Implementation 18
20.0 FINAL RECLAMATION 19
21.0 RECLAMATION SUCCESS MONITORING AND REVEGETATION
INSPECTIONS 19
21.1 Inspections 19
21.2 Remediation 20
22.0 LITERATURE CITED 20
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Plan covers preliminary planning, pad construction, soil salvage, soil stockpiling,
backfilling and grading, re- topsoiling, soil amendments /fertilization, seeding, seed
mixtures, mulching, Best Management Practices (BMPs), fencing, weed control,
revegetation inspections and revegetation monitoring. The Plan covers the Grand Valley,
Parachute, and Rulison field proposed 10 -acre density areas.
Chenoweth and Associates Environmental Consultants LLC (C &A) personnel completed
field surveys for quantitative vegetation and soils data during June 2000. The data
collection encompassed twenty (20) revegetated well sites and eleven (11) adjacent
undisturbed range sites, which served as reference areas. The soils and vegetation data
and associated summaries are presented in Appendix A. This data and associated
summaries provide valuable information on maintaining and enhancing successful future
reclamation efforts.
In addition, extensive high intensity soil surveys (including mapping, sampling and
laboratory analyses) have been conducted since the year 2000 at all new 20 -acre density
well sites. Over 100 samples have been collected and analyzed. IRI, Inc. of Montrose
and Cordilleran Compliance Services, Inc. of Grand Junction have also conducted annual
Reclamation Success Monitoring and Revegetation Inspections.
2.0 RECLAMATION OBJECTIVES
The reclamation process has been divided into four major phases: 1) pre - disturbance
planning and site preparation, 2) site stabilization during well construction, 3) interim
reclamation and monitoring, and 4) final reclamation and success monitoring.
By minimizing the amount of land disturbed through pre - disturbance planning and
initially preparing the site for construction activities with the understanding that the area
would eventually be reclaimed (e.g., topsoil stripping and stockpiling for later use during
site reconstruction, minimizing cut - and -fill slopes, and disturbing as small an area as
possible), the acreage requiring disturbance would be reduced and reclamation success
would be facilitated.
General reclamation objectives are:
• The isolation and/or removal of all undesirable materials (e.g., poor -
quality subsoil, contaminated soil, potentially hazardous materials) to
protect the reclaimed landscape from contamination;
• Re- contouring and implementation of other soil conservation, surface
manipulation and water management techniques to establish stable slopes,
water courses, and drainage features to minimize erosion and
sedimentation;
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• Revegetation of reclaimed areas to stabilize soils and establish a vigorous,
diverse, self - perpetuating plant community, which contains little
undesirable vegetation and is capable of supporting post disturbance land
uses;
• Establishment of acceptable long -term visual aesthetics by minimizing
visual contrasts.
Site stabilization during well construction consists of salvage of all usable topsoil and
subsoil, immediate vegetation of all topsoil and subsoil stockpiles, and immediate
stabilization of disturbed areas to control erosion and provide protection for adjacent
undisturbed areas from unnecessary degradation. The vegetation mix used for all site
stabilization is listed as the Temporary Mix shown in Table 15.1. The purpose of this
mix is to obtain a rapid revegetation that will minimize erosion. This seed is applied to
all cut and fill areas, subsoil and topsoil stockpiles and any other areas not needed for
well drilling. The seed is not applied to the pad area. Erosion will be considered
controlled when water naturally infiltrates into the soil; gullying, head cutting, or
slumping is not observed; and rills are less than 6 inches deep. Specific measures to
attain these goals are discussed in Section 17.0 (BMPs).
Interim reclamation involves the reclamation of those areas disturbed during well
construction, but not needed during the production life of the well. These items consist
of final grading, relieving of compaction, subsoil and topsoil replacement, seeding,
mulching and fence installation to prevent future activity on the interim reclamation
areas. Interim reclamation may also include roads leading to well sites. Interim sites will
be monitored for reclamation success on an annual basis. Subject to landowner approval,
seeding will be done with either the bottomland mix or the pinyon juniper mix to
establish ground cover. These mixes are provided in Tables 15.2 and 15.3. Interim
reclamation shall occur no later than 3 months on crop land and 12 months on non -crop
land and will last for the life of the well. Interim reclamation is done with the intent of
final reclamation although certain sites may require re- contouring of the interim areas
after the well has ended its useful life. An example of this is a pad that has cut /fill areas
that are regraded and reclaimed after the well is finished.
Final reclamation includes the removal of all remaining equipment, tanks and structures
at the site, final backfilling and full reclamation of those disturbed areas not reclaimed for
interim reclamation. The same reclamation procedures described for interim reclamation
would be employed. The seed mixes for final reclamation are the same as those for
interim reclamation (Tables 15.2 and 15.3). A non - producing well location and
associated access road are examples of final reclamation sites. Upon project completion,
all disturbed areas except roads to be retained for other land uses would be reclaimed as
designated by the landowner.
Reclamation success monitoring involves assessing the status of reclaimed areas to
ensure they meet desired site stability and productivity standards. Reclamation
monitoring would be performed by a 3rd party consultant and would include an
evaluation of plant cover, density, and diversity as well as erosion and weed control.
