HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.06 Supporting DocumentationGeotechnical Investigation Story Gulch Compressor Garfield County, Colorado Project No. 27-0908 January 3, 2008 Prepared for: Mr. Preston Nelson EnCana Oil and Gas (USA), Inc. 2717 County
Road 215 Parachute, Colorado 81635 Prepared by: Yeh and Associates, Inc. 0170 Mel Ray Road Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601 Phone: 970-384-1500 Fax: 970-384-1501
Story Gulch Compressor Project No. 27-0909 TABLE OF CONTENTS PURPOSE AND SCOPE ................................................................................................ 1 PROPOSED
CONSTRUCTION ...................................................................................... 1 SITE CONDITIONS .................................................................................
...................... 1 SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS ........................................................................................ 2 SITE DEVELOPMENT .................... ''' ...................
......................................................... 3 FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS... .................. ...................................... 3 SURFACE DRAINAGE ...................
.............................. . ......................... 4 LIMITATIONS ................................................................................ . .. ........................
.4 Compressor Site Location Map ..................................................................................... 1 Test Hole Locations ...........................................................
............................................. 2 Test Hole Logs and Legend ....................................................................................... 3&4 Gradation Test Results
................................................................................................... 5
Story Gulch Comprcssor Project No. 27-0908 PURPOSE AND SCOPE This report presents the results of our geotechnical investigation for design and construction of a compressor facility for
EnCana Oil and Cas in Garfield County, Colorado. The site location is presented on Figure 1. The subsurface investigation was conducted to provide recommendations for foundation design
and construction of a gas facility at this site. The site investigation consisted of reconnaissance and drilling of exploratory test holes to investigate subsurface conditions. The exploratory
drilling was observed by a representative of Yeh and Associates. A representative from EnCana was present to escort drilling personnel to the site and to designate approximate test hole
drilling locations. Samples obtained during the field exploration were examined by the project personnel and representative samples were subjected to laboratory testing to determine
the engineering characteristics of materials encountered. Based on our investigation, Yeh and Associates completed an engineering analysis of the subsurface conditions. This report sllmmari7es
Ollr fielr! investigAtion, the results of our analysis, and our conclusions and recommendations based on the proposed construction, site reconnaissance, subsurface investigation and
results of the laboratory testing. PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION We understand the proposed construction will consist of a single structure related to natural gas production. Plans indicated
an approximate 685 by 41 O-foot pad will be constructed at this site. Grading plans provided indicated fills up to 20 feet and cuts up to 9 feet are planned (Figure 2). A pad elevation
of about 8362 feet is proposed. The proposed structure will include compressor and generator buildings, gas skids, gas vessels and associated piping. The structures will likely be supported
on prefabricated steel foundations supported by concrete pad foundations, footings or micropiles. SITE CONDITIONS The site was located about 21 miles southwest of Rio Blanco, Colorado
(Hgure 1). the proposed pad will be situated on a southwest trending ridge and was covered with sage and brush. From an existing southwest trending access road cutting through the site
near the propu~e<.l easle", pad limit, Ihe site sloped down to the northwest at grades of about 10 percent. The site was relatively flat between the aforementioned access road and the
eastern pad limit. There were existing pipelines on the north side and paralleling the access road. There 1
Story Gulch ComprCG60r Project No. 27-0008 were al~o acces~ roads to the north and east sides of this proposed compressor pad site. The ground surface was covered with snow at the time
of drilling. SUBSURFACE CONDITIONS Subsurface conditions were investigated by drilling five exploratory test holes at the site. The approximate locations of the exploratory test holes
are presented on Figure 2. Test holes TH·1, 2 and 3 were drilled on the cut side and TH-4 and 5 were drilled on the fill side. All test holes were advanced using aCME 55 track mounted
drill rig with 4-inch continuous flight auger to pre-determined depths or practical drill rig refusal, where a modified California or split spoon sampler was used to record blow counts
and obtain samples. To perform the modified California penetration resistance tests, a 2.0-inch inside diameter sampler was seated at the bottom of the bore hole, then driven up to 12
inches with blows of an standard hammer weighing 140 pounds and falling a distance of 30 inches. The number of blows (Blow count) required to drive the sampler 12 inches or a fraction
thereof, constitutes the Nvalue. The N value, when properly ovaluated, is an index of the consistency or relative density of the material tested. Split spoon samples are obtained in
the same manner, but with a 1.5-inch inside di"meter. Bulk s"",ples were also obtained from test hole TH-l. Tire results are shown on Figures 3. The subsoils encountered in the test
holes consisted of sand over sandstone and/or interbedded sandstone/claystone bedrock. The bedrock was weathered to very hard. Cemented sandstone was encountered throughout the bedrock
strata in the form of scattered layering to distinct thicker layers of up to 3 feel. Sandstone bedrock samples tested had 8 to 26 percent fines (passing No. 200 sieve). Atterberg limit
tests results indicated the sandstone bedrock was non-liquid and non-plastic. The sandstone/claystone bedrock samples tested had 65 and 71 percent fines, liquid limits of 28 and 31 percent
and plasticity indices of 10 and 11 percent. The laboratory test results are presented on Figure 5 and are summarized in the Summary of Laboratory Test Results table. Groundwater was
not encountered during this investigation. The Sand was slightly moist. 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, local landscape irrigation practices, site grading changes, and the surface and 2
Story Gulch Compressor Project No. 27-0008 subsurface drainage characteristics of the surrounding 8rAa. Perched water tables may be present, but were not encountered in these borings.
SITE DEVELOPMENT We understafld nils of up (0 20 feel and cuts of up to 9 feet are planned to reach pad elevation. Areas to receive fill should be stripped of vegetation, organic soils
and debris. The on-site soils free of organic matter, debris and rocks larger than 6 inches can be used in fills, Fill should be placed in thin, loose lifts of 8 inches thick or less,
moisture conditioned to 0 to 3 percent above optimum moisture content and compacted to at least 95 percent of maximum standard Proctor dry density (ASTM D 698), Granular soils should
be placed at a moisture content within 2 percent of optimum moisture content. Placement and compaction of fill should be observed and tested by a representative of a geotechnical engineer.
Based on the soils encountered during our investigation. we recommend permanent cut and flfl slopes less than 20 feet in height be constructed at a slope of 2H:l V or flatter, For slopes
greater than 20 feet in height, we recommend the slope be constructed ot 0 slope of 3H:1V or flatter. Cut and fill slopes can be adversely affected by groundwater or surface runoff,
If groundwater is encountered within cut slopes, we should be cunLacted Lu evaluaLe sLability and provide additional recommendations. if necessary. Cemented sandstone and very hard sandstone/clayston
e bedrock was encountered at this site. Heavy ripping and/or blasting may be required through the cut to obtain proposed pad elevation, FOUNDATION RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the subsoils
encountered in the test holes and our laboratory test results, we anticipate foundation soils would consist of weathered sandstone bedrock, sandstone bedrock or properly compacted fill,
For this site, we believe there is a risk of differential settlement due to the transition from cut to mere than 10 feet of fill. To reduce the risk of facility damage due to differential
settlement, we recommend structures be supported on a deep foundation such as drilled piers or Illicropiles installed to the natural soils or bedrock, As an alternaLive, the facilities
could be detailed to allow for movement and rAlAveling of structures placed on deep fills relative to structures placed on cut areas. If a deep foundation alternative IS selected, we
can provide 3
Story Gulch Compressor Project No. 27-0908 additional recommendations andlor a foundation design. Recommended design and construction criteria for pad foundations and footings are presented
below. For foundations constructed on weathered sandstone bedrock. sandstone bedrock or properly compacted fill, the following recommendations can be used for foundation design. Loose,
disturbed soils encountered at foundation level should be removed and replaced with compacted fill or the foundation should be extended to undisturbed soils. 1. Footing foundations should
be designed for a maximum allowable soil pressure of 2,000 psf. The design pressure may be increased by 1/3 or as allowed by local code when considering total loads that include wind
or seismic conditions. 2, Continuous footings should have a minimum width of at least 16 inches. Foundation pads for isolated columns should have a minimum dimension of 20 inches. 3.
Resistance to sliding at the bottom of the footing can be calculated based on a coefficient of friction of 0.30. Passive pressure against the side of the footing can also be considered
for the sliding resistance if it is properly compacted, Passive pressure can be estimated based on an equivalent fluid density of 250 pcf for a level backfill. 4. The soils below exterior
footings or exterior edges of slabs should be protected from freezing. We recommend the bottom of footings be constructed at least 42 inches below finished exterior grade or as required
by local municipal code. 5. All foundation excavations should be observed by a representative of a geotechnical engineer prior to placement of concrete. SURFACE DRAINAGE Surface drainage
is crucial to the performance of foundations and flatwork. We recommend the ground surface surrounding structures be sloped to drain away, We recommend a slope of at least 6 Inches in
the first 10 feet for gravel areas and a minimum slope of 1 percent for paved areas, Backfill around foundations should be moisture conditioned and compacted as recommended in the SITE
DEVELOPMENT section. LIMITATIONS The analyses and recommendations presented in this report are based upon our data obtained from the test holes at the indicated locations, field observations,
laboratory testing, our understanding of the proposed construction and other information discussed in this report, It is 4
Story Gulch Compressor Project No. 27 0908 possible thai subsurface conditions may vary between or beyond the point" explored. The nature and extent of such variations may not become
evident until construction. If variations appear, we should be contacted immediately so we can review our report in light of the variations and provide supplemental recommendations as
necessary. We should also review Ihe report if the ~cope of the proposed construction, including the proposed toads, finished elevations or structure locations, change from those described
in this report. The conclusions and recommendations contained in this report shall not be considered valid unless Yeh and Associates reviews the changes and either verifies or modifies
the conclusions of this report in writing. Respectfully Submitted, YEH AND ASSQEjIATES, INC. ( ' I', " ., /", C· j""/I I C{_/~ Keith E. Asay Staff Engineer Reviewed By; Richard D. Johnson,
f',E Senior Geotechnical Enqineer 5
\ . . "< ,,.
~ ~ § 3 < ~ ~ c •c • < ~ o g .~. o Ii: 8 ~ 8.3751' ·'SGTH'.·1 :i!b~~~~MorO;l~g~bSt~ $,t<: 8.370 8,365 6,360" ..-... 8,355 ;S c .Q r>o 83' 50" 8" 8,345 6,34() 6,335 8,330' SGTH-2 St~~~~~~~~~~~:~
Site 41.'12 .~o,:s SGTH-3 StorE~~7o~~8~6'ln~~ He ;0,7 ~!5 S!'IOO Grade" S3i SGTH-4 Stor:y Gul:h Cocrll::t:esllOl; S~e. /'I(!vatlon: 8347.C ft 21'12 21/12 :j~/'2 5'J!5 SGTH-5 St°l~~ci;:'Sl~~-Sl:C
.. -'-"12 "!12 ~;tl 8,375 8,370 8,365 8,360 8,355 "8,350 8,345 '6,34() '6,335 '8,330 a~b ~~-----------------------~----------------------~ I~ I'~~ ~ Project rJumbe-: 27-0906 Figure NO.3
YEH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc, Story Gulch Compressor
I'JvEH AND ASSOCIATES, INC. ~ GEOTECHNICAL ENGIN EERING CONSULTANTS Project: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA). Inc. Slory Gulch Compressor Project Number: 27-0908 Legend for Symbols Used on Test
Hole Logs Sample Types D • Modified California Sampler. The symbol 50/5 indicates that 50 blows from a 140 pound hammer falling 30 inches was used 10 drive 2·inch I.D. sampler 5 inches
. Split Spoon Sampler. The symbol 50/2 indicates thai 50 blows from a 140 pound hammer rallill~ 30 illt,lle:::; WCl::; u:;t:t.l tu til ivt:: 1.5-irnJI LD. :;(IH1pltll 2 ind1t:s. ~ Bulk
sample was obtained from auger cuUings allhe depths indicated. Other Symbols t Indi<..ales practical drill rig reru::x:.1 Soil Lithology ~ Sand, silty. clayey, loose to medium dense.
slightly moist, brown, dark brown (SC). Bedrock Lithology ~ Weathered Sandstone B-cdrock. silty. occ€lsionelly cemcntcd, stiff to medium hord, slightly ~ moist, tan, brown, gray, ruSt.
D' : --Sandstone Bedrock, slighUy silty to silty. occasionally gravelly, occasionally cemented, medium hard to very hard. slightly moist. tan. brown. gray. rust. l:: :1 Cemented Sandstone
Bedrock, very hard, slightly mOist, tan, brown. gray, rust ~ Sandstone/Claystone Bedrock. Silty. clayey, occasionally cemented, very Ilafd, Slightly § moist, tan, brown, gray, (ust Notes:
1. Elevations were estimated from drawings by Wasatch Surveying. 2. Test Holes were drilled on October 22. 2007. 3. Test holes are subject to explanations contained in this report. FiQure
4
---_.. . _---Sieve Analysis Hydrometer Analysis Sieve Opcming in Inches U.S. Standard Sieves Size of Particles h mm 1? 6" :,. ,-1" 3.11.·' ",'2' 3:,a' 8 " 16 JC 40 " lOC :DO Sieve %
Size Passing ,00 3" -90 2 '12" -eo 2" -70 1 '12" 100 '" 1 " 85 c 60 'iii :y. .. 75 n"'". 50 C '12" 69 "E " 40 78" 62 "-30 #4 48 20 #10 42 10 #40 38 #200 20 0 1000 '00 10 0.1 C.01 Particle
Size (mm) Gravel ('!o) 52 LL Project Name: Gas (JSA). Ire. ressor I~ Yeh & Associates, Inc. Geotechnical Engineering Consultants Sand ('!o) 28 PL Sample 10: TH-1 SIEVE ANALYSIS Fines
(%) 20 PI 9 Drawn By: KEA Project No.: 27-090B Sample Sandstone Bedrock Checked By: ROJ Descri tion: Figure No.: 5 Revised 04127120C4
I .~ p I No· 27-0908 Sampie Location Moisture Depth Sample Content Dr)' Density Test (pct) Hole (ft) Type (%) TH-1 4 CA 15.5 9 CA 22.5 14 CA 20.9 19-29 Bulk 19.9 TH-2 9 CA 22.2 TH-3
4 CA 15.7 9B 9 CA 19.3 TH-4 9 CA 11.5 TH-5 9 CA 17.9 --_ .. -.'---MC -Indicates modiffed California sample Bulk -Indicates bulk sample from auger cuttings NL -Indicates non-liquid NP
-Indicates non-plastic YEH & ASSOCIATES, INC Summary of laboratory Test Results PrOject Name· Story Gulch Compressor Grain Size Analysis Atterberq Limits Wate' % Swell (+) J Gravel Sand
Fines Soluble Consolidation (-) Soil Description > #4 <#2JO LL PL PI Sulfate (%) (%) (%) % under 1.000 psf 8 NL NP ~P Sa'ldstone Bedrock 52 28 20 Sandstone Bedrock 8 NL NP ~P Sa'ldstone
Bedrock 65 31 21 10 Sa'lstone/Claystone Bedrock 17 Sa1dstone Bedrock 26 NL NP NP Weathered Sandstone Bedrock 71 2B 17 11 Sao slone/Claystone Bedrock 10 NL NP NP Sa:1dstone Bedrock 8
NL NP NP Sa1dstone Bedrock ----------Page 1 011
..0.;.;.' -<.~"4.: ..1( -..,--\ ' \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ ., . \/' I , ~ " Sl!e Ar_7.&·~t:t'II!l lTD' . ~.... r.. ij Ft"nkcsuh-et d.f4!t¢F'd4e3=78cJ.6j1(...r .. .. . .I.~ ~~1· ..IY f1I.;/·,
. ·, Filf:.4l1>049 c.y. •• Spo1l=f1.J87 c.y. ~. £/~ x 1,~' .. 'I \ Legend II'""T: =..S, =-=.I=·t. Test Hole Map creat¢byWasatcll SUrveying, Evanstol! •. ~ng a5() .,. 100 Ii i ProjectNo.