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Non - cropland vegetation would be expected to contain a diverse mixture of grasses,
forbs, and shrubs as provided in Tables 15.2 and 15.3.
3.0 AFFECTED COMMUNITIES /HABITAT
Within the Grand Valley and Rulison projects areas, five general plant communities have
been identified. These plant communities include steep -slope xeric shrub, pinyon/juniper
woodland, big sagebrush, desert shrublands, and hay meadows. The steep -slope xeric
shrub community contains mountain mahogany and antelope bitterbrush, often with an
over story of pinyon and juniper. Pinyon/juniper woodlands consist of pinyon and
juniper, with an under story of wheatgrass and needlegrass. The big sagebrush
community contains sagebrush, saltbush, greasewood, and wheatgrass. The desert shrub
land community primarily consists of saltbush, sagebrush, and warm- season grasses.
4.0 PREDISTURBANCE INVENTORY AND SITE PLANNING
PDC personnel and their reclamation consultant will review locations of well pads,
access roads, and ancillary facilities prior to actual construction activities. The following
items will be evaluated and/or inventoried.
• Suitability of slopes steeper than 2.1 for construction activities with
special erosion control and slope stability measures as needed.
• Evaluation of true riparian/wetland areas for exclusion from construction
disturbance vs. fringe areas that can be properly reclaimed without long
term damage to true wetlands and as agreed to by land owners.
• Identify an appropriate buffer from intermittent and ephemeral streams.
• Identify soil- mapping units of proposed disturbed area; collect one soil
sample for every soil series of the proposed disturbed areas, and complete
soil physical and chemical analysis for topsoil stripping, stockpiling and
replacement recommendations. Utilize a backhoe to construct a test pit
that will facilitate review of soil profile(s) and collecting soil samples. A
soil auger and/or additional test pits will be utilized every 1.5 acres to
confirm if any additional soil mapping units exist on any given well site.
If so, additional soil sampling will be completed. Collect soil samples in
6 -inch lifts or by horizon as determined by a qualified soil scientist.
• Inventory any noxious weeds listed in the Colorado Noxious Weed Act
(Colorado Depai ltnent of Agriculture, 1996) and Garfield County Noxious
Weed Management Plan (Garfield County Vegetation Management,
2000).
• Prepare a preliminary list of BMPs to be utilized during construction and
as a part of final reclamation efforts. A list of actual BMPs may be better
defined immediately prior to completion of construction activities.
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• Prepare a preliminary sketch plan of fencing for proposed disturbance
areas for rangelands.
• List fertilization, soil amendment, soil tillage, seed mixture, mulching
methods (if deemed necessary by the reclamation consultant), and any
other cultural practices to be used within defined vegetation zones.
A comprehensive description of revegetation and erosion control efforts is described in
each the following sections of this Plan.
4.1 Wellpad and Facility Site Construction
Prior to construction, proposed pad and facility site locations would be surveyed
and staked. Locations would be designed to parallel the contour with reserve pits
on the uphill side of pads whenever possible. Well pads would be designed and
constructed to disturb the smallest area necessary to provide for efficient and safe
operations.
Excess cut material would be incorporated into fill slopes or placed in designated
areas and stabilized. Backsloping would be necessary only in areas of steep
terrain ( >3:1 slopes). This material shall be utilized during the reclamation
process.
During construction, interceptor ditches would be installed above cuts and around
reserve pits, as necessary. Collector ditches and sediment control structures
constructed for a storm event may be required below fill areas. Smaller flows
would be diverted and /or collected before being discharged from the disturbed
area. Qualified personnel would supervise the installation of all erosion control
structures, including berms, dikes and trenches.
4.2 Roads
New roads generally would follow natural contours and would be constructed in
accordance with industry road standards. For roads on slopes of less that 15 %,
available strippable /useable topsoil would be stripped from the construction area
and placed in windrows within the construction ROW by side casting with a
grader. Where roads must be constructed on slopes greater than 15 %, and
significant topsoil is present, topsoil would be transported to more level terrain for
storage. After road construction, strippable /useable topsoil, if any, would be
replaced on road out slopes, and these areas would be reseeded.
4.3 Pipelines
When constructing and reclaiming pipelines, existing crowned - and - ditched roads
would be used for access, where practical, to minimize surface disturbance.
Pipeline trenches would not be placed in access road borrow ditches unless other
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reasonable locations are unavailable. Gathering pipelines may be installed on the
surface in areas where slopes are greater than 25% and/or where rock outcrops are
crossed; when possible, they would be built perpendicular to the contour to
minimize the area required for construction.
Vegetation would be removed from pipeline ROWs so as to leave the root
systems intact and the removed vegetation would be spread over disturbed areas
to provide protection, nutrient recycling, and a natural seed source. If pipelines
are trenched rather than plowed in, trenches would be excavated with a backhoe
or similar equipment to minimize disturbance.
Frozen soils, vegetation, and snow would not be used to backfill pipeline
trenches. This action would reduce trench compaction needs. In no event would
backfill berms in excess of 6 inches in height be placed over backfilled trenches.