27..{l90S SCALE: 1" = 100' Test Hole Locations Story Gulch Compressor Figure 2
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o
Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan Story Gulch Unit Compressor Station Garfield County Special Use Permit Application Cover Photo: From inside existing fence looking
northerly Prepared for: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 2717 County Road 215 Parachute, CO 81635 Prepared by: WestWater Engineering 2570 Foresight Circle #1 Grand Junction, CO 81505 January
2008
INTRODUCTION The proposed Story Gulch Unit Compressor Station (Compressor Station) is located in Section 34, T4S, R96W and Section 3, T5S, R96W, 6th P.M. The location is in the headwaters
of the East Fork of Stewart Gulch, tributary to Piceance Creek. It is near the headwaters of Davis Gulch, tributary to Middle Fork Parachute Creek. A field inspection of the Compressor
Station vicinity was conducted by WestWater Engineering (WWE) biologists during September 2007, at the request of EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. (Encana). The inspection identified appropriate
topics for inclusion in a reclamation plan and noxious weed management plan required by Garfield County Regulation 5.03.07 and 9.07.04 (12) and (13) (BOCC 2006). Factors considered include
soil type and texture, existing land management, absence or presence of listed noxious weeds, and potential natural vegetation community. LANDSCAPE SETTING The predominant vegetation
community in the affected area is mountain big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata vaseyana) which is found on ridges and areas with deeper soils and better moisture. The terrain is gently
sloping with steep slopes nearby. Characteristic vegetation (the grasses, forbs, and shrubs that make up most of the natural plant community) is listed alphabetically by scientific name
in Table 1. The expected percentage of the total annual production is given for each species making up the characteristic vegetation (NRCS 2007a). Table 1. Characteristic natural vegetation
for the Story Gulch Compressor Station ri.·.· · .. ···Coiiiiniln N'~ine j'>. .. ·.·.SCientificNarne») •. :· . llagge)and,f"o;rnposltiog'< Letterman's needlegrass Achnatherum lettermanii
15 Mountain big sagebrush Artemesia tridentata vaseyana 10 Utah serviceberry Amelallcheir utahellsis 5 Elk sedge Carex garberi 10 Yellow rabbitbrush Chrysothamnus viscidifloris 5 Idaho
fescue F estuca idahoellsis 5 Big bluegrass Poa secunda 5 Bluebunch wheatgrass Pseudoroep;neria spicata spicata 5 Mountain snowberry Symphoricarpus oreophilus 5 Parachute-Rhone complex
soils found on the site are medium to moderately coarse textured with relatively high percentage of 0.75 inch -3 inch rock (NRCS 1999). This complex supports many grasses shown useful
in re-vegetation, which is the basis for the seed recipe shown in Table 3 of the Re-vegetation Section of this report. WestWater Engineering Page 1 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station
IVNWMP
CURRENT AMOUNT OF INFESTED LAND NEEDING TREATMENT While the Compressor Station is weed-free, noxious weeds can be found in the project vicinity in West Fork Parachute Creek riparian
zone and in an ephemeral drainage tributary to Davis Gulch (Photo I). Garfield County and State of Colorado (8 CCR 1203-19) listed noxious weed species are usually found where soil disturbance
is untreated (Figure I). This is particularly true along roadways and around springs or other aquatic resources. Photo 1. Typical big sagebrush-needlegrass vegetation community with
common mullein near Compressor Station in September, 2007 Species in Table 2 are Garfield County listed noxious weeds observed in the field near the Compressor Station. Table 2. Story
Gulch Compressor Station list of noxious weeds Commol'cNaniH //S~I~tific '. ~.<.c C9<itrol M~i~!i,js . . c.·c. "'c'> .' ··C.·.·,,·.· t($)JASym~QJ '" Name Type.",: . ' ...... '.' '. ·i[~
spotted knapweed Celltaurea CESTM maculosa BIP (short lived) Herbicides at rosette stage, seed head flies houndstongue Cynoglossum Re-seed with aggressive grasses, remove at flowering
or CYOF officiI/ale B early seed, dig or grub at pre-bud or rosette stage or apply herbicides. Canada thistle Cirsiutn Reseeding with competitive plants necessary, mowing CIAR4 arvense
P every 2 weeks over 3 growing seasons, mowing followed by fall herbicide application, beetles, two or more mode of action herbicides in late summer or fall. musk thistle Carduus Tillage
or hand grubbing in the rosette stage, mowing at CANU4 Jllltalls B bolting or early flowering, seed head & rosette weevils, leaf feeding beetles, herbicides in rosette stage. • . , "
" . , 8CCR 1203-19, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Bold type on Garfield County list, State of Colorado B \1st, State of Colorado "C" list, INot currently listed but invasive and
problematic in reclamation. State of Colorado 2005,Whitson e/al. 1996, Sirota 2004, NRCS 2007b ** A=Annual, B=Bi-AnnuaJ and P=PerenniaJ WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 11 Story Gulch
Compressor Station IVN\VMP
0 CANU4 .0. CESTM C1AR4 0 G1W 0 CYOF o 0 VETH Fi!:lqre 1: EnC;lrla Ol.le.J'a;; (USA) Inc,. St9ry .GillchCclJllpr~ssor IVNWMP WestWater Engineering Mil~~ 0;25 0 .. 5
Degraded mesic habitat near wet areas along streams and near springs tend to be infested with Canada thistle and houndstongue, while musk and bull thistle tend to be found near drier
disturbed areas such as roads and pipelines. Other troublesome weeds found include downy brome or cheat, Bromus teetorum, BRTE, common mullein, Verbaseum thapsis, both on the State C
list of noxious weeds but not listed by Garfield County. RECOMMENDED TREATMENT It is important to know whether the target is annual, biennial or perennial in order to select strategies
that effectively control the target. Herbicides should not necessarily always be the first treatment of choice when other methods can be effectively employed. Herbicide treatment with
two or more herbicide modes of action in fall (after approximately August 15 when natural precipitation is present) is the best method to control difficult perennials such as Canada
thistle. The resilience of Canada thistle and its ability to quickly develop immunity to herbicides, particularly those used incorrectly, makes it imperative to use the proper chemicals
at the correct time in the specified concentration. Most misuse seems centered around excessive use either in frequency or concentration, in some cases, where as in other situations
cost consciousness may result in under-dosing. Either can result in an immune phenotype. BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES The following practices should be adopted for any construction project
to reduce the costs of noxious weed control. The practices include: • Top soil, where present, should be segregated from deeper soils and replaced as top soil on the final grade. A process
known as live topsoil handling, places newly excavated topsoil on areas ready for re-top soiling, greatly increasing reclamation success. • In all cases temporary disturbance should
be kept to an absolute minimum. • Equipment and materials handling should be done on established sites to reduce area and extent of soil compaction. • Disturbances should be immediately
replanted with the recommended mix in the revegetation section. • Prior to delivery to the site, equipment should be cleaned of soils remaining from previous constmction sites which
may be contaminated with noxious weeds. • If working in sites with weed-seed contaminated soil, equipment should be cleaned of potentially seed-bearing soils and vegetative debris prior
to moving to uncontaminated terrain (Photo 2, below). WestWater Engineering Page 4 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
Photo 2. Remove accumulated soil from equipment prior to arrival and after working in weedy areas prior to moving the equipment to un-infested areas In areas with slope greater than
3%, imprinting of the seed bed is recommended. 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. Ifbroadcast seeding and harrowing, imprinting should 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. Herbicides: Difficult species such as Canada thistle and spotted knapweed respond better to an application of a
combination of two or more chemical modes of action (biological reason for plant death) rather than one (Boerboom 1999). It has also been found that use of two different groups of chemicals
in the same mode of action can increase effectiveness on difficult species, e.g., phenoxys and benzoic acids or carboxylic acids and benzoic acids in a mix. Some come commercially pre-mixed,
e.g., Crossbow ® and Super Weed-be-Gone Max ®, which are available over the counter. However, some of the most effective herbicides such as Tordon ® are restricted use and available
only for licensed applicators. Professionals or landowners using herbicides must use the concentration specified on the label of the container in hand in order to comply with state and
federal regulations. Herbicides generally do not work better at higher concentrations. Reducing concentration to reduce cost results in higher costs in the long term. Many herbicide
failures observed by WWE are related to incomplete control caused by high concentrations killing top growth before the active ingredient can be transported to the roots through the nutrient
relocation process. Most herbicide WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
applications should use a surfactant if directed on the herbicide label or other adjuvants as called for on the herbicide label. Following any non-selective herbicide treatment (e.g.,
glyphosate), the entire treated portion should be replanted with a mix of grasses recommended in this plan. The seed mix of grasses does not include forbs or shrubs due to the presence
of Canada, musk and bull thistles, spotted knapweed and other weeds. Shrubs and native forbs and legumes are adversely affected by herbicides much as the weeds are affected. Shrub, forb
and tree components of the vegetation community can be added after control of undesirable species has been attained. Followed by appropriately timed rest from grazing is recommended.
Houndstongue was often found growing beneath the canopy of shrubs. Herbicide applications would be difficult to avoid harming desirable overstory vegetation. In such cases, control should
be mechanical. The noxious weeds most commonly found along West Fork were houndstongue and Canada thistle. Herbicides, when used, will have to be selected for use near waterways and
be very skillfully applied by spot-spraying to avoid runoff into West Fork. Grazing: Grazing should be controlled in a manner to enhance rather than diminish the plant community. Certain
noxious weeds are highly palatable during short stages of the life cycle to certain grazing animals including goats, sheep, mule deer, elk, cattle and horses, but usually remain so for
only a short period oftime. Most reclamation grasses need to be rested 2-3 years for successful establishment (NRCS 2007b). Cattle can also have damaging effects to aquatic resources
as seen in Photos 3 and 4, below. Photos 3 and 4. Cattle loafing in and damaging aquatic resources Noxious weeds compete with desirable vegetation. They can also have a direct effect
on animal health and vigor. Photo 5 (below) was taken during a May 2007 weed survey. It shows a heifer covered with burdock seed heads and her calf(calfs muzzle is at the very left of
photo). Not seen clearly in this photo are the burdock seed heads on her udder, which may make it difficult to suckle for both calf and heifer. WestWater Engineering Page 60fll Story
Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
Photo 5. Example of noxious weeds, in this case common burdock, effee! on cattle Mechanical: Houndstongue was often found growing in the shade of larger, desirable shrubs and is easily
controlled at initial outbreak mechanically. Herbicide applications would be difficult to avoid harming desirable overs tory vegetation. Alternative Methods: For the Compressor Station,
alternative methods are probably not applicable nor should they be needed. Re-seeding should be effective if top soil is handled properly during excavation and final grade. Where top
soil is non-existent or unavailable, the application ofvesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, typically referred to as AMP, is useful to increase success of native species in revegetation.
AMF are particularly useful where downy brome or prostrate knotweed infestations occur and poor to non-existent top soils are available. Most ifnot all Colorado Department of Transportation
re-vegetation/re-seeding projects now require use of AMP and BioSol®, a certified by-product of the penicillin manufacturing process composed primarily of mycelium. In addition to AMP
and BioSol, compacted soils respond well to amendment with fossilized humic substances and by-products called humates. These humates, including humic and fulvic acids and humin, are
not soluble in acidic conditions but are in alkaline soil conditions and work particularly well breaking up tight or compacted soils. REVEGETATION Soil found at the Compressor Station
supports a variety of native grasses useful in reclamation at an affordable cost. The recommended mix is limited to grasses, due to the small area of WestWater Engineering Page 7 of
11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
temporary disturbance needing revegetation. The prevalence of problem weeds and the need to use selective herbicides to spot treat for listed noxious weeds found in Table 2 is also a
consideration. In Table 3, the following mix is adapted from the reclamation plan for EnCana's North Parachute Ranch prepared by WWE (WWE 2006). As stated above, the mix is adjusted
in deference to listed weeds being present and likely need for herbicide control, and does not contain herbaceous species such as Utah sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale). Table 3. Recommended
Seed Mix for Drilled Rate for Story Gulch Compressor Station ... ••• Common ... '. Scientific Na.lIle/Seedsper. % of Mix. by Application Rate . . Pound ............ ... N ame!preferred
No. PLS/ft' PLS Ft.' .. . LbsPLS/acre Cuhivar Achnatherwn hymenoides/Indian ricegrassl 4 8 1.25 140.000 Paloma E/ymlls Irachycau/usl/59,000 Slender wheatgrass 8 16 2.2 Pascopyl1l1n smilhil/40.000
Western wheatgrassl Arriba 12 24 3.7 Pseudoroegneria spicata Bluebunch wheatgrassl P7 12 24 3.7 spicatal140,000 Bromus marginatus/90, 000 Mountain Brome 10 20 4.8 Artemesia tridentata
vaseyana Mountain big sagebrush --114* Total 46 PLS Ft' 15.65 Lb. PLS/AC * Additional, not mcluded In total pounds. (NRCS 2002, 2007b, Colorado Natural Hentage Program 1998) For best
results the recommended grass mixture reseeding should be done in late autumn. The reseeding rate should be doubled for broadcast application. Preferred seeding method, multiple seed
bin rangeland drill with no soil preparation other than simple grading to slope and waterbars. 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. After desired grasses are established and control of target weed species is successful then shrubs,
forbs and trees can be planted without concern for herbicide damage. Few native forb seeds are available commercially as cultivars. Most are collected from natural populations. Native
shrubs and forbs often do not establish well from seed, particularly when mixed with grasses. Past experience has shown that stabilizing the soil with grasses, accomplishing weed control,
and then coming back to plant live, containerized woody species in copses has been the most cost effective method for establishing the woody species component of the plant community.
WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
LIFE CYCLE AND MANAGEMENT CALENDARS Figure 2 is a 2 year calendar for control and life cycle of biennial thistles. It is also appropriate to control common burdock and common mullein.
One column, which should be added, is cutting of rosettes which can be done anytime during active growth. Figure 2. Life Cycle and Management strategies for biennial thistles. (Hartzler
2006) Table 4 is an annual calendar for houndstongue, Canada thistle and spotted knapweed, which are present in the West Fork of Parachute Creek. Shaded areas indicate best timing for
control. COMMERCIAL APPLICATOR RECOMMENDATIONS A certified commercial applicator is a good choice for herbicide control efforts. An applicator has the full range of knowledge, skills,
equipment and experience desired when dealing with Canada thistle, spotted knapweed and other difficult vegetation. Reclamation fanning services using multiple seed bin range drills
and specialized related equipment is available and should be used for reclamation seeding projects. Common chemical and trade names may be used in this report. The use of trade names
is for clarity by the reader. Inclusion ofa trade name does not imply endorsement of that particular brand of herbicide and exclusion does not imply non-approval. Certified commercial
applicators will decide which herbicide to use and at what concentration according to label directions. Landowners using unrestricted products must obey all label warnings, cautions,
and application concentrations. The author of this report is not responsible for inappropriate herbicide use by readers. WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station
IVNWMP
r-------·-·---········----------------.----------.---------.-.------------------.--.-----.---.-.--------.. -.-.. -.--.... -----------.-.-! Table 4. Noxious Weed Biology for Story Gulch
Compressor Station r-··--'~--·--·'-·--·-'·--·-,------'f', ..... ----.---.. r--r:-;-----rA::1------r-'--,· 1---·--------I -----,-------.--.---.... ---.... , ... -----.-....... --..........
-----r·---··· .-: --,. !Specles ,iType* pan IFeb !March tApnl !May )June ]July !Aug iSept :Oct :N~v Dec !HOundSt;ng~e [8'-'."--'-rros~ttes F:f p'~~'b~d"'--"'-'-""-'-"'-'--'-"-~-;:;;;g=-;;ed
~-et--f--"'-" !germination'---.---.. ---[---.,._._-----_. ..... _... -r=;" _. f--> -> ISKnajPjWdeed, lip 11~ligermination ~r~Owering !seed set Ili_> f~~-~~nat~·~-~·-·-'--··----f--~-!
po e . I: ) I i I !Thistle, Canada jp II irosettes r-:;--l--> !f1owering !seed set iregrowth i-> !A = annual; "VA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping pereIUlial
fShaded areas indicate best control timing.-I --".-,,"----_."-._----_. ____ 0 _____ • (Sirota 2004) WestWater Engineering ---_._._----Page 10 of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
---"_.[
REFERENCES BOCC. 2006. Garfield County zoning resolution of 1978, amended October, 2006. Board of County Commissioners, Building and Planning Department, Glenwood Springs, Colorado,
78 pp Boerboom, Chris, 1999. Herbicide mode of action reference. Weed Science. University of Wisconsin, 5 pp. Colorado Natural Heritage Program. 1998. Native Plant Re-vegetation Guide
for Colorado. Caring for the Land Series, Vol. III. State of Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources, Denver, 258 pp. Hartzler, Bob. 2006.
Biennial thistles ofIowa. ISU Extension Agronomy. www.weeds.iastate.edu/mgmtJ2006/iowathistles.shtml Lindauer, Iva E., C. E. Olmsted III, W. A. Kelley and W. F. Grey. 1982. Terrestrial
ecosystems of northwest Colorado: An annotated bibliography and vegetation classification. Vol. 8 in D. W. Crumpacker (editor). Wildlife conservation and energy development in northwest
Colorado. State of Colorado, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Denver, 123 pp. NRCS. 1999. Parachute series. Official Series Description. Rev. CFS-GB, National Cooperative
Soil Survey, www2.ftw.nrcs.usda.gov/osd/datJP/PARACHUTE.html NRCS.2002. Plant materials technical note 59. U.S. Department of Agricnlture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Colorado
State Office, Lakewood, 54 pp. NRCS. 2007a. Web Soil Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service URL: http://websoilsnrvey.nrcs.usda.gov NRCS. 2007b.
The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 7 September 2006). National Plant Data Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490.
Sirota, Judith. 2004. Best management practices for noxious weeds of Mesa County. CSU Cooperative Extension Tri River Area, Grand Junction, Colorado URL: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRAIPLANTS/i
ndex.html#http:Ilwww.coopext.colosta te.edu/TRAIPLANTSlbindweedmite.html State of Colorado. 2005. Rules pertaining to the administration and enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed
Act, 35-5-1-119, C.R.S. 2003. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division, Denver, 78 pp. Whitson, T.D. (editor), L. C. Burrill, S. A. Dewey, D. W. Cudney, B. E. Nelson,
R. D. Lee, and Robert Parker. 1996. Weeds of the West. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming. Laramie, 630pp. WWE.2006.
North Parachute Ranch reclamation plan. By WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Parachnte, Colorado, 17 pp. WestWater Engineering Page 11
of 11 Story Gulch Compressor Station IVNWMP
Wildlife Impact and Sensitive Area Report Story Gulch Unit Compressor Station Garfield County Special Use Permit Application Center of Story Gulch Com pressor Station site looking west,
January 4, 2008 Prepared for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 2717 County Road 215 Parachute, CO 81635 Prepared by WestWater Engineering Inc. 2516 Foresight Circle #1 Grand Junction, CO 81505
January 2008
INTRODUCTION The proposed Story Gulch Unit Compressor Station (Compressor Station) is located in Section 34, T4S, R96W and Section 3, T5S, R96W, 6th P.M. The 7.2 acre site is 8,361 feet
in elevation and is near the headwaters of East Fork of Stewart Gulch, tributary to Piceance Creek and Davis Gulch, tributary to Middle Fork Parachute Creek, as well as un-named tributaries
of West Fork Parachute Creek. Field inspections of the Compressor Station vicinity were conducted by WestWater Engineering (WWE) biologists during September 2007 and January 2008, at
the request of EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. (Encana). The inspection identified appropriate topics for inclusion in a wildlife and sensitive area report for Garfield County Regulations
5.03.07 and 9.07.04 {10} (Board of County Commissioners 2006). LANDSCAPE SETTING Terrain is gently sloping and rolling along the drainage divide with very steep slopes nearby. Edges
of the plateau are defined by steep slopes and the prominent escarpments known as the Roan Cliffs to the south (Cover photo). Dissected topography (cover photo) of extensive areas of
north-facing slopes and south-facing slopes result in complex soils and vegetation. These in turn support complex and diverse wildlife populations (BLM 1997). The predominant vegetation
community in the affected area is big sagebrush (Artemesia Iridenlata spp.). Of three sub-species of big sage-brush, mountain big sagebrush is the most common subspecies on ridge tops
and higher elevations deep soil and better moisture. Big sagebrush steppe forms mosaics with mixed mountain shrublands, e.g., Amelancheir alnifoliaCercocarplis montanus evident in Cover
Photo and Photo I (NRCS 2007). , \ ~, Photo 1. Mixed mountain shrubs and existing fence WestWater Engineering Page I of 12 pages January 2008
METHOD A field survey conducted by WWE covered perimeters of facilities and adjoining lands which were surveyed by foot for vegetation communities and threatened, endangered or sensitive
species of plants, wildlife, wetlands, and waterways and any other natural or man-made features of note. All woodlands in the vicinity have been visually inspected for the presence of
raptor nests. Most raptor nests have been previously identified on North Parachute Ranch (NPR) (WWE 2006). Any sign, sighting or other evidence of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus)
presence is noted, photographed, and described when found. Attention is given to monitoring for presence of other sensitive avifauna listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
in the Birds of Conservation Concern (BOCC) (USFWS 2002). Aquatic resources are documented when observed. This includes ephemeral or intermittent waterways, which may convey run-off
from the site. RESULTS Findings of surveys resulted in confirmation of site selection to avoid wildlife and sensitive resources. The site avoids significant wildlife and other potentially
sensitive resources. Important and sensitive resources are found nearby and can be grouped into the following categories and sub-categories: I) greater sage-grouse (OrSO), 2) other avifauna
(raptors, birds of conservation concern), 3) Sensitive flora [Threatened, Endangered, sensitive species (TESS) plants], 4) Wetlands, and 5) potential regulated waterways [Army Corps
of Engineers (ACOE)]. No direct observations occurred for OrSO or raptors in September 2007 or January 2008. WestWater Engineering Page 2 of 12 pages January 2008
Other species with documented presence nearby are red-tailed hawk and Cooper's hawk. Two of many raptors nesting in the project area, along with sharp-shinned hawk, several red-tailed
hawks and a Cooper's hawk, were observed during the survey in September 2007. Most redtailed hawks encountered seemed to be juveniles as they had not yet migrated with adults at the
time of the survey, with the exception of an adult red-tailed hawk. Most raptor nests on NPR have been previously located and locations are shown in Figure I. Table I is a list of wildlife
species that could occur at or near the project features, status in Garfield County, and an estimate of relative abundance where found in the county. The data, obtained from the CDOW
County Species Occurrence database, was extracted and modified by WWE biologists based on the vegetation communities present at the site and within one quarter mile of the site (CDOW
2006). Wildlife likely present in those vegetation associations during at least one season of the year were filtered from the county-wide list. The list is not represented to be a complete
list of all wildlife that could possibly be found in Compressor Station vicinity. It is intended to show the diversity of wildlife present by listing only the most common of species
(CDOW 2006, Fitzgerald et al. 1994, Andrews and Righter 1992, Hammerson 1999). The reader should use caution when interpreting this list or the relative abundance. For example, there
are greater numbers of GrSG in this landscape than in Garfield County in general. Table 2 is a summary of wildlife which have been mapped by CDOW for Garfield County. The "Compressor
Station Status" column is species status in the project area as determined by WWE. The Compressor Station is located in summer range for mule deer and elk. The area historically has
produced large numbers of both deer and elk. Another listing of important wildlife comes from the USFWS "BOCC" (USFWS 2002) (Table 3). These avian species are considered to be of special
interest due to declining numbers or other indication of special concern. THREATENED, ENDANGERED OR SENSITIVE PLANT SPECIES No sensitive plant species were found. TESS flora found nearby
but not found in this survey include the sun-loving meadowrue, Thalictrum heliophilum, Piceance bladderpod, Lesqllerella parviflora, and Roan Cliffs blazingstar, Mentzelia rhizomata.
WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS No potentially regulated waterways, springs, or streams are found at the site. Nearest aquatic resources are several hundred meters from the site. WestWater Engineering
Page 3 of 12 pages January 2008
_ (:ompfeS$01 • Wetlands o Plo::eance Bladderpod @Sll~I'" Grouse SIgn c=J Raptor Dislurbance Buff",1 o ASUve Rllplor Nests OOD7) o InllCllve Raptof Ilests {200i) o ceE CIOSSlngs e Act;",'.,
Grouse L,,!<.s (2M) • inacllvoO> Groos€! Leks (2C{)I'i) ~ Grouse Occupi.:d Hdbltat ;-,:i:'<--,r, ' ~;-_s;--:-; Sage GrO\lse HaDllat (BL1>VCDO'IJ 200-'5; Elk -:"',lnleJ Range ,f-lOIS}
!,'lule Deer -''''linter Range ,HOIS) Figure 1: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Story Gulch Compressor Wildlife & Sensitive Areas WestWater Engineering Miles O. .....O• .2 c5======O. 5•.
............ .