Construction of pipelines in wetlands would comply with U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (COE) permit requirements. Silt fences or other sediment control
devices would also be installed along channel banks where sedimentation is
excessive and at the bases of slopes adjacent to wetland/riparian areas (as
necessary to control sediment).
Temporary sediment barriers would remain in place until final revegetation
measures have been successfully implemented.
5.0 SOILS OF THE PROJECT SITES
The soils of the Grand Valley, Parachute, and Rulison areas tend to be shallow
soils derived from alluvial and colluvial material. Restrictive features for plant
growth result from high coarse fragment content, alkalinity, lack of carbonaceous
material and poor soil texture. Existing sparse vegetative cover and the lack of
desirable plant species in undisturbed areas reflects the shallow nature of in -situ
soils. In addition, overgrazing has enhanced the presence of invader species
(noxious weeds).
The soils of the Grand Valley project area tend to be poorer due to topography
that exists in shale bluffs and rock outcrop areas. The soils in the Rulison project
area contain somewhat deeper alluvial deposits containing more desirable plant
growth media.
5.1 Topsoil Salvage
C &A utilized the Soil Survey of the Rifle Area (USDA Soil Conservation
Service, 1985) and soil sampling of reclaimed well sites to prepare general
recommendations for soil salvage on future well site installation. Additionally,
over 100 soil samples have been extracted from well sites over the past few years
(2000 -2002) according to the soil scientist recommendations. These samples
were analyzed and used to develop stripping procedures and reclamation plans.
Site - specific topsoil salvage recommendations will range from 0" to 12" based on
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present observations. Research indicates that it is better to replace a shallower
layer of topsoil than to co- mingle undesirable physical and chemical properties
resulting from deeper soil salvage.
A qualified soil specialist will make all topsoil salvage recommendations prior to
land disturbance. These recommendations will be based on review of soil
mapping units of specific well sites and soil sampling within common soil
mapping units and vegetation communities. Specifically, due to the common
characteristics of soil properties that occur within the same soil mapping unit and
vegetation communities it is not necessary to soil sample every proposed well
site. If additional soil mapping units exist on any given well site, additional soil
sampling will occur.
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Guideline 1 Topsoil and
Overburden will be used as a reference to rank soils as good, fair, or poor for
topsoil salvage. In no case will soils rated poor for topsoil salvage be used unless
properly amended, as determined by a qualified soil specialist (see soil
amendment section for comprehensive discussion of proposed soil amendments).
The physical and chemical parameters proposed for use in determining topsoil
quality will consist of the following: Soil texture, pH, Sodium Absorption Ratio
(SAR), electrical conductivity, saturation percentage, Selenium, Nitrogen,
Phosphorus, Potassium, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter content.
Any surplus topsoil material that is generated during the topsoil stripping
operation will be stockpiled in a safe location on the property from which it was
taken and utilized for other well site reclamation activities where a deficiency
may exist. A deficiency in topsoil cover is defined as less than 3 inches of
suitable un- amended topsoil.
Care will be taken to avoid stripping soils with coarse fragments greater than 35%
in volume. A previous literature review completed by C &A indicates severe
rooting restrictions for herbaceous species for areas containing higher amounts of
rock fragments. If high coarse fragments are encountered, PDC' reclamation
consultant /qualified soil specialist may recommend rock picking, rock screening,
or import of topsoil material. Screened or picked rock material will be buried in
cuts, or placed deep enough below the soil surface to avoid rooting restrictions for
reclamation efforts.
Alternate site preparation procedures may be applied in some areas to facilitate
reclamation; however, it is assumed that most, if not all, of these areas can be
avoided. In potential wetland areas, vegetation would be cut to ground level,
leaving existing root systems intact. Grading activities would be limited to areas
directly over pipeline trenches and road surface areas, and at least 12 inches of
topsoil would be salvaged and replaced except in areas with standing water or
saturated soils. Construction when the ground is frozen may be implemented as
an alternative to minimize damage. Use of construction equipment would be
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limited, and if standing water or saturated soils are present, wide -track or balloon -
tire construction equipment or normal construction equipment operated on
equipment pads or geotextile fabric overlain with gravel fill may be used.
Equipment pads would be removed immediately following the completion of
construction activities. Trench spoil would be placed at least 10 feet from
drainage channel banks, and dirt, rock fill, and brush riprap would not be used to
stabilize ROWs. All operations within jurisdictional wetland areas would comply
with COE permit stipulations as necessary.
5.2 Subsoil Handling
During the installation of well pad sites, subsoil materials will be utilized to
construct well pads. Information collected during the pre - disturbance inventory
and site - planning phase will be utilized to determine if special handling of poor
quality subsoil materials should occur. This information will include physical and
chemical analysis from soil lab results. Poor quality subsoil materials may consist
of calcareous, alkaline, and high coarse fragments soils, etc. Deleterious subsoil
materials will be kept lower in the profile of well pads so as not to interfere with
plant growth. Adequate topsoil cover and/or use of soil amendments will also be
utilized to ensure a proper growth medium for reclamation efforts.