Table 1. Potential Wildlife Species Occurrence Checklist for Compressor Station area Common Name I Scientific Name I Occurrence Abundance AmJlhibians Birds American Crow Corvus braehvrhvnehos
Known to occur Fairly Common American Kestrel Falco sparverius Known to occur Fairly Common American Robin Turdus mif{l'atorills Known to occur Common Black-billed Magpie Pica pica Known
to occur Common Black-capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus Known to occur Fairly Common Brewer's Blackbird Eupho!!.us eyonoeephalus Known to occur Common Brewer's Sparrow §tJi=ella
breweri Known to occur Common Brown-capped Rosy Finch Lellcosticte australis Known to occur Uncommon Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrlls aIel' Known to occur Common Bushtit Psaltriparlls
minilmls Known to occur Uncommon Common Raven Corvus corax Known to occur Fairly Common Cooper's Hawk ACcipiter cooperii Known to occur Uncommon Dark-ITfd Junco Junco hyemalis Known
to occur Common Dusky Grouse Dendraf(apus obscllrlls Known to occur Uncommon Golden Eagle Aquila eh,ysaetos Known to occur Uncommon GrayJ'i' Perisoreus canadensis Known to occur Uncommon
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch Leltcosticte tephrocotis Known to occur Unknown Greater Sage-grotlse Centl'OCerClis urophasianus Known to occur Uncommon Merriam's Turkey Meleo!!.ris gollopavo
Known to occur Uncommon Mountain Bluebird Sialia curl'llcoides Known to occur Fairly Common Mountain Chickadee Poecile f{ambeli Known to occur Common Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Known
to OCcur Common Red-tailed Hawk Buteo iamaicensis Known to occur Uncommon Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli Known to occur Uncommon Sage Thrasher Oreoscoptes monfanus Known to occur Uncommon
Sharp-shinned Hawk Accioiter striatlls Known to Occur Uncommon SonJ( Sparrow Melospiza melodia Known to occur Fairly Common Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Known to occur Uncommon TurkOi'Vulture
Catharles aura Known to occur Fairly Common Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes f(raminells Known to Occur Common Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Known to occur Rare Western Kingbird Tvrannus
verticalis Known to occur Fairly Common Western Meadowlark Siurnella nef(lecla Known to occur Common White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys Known to OCCur Fairly Common Mammals
American Elk Cen!us elaphus Known to OCCUr Abundant Black Bear Ursus americanlls Known to occur Comrnon Bobcat Lynx rufus Known to occur Comrnon Common Porcupine Erethi=on dorsalum Known
to occur Uncommon Coyote Canis latrans Known to occur Abundant Ermine Mustela erminea Known to occur Uncommon Least Chipmunk Tamias minimus Known to occur Common Mountain Lion Felis
concolor Known to occur Common Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Known to occur Abundant WestWater Engineering Page 5 of 12 pages January 2008
Table 1. Potential Wildlife Species Occurrence Checklist for Compressor Statiou area Common Name Scientific Name Occurrence White-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus tOlVnsendU Known to occur Wyoming
Ground Squirrel Spermophilus e'e$lans Known to occur Reptiles Fence Lizard I Sceloporus unduiallls I Known to occur Sagebrush Lizard I Sce/oporlls wacioslIs I Known to occur * Occurrence
IS for Garfield County In slInilar habitat and not necessaniy thiS site as edited by WWE. ** Abundance is for where found in Garfield County, not necessarily this site. Abundance Common
Common Common Common Table 2, Garfield County species of wildlife and habitat mapped bo y C o I ora d 0 DI'V ,I S,l On 0 fW'lI drI~ e Common Name Scientific Name Compressor Abundance"""
Station Status* Amphibians Boreal toad I Buro boreas I Unlikely to occur I Rare Birds American Peregrine Falcon Falco veref!rinus anatum Known to occur Rare Bald Eagle Haliaeetlls leucoceohalus
Known to occur Rare Canada Goose Branta canadensis Unlikely to occur Common Chukar Alec/oris chukar Unlikely to occur Uncommon Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaelos Known to occur Uncommon
Great Blue Heron Areda heroides Unlikely to occur Common Greater Sage-grouse Cen/rocerclls urof}hasianlls Known to occur Fairly Common Merriam's Turkey Melea$lris $lal/opavo Known to
occur Rare Osprey Pandion haliae/lis Unlikely to occur Rare White-tailed Ptarmigan La~opus leucurus Unlikely to occur rare Mammals American Elk CervIIs elaphus Known to occur Abundant
Black Bear UrslIs americanlls Known to occur Common Kit fox Vulpes macro/is Unlikely to occur Unknown Lynx Lynx canadensis Unlikely to occur Very Rare Mule Deer Odocoilells hemionus
Known to occur Abundant Pronghorn Anitlocapra americana Unlikely to occur Uncommon Northern River Otter LII/ra canadensis Unlikely to occur Rare Wolverine Gulo $lIdo Unlikely to occur
extirpated Fish Colorado River cutthroat Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticlis Known to occur Rare (A &B purity) Razorback Xyrallchen lexanllS Unlikely to occur Rare Other stream fish Salmonidae.
Catostomidae, Known to occur Common to Cvorinidae** uncommon or rare • .. ... (Board of County CommiSSioners 2002) WWE detennmatton, Added by WWE, Where found m Similar habitat m Garfield
County WestWater Engineering Page 6 of 12 pages January 2008
Table 3. Birds of Conservation Concern for Sonthern Rockies and Colorado Plateau (FWS 2002) Common Name 'Scientific Name Protection Compressor Station Status· 8tatu8** Northern Harrier
Circus cyaneus MBTA Known to occur Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni MBTA Known to occur Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis MBTA Unlikely to occur Golden Eagle Aquila chrvsaetos MBTA Known
to occur Peregrine Falcon Falco pere)lrinlls analum ESA Delisted Known to occur Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanllS MBTA Known to occur Gunnison Sage-Grouse Centrocerus minim liS Non-MBTA
ESA Candidate Unlikely to occur Snowy Plover Charadrills alexandrinus MBTA Not listed in GarCo Mountain Plover Charadrills montanliS ESA Proposed T &E Not listed in GarCo Solitary Sandpiper
TrinJ!o soli/aria MBTA Not listed in Garee Marbled Godwit Lemosafedoa MBTA Unlikely to occur Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropas tricolor MBTA Unlikely to occur Yellow-billed Cuckoo CoccY=IIS
americanus ESA Candidate Unlikely to occur Flammulated Owl Ollis flammeollis MBTA Known to occur Burrowing Owl A/hene clinicu/aria MBTA Not listed in GarCo Short-eared Owl Asia fiammells
MBTA Not listed in GarCo Black Swift Cvpse/aides ni~er MBTA Unlikely to occur Lewis's Woodpecker Melanerpes lewis MBTA Likely to occur Williamson's Sapsucker Sphyrapicus thyroid",s MBTA
Likely to occur Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior MBTA Likely to occur Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cvonocephalus MBTA Likely to occur Bendire's Thrasher Toxostoma bendirei MBTA Not listed in GarCo
Crissal Thrasher Toxostoma crissale MBTA Not listed in GarCo S]Jrague's Pipit Anthlfs spraf!ueii MBTA Not listed in GarCo Virginia's Warbler Vermivora virf!iniae MBTA Likely to occur
Black-throated Gray Warbler Dendroica nj~rescens MBTA Likely to occur Grace's Warbler Dendroica ~racioe MBTA Not listed in GarCo Sage Sparrow Amphispiza belli MBTA Likely to occur Chestnut-collared
Longspur Calcarius ornotus MBTA Not listed in GarCo *MBTA IS Migratory Bird Treaty Act, ESA IS federal Endangered Species Act, GarCo IS CDOW species occurrence list, **WWE detenmnatl0n
DISCUSSION The pre-dominant big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata spp.)-wheatgrass (Elymus spp.) vegetation community is within the overall range of GrSG in Garfield County and is classified
as occupied habitat (Figure I). Structure of shrubs and distance to wet meadows and streams along with abundant snow-pack reduces value of the Compressor Station site to GrSG even though
located in occupied habitat. The closest GrSG lek to compressor site is approximately 1.5 miles away; noise of the Compressor Station should not affect spring breeding behavior. Nearby
aspen, spruce-fir, and riparian woodlands provide high quality habitat for Cooper's hawks, sharp-shinned hawks, red-tailed hawks and cavity nesters such as downy woodpecker and northern
flicker, but all such resources are several thousand meters from the Compressor Station. WestWater Engineering Page 7 of 12 pages January 2008
An important resource in the project area is the density and distribution ofGrSG. This species has been and continues to be a topic for consideration for special protections. Hunting
has not been permitted in the project area for this formerly once-plentiful species since 1995. Studies funded by EnCana, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and CDOW have shown a greater
presence of this species in nearby portions of its range than was previously known. CDOW is currently conducting population studies with assistance from EnCana, BLM and others. Due to
the numerous leks in the project area, the entire area is classified nesting and brood rearing habitat for GrSG. It is also considered occupied habitat, but no actual confirmation by
sign or sighting has been made at the Compressor Station. As can be seen in the Cover Photo and Photo I, the site is likely not winter habitat in 2007-2008 due to lack of sage-brush
availability above the snow pack. Birds of prey density and diversity is high in the vicinity. Considering the diversity and density of prey illustrated in Table I and the abundance
of dead or dying trees scattered throughout every aspen copse in the project vicinity, it is not unusual to find higher densities of rapt or nests. The Mule deer migration occurs from
summer range atop the drainage divide northeasterly towards Piceance Creek winter ranges according to CDOW mapping provided to Garfield County (Figure I). Elk concentrate in winter well
north of the Compressor Station (Figure I). SENSITIVE AREA AND WILDLIFE MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Avoid Sensitive Habitat. The Compressor Station was relocated to the
current site from an original proposed site after recommendation from wildlife biologists, based on previous wildlife and conservation studies. The initial site was in higher value,
more sensitive wildlife habitat than the selected site. Improve Greater Sage-grouse Habitat. GrSG habitat is being managed on EnCana's NPR. Five areas totaling 138 acres were treated
in 2005 and six areas totaling 133 acres were treated in 2006 on NPR. These sites were selected within occupied habitat with the objective that removing the larger shrubs, especially
thick stands of serviceberry and oakbrush, would enhance the sites as GrSG habitat. While an increase in the amount of sign on areas treated in 2005 was noted, it was not determined
during which months the birds used the sites. Treatments and studies of use will continue into the foreseeable future (WWE 2007). Regulated noxious weeds including houndstongue, Cynoglossum
officinale, and musk thistle, Carduus nutans, were observed nearby and are subject of a separate report. These invasive species degrade GrSG and other wildlife habitat by replacing native
vegetation. Cattle loafing in aquatic resources can disturb soils and increases opportunities for invasive species such as Canada thistle, Cirsium arvense, and houndstongue to gain hold,
which is also the subject of a separate report. Minimize footprint of disturbance. Reduce to the minimum level possible all soil disturbing activities. Park construction vehicles on
previously disturbed lands during construction to further reduce temporary disturbance. WestWater Engineering Page 8 of 12 pages January 2008
Re-seeding. Temporary and permanent disturbances are recommended to be re-seeded with native grasses. These measures should be described in an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan for this site. Best management practices should be followed as described in the integrated vegetation management plan. Fence Removal. Remove wildlife un-friendly fences
when found in the project vicinity. Where possible, old fence is recommended to be removed to enhance wildlife movement. Black Bear Measures. A fed bear is a dead bear goes the message
from the CDOW. It is not only unsafe, it is illegal. Keep all trash and food waste in bear-proof containers. Put dog food and bowls, cooking appliances and utensils in bear-proofstorage
at night. Black bears will rarely attack, but if they are surprised, feel danger, wish to protect territory or if they have cubs they may attack. The best way to avoid danger is to avoid
bears. When walking or traveling through bear territory make a lot of noise. If you see a black bear, make sure he sees you. Hold your arms high above your head using a coat or outer
garment to make yourself appear larger. Continue to make noise and slowly back away. If you run, the bear will likely chase you. If the bear comes for you, climb a tree or drop to a
fetal position. Cover you head and neck with your hands. Once the bear realizes you are not a threat he may leave. If the bear does not stop the attack when playing dead, fight back
and make as much noise as possible. Birds of Prey. At the time of the survey, most raptors in the affected area had begun migration and were no longer present. Previous surveys have
identified most, if not all, raptor nests in all available nesting habitats in the affected landscape. These nests should not be affected by the Compressor Station. In areas of known
raptor nesting, construction and drilling activities should not be scheduled between territory establishment and dispersal of young from the nest. Ifwork is planned during the nesting
season, areas of known and potential nesting should be inventoried by qualified biologists. Timing limitation restrictions should then be considered and applied to all active nests.
WWE recommends temporal and spatial restrictions for activities near active nests based on BLM stipulations (BLM 1997), CDOW recommendations (Craig 2002, Craig and Enderson 2004), and
literature review of nesting season timing for raptors in the Roan Plateau region (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kennedy and Stahlecker 1993, Kingery 1998, Poole 2005). These recommendations
are summarized in Table 4. Table 4. Timing limitations recommendations for active raptor nests Species Buffer Zone Seasonal Restriction Red-tailed Hawk 0.33 mile I March -15 July Swainson's
Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April -15 August Sharp-shinned Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April -15 August Cooper's Hawk 0.25 mile 1 April -15 August Peregrine Falcon 0.5 mile 15 March -31 July Northern pygmy-Owl
0.25 mile 15 March -15 Julv Long-eared Owl 0.25 mile 1 March -15 July Great Horned Owl * * * Great Horned Owls are relatively tolerant of human activity. Keep actIVIty to a minimum during
breeding season. WestWater Engineering Page 9 of 12 pages January 2008
Timing restrictions and dates can be modified if an active nest is monitored. The buffer zone should not be entered until one week after the young have fledged, which can be much earlier
than standard temporal restrictions. REFERENCES Andrews, Robert, and Robert Righter. 1992. Colorado birds: A reference to their distribution and habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History,
Colorado, 442 pp. BLM. 1997. Record of Decision and Approved White River Resource Area, Resource Management Plan. U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Meeker, Colorado. Board of County Commissioners.
2006. Garfield County zoning resolution of 1978, amended October, 2006. Building and Planning Department, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, 78 pp. CDOW. 2006. Wildlife species occurrence.
Colorado Division of Wildlife. http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu. Craig, G. R. 2002. Recommended buffer zones and seasonal restrictions for Colorado raptors. State of Colorado, Department
of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Ft. Collins. Unpublished Report, 7 pp. Craig, G. R., and J.H. Enderson. 2004. Peregrine falcon biology and management in Colorado 1973-2004.
Technical Publication No. 43. Colorado Division of Wildlife, Fort Collins. Fitzgerald, James P., C. A. Meaney, and D. M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. University Press of Colorado,
Niwot, 467 pp. Hammerson, Geoffrey A. 1999. Amphibians and reptiles in Colorado, 2nd Ed. University Press of Colorado, Niwot, 484 pp. Kennedy, P. L., and D. W. Stahlecker. 1993. Responsiveness
of nesting northern goshawks to taped broadcasts of 3 con specific calls. Journal of Wildlife Management 57:249-257. Kingery, H. E. (Editor). 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado
Bird Atlas Partnership and Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. Lindauer, I. E., C. E. OLMSTED III, W. A. Kelley, and W. F. Grey. 1982. Terrestrial ecosystems of northwest Colorado:
an annotated bibliography and vegetation classification, 123 pp., Vol. 8 in D.W. Crumpacker (editor), Wildlife conservation and energy development in northwest Colorado. State of Colorado,
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Denver, 14 vol. series. NRCS. 2007. Web Soil Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, URL:
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov Poole, A. (editor) 2005. The Birds of North America Online: http://bna.birds.comell.edu/BNAI. Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York.
WestWater Engineering Page 10 of 12 pages January 2008
USFWS. 2002. Birds of conservation concern 2002. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, Arlington, Virginia. WWE. 2006.
North Parachute Ranch Raptor Survey Report. By WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Parachute, 27 pp. WWE. 2007. Greater sage-grouse investigations
on the North Parachute Ranch, 2006 annual report. By WestWater Engineering, Grand Junction, Colorado, for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc., Parachute, 27 WestWater Engineering Page 11 of
12 pages January 2008
\fk1~rl'JS p",.--& BlM,jo'l»j s..;.. a,OUSo S>Jn R<lpICI l);.rwbal1C<1 BuN .. Acl"'~ R.~'" 1"",(1-JQ7, I"~~ ... f!aplo' 11001. '.lOOT) Figure 1: EnCana all & Gas (USA) Inc. Canoeo Philips
Gathering System Wildlife & Sensitive Areas WestWater Engineering Mies 0_25 05
ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS INC. Date: March 20, 2008 To: Mr. Preston Nelson EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 2717 County Road 215 Parachute, Colorado 81635 From: Tim Simmons, Ph.D. HFP Acoustical
Consultants Inc. Re: Pre-Construction Sound Level Prediction Computer Noise Model for COGCC Compliance Story Gulch Compressor Station Garfield County, Colorado HFP File No. 6466-1 TECHNICAL
MEMORANDUM #6466-lB-l A three-dimensional computer noise model was created for the proposed EnCana Story Gulch Compressor Station. The design goal is that the total compressor station
sound level contribution be less than or equal to 50 dB(A) at the property line. This is in accordance with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) nighttime noise limit
for a neighboring residential/agricultural/rural zone. The model was developed using Cadna/A, version 3.7.123, a commercial noise modeling package developed by DataKustik GmbH. The software
takes into account spreading losses, ground and atmospheric effects, shielding from barriers and buildings, and reflections from surfaces. The computer noise model calculations are based
on "ISO 9613-2: Acoustics -Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors." Digital terrain elevation data, derived from USGS data was downloaded and incorporated in the computer noise
model. The facility is currently in preliminary design stage, so specific equipment has not been selected. The analysis is based on currently available equipment lists and drawings.
Scheduled equipment includes: • Eight 7500 hp electric-drive compressors • Eight 156-3-Z air coolers • Two CAT 3516 Gensets • Six CAT 3616-drive compressors (temporary units) • Six 144-2-Z
air coolers (temporary units) 6001 Savoy Drive, Suite 115 Phone: 713.789.9400 #1140, 10201 Southport Road S.W. Phone: 403.259.6600 Houston, Texas 77036 Fax: 713.789.5493 Calgary, Alberta,
Canada T2W 4X9 Fox: 403.259.6611
March 20, 2008 EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Story Gulch CS Technical Memorandum 6466-lB-l HFP File 6466-1 Page 2 From the proposed compressor station site, the nearest property lines
are approximately 2800 feet to the east/southeast and approximately 1 mile to the west, as shown in the attached Figure 1. Also shown in the figure are the predicted A-weighted sound
level contributions from the compressor station at those locations. The predicted contributions are 47.3 and 35.0 dB(A) for the east and west receivers, respectively. These levels are
based on the noise control measures listed in Table 1. All permanent compression and genset equipment is modeled as enclosed in one of two acoustically treated buildings. Temporary compression
equipment is modeled in individual skid-mounted enclosures (one for each unit). The general layout is shown in the attached Figure 2. Figure 3 (on the following page) shows a 3-D rendering
of the compressor station and vicinity. Table 1: Story Gulch Compressor Station -PRELIMINARY DESIGN Noise Source Treatment Description Compressor Building 1 Minimum STC-29 absorptive
acoustical Walls and Roof building Ventilation Wall Inlet Openings Standard Louver Ventilation Roof Exhaust Openings Standard Hood Personnel Doors Standard STC-32 Man Door Equipment
Doors Standard STC-2l Roll Door Coolers: 156-3-2 No noise treatment Skid-mounted Temnorarv Comnressors CAT 3616 Engine Body Minimum STC-45 Acoustical Skid Enclosure Ariel JGE/4 Compressor
Body Minimum STC-45 Acoustical Skid Enclosure CAT 3616 Exhaust GT 6100 Series High Perfonnance Muffler Coolers: 144-2-2 No noise treatment Generator Buildim! Minimum STC-29 absorptive
acoustical Walls and Roof building Ventilation Wall Inlet Openings Standard Louver Ventilation Roof Exhaust Openings Standard Hood Personnel Doors Standard STC-32 Man Door Equipment
Doors Standard STC-21 Roll Door CAT 3516 Exhaust GT 4100 Series Muffler ,.Ac..UU'''C_AL CONSULTANTS
Figure 2: EnCana -Story Gulch CS: Site Layout -PRELIMINJ(RY DESIGN I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I 3180 3200 3220 3240 3260 3280 3300 3320 3340 3360 3380 3400 3420 3440 3460 3480 3500 3520 3540 3560 -0 o-N N ~ ~ _ N N -_ 0 Fenceline 0 -_ ~ (approXimate
~ _ -0 0 -~ ~ 7 7 _ N N --55 # 55-7 7 :; /& # #) ;: _N & # N_ -0 /& # /0--~ ~ & & # ~--8 /~">~~ ~ 8-_ ;1; (;-0~~ Temporary ;1; _ -~ 3il .~cp ~~ . ... Compressors 0 -" /",",m!" ~ '/)
S;, CAT 3616, iL -55 < Building ~ "" ///0 --i1 Two CAT 3516 ~ ~ . ~_ ~ \ Gensets ~ ///~ : : \'0 'V~ : -~ \ /Compressor ~ _ -0 Building 0 _ _ ~ \ /8 electric-driven ~ _ 7500 hp each -0
V ~ 0~ -N N _ N N -3180 3200 3220 3240 3260 3280 3300 3320 3340 3360 3380 3400 3420 3440 3460 3480 3500 3520 3540 3560 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I HFP ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS INC. 6001 SAVOY DR. SUITE 115 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77036-3322 713-789-9400
March 20, 2008 EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Story Gulch CS Technical Memorandum 6466-IB-I HFP File 6466-1 Page 3 Figure 3: 3-D rendering of the proposed Story Gulch Compressor Station
looking from the northwest. This completes Technical Memorandum 6466-IB-1. Please call if you have any questions or comments. Respectfully submitted, HFP ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS INC.
Tim Simmons, Ph.D. Senior Project Consultant Attachments: Figures I and 2 '='i;ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS
Fi!mre 1: EnCana -StOry Gulch CS: dB(A) Sound Level-PRELIMINARY DESIGN 8 N M o ~g M o ~O 00 N o ~55 N o ~:;: N o o ~ o o ~ o ~;;:: o o '0 o -~ I 1600 1600 I I 1800 1800 I I 2000 2000
I I 2200 2200 I l-lFP ACOUSTICAL CONSULTANTS INC. I 2400 2400 I I 2600 2600 I I 2800 I 3000 I 3200 I 3400 I 3600 I 3800 Southeast Property Line Receiver 47.3 dB{A) 2800 3000 3200 3400
3600 3800 I I I I I I 6001 ~'" VOY DR. SUITE 115 HOUSTON, TEXAS 77036-3322 I 4000 I 4200 4000 4200 I I o o N M o o o M o o 00 N o o ~ o o ~ g N N o o o N o ;;::~ o o '0 o 'i'~ 711-789-9400
) North Parachute Ranch (NPR) Reclamation Plan ' . .
TABLE OF COYIE:-<TS I:\TROOUCTlO\ ...................................................................................................................... I B.-\CKGROL""\O .............................
............. H •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• H •• I Climatic Zon~s within th~ ;-';PR ..............................................................................
........................ I Upp~r Zone ................................................................................................................................... 2 Middk Zone
.................................................................................................................................. 2 Lower Zone .......................................................
............................................................................. 3 RECLA\L-\ TION CHALLE:-;GES A'!O AVOro.-\\CE RECOM\IENDA TIONS .................... 5 RECLAMi\ TION CONSIOERA
TlO:--;S ........................................................................... H.H ........ 5 Timing of Re-vegetation Wo··k ............... H ••• H .......................... H
..... H ........ H .... HH .. H .... H.H ............... 5 Topsoil Handling ...... H ..... H.H ... •• .... •• ... H ... H ........ •• .. H.HH .. HH ... H ....... H ...................................
........... 6 Use of F~rtilizer .............................................................................................................................. 6 L:se ofMulch .........................
.............................. H ......................................................................... 7 Use ofCertitied Seed .....................................................................
................................................. 7 Harves;ing Local Seed ....................................................................................................................
7 Seed Testing .................................................................................................................................. 8 Inoculation of Legumes ............................
...................................................................................... 8 Inoculation ofSteli1c 50iI5 ..................................................................................
............................ 8 Oetemlination of Pure Live Seed (PLS) ratio ................................................................................. R SEED \IlXTURE RECOtv[\[DiDi\TlONS
................................................................................. 9 Reclamation :-'lonitoring .........................................................................................
..................... II \Vecds ....................................................................................... · ... H .... H ......................................... 12 REFERE~CES
............................................................................................................................. 16
[VfROl)CCTlO:\ This dowm~nt is 3 reclamation guide for USe in restoration of lands on Encana' S 1\ olth Paracilllte Ranch. where oil and gas development acti\'ities have disturbed the
surtilce by the constl11ctioll of I\cll pads. roads. and pipelines. [neana has asked WestWater Engineering to provide recomrcendations that will tacilitate init,al re-wgetation and I'e-establishment
of natural sllccession of native plant species. This plan is based on the combined knowledge ot' WestWater's biologists (Michad W. Klish. Rusty Roberts and Bill Clark). who have personal
experience in the project area vicinity that spans more than 30 years each. and available litcrature provided in the reference section. Encana's land use objective lor the ~orth Parachute
Ranch is to re-establish a sdf-sustaining vcgetation cover integrated with the surrounding ecosystcms. The plan is a "working document" and subject to amendment and revision based upon
new information and changes in land use at NPR. The recommendations included herein apply to disturbunces on upland plant communities. Recommcndations for wetland habitats arc not included
as disturbance to these plact communities are expected to be minimal. This document provides recommendations for the following major subject areas: { I) Reclamation Challenges and Critical
Area Avoidance (2) Reclamation (3) NPR Seed Mixtures (-l) Reclamation Monitoring BACKGROL.;.\D Climatic Zones within the ~PR There are three climatic zones within the 1\PR and are rctclTcd
to as the Upper. Middle and Lower Zones. Similar precipitation pattcms, soils and plant communitics exist within the three zones. The Upper Zone consists of lands above the rimrock escarpment
of the Roan Plateau at elevations between 7,500 to 3,500 feet; excluding slopes greater than 10"'0, south lacing arcas. The v"liddJe Zone consists of lunds between the escarpment of
the plateau to the toe of the slope along the valley noors at elevations bel\\"een 7,500 and 6,000; including ,teep, south tacing slopes above 7,500 feet. The Lower Zone consists of
the lower ten'aces and tloodplains along thc valley bottoms of the major drainages below elevations of 6,000 feet. The location of NPR is shown on Figure I (attached). a 2005 aerial
photo showing the general locations of the Upper. v"liddle and Lower Zones. 0iPR Reclamation Plan May 21106
The L:pper Znne r~~eiv~s 16 to 25 inches of annual precipitation. A majority of the annual prc~ipitation is r(!~eived during non-growing season (late ttlll, \\ inter). Primary plant
~ommunitics in the Lpper Zone are \Iountain Big Sagebrush,W;leatgrass and Upland Deciduous Shrub Whc~ltgr:tss shrubl~lllds with smalier occurrcn~cs of ASPen and Douglas Fir forests and
riparian shrub. tree and wetland habirats. The plant comll1unities in the Upper Zone have the greatest diversity of plant species. :-'1051 of these species haw adapted me~hanisll1s for
cstabl ishment and survival in the presence of the compenion excited by other species in the community. These communities are dominated by shoJ1-liwd cool season bunch grasses, which
are an important faclor in providing interspaces for establislunent and maintenance of forbs and shrubs within the cllmmunity. Some of the major species in the Upper Zone arc Iisl~d
in the tollowing table. Maior Native Plant Species within select Upper Zone Plant Communities Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs Lettenmn 1\ eedlegrass Mountain Lupine Mountain Bi2: Sagebrush
Colombia I\cccliegrass Silkv Lupine Antelopc Bitterbrush Slender Wl1eatgraSs I Rocky Mm. Pcnstcmon Mountain Snowberrv Mountain Brome I Watson Pcnstemon Low Rabbitbrush Nodding Brome
I Sulphur Buckwheat Utah Serviceberry Green Needlegrass ' American Vetch Gambel's Oakbrush Idaho Fescue : Western Yan'ow Chokecherry Elk Sedge i \lany-Flowered Phlox I Red Elderberry
Basin Wildrye ! Arrowleaf balsamroot ! Blue Wildrve I i Upper Zone Summarv Soils within this zone are primarily loam textured soil, within the Parachute-Rhone-lrigul s.;;ries. These
soils arc mostly well-drained, cool soils with dark-colored, organic-rich surface layers derived ti'om shale and sandstone. Soil textures above the rim arc generally loam with loam to
clay loam sub-soi Is and range in depth li'om <20"011 ridges to >60" in s\\ales. All of the upland soi Is above the rim arc in low to medium erosion classes (BLM. 201J-t, Fox, el al.,
1973). :'.liddle Zone The Middle Zone ,eceiv~s 13 to l.j inches of annual precipitation. A majority orthe annual precipitation is received during non-growing season (late fall.winter).
A signiticant portion of [his lOt~e consists af unstable slopes that are relatiwly barren of any vegetation. According to Fox, et aI., 1973, these bUITen slopes are lairly erosion resistant
if undisturbed. Primary plant communities on more stable slopes are BunchgrassiForb Open Grassland, Upland Deciduous ShrubWheatgrass shrub lands, Pinyon/Juniper woodlands and Douglas
Fir forests. These communities ar~ dominated by cool season bunch grasses. \PR Reclamation Plan \lay 2006
r Major Nathe Plant Species I\ithin select Middle Zone Plant Communities Grass/Grass like i Forbs Shrubs . Blu~bul1~h Whcatgrass I Fringed Sage (Hal r-Shrub) Utah S~rviceberry Indian
Ri~egrass I Watson Pcnstell10n i Mountain Big Sagebrush : Th i~kspikc Whcatgrass i Sulphur Buckwheat i Antelope Bitterbrush Green :-;eedlegras; I Westem Yarrow M0untuin Mahogany Junc!!rass
I Lewis Flax Gumbel's Oakbrush Basin Wildrve I Sillzy Lupine l\i[ountain Snow berry Elk Sedge ' Utah SlVeetv~tdl Low Rabbitbrush Middle Zone Summarv The area below the rim encompassing
the eli frs. talus and steep colluvial slop~s at the base of elle cliffs are deriwd from the Green River shak. Below the ditls Jnd talus is a lOlle oi'soils fonned trom colluvium and
\Vasat~h Formation. Soils arc shallow, poorly developed and there are many rock outcrops and badlands. Badlands are skep. nearly barren areas diss~cted by many ephemeral drainages. Soils
on the upper slopes of this lOne hav\! a thin. organic-rich surface layer and little devdopmcnt of soil horizons. Soils on lower slopes arc shallow to moderately deep and are well-drained.