6.0 STOCKPILING
6.1 Topsoil Stockpiling
Topsoil will be stockpiled in such a manner that it can be readily recovered for
reclamation purposes. Topsoil stockpiles will be located away from natural
drainage courses. Stockpiles should be constructed with no greater than 3:1 side
slopes and with a height of three to six feet where possible, given the flexibility
needed in confined areas for stockpiles on drill sites. By constructing stockpiles
in this manner, valuable soil fungi and bacteria will not be lost.
6.2 Pit Soil Stockpiling
Drilling pits are constructed by removing adequate subsoil and overburden
materials to accommodate drilling fluids generated during the actual drilling
process. The subsoil material will be stockpiled in an easily accessible area. Pit
soils will be stockpiled in such a manner so as to avoid co- mingling with topsoil
stockpiles.
7.0 TEMPORARY REVEGETATION EFFORTS
Topsoil stockpiles will be seeded immediately after placement with a quick
germinating cover of grasses as presented in Table 15.1. Topsoil stockpiles will
be dozer tracked on the contour to create cleat marks that will serve as erosion
basins. Also, a continuous berm will be placed around any down slope sides of
the topsoil stockpile to prevent addition runoff and potential erosion.
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8.0 SOIL AMENDMENTS AND FERTILIZERS
8.1 Soil Amendments
At the advice of their reclamation consultant, PDC may elect to use one or more
soil amendments to overcome poor chemical or physical conditions in existing
surface soils. Poor soil conditions could include one or more of the following:
• High SAR values
• High electrical conductivity values
• High pH values
• Low nutrient content /low organic matter content.
The following amendments are listed for consideration. While these products
have been proven beneficial on other projects, it is in PDC' best interest to test
their performance on selective well sites before committing to a final program.
PDC' reclamation consultant /qualified soil specialist will determine the well sites
that may benefit from soil amendments and their application rates. The following
is a list of soil amendments and the minimum recommended application rates.
One or more of the following amendments may be utilized where 12 inches of
favorable growth media cannot be salvaged and replaced at each well site.
• Composted materials consisting of manure (cow or pig preferred), wood
chips, etc.
Apply at 75 - 125 cubic yards per acre. Biosolids.
Apply at 75 - 125 cubic yards per acre.
• Biosol organic fertilizer (as supplied by Rocky Mountain Bio- products).
Apply at 1,000 —1,400 pounds per acre.
• Humates consisting of humic and fulvic acids.
Apply at 800 - 2,000 pounds per acre.
• Elemental Sulfur.
Apply according to soil test recommendations.
These materials would be mixed with the existing soil material on site.
Importation of good topsoil will also be considered. The quantity imported will
depend on many factors, such as availability of the imported soil, the quality of
the site soil, etc.
Compost, biosolids, and Biosol all provide macronutrients for plant growth and
organic matter which helps create soil aggregation. Humate materials help create
soil aggregation. Elemental sulfur helps displace sodium ions in the soil.
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8.2 Fertilizers
Inorganic fertilizers will be applied to the soil surface as determined by soil test
results indicating the need for nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium fertilizers.
Nitrogen fertilizer may not be added in many cases at the time of seeding because
of its influence on rapid weed invasion at the expense of more desirable species.
The revegetation specialist will make the final determination on the need for
fertilizer applications. Any application of fertilizer will be followed by soil tillage
to incorporate the material properly.
9.0 STABILIZATION AND INTERIM RECLAMATION
Stabilization and interim reclamation would occur on all areas where final reclamation
cannot be applied, and on areas that may be re- disturbed during final reclamation.
Disturbed areas subject to interim reclamation include road cut - and -fill areas and portions
of each well pad and ancillary facility sites not needed for production - related activities.
Interim reclamation measures would be applied only as needed, since final reclamation
measures would be applied concurrently with the completion of most project construction
activities (i.e., final reclamation measures would be applied on all areas that would likely
remain undisturbed for the remainder of the LOW) (See Section 20.0)
Stabilization and interim reclamation objectives include:
• Stabilization of disturbed areas by providing wind and water erosion
control to reduce soil loss and the chance of slope failure;
• Minimization of surface runoff to prevent the degradation of downstream
receiving waters through the use of pollution control techniques (e.g.,
facility sites would be required to approach zero runoff from the location,
using interception ditches, berms, or other structures to capture accidental
spills);
• Establishment of non - intrusive plant communities to protect soil resources
or;
• Establishment of agricultural production; and
• Minimization of visual impacts.
Upon completion of a specific development activity (e.g., road construction, well testing),
the area to be reclaimed for the LOW would be delineated. For example, all road topsoil
storage in out slope areas, as well as the potentially disturbed outer portions of road
ROWs would be stabilized and reseeded until final road reclamation is initiated. Final
reclamation practices would be applied on areas that would likely remain undisturbed for
the remainder of the LOW.