Surface texture is loam, clay loam, or silty clay loam with variable amounts of gravel, cobbles and boulders, :a[us slop~s and colluvia[ slopes below rock outcrops. Soils are moderate
to highly alka[ine. Sub-soils usually have higher clay content and are calcareous. Erosion hazard is usually severe (BLM, 20(4). Lower Zone The Lower Zone receives 10\0 13 inches of
annual precipitation. A majority of the annual precipitation is received during non-growing season (late tall. winter). This zone contains some of the most arid sites. Primary plant
comJ11unities it: the Lower Zone on l:cnches and terraces are Wyoming Big SagebrushiWheatgrass shmblands grading to salt deselt shmbs like fourwing saltbus!: or shadscale on the most
arid sites. The tloodplain communities include Basin Big SagebrLshiGreasewood shrublands on old tloodplain terraces and streamside riparian woodlands with cottollwood or bo.x-elder habitats.
Cool-season bUIlchgrasses or ~ool-season sod-fol111ing grasses or both dominate plant communities in the Lower Zone. NPR Reclamation Plan 3 \[ay 1006
Major :'Iiative Plant Soecies within select Lower Zone Plant Communities Crass/Crass like Forbs Shrubs Western Wheaturass i Hoods Phlox Wyoming Big Sagebrush InJian Ricc!.!rass i Scm·kl
Glob~m3I1ol\ Basin Big SagebnlSh l'ieedk-and-Thread Grass Utah Swcetvctch Grcascwood Bottkbrush Squimltail Silvcrkaf l.upinc Rubber Rabbitbrush I Junegrass Lewis Flax Antdope Bittcrbrush
! Sandberg Blucgrass I Longleaf Phlox I Low Rabbitbrush i Blucbunch Whcatgrass I Thickleaf Pen,temon I Broom Snakeweed i Basin Wildrve ! Winterl;\t , ; i I Shadscak Saltbush l I Four
Wing Saltbush Riparian Habitat in the Lower Zone Streams are natTOIV and low and high points in the annual hydrograph are widely divergent. Riparian plant communities below the clift',;
arc deciduous woodlands on lower stream ten·aces and tloodplains dominatcd by Fremont cottonwood at Imwr eb"ation$ and nan·owkaf and boxeld~r at higher elevations up to the escarpments.
\llture box-elder wood:ands with a dense understory of shrubs including river birch, alder and red-osier dogwood dominate the lower West Fork immcdiatdy below the West Fork falls. The
East Fork woodlands may include Douglas fir. \Voody plant diversity is greatest in undisturbed riparian habitat in this zone. Major illative Plant Species within select Lower Zone Rioarian
Communities Grass/Grass like Forbs Shrubs/Trees Inland sal[grass Western white clematis Fremont cottonwood Foxtail barkv \larsh-elder Narrowleaf cottonwood Arctic rush i Wild licOlice
Box-elder Switchgrass i \Vild mint Black chokechelTY Wastem \Vhcat£rass I Brook cinqueloil Skunkbush sumac Prairie cord!!rass I Canada Goldenrod Wood's rose I Golden currant Sandbar
willow Peachl~af willow Bebb willow Lower Zone Summarv Soils in the Iowa zone are calcareOUS, modcrate to strongly alkaline. some highly saline, loams and silty clay loam; on bcnches.
taraces and alluvial 1'lI1s. Floodplain soils are sandy loam or loam sn:ltitied \Iitlt sand. gra\'e! or CLlbb.~s d~riveu li·om shale llr sandstonc. Soils limned in the alluvium are cieri
\ cd Irom sandstones. sbl~s and marls and appear on benches. terraces. alluvial ",PR Rcdamatilln Plan .j \Iay 2006
tCUh and tluudplains in the L0wer Zone. Surt'lee t~xmre ranges from loam and sandy IOHm to clay loam \Iith sub-soil:; of sandy loam:o clay (Fox. et. al 197 ] and BLM. 2004). RECL.UI.-\
no:'l CHALLE'iGES A'iD A VOIDA:'ICE RECO\L\IE:'iD.\TIO\S :\orth I'arachute Ranch presellts extreme reclamation challenges from a broad array of climate and geomorphological t'lctor,
inherent to the site. These factors alien act synergistically and increase the ncgative eflects ~.~ponentially. These tile tors include: • Steep slopes and potc;nial for soil movement.
• Eftective soilmoisrure issues including timing of seeding to coincide with natural precipitation. • Difticulty in re-contouring to blend with extremc slopes of namral topography. •
Thin soils due to infertility tram slope. exposure and soil source materials. • Slumps (instability. diftlculty in holding slopes). • Di fticulty preventing establishment of noxi0us
weeds in disturbed land. • Riparian areas especially those dominated by mature cottonwoods. box-elder/shrubs (due to wildlik and water quality value and long-tenn needed to establish
large trees). Such areas. if disturbed, are ICry likely :0 require more time and expense to efti!ctively reclain. cor example. riparian woodland and shrubland disturbances may require
installation of live plJnt materials in the fOl"m of containerized tr~es and shrubs. Installation and :hree years of careful oversight and watering of these woody species to insure :;urvival
is far more costly than disturbance 011 sitoS. which can be successfully re"seeded. [n addition to susceptibility to erosion and sediment problems. dimcult.listed noxious weeds also
present a reclamation challenge of huge proportions. For these reasons. it is recommended livestock grazing be postpon~d indelinitely. Canada thistle on the West Fork and houndstongue
on the East Fork seriously threaten riparian plant cOlllmunities. Both problems are exasperated by grazing of livestock upstream from NPR property. Prudence suggests reducing the problem
as much as possible and one technique lor slowing the spread of invasive weeds is to remove livestock. Livestock decrease native plant abilities to compete with invasive species. Livestock
can physically move weed seeds around the property in their evats or by ingesting and excreting viable weed seeds. RECL\:\\.\ nON CO:'-lSIDER.-\ TlO:'<S This section provides recommendations
for actions that sholtlJ be taken in conjunction with seeding of sites undergoing reclamation. Timing of Re-vegetation Work Timing ofre-vegetation is cr:tieal to the success of the \vark.
Replacement of topsoil should occur just prior to re·seeding to prevent early gemlination and establishment of highly competitive MIlUr:! weeds. In nearly all C;I$CS. re-vegctatiotl
should OCCll:' as quickly as possibk r;PR Reclamation Plan 5 May 2006
aft~r topsoiling. in order to maintain soil nutri~nts ~nd microbe kwls. discourage weed invasion. and I,;ontrol erosion. Rc-sccding should b" timed to coincide immediately prior to the
season of greatest precipitation. late l~lIL\vinter. Se"c1 of many native plant species require a period of freaing temperatures prior to germination which ensures the seed will gcnninate
in spring when soil moisture conditions are optimum for establishment and survival of the seedling. Also. several native species. such as big si.lgebru5h. begin thl!ir s[O\V germination
process under sno\v cover. ltkally. topsoil replacement sClOuld occur in late August and September followed by re-sccding in late September to early December prior to lreezing soil surface.
If re-vegetation occurs too early. seeds are subjected to unnecessary exposure to seed predators and spoilage. If it occurs too late (spring planting), seeds and plants may encounter
insufficient moisture to genninate or to survive alter gennination, and will be faced with higher competition from annual weeds. Topsoil Handling Proper handling and storage of topsoil
is critical to successful re-vegetation, especially in the case of re-establisbng important native plant specics on disturbed areas. The topsoil contains soil microbes (bacteria. micorrhiza.
invertebrares) and seed banks of viable seed for the native plants present on the site. Many native plant species depend upon the activity of soil microbes for genninmion in some instances
and for establish an,: survival of most seedlings. Topsoil is usually stripped li'em a site and stored in the smallest place possible in deep, unstable piles, Stockpiling topsoil in
deep. unstable piles for long periods (over 30 days) results in the loss or limitation of topsoil microbes and viable seed. This is especially so where soils a~e stockpiled more than
several feet in height and biological activity is diminished from lack of oxygen. Topsoil should be protected from erosion and weed invasion. Topsoil should be stockpiled in piles no
deeper than 2 feet with stabk slopes and be positioned to minimize exposure to wind and water ~rosion. Topsoil piles stored fur longer than 30 days should be immediately seeded to provide
cover to reduce erosion, provide competition for weed species, and to maintain viabiliry of the soil fungi and microbe 20mmunities. Several fast gel1ni~ating sterile cover crops ("'Regreen"
and "Quickguard") are commercially available that should be used for short pelioe storage of topsoil. Topsoil stored for more than one growing s~ason should be seeded with one of the
recommended seed mixes based upon the zone :he site is in. Using the recommended seed mixes on long-tenn storage piles will help maintain biological activity and provide a seed bank
of viabk seed. Iflong-tenn stockpiling or deep stockpiling can not be avoided. application of micorrhizal inoculants (see section below) may be beneticial. l se of Fertilizer Use of
fertilizer should not be used in the reclamation of arid or semi-arid sites. These areas are typically at high risk of invasion by exotic annual weeds, almost all of which are favored
by high~r levels of nitrogen. Native western species are well adapted to the low fertility of soils in these areas. There arc many cases of se\'ere weed inf"stations, which are directly
attributable to NPR Reclamation Plan 6 \-Iay 2006
addition ofnitrog~n. In addition to th~ cllnsid~rabk cost incurred. the routin~ lIS~ ot'ti:rtilizer may well trigger problems with undesirable annual invaders, which ean be cssentially
impossible to COtTect. Lse or :l-Iulch ~Iuh;h ;i1ollld be used only where there dre specitic indications for its ap?lieation. and not as a routine elel11~nt in reclamation. It may be
useful in wetter arcas or on cxtrcmcly stcep areas where severe erosion potential exists. On drier upland areas there are a number of potential problems. These include: wicking of soilmoisnare
leading to increased evaporation. alteration of carbon: nitrogen ratios, attraction of rodent and invmebrates to seed and seedling predators, and plant competition from grain or weed
seeds in the mulch. Where mulch is used, it is imperative that it be retained either by mechanical crimping, application of a tackifier, or with netting. These materials and the tim~
required for their application add substantially to reclamation costs. Lsc of Certified Seed Th~ rwo types of certitied s~cd arc "Blue Tagged Cel1itied Seed" and "Yellow Tagged Sourcc
Identitied Seed". Certiticd Seed (Blue Tag): Seed Certification is the mcans ofl11aintaining the pedigree (genetically pure seed) of a specitic variety of seed. Each state has a seed
cel1ifying agency or crop impro\·el11ent association that eel1ities sced. Blue Tagged Certitied Seed must meet high purity and gC11l1ination standards and have a low weed wnten:, usually
less than 0.25 percent. Blue tagged certilied seed can not contain any prohibited noxious weeds of the state of ccrtitication. Many native species are now available in certitied eultivars
and in most cases the certilied cultivars are lower cost. Source ldentitied Seed (Vellow Tag): There is a strong markci for native plant materials, but there may not be certitied ecotypes
available due to a lack ofbrceding, low supply, or high cost to produce, or unreliable demand. In most cases, native plant material should be acquired from harvest areas with the same
or higher latitude orthe area of in:ended use. State seed laws only require that the actual state of origin be on the label. To receive seed from the area you designate, it is advisable
to request "Source ldentitied Seed" in order to ensure that a certitkation agency has veri lied the exact location Irom which the seed lVas harvested. Source Identilied certification
is in place in Colo:ado, New Mexico, U'ah, Wyoming and Montana. Vellow tags do not guarantee that the seed is ti'ee of no.xious weeds. Buyers should refer to the vendor's label lor analysis
and weed content. or better yet. test the seed themselves. Harvesting Local Seed Plant species commonly display considerable site adaptation and variability. Thus seed collected 1(lr
ti·OlU its evcntual planting site otten does less well than seed of the same species collected closer to the planting site. Most professional seed suppliers recmd the collection site.
and it may be possible to choose seed that is ti'om locally adapted plants. If such seed is not available, the possibility of contracting with collectors to obtain local seed should
be investigated. NPR Reclamation Plan 7 "'lay 2006
Seed Testing Testing seed is the only way to insure the quality cfthe seed (purity and viability) and that no undesirable sPecks are present. Purity· tests will show the per:entages
of crop. weed and inert matter IInaterial o:her than seed such as sWms or chaft). and show if the percentage of each spedes in the mix meets the standards ordered. Th~ tenns germination
and viability arc sometimes used ir.terchangeubly. but de not have the same meaning. A gennination test will detell11ine how seeds perfOllll under favorable conditions: however. some
seeds are dOllnant and clo not gell11inate even though they are still alive. Dormant seeds have the potential to genninatc ifdonnancy is broken. usually through time and'or physiological
stimulus. A viability test will show the sum of the percent germinated and percent dOllnant seeds in a ,eed lot, providing infonnation on the potential gennination of the lot. Proper
seed sampling is vuy important. T:le test results r~c~ivcd can be no better than the sampk sent in. Sampb sholtld be sent to a seed lab that tests according to the standards established
by the National Association of Ofticial Seed Certi t!cation Analysts. [noculation of Legumes ~Iost legume ,eeds shollld be treated with comll1crcially available Rhi~obillfll inoculants
to ensure that they are ablc to make best advantage of their capujilities for nitrogen fixation. Legull1es included in seed ll1ixes are: American Vetch, Ciccr', "Iilkvetcn. Sainfoin,
and Utah Sweetvetch. Inoculation of Sterile Soils Arbuscular mycorrhiza (fungi) are components of live topsoil and limn symbiotic relationships with plant roots. There arc two types
and they are especially critical for plants in int,mile soils or droughl prone areas such as those found on NPR. Inmost cases on NPR, endomycolThiza should be used to moculate the soil
since this is the type of tungi tbat associates with herbaceous and broaclleafed woody planK I I' coniferous species such as pinyon pine, Utah juniper, or Douglas tlr are prescribed
in reclamation, an ectomycorrhizal till1gi would also be desirable. Improperly stored topsoil and areas with little or no topsoil should be treated with commercial mycorrhiza (Barrow,
1995). Mycorrihizal inoculants are available in two 1')I1ns: as a granular t'onn for application during seeding, and as a powder tar coating of seeds prior to seeding. Granular t'onns
are typically applied at a rate of 20 lbs/acre and powder inoculents are applied to the seed at a rate of I Ibs:acre. \Vhen broadcast seeded, the granular foml must be incorporated into
the soil with seed by harrowing, Determination of PUI'e Live Seed (PLS) Ratio Before a seed application nm can be detellninecl it is necessary to detcnlline the percentage of pure live
seed (pis) in the supplied seed. Seed may contain weed seed, seed o l' other species, chaIT, sand, and other inert material, ane broken seeds, PLS equals the percent purity times the
percent gell11ination. Most species arc sold on a PLS basis, with the price adjusted accordingly. When given a choice between buying on a PLS or bulk basis, PLS is always pret~rnble.