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Where possible, disturbed areas would be graded and contoured to slopes of 3:1
(horizontal: vertical) or less or as required to stabilize the area and provide a
suitable seedbed. Well sites that need to be constructed on steeper slopes ( >3:1) will be
based on the ability to perform stable construction efforts as required. Contoured areas
would be ripped, as necessary, to reduce soil compaction. Ripping in many areas may be
conducted after topsoil replacement. Temporary erosion control measures (e.g., water
bars, mulch application, and biodegradable netting installation) also would be applied as
necessary. To minimize sedimentation of drainage channels and wetlands during the
interim period between construction activity and final reclamation, temporary erosion and
sediment control measures would be applied. Silt fences or other sediment filtering
devices such as weed -free straw bales would be installed at drainage channel banks
where sedimentation is excessive and at the base of all slopes adjacent to wetland/riparian
areas. Sediment filtering devices would be maintained in functional condition until
revegetation/reclamation efforts yield a stable vegetation cover. To avoid the possibility
of mulching materials entering waterways, loose mulch (i.e., mulch not crimped into the
soil surface, tackified, or incorporated into erosion control blankets) would not be applied
to drainage channel banks. Section 17.0 describes BMPs in more detail.
Seedbed preparation activities would include topsoil replacement and harrowing, disking,
pitting, and/or ripping. After topsoil replacement and preparation, the area would be
seeded at the first appropriate opportunity using a seed mixture developed to facilitate
rapid establishment of vegetation and site stabilization (Table 15.1) or a seed mixture
designed for interim or final reclamation (see Section 15.0), as appropriate. Landowner
preferences will be honored in the development of seed mixes. Areas that have been
seeded would be visually monitored for seedling establishment and the presence of
erosional features and would be re- stabilized and reseeded, as necessary, until adequate
vegetation establishment and site stability is achieved (see Section 21.0). In general, the
annual Reclamation Success Monitoring and Revegetation Inspection procedures would
also be applied at interim reclamation sites.
10.0 SOIL REPLACEMENT
10.1 Topsoil and Pit Soil Replacement
Immediately after drilling operations and pit processing has occurred, PDC will
rip the existing subsoil surface to a depth of 18 inches (or that allowable if large
rock fragments are present). Topsoil shall be replaced evenly over all disturbed
areas using small dozers to prevent re- compaction of the growth medium.
Topsoil will not be replaced in extremely wet or frozen conditions.
Thoroughly mixing pit contents with subsoil and covering processed pit materials
with at least 3 feet of subsoil material and a final layer of topsoil will reclaim the
pit area.
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10.2 Wetland Soils
All operations within jurisdictional wetland areas would comply with COE permit
stipulations as necessary.
11.0 FACILITY AND STRUCTURE REMOVAL
All gas wells would be abandoned according to Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission (COGCC) regulations. All aboveground well pad, pipeline, and water
disposal facilities, including buildings, structures, tanks, reserve pits, flare pits, and
associated hardware, would be closed or dismantled and removed from the site. These
materials would be removed and likely would be salvaged and re -used or disposed of at
approved sites.
Any concrete foundations, pads, or footings would be adequately broken up and covered
or removed. All aggregate used for well pad, road, and/or ancillary facility site
construction also would be removed or suitably buried.
Road reclamation would be conducted as deemed appropriate by COGCC and the surface
landowners; some roads may remain after project completion. Road reclamation would
include the removal of bridges, culverts, cattle guards, sediment control structures, and
signs. Drainage- crossing side slopes would be reduced in order to minimize bank erosion
and produce stable side slopes. In addition, road barriers or signs may be used to
discourage travel on reclaimed road surfaces.
11.0 SURFACE PREPARATION
Surface preparation includes backfilling, grading, and ripping of compacted soils. In
some areas subjected to interim reclamation (See Section 7.0), topsoil removal and short-
term storage may also be required.
12.1 Backfilling and Grading
After facilities and equipment have been removed, reclamation of pads would be
conducted as deemed appropriate by PDC in conjunction with surface
landowners, and some pads may remain after project completion. Final
reclamation would be conducted in a manner to minimize any additional
disturbance of native or previously reclaimed areas. Grading would be conducted
as necessary to provide a surface suitable for the replacement of a uniform depth
of topsoil, while promoting cohesion between subsoil and topsoil layers, reducing
wind erosion, and facilitating moisture capture.
Specialized grading techniques would be applied as necessary and may include
slope rounding, bench grading, stair -step grading, and /or contour furrowing.
Equipment selection would be determined on a site - specific basis, depending
upon the material to be graded, the size of the area, on -site operating conditions,
and equipment availability.
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No visible soil berm (i.e., in excess of 3 inches) would be allowed above pipeline
trenches. PDC- provided reclamation specialists would ensure that backfilling and
grading operations are conducted so as to provide a landscape suitable for
successful reclamation. Ripping of the subsoil material will occur to a depth of
16 inches (where the nature of the material permits) to relieve compaction of the
subsoil and provide better rooting medium for later plant growth. No heavy
equipment will be moved over the prepared surface once it has been ripped.
Small dozers will be used to replace subsoil and topsoil.
13.0 SEEDBED PREPARATION /SOIL TILLAGE
If the re- topsoiled surface is not loose and friable after topsoil application, soil tillage will
be performed. Acceptable methods of soil tillage will consist of disking, chisel plowing,
or harrowing to a depth of 4 inches. No more than 10% of the reclaimed area will
contain rocks greater than 8" in diameter. The only exception to this condition will be in-
situ soils that naturally contain greater amounts of rock material. Also, as previously
stated in the topsoil stripping section, no more than 35 — 40% coarse fragments of any
size will be allowed on the soil surface, to avoid impacting revegetation success. Larger
volumes of coarse fragment will either be screened or picked prior to seeding operations.
Rock material will be buried in cut slope areas or buried under the well pad a minimum
of 3 feet below the final soil surface so a not to interfere with the rooting depth of
desirable vegetation species.
14.0 SEEDING METHODS
14.1 Seeding Times
Seeding shall be completed at any time of year except during ground freeze
conditions and except from May 31 to August 15.
14.2 Seeding Methods
On slopes of 3:1 or flatter, drill seeding shall be utilized. Drill seeders shall be
capable of handling a variety of different seed textures. Drill rows shall be no
greater than 12 inches on center. All drilling shall be completed on the parallel to
the contour of the land where practical. Seed will be drilled to a depth of .25 to
.50 inches.
Steeper slope areas will be broadcast seeded or seeded with other methods.
Broadcast seeding will be accomplished with hand held spreaders, ATV mounted,
or tractor mounted and will be capable of spreading seed uniformly. All seed will
be raked or harrowed to lightly cover seed with soil.
15.0 SEED MIXTURES
Tables 15.1 thru 15.3 have been created based on those species that have performed the
best in the last four years of reclamation efforts.
14
TABLE 15.1
TEMPORARY SEED MIX
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
TABLE 15.2
BOTTOMLAND SEED
MIX
SEEDS /
SQFT
SEED
RATE
lbs
(pls) /ac
COMMON NAME
SPECIES NAME
VARIETY
SEEDS/LB
Graminoids
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Agropyron dasystachyum
Critana
160,000
9
2.45
Smooth Brome
Bromis inermis
Lincoln
145,000
13
3.91
Sideoats Grama
Bouteloua curtipendula
Butte
190,000
10
2.29
Russian Wildrye
Elymus junceus
Vanall, Bozoisky - select
170,000
8
2.05
Alkali Sacaton
Sporobolus airoides
1,750,000
8
0.20
Totals
40
10.70
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
TABLE 15.2
BOTTOMLAND SEED
MIX
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
TABLE 15.3 PINYON -
JUNIPER SEED MIX
SEEDS /
SQFT
SEED
RATE
lbs
(p1s) /ac
COMMON NAME
SPECIES NAME
VARIETY
SEEDS/LB
Graminoids
Tall Wheatgrass
Agrypyron elongatum
Alkar, Jose
80,000
6
3.27
Western Wheatgrass
Agropyron smithii
Arriba
125,000
6
2.09
Russian Wildrye
Elymus junceus
Vanall, Bozoisky- select
170,000
8
2.05
Switchgrass
Panicum virgatum
Paloma
160,000
6
1.63
Alkali Sacaton
Sporobolus airoides
1,750,000
8
0.20
Forbs
Scarlet Globemallow
Sphaeralcea coccinea
ARS 2936
500,000
4
0.35
Shrubs
Black Greasewood
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
250,000
2
0.35
Totals
40
9.94
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
TABLE 15.3 PINYON -
JUNIPER SEED MIX
15
SEEDS /
SQFT
SEED
RATE
lbs
(pls) /ac
COMMON NAME
SPECIES NAME
VARIETY
SEEDS/LB
15
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
16.0 MULCHING AND EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS
16.1 Mulch
Mulching with either certified hay at 1.5 tons per acre or cereal grain straw at 2.0
tons per acre would be applied on all reclaimed sites. Mulch material will be
crimped into the soil surface unless the slopes are steeper than 3H : 1V, in which
case the mulch will be applied by broadcast methods. Hydro mulching using
wood fiber at 1.5 tons per acre with an environmentally friendly tackifier may
also be used.
16.2 Erosion Control Blanket
Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) will only be utilized as necessary. ECBs will
consist of excelsior material, straw blankets, or straw /coconut blankets. Because
of the rocky nature of soils occurring in the Grand Valley, Parachute, and Rulison
project areas, a Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) may be recommended for use.
BFMs contain long fibers of hydro mulch with heavy guar tackifiers. BFM cures
to appear like a hard foam insulation that adheres to the soil surface better than
ECBs.
17.0 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
A number of different BMPs are anticipated for use on the various future well sites
associated with the 10 -acre well density. They are listed and described below.