Less ;-;PR Reclamation Plan 8 May 1006
c_'\pensi\'c s~<;!ds with lower plIrity and g~rmllution may liL'tuallj (O$t I11l);'C on a PlS basis than more c.'(pcnsi\'~ seed. SEED :HIXn'RE RECCHL\-IE:-iD.-\ T10\S The following seed
mixnlres include native grasses that I) provick good soil protection. 21 ar~ not overly competitive to allo\\ native tllrbs and shmbs to repopulate disturbed areas, and are commercially
availitble in quantities for small acreage projects, Mountain big sagebntsh is not included in the mixture as it is expected to repopulate disturbance from undisturbed stands (anticipated
disturbances arc small/linear), Sagebrush also requires a di fferent seedmg strategy (broadcast on frozen soil or on early snow cover), ,c\ctivities that result in removal of areas greater
than 5 acres of sagebrush. and arc not within tOO t~et of sagebrush to provide seed source may need to have sagebrush included in the seed mixture, Recommended Seed Mix for Upper Zone
Disturbances Species Variety (cultivar) Seedin2 ~LS*/AC) .. "Gf~r~r,,],;'f'''i'.T': , .. ".. ...•...• ··t,'.';· .', ,.....,,<:~ Slender Wheatgrass San Luis 3,01bs Mountain Brome Garnet
2,0 Ibs I Nodding Brome 2,0 Ibs I Idaho Fescue or I 1,01bs Lettwnan'5 Needlcgrass I K~ri!~ir'J' ! " '.' ," . ... ..... .. ' .......•. . ,. . :..: " .• ,3>, ...... •. i., .....•.. "."
..... .. Rocky Mtn, PenstCl110n 1.0 Ibs Cicer Milkvetch 1.0 Ibs Utah Sweetvetch 1.0 Ibs Western Yarrow 0,5 Ibs , American Vetch I 1.0 Ibs ;sJftlMi~" . ,--~-: . "i',.: ...• ........................
: ..... ,c,"(;r . ...•.. ;.;5'\';;: •••.... ::.:, ... . ....... ,-,,: ~ :'."-.: Antelope B itterbmsh 2,01bs ·Pure Live Seed Total 14.5 Ibs/pls/ac NPR R,~clnll1ati()n Plan 9 May 20lln
Recommended Seed Mix for Middle Zone Disturbances Species Variety (cultivar) I Seeding Rate (PLS"/Ac) Grasses o 0 0;000 00 Slender Wheat~rass I San Luis I 3.01bs Bluebunch Wheatgrass
or I P-7 preferred, Goldar I 2.01bl ! Beardless Bluebunch I Analone. or Whil1l1ar I , Thickspike Whealarass Critana ! i 2.01bs Indian Ricegrass Rimrock I 1.0 Ibl ',FiiBhf oio .,000,00
000;0000 .; .. '0.' ,;. , 000 o. 0 Rocky \[tn. Pcnstemon I , , I 1.0 Ibs Utah Sweetvctch ,i ! 1.0 Ibs Western Yan·'JW ! ! 0.51bs -Cicer t>,lilkvetch !i 1.01bs I American Velch 1.0 Ibs
liS1/JrK@$";'';:;:·.Ooo "'-,"'r_'" ""._-, ,~-, -----'--.'-'-. . ' ._ c', _ \~ 0.00;;·0., ·:F'!· , Antelope Bitt.:rbrush T I 1.01bl i MOllntain :'v[uhoeanv 1.01bs Four-wing Saltbush Rincon
1.01bs *Pure Live Seed Total 15.5 Ibs pls/ac Recommended Seed Mix for Lower Zone Disturbances Species Variety (cultivar) Western Whcatorass I Arriba ~ecdle-and-Thread Grass Thickspike
Wheatgrass : Indian Ricc2ra,s , Bluebundl Wheatarass or eo Beardless Bluebunch , Scarlet Globemallow : Utah Swcetvetch , Ciccr ~Iilkvetch Lewis Flax , Rubber rabbi:brush i Four-wing
Saltbush Gardner Saltbush and,or Shadscale Saltbush *Pure Live Seed "['R Reclamation Plan I Critana Rimrock P7 preferred, Goldar. Anatone or Whitmar , Wvtana 10 . Seeding Rate (PLS*/Ac)
.00; ,00';00 '000,<" 0' ,000.0 0000 • I 3.01bs I 1.0 Ibs 2.01bs 1.01bs 1.0 Ibs .. 0.51bs 1.0lbs 0.51bs 0.5 Ibs . .. , 1.0lbs I. () Ibs 1.01bs Toral 14.5 Ibs pls/ac "by 2(1)6
Recommended Seed Mix for Lower Zone Riparian Disturbances Species Variety (cultivar) Seedin" Rate (PLS*/Ac) (;rllssC$ , .. , Western Wheatgra,s i\ITiba 3.0 Ibs. I Bluebunch \Vheat£rass
P-7 2.0Ibs. r BaslI1 Wildryc i\la~mar 2.0 . _. Canby Bluegrass Can bar 0.5 , , ···l1piUH'·'·F:t'.· ..• ·•• ·... • . ••• .. . .. .. . ... . '" .. . . Western Yarrow I 0.5 Utah SI\ eetvetch
1.0 Scarletglobemallow , 0.5 $)I]j:itb~VYT:D.' . . . , ... Fourwing saltbush 1.0 Skunkbu;h Sumac 0.5 'Pure live Seed Total 11.0 Ibs/pls/acre Attached as an Appendix is the table Reclamation
Seed Mix Preferred Species for North Parachute R.HlCh Plant Communities, EnC~tna Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. listing potential species suitable for reclamation work on NPR. The list is provided
to account for site diversity, unstable prices and availability of plant,; u,;d'ul for reclamation. The table can be used to replace a single. unavailable ;pecies or to develop a complete
seed mix. Of great importance is the soil texture adaptation infonnation in the Appendix. SpecieS with wide ranges of tolerance (i.e., species with adaptation ratings at' mostly [WOS
and th:ees) should be selected whenever possible. It is necessary to adj uSt the total number of seeds planted per square tlJOt to precipiwion, soil moistur~ and texture, slope and aspect.
in [he Lower Zone and riparian ten'aces fewer total seeds per square tOOt wililikdy yield better results ifseedling plants are not over-whelmed by total numbers of plants. In the tl-liddk
Zone of NPR, more seeds can be planted due to generally higher precipitatio:l and bener soils in localized arcas, while Upper Zone precipitation and deeper soils will successfully sustain
higher numbers of seedlings per square foot. Grasses hu\ e conSistently performed better than torbs or shrubs in land reclamation. More species of grasses should be in a mix than forbs
or 5hmbs except in the case of shrub-only plantings. Species selected and the number of seeds per SqUHfC foot allocakd to that species are based on soil. lOnC, and cxpcl'icncc in similar
situations with other plantings. Genel'ally, Lower Z0ne and riparian ]r~a rcdpcs should havc fcwcr spccies of plants in the mix, c.g. threc grassC$, one lorb and onc shrub tl)r a totaillftilie
specics in thc mix. Middle Zone mixes should hali': a moderate number of spccics 0 f planls in a mix, C.g. t()lIr grasses, two forbs and Olle shrub species for a total of s~\"en species
in a mix. Upper zones can have as many as nine sp~ci~s in a mix including tilur grasses, two or three torbs and two or thrce shrubs. Reclamation :>Innitoring Success of r'li~getation
shollid be judged on the dl;':ctiveness of the vegetation for the postdevclopment land lbe of the property. and the extent of c(wer compared to thc covcr occurring in narural vegetation
of the area Projcckd covcr of desirable specics shoulJ be based on covcr "<PR Reclamation Plan 1\ 'vlay 2006
l11>:'aslIro;;:d ic dndisturbl!u rckr~nt:(" al'C35 (not induding non-nati\~. il1\'a~in:! spl.!l.:il.!s such as [ll).\ious w\!o;;:Li::;). A \alural R~t·~r~n.:~ Ar~a tor ea.:h zone should
be established in order to measur~ the SUCCeSS of reclanution Tr'lnseets would be established in each zone establish for representative plum cilIllmunitic, [0 cnabk biolo~isb to determine
if desirable species have Jeen SUCCessful!} established. Jnd if they provide sufticient aerial cover tl) adequately protect the sile li'om erosion and invasive weeds. Reclamation Monitoring
will provide evidence of whether a selt:sustaining plant community has been established and whether vegetative pro.:esses such as reproduction and seedlin~ establishment arc occurring.
Transects in late spring and late summer wi II provide identi tication and contribution of most if not all dominant 1:lants tound on \iPR (Ferchau. 1973 J. Monitoring results can be
compared to srudies condu~ted for oil shal~ projects in the 1970's. Ferchau. 1973 covers the ExxonMobil property adja~ent to mu~h of NPR lands. Environmental studies conducted on )IPR
by previous owner Union Oil ofCalitom.a should be located and could serve as reference intolllllltion. Weeds The need to ,ooperate with alijoining landowners. especially those upstream,
to recuce and control invasion ot' noxious weeds is imperative. Two species. Canada Thistle and Houndstongue arc cutTently tmading undisturbed NPR lands on the East and West Forks of
Parachute Creek from adjoining private and public lands. Encana needs the cooperation and assistance thllll a<'joining landowners to control this serious problem. A separate integrated
vegelation and noxious weed management plan listing and locating all known popUlations of noxious weeds on NPR is in preparation. \PR RcciamJtinn Plan I" \Iay 2()06
Rcpres~ntatl\ c views of CUITCl1t conditions rdlect rhe diversity of plant cOllllllunities 011 ",PR. Upper Zone Ridgetop Shrublands Lower Zone Benches East Fork Parachute Creek Riparian
],;PR Reclanwion Plan 13 Middle Zone cliffs, colluvium, harsh slope and aspect Riparian Woodlands Below West Fork Falls. i\lay 2006
--Cross Reference of Names of Plant Species used in Document Common Name Scientitic Name Grasses/Grass Like Basin WilJry~ j Lermlls cineren,'i Bluchunch Wh~at!(rass. Beardless Pseudoroegl1eria
spicala ssp. illt!rmis ! Bluebunch \vh~ati'rass. Bcanj~J Psel/doroef?,lleria spicafa ssp. spicara I I Blue Wildr)'e £/1'11111.1' glallcl/s I i Bllttlebrush Squin'eltail Eirmlls elvmoides
I i Canada thistle CirsiuJU arvellse i Columbia \eedlegrass Achllalherllm nels-onii ssp. <lord Elk Sedge C arex ~eFeri Green :--:ecdlegrass NlISselia viridllia Iiound"rongue CVl10r<losslim
oj!icinale Idaho F cselie FesiUca idalroens is Indian Ricegrass AchnaJilerum hrmenoides Letterman Needlcgrass Ac!uw/herumlelternwllii Mountain Brame Bron1lJs mar~il1alus Ncedk & Thread
Grass Hesperoslipa COlllala ssp. comata Nodding B:ome Bromlls anomaills Prairie June.grass Koeleria cris/aw Sandberg Bluegrass Poa slIndberRii Slend~r Wheatgrass Eil'tnUS fmc/ncauills
ssp. fracllvcalfilis Thickspike Wheatgrass Elvtnlls lanceolallls ssp. lanceola/IIS Westem Wheatgrass Pascopyrum smilhii Fofb~' > .•..•. , ....••.. '. ,i ". ." Ameri.:an Vetch Vida americana
Arrowkaf Balsamroot Balsamorrhi:a sagifata Cicer Milkvetch Astragalus deer Fringed sagebnlsh (halt~shrub) Artemisia /hgida Lewis Blue Flax Lillllm lewisii I Longleaf P110x Phlox IOI1l,i/o{ia
-Manv-flowered Phlox Phlox JIluili/lora Mountain lupine Llipinlis argenlelts ssp. rllbrical/lis Rocky yrountain Penstemon Pens/emon sirieilis Sainfoin Ollohrvchis vicii/iJlia Scarlet
Globemallow Sphaeralcea coccil1ea Scarlet Indian Paintbnlsh Casfilleia lI1illia/<1 Silky lupine Luvinus sericells Silverkaf lu~ine Lupinlls arl;ell/ellS I S l11a II B umet SallguisOJ'ba
l11inor ! Sulfur Buckwhem Eriof?,ollu11l umbel/alllm Thickleaf Penstemon Pmslemonpachvph\'/lus iJtah Sweetveteh Hedrsarum boreale Watson Penstcl110n Pens/emoll wlls/onii -W-e-s-tcm Yarra\\,
Achillea lamdosa , "PR Redam.1Iion Plan 1-1 \Iay 2006
\}·':Gst~nl Yarrow .-lehillt'£1 mi//~/iJli{/mEll: occhlel1/"!i .... Wyoming Indian Paintbrush ____ -'--'C:.,:',.:,ls.:,tI.:,'/:.,:leLi'::.I.:,/::.il:,:/{::,lr:.,:h.:,;le"'/.:,o:.,:li:.,:tI_,
__ ------1 , Sh~lI11S Antc!\)pe Bltterbrush I PUfshh1 /ridema/a Big Sa~cbrush, Basin I Arlemisia Irial1ltlla ssp, /I'il clIllIla I 8io SaQcbrush, ~!ountain Artemisia Iridell/a/a ssp,
rase rona ! Big Sagebrush, \Vvol11ing I ",,.,emisia lridentafa ssp. HTOmiJ1f{ensis Broom Snakeweed Xal1ll1ocepllllll1l1l S<lrolhme Chokecherry PrUl1lfS virginiana Four-wing Saltbush
""triplex Canesc/:!I1.\' GambelOak Querclls [(amhelii Gardner Saltbush Alriplex gardlleri Low Rabbitbrush Chrrsolliamnlls riscidi/lonl.l Mountain Snowben'v Svmphoricl/rpos oreophillis
Red Elderbmv SambUL'IIS l'acemOsa Rubber Rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseOSlfS ssp, ntlllSeOSliS Skunkbush Sumac Rlw.l IriloiJala ssp, Irilabata Shadscale Alriplex conj'erli/oliil I Utah
Serviceberry Amelllnc/Zier utahensis Wintcrfat Krasclieninl1ikoria loll/lila ·t,£ees. ", ...... .'. c.;,, .. ..' Box Elder A eel' ne[(ullcla DOllQlas Fir Pselldutsll~a mel1:::esii ,
NalTowlcafCottonwooci Populus al1[(lIsli/iJlia \iPR Recla:natiull Plan 15 \b 2006
REFEREi\CES A!stJII. D;mJ 1(. 2003. S,lil Surwy of Douglas-Plateau Arca. Colorado. Parts ofGartkld and \ksJ Count). l'S Dept. Ag .. ",ReS. 355 pr .. -16 \Iap sheets. Barrow . .l.R ..
and Bobby D. \lc:Caslin. 1995. Role of microbes in reSllurce manag~m~nt in and ecosystems. In: Barrow. J.R .. E.D. \b\lthur. R.E. Snseb~c. and Tausch, Robin 1.. comps. 1996. Proceedings:
Shrublond ecosystem dynamics in a changing environment. Gen. Tech. Rep. I\T-GTR-338. Ogden. UT: USDA. Forest Servlce .. htennou11lain Res. St" .. 275 pp. Colorado l\atural Areas Program.