17.1 Sediment Basins
Sediment basins are ponds created by excavation that are usually temporary in
design and are intended to collect and store sediment form sites that are cleared
16
Graminoids
Western Wheatgrass
Agropyron smithii
Arriba
125,000
6
2.09
Thickspike Wheatgrass
Agropyron dasystachyum
Critana
160,000
8
2.18
Russian Wildrye
Elymus junceus
Vanall, Bozoisky- select
170,000
7
1.79
Galleta
Hilaria jamesii
Viva
160,000
10
2.72
Indian Ricegrass
Oryzopsis hymenoides
Paloma
155,000
6
1.69
Forbs
Small Burnet
Sanguisorba minor
Delar
50,000
2
1.74
Shrubs
Big Sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata
Hobblecreek
2,500,000
1
0.02
Totals
40
12.23
note: rates proposed are for drill seeding, broadcast rate
2x
16.0 MULCHING AND EROSION CONTROL BLANKETS
16.1 Mulch
Mulching with either certified hay at 1.5 tons per acre or cereal grain straw at 2.0
tons per acre would be applied on all reclaimed sites. Mulch material will be
crimped into the soil surface unless the slopes are steeper than 3H : 1V, in which
case the mulch will be applied by broadcast methods. Hydro mulching using
wood fiber at 1.5 tons per acre with an environmentally friendly tackifier may
also be used.
16.2 Erosion Control Blanket
Erosion Control Blankets (ECBs) will only be utilized as necessary. ECBs will
consist of excelsior material, straw blankets, or straw /coconut blankets. Because
of the rocky nature of soils occurring in the Grand Valley, Parachute, and Rulison
project areas, a Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) may be recommended for use.
BFMs contain long fibers of hydro mulch with heavy guar tackifiers. BFM cures
to appear like a hard foam insulation that adheres to the soil surface better than
ECBs.
17.0 BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
A number of different BMPs are anticipated for use on the various future well sites
associated with the 10 -acre well density. They are listed and described below.
17.1 Sediment Basins
Sediment basins are ponds created by excavation that are usually temporary in
design and are intended to collect and store sediment form sites that are cleared
16
and/or graded during construction. Frequently these sites are left exposed for
extended periods of time before either permanent vegetation is re- established or
permanent drainage structure is completed. Basin construction is intended to trap
sediment before it leaves the disturbed site. Since sediment basins are temporary,
they must be maintained until the disturbance area is permanently stabilized.
17.2 Straw Bale Dikes
Straw bale dikes intercept and detain small amounts of sediment transported by
sheet and rill type runoff. The dikes trap sediment by ponding water and allowing
sediment to settle out. Straw bale dikes also slow runoff velocities acting to
reduce sheet, rill and gully erosion. Straw bale dikes may also be used when
installed to reduce erosion and sedimentations around the disturbance area
perimeter. All straw bales will consist of certified weed -free materials.
17.3 Silt Fence
Silt fence is a temporary polypropylene sediment barrier placed on the slope
contour to trap sediment by ponding water behind it and allowing sediment to
settle out. Silt fence can effectively trap sheet and rill erosion within small
drainage areas and on slopes with gradients up to 2:1. Silt fence is most cost
effective when used for sediment and erosion control around the perimeter of a
disturbance area.
17.4 Continuous Berms
A continuous berm is a temporary diversion or sediment barrier constructed with
infill material and used to divert and intercept sheet runoff. Continuous berms are
useful for erosion and sediment control around the perimeter of construction sites.
The berms detain and pond sediment laden storm water resulting in sediment
deposition.
17.5 Rock Check Dams
Check dams are rock dams constructed across drainage ways to dissipate the
energy of flowing water and reduce gully erosion. They are temporary
stabilization structures that are used until the drainage way is permanently
stabilized. Check dams are used in ephemeral streams to reduce flow velocities,
trap and store larger -sized sediment and provide stabilized drops.
18.0 FENCING
18.1 Installation
A four - strand barbed wire fence will be erected around the largest possible
portion of the well site for interim reclamation. Adequate access must be left
open to the actual wellhead and ancillary facilities.
17
A take down gate may be installed in the fenced enclosure area, for herbicide
application vehicles; if it is determined that access to the revegetated area is large
enough to warrant this feature.
T -posts will be placed every 16 feet with line braces installed for every 1,300 feet
of run. Steel corner sets will be placed on every corner and either compacted in-
place or cemented in.
18.2 Maintenance
Fences will be inspected on a regular basis and repaired as needed to exclude
cattle from entering the reclaimed area. Fences will be kept in -place as necessary
to allow vegetation in reclaimed areas to reach a self - sustaining cover.
19.0 WEED CONTROL PLAN
The Colorado Noxious Weed Management Act (Colorado Department of Agriculture —
1996) and the Garfield County Weed Management Plan (Garfield County Vegetation
Management — 2000) provide for control of noxious weeds on all unincorporated lands
within the county. PDC has developed a weed management plan that complies with state
and county policies. There are 21 noxious weeds listed in the county list and 68 plants on
the state list.
19.1 Post Revegetation Weed Inspections
A reclamation/revegetation specialist will conduct a Reclamation Success
Monitoring and Revegetation Inspection annually, after green up of vegetation. If
during these inspections it is determined that the noxious weed species presence
and densities represent a threat to the revegetated areas or surrounding lands,
mechanical or chemical control measures will be employed.
19.2 Weed Control Implementation
During the first growing season of native grasses, forbs, and shrubs use of
chemical herbicides will not be feasible. Until newly reseeded species reach a
height of 3 -6 inches they are susceptible to damage from herbicides. Therefore,
mechanical weed control is proposed for the first growing season if re- seeded
species are not determined to be mature enough to withstand herbicide spray.
Bush Hog mowers, weedeaters, and/or hand pulling of weeds will be employed as
mechanical control devices.
During subsequent years herbicide applications will be utilized when weed
densities are determined to pose a threat to revegetation success or spread to
surrounding lands.
The county weed management specialist will be consulted to determine what
chemical herbicides will be the most beneficial for controlling noxious weeds. It
is anticipated that an aggressive revegetation and weed management program will
18
result in weed control only needing to be performed during the first three years
after re- seeding efforts. A self - sustaining native species cover is the best
mechanism for depleting weed species growth and spread to surrounding land
areas.
20.0 FINAL RECLAMATION
Final reclamation would be completed as soon as practical, but within 3 months on crop
land and 12 months on non -crop land after plugging a well. Permanent reclamation
objectives include all those listed for interim reclamation (See Section 9.0), plus the
following:
• The re- establishment of desirable self - sustaining vegetation communities
that approximate pre - disturbance parameters for cover, density and
diversity, as measured at adjacent undisturbed areas;
• The development of hydrologically stable landforms that meet future land
uses including livestock grazing, wildlife habitat, and mineral exploration;
and
• Establish conditions for the eventual restoration of the visual quality of the
area.
21.0 RECLAMATION SUCCESS MONITORING AND
REVEGETATION INSPECTIONS
21.1 Inspections
On an annual basis, a revegetation/reclamation specialist will inspect each 10 -acre
density well site. Observations will be made for weed species presence, fence
damage, erosion occurrences, and bare ground resulting from lack of germination
and fill -in of native seeded species. Evaluation of the vegetation will include
estimates of species type, diversity, and ground cover.
Reclamation success monitoring will commence during the 1st growing season
and continue until interim and final reclamation and revegetation efforts meet or
exceed 90% of the desirable plant cover found on the reference area(s).
Reference areas will generally be adjacent areas that best represent the original
well site before disturbance.
Cover data will be collected by establishing fixed locations at each reclaimed area
and the surrounding reference area. During each inspection, a qualified
vegetation specialist will visually inspect the reclaimed and reference areas and
take pictures at each fixed location to establish an ongoing record of the
reclamation progress. These pictures will be taken using set procedures for
consistency. The specialist will then estimate the percent live cover of the
reclaimed area and make a comparison to the reference area(s). A detailed report
19
of this data as well as other inspection data, such as presence of noxious weeds,
erosion, fence status, grazing, etc. will be incorporated into the annual
inspection report for the specified well sites and filed with the COGCC on an
annual basis by December 31.
21.2 Remediation
Observations of any problems will result in additional revegetation/reclamation
efforts. Erosional features will be repaired by filling -in wash outs greater than 6
inches deep and re- grading. Areas containing less than 2 desirable species per
square foot and/or areas greater than 2 square feet will result in touch -up hand
seeding and raking. Larger areas exhibiting revegetation failure will be re- tilled
and seeded as described above in corresponding sections of this Plan.
22.0 LITERATURE CITED
Colorado Department of Agriculture - 1996. Colorado Noxious Weed Act.
Colorado Department of Agriculture.
Chenoweth and Associates Environmental Consultants LLC — 2000. Reclamation
Plan for Barrett Resources Corporation - 20 -Acre Density Natural Gas
Development Project.
Garfield County Vegetation Management - 2000. Colorado Noxious Weed
Management Plan. Garfield County Vegetation Management and the Garfield
County Weed Advisory Board
TRC - 1998. Reclamation Plan for Barrett Resources Corporation - 20 -Acre
Density Natural Gas Development Project.
USDA Soil Conservation Service - 1985. Soil Survey of Rifle area, Colorado.
Parts of Garfield and Mesa Counties, USDA.
20
ENGINEER'S ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COSTS
PDC
Land Farm
2/29/2012
ITEM
Prepared By: Olsson Associates
Site Removal Items
I UNIT I QUANTITY I UNIT COST I COST
Clearing & grubbing
Disposal of remaining treated soil
ACRE
LS
7
1
$500.00
$20,000.00
$3,500
$20,000
Removal of CMP culverts (incl end sections)
LF
265
$20.00
$5,300
Removal of chain link fence
LF
2,480
$3.00
$7,440
Removal of gates
EACH
1
$200.00
$200
Earthwork (CIP)
CY
8,000
$20.00
$160,000
Earthwork - Export /haul
CY
12,000
$20.00
$240,000
Removal and stockpiling roadway aggregate
CY
2,200
$30.00
$66,000
Topsoil redistribution, scarification and reseeding
ACRE
9
$3,000.00
$27,000
Site SUBTOTAL
Misc
$529,440
Testing
LS
1
$10,000.00
$10,000
Mobilization
LS
1
$5,000.00
$5,000
Stormwater and Erosion Control
LS
1
$5,000.00
$5,000
Misc SUBTOTAL
ESTIMATE SUBTOTAL
20% CONTINGENCY
$20,000
$549,440
$109,888
Estimated Costs - TOTAL
$659,328
Notes:
1. Opinion of probable cost prepared by Olsson Associates based upon proposed design.
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