1998. :\ative Planr Re-vegetation Guide fiJI' Co:nrado. Caring for the Land Series, Vol. III. State of Colo., Division of Parks and Outdoor Rec .. Dept. :\at. Res .. Denver. 25R pp.
Ferchau. Hugo. 1973. Vegelati;-e Inventory Analysis and Impact Study of the Parachute Creek Area. Garfi~ld County. Colorado. Chap. VI In: The Colony Environmental Study. Parachute Creek.
Gartleld County. Coiclrado. Vol. Ill. Thorne Ecologicallnstitllt~. Boulder. 77pp. Fox, Charles J., H.D. Burke. J.R. \leiman, and J.L. Retzer. 1973. Soils In_entory Analysis and Impact
Study ofth~ Colony Property -Gartield County, CO. Chap. [II. In: The Colony Envirollmental Study. Parachute Creek. Gartleld County, CO .. Vol. Ill. Thome Ew. Ins!.. Boulder. 52 pp. Granite
Seed Company. 100~. Granite Seed Catalog. Granite Seed Company. I (,97 West 21 DO :\onh. Lehi. UT 8~()..\3. 89 pp. \Ic:\ao. W.H. and P.e. Avers. 19%. Ecological Subregionsoi"lhe l'nited
Stales. USD.-\ Fnrest Service. http:www.ls.fed.liS lanctpubs/ecoregions.'. Washington. D.C. Sirota. Judith. 2(0). Best rmnagemenl practices tor the noxious \\'eeds oflvlcsa Count). Colorado.
Tri River Area, CSl' Coop. Ext., Grand Junction, CO. World wide web publication at: http:. www.colostate.euu.·Depts.CoopExtTRA/index.htmli·main.html l'SDA, \IReS. 2(l06. Th" PLI.VTS
Datahas<" 6 \larch 2006 (htJP:planb.usd'l.~l)\) National PlarrL f);rra Center, Baton Rouge. LA 70874-4..\90 USA. l\PR Reclamation !,lan 16 ~Ly 2006
Appendix /\ Reclamation Seed Mix Pref"...-ed Species for North Parachute Ranch I'lant Communities, Ene"na Oil & (;as (USA) Inc. This tabk is pmvid,," Illl' flexibility in the tield to
adjust seed mixes tLl site t:nnditiLlns, cost and availability,. 'I'll create a custom sced mix Illr N I'R. first determine the zone whkh \VHf t!stabJish tilt: totullllllnbt::r ofspl:!cies
ill the (nix and total Iltllllbl..:r o'"sl'"eds/ll w larg~ll!d I()l" ttH.: ZOlle, I.e., 25 SLTdS/Ir-' and 5 ur 6 spc-cies for Lower Zone. 35 for rvliddle Zone. and 50 seeds/ft2 and up
to 9 spc<.:ics for Upp~r ZOlle (see recommended sL'"ed mix sCL'lioll nr report). Next, dL'tL'nni!ll: thL' spcciC'~ and the desired lIumbcr or si..."t.:ds or tll:"lt species ill the mi.\.
For cxamplc, ill a mix I'DI' lilt.: Upper .1.0111:, ~I;h.:cl X or~) SPC( ICS alld allocaLe the IHlInbcr of seeds or each species desired in the seed mix. (For example, in n 50 seed/fl.!
seed mix. ~ach species. could be allocalcd in the follo\ving 111alln~r: Grass A -X seeds/ft::, Grass B -~ seeds/no:!, Grass C 7 seeds/ft.=!, Grass L).:...;,. 7 seeds/n.:!, Forb E -'-5
sect_ls/n.!, Forb F 5 st.:eds!Ii'~, Shrub (i -5 so;!eds/n~, Shrub II -5 seeds/ft~). Then, lise the following fnnnula: Targel no. seeds/n.:! (e.g. 50);....;. No. seeds ofeHch specje~
X 4J560 (n.:!!ac) = total no. sccds of each species lac Totalilo. seeds or each specics/ac/no. sccds/lb. or that specics' TOlallbs. or I'LS or the specics in thc mix/llc COlllilllU':
leH eal:h species, Then. add Ibs of I'LS llf each specics = Total I.bs. of Mix/ae For percent by species in mix, Tot,lI Ibs. of each species/Totallbs. oi"sl.!'ed mix....:. Perccnt ofcuch
species illlllix. llllon N:llu(~"\ Soil Texture Costll.b. NO.1 "I.SIlI .... ~ IJIJltllliL"{'11 !VIlli/£' CultivarsH Adililtationl Cumlllcn[s on lIabils, Seeds/Lb. Tbd ut S.:..-d:./!"1.
~ .. '. ·dsi!"l. !~.~':d:-'/Ii . ~ l:'in:(! '/fl )()iFr! I.hs. PLS/A .. .'n.' IX, in Soils, Other t"aC(OI·~ tilllt' 'a: ~.'i/FI~ 'II Mix C-Ttvl(~r M-l~;;::I" nccdctl r\l!ill I, -.-~.---~---al
Ill(al 1-Grasses -----,----Nl.!znar 1 1 1 0 12".1'1,,"1111 •• d"plll ill "'H1J)j [ 1-+ .L±._J -J Ildi,II1 ri ~..:gra~~ ~ It ·Jllwfli •. 'rIlJlI hylll~'111 Ji( '''_\' 11alolua .1 1 I
141.000 ~'---...... :sod Rimrock ---~--.--I ks~r~J~i_~t.:'d I~~~'.~~s .-lcl/JI"lh~rt/l)J .'P~( -if }_~.!!/~~ , .l .If,-j u1 150.000 iV}DII1lI:Lin Brnllh' jll"IJ/III1\' Jual~iJJalllS
lirOillar , (J I 3 3 I IShun liv ..· d 90.000 }---(jal"ll~1 l~alll}{H:k TlIjckspik~ wht:'ltgras. .. ; /':~I'IIIU.\· /Wlt'L'o/allis CrilWw. 0 ., .1 0 0 SI!"ollgly rhi;lu!ll., long \;4.000
-\ -\-. Ii Of( '('r ,llIll/\' --.11:"..-<1 ... nd li,rUling S("hWClidilllaf 1---f--!!~}_tll'I~~ ::i_~I!.!nlSS I )j.wh. ·IIN \' -"{Iii '(~!(/~ 0 I 2 .1 .\ I~yr_:-'~~~Hlgly :,>,ilill..-~i(l:s
520,000 SlrL·amhank wh':'.ltgrass j.:~vlIlI/... lwlt'l:.'olaJ/(.\· Soda!" 0 I .J .J 0 Strollgly rhi;tom.: .. 156.000 J J.\'{nn'-!!!.!.1..J"/!.~ls -IroughllUk"ranl Primal". """=l I ~Ei
_.""-Sh:ndl..>r \VllcalglHss 1:"/\'I1/11S r. wadlyea/lIlls I Pryor ... _-() 2 .I ~ U Silon-Ilv..:d R~v~llue Si.lll Luis
I i. I' i . i , ~ _, .~. ___ • r-j rr, ,..,-, , ""-',j .~, ,. I ,,., ('-) :..,1-I
-' ,. ('uSI/I.h. --~-(-)~'-i~'I-,~I)/"'(. ~ ... . .. --_.-('(HIIIIIClU Nanu."\ Soil Tc:\(un: I.hs. Culti\:arsu AdaptationC' Comments on Habit:;, Seeds/I.b. Tbd at SC!.':tb!f1.,!~I.:l.:dSI
ti, ~ SCl.:li:;ifi. : 1·I.SI ·~u ill BIJltmicul Nallle Soib" Othcr faclors tinH.' (If' ~)II-[' (,,-J:'ifF,' la-50!!-,: 1\lh . ---needed l'tll;!I rot.1I I"l)!a\ A(.'Tl' (' Me M MF F Blw:
lla.'i. UIUIIII I(,LI';sii ___A. 21)."_~1' I .1 3 I [) '9.1,000 ,-_. --Prairil! Ask!" Ai{/( ·j;af.'nlllt/tl'/'CI 2 J 2 I IJ 4%,O(J() 1'~!Ja{ ·l~/ili.J!i(l , .. . --._--'\S~Lilll()ill
( h If Jill 'J'(·1i (~'-I'i~ . tYi!.Ii' I Eski () 2 3 2 ° NOllblLl~tlinl:!-h:gulIH.: JlJ,OOll r ._,-. R~II1UJll i··· . _.. . -------_. I Ro.:k~··~'lin. Pl!llSll!JllOn /JI.!I1ShW1UJ/::,'/ric-/u.\'
UunJcru I 3 J I () 592.0UO '._----gllii.tll hurndt . Songlli.wlr/JeI Illil.l_I!.~_· _ l)dar I 2 .i 2 Nonoloaling legume 55,UU() ----° Si.::Jrkt }!Job~"mlllJW _-"il;!!~_I,(T"A'("1 ('(I(-{'iIW(f
2 3 .\ 2 I )OllOl)(). ! . ----~---rhol'l-liv..:~I, J;.l!vd ff,,;,,;U I II<liry vdt.:h Vicia l'iJ/osa U I .I 2 I 20,()(JO lIlallllP': --_. --'\II1L'rit.:an vl:ich Vida ,wll.'ril.'lllltJ
I 2 3 3 2 N(II~:~!~ating kg,wlLl.! ,U,IJOO . , -._---Shrubs -' 11<1:-;;0 big s.agcbrush Aril!lIIl:'sio rritieilltlla iJ 1 J , 0 2'soO,OOO Il'ideillllfll -..... ----~ .iV1gLl~:_[;I_i_II_
_ !Ji_!:L~;lg~_~~.:'!.tl ----.-t. -/. -\' -US-l'\-'mU-l ----lI-oh-b-k C-r~-ck-0 2 3 2 0 2500,lJlJll --Ch~\'ry ('r~d.: ---\Vvomillg hit! s.u!chrush A. l. w~'ofl/in,-:ensis <. ion.iol1
('reek IJ .1 3 I () 2500,IJOIl ----_. .----1 __ t:~ol~:~ving si.lhbusl! A/rip/ex (·atleSl.'tfIlS .\ .3 .\ .1 I 52,OOU •...• -_., ---.. "---Slladscale .-flljp/ex c/Jnli!rlili~/;(/° 2
3 3 I 64,Y()O <..ii.lrdner saltbush A friIJ/e.r gu,.dllitri 0 I 2 3 2 111,5IJO Curl·h.-at'lIl1n ('eJ"cc}{'tli1){fS "'d!li)lim' 0 7 111;lhIH~;lnv --.\ 2 0 .W,IJOO ~!~~l!-~r-~·abl~il.l?rush
, .. 1:·1J..01!~~_t'riClII'IlISt.'osl(s SIlP. 2 .1 .1 .\ 2 400,1J1J1J ('111:1 'sot /UIII I JlIIS ~ .. Low rabbilbrusb I 3 3 2 I 7X2,OOIJ vi.\·{ ·it/illoru.\' , .-. -----Winl<:rl:lt h.rasr..:ht!lIiulJ
ikol'ia /allala I hllch , 3 -€-1 I 56,700 SkUllkbllSll SlLllI.K Hlm'i {rilob,lla /ri/ohll/(/, .1 3 I 0 20,.11)0 E , l~ilkrbrush PUI".'ilJi(1 (l'idc!ll!aw Lassen I 3 J 2 0 15,01)0 Spc:cic::s
so nmrkc.:J arc inlmo.lH':t.:u, all oth~r.s arc nallv~. I!( 'ultivars i\r.: a vi.lridy or a planl ol!vclopo.:d th)Jll a nalmai spcl.:i~s .md Illuintained under l:ullivation \Vhil~ retaining
distinguishing chanu.:lt!ristil.:s. Cuiliv.lrs Illay or Ilia), not ill' ill productiun <!ltd an: th-..;rcf()r..: unav.ailahik. (Soil Texture adapl;,iliull. (' -coar:-;;.:, MC'.;... moderatdy
coms.:, M -mediulII, Mf' -lUoJL'fUldy join\!. F -till~. U -110t adapted. I -marginal, 1 .:.... avcmgc. J -best (liraniLc St.:cd, 1004 ). lJpurl.! Liv~ Sc~d per square f()Ot d~sirr.!d
in planling lor lbe speci.:.s sc.:kclcd. Targr.!1 number ortolal sCI.!Js/n:! is ~5/t1~ I{u> Lower ZOIlI.! and riparian 10il.:, 35/n1 for rvlicJdk: I.nlll.!. iJlld 5UIIi' lolalll>l' Upper
Zone plantings. I Cool season and bUll~h grass unless olhcn.visl! 1101~d in I..'UI1lIllt!lltS (i.e. sod limning or v.'arm S~:ISOll).
Revegetation Security (To be inserted upon receipt)