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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.01 NarrativeNorth Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycling System Garfield County Special Use Permit Narrative December 2008 Applicant: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 2717 CR 215, Suite 100 Parachute, CO 81635 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Project Overview 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Description 1 1.3 Purpose and Need 1 1.4 Location 1 1.5 Project Design 1 1.6 Attachments 3 2.0 Section 5.03 Conditional and Special Uses 4 2.1 Water and Sanitation Utilities 4 2.2 Access 4 2.3 Neighborhood Character 4 3.0 Section 5.03.07 Industrial Operations 4 3.1 Existing Lawful Use of Water 5 3.2 Generation of Vapor, Dust, Smoke, Noise, Glare or Vibration 5 3.3 Wildlife and Domestic Animals 5 3.4 Traffic Impacts 6 3.5 Abutting Property 6 3.6 Reclamation Plan 6 3.7 Emergency Response Plan 6 4.0 Section 5.03.08 Industrial Performance Standards 7 4.1 Sound Volume 7 4.2 Vibration 7 4.3 Smoke and Particulate Matter 7 4.4 Heat, Glare, Radiation, and Fumes 7 4.5 Storage 8 This facility is not anticipated to accommodate the storage of flammable or explosive solids or gases, waste material, or heavy equipment. .., 8 4.6 Water Pollution 8 ATTACHMENTS Application Tab Narrative Tab Maps Tab Ownership Tab Deed & Legal Tab Environmental Tab Supporting Documentation Tab Stormwater Tab Emergency Tab Reclamation Tab North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycling System 1.0 PROJECT OVERVIEW 1.1 Background EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. (EnCana) requests a Special Use Permit (SUP) from the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for an Industrial Support Facility (North Parachute Ranch (NPR) Drill Fluid Recycling System (DFRS)) for the transfer of water for re -use in the process of drilling and completing natural gas wells on the NPR. 1.2 Description The DFRS will consist of pits on multiple well pads which are connected by a series of existing and future temporary surface and permanent buried pipelines. Temporary diesel and natural gas powered pumps will transfer the water from pit to pit as needed for natural gas operations on the NPR. The water will be periodically sent to the Middle Fork Water Storage Facility (Resolution No. 2005 -45) for treatment and storage before re- entering the DFRS. A copy of the Middle Fork Water Storage Facility Special Use Permit is available for reference in the Supporting Documentation Tab. All activities directly related to the DFRS will be conducted on COGCC permitted well pads. 1.3 Purpose and Need The NPR DFRS is proposed by EnCana to address the issue of efficiency and truck traffic on EnCana's NPR. EnCana has designed a system that will transport water with pumps using permanent and temporary pipelines. The impact for traffic on the NPR specifically will be significantly reduced by approximately 120,000 trips per year. Traffic on County Road 215 will be reduced as well. The reduction in traffic reduces feel consumption, emissions, and the potential for harm to human health and the environment. The implementation of this system also reduces the need for fresh water by recycling the water used for the drilling and completion of a well. 1.4 Location The Proposed DFRS is completely contained on EnCana's NPR, which is located approximately 8.5 miles north northwest of the Town of Parachute. The NPR is owned by EnCana. The deed to the NPR and specific legal descriptions pertaining to this project can be found in the Deed & Legal Tab. 1.5 Project Design This } ecycling operation will utilize existing and future pits for treatment and storage. These pits are, or will be, located on well pads permitted and constructed to, or above, the standards set by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) for drill fluid collection and storage during drilling operations. The pits are connected by a series of pipelines that minimize the need for truck transport of fresh water, produced water, flaw - back water, #rac- water, and drilling fluids. Special Use Permit Narrative 1 December 2008 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycleing System EnCana has existing and future pads where pits may be constructed and utilized as part of the recycling operations. Existing pits are, and future pits will be, permitted through the COGCC. These pits will be integrated into an existing drill fluid recycling system at the Middle Fork Water Storage Facility on the NPR. The Garfield County Special Use Permit for the Middle Fork Water Storage Facility is in the Supporting Documentation Tab. Activities for this project will begin with the following pads: Region of NPR Drill Pad ID Region of NPR Drill Pad ID East Fork A28 East Fork L29 East Fork C27 East Fork N30 East Fork C27A Middle Fork D19 East Fork C28 West Fork A15 East Fork D27 West Fork H22 East Fork D28 West Fork J22 East Fork G29 West Fork 125A East Fork H29A West Fork K22 East Fork 139 West Fork K25A East Fork 130A West Fork K26 East Fork J27 Additional pits will be phased into recycling operations as drilling operations continue on the NPR. Pits will be used as transfer pits or as mud processing /dewatering pits. The locations of recycling operations will be determined on an 4s- needed basis in order to match drilling and completion operations. The DFRS minimizes fresh water use and water hauling by truck while maintaining efficient development. In order to meet drilling and completion needs, EnCana plans to use Garfield County's permit amendment process available in 2009 to accommodate the need for flexibility associated with this facility. The recycled water in the DFRS will be re -used for subsurface well drilling (as opposed to surface drilling, which requires the use of fresh water) and completion and production activities, thereby reducing EnCana's demands on fresh water supplies. The DFRS is anticipated to result in an average fresh -water savings of approximately 30,000- to 60,000 - bbls per day, 2 Special Use Permit Narrative December 2008 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycling System The DFRS includes existing and future temporary surface and permanent buried pipelines that have been and will continue to be used to transport fluids from pad to pad and to the Middle Fork Water Storage Facility for processing. The pits may be used up to 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, for the duration of EnCana's natural gas development in the NPR. The pits will be closed when they are no longer needed, which is expected to be within two to three years of initial drill fluid recycling activity. All pits will be closed and reclaimed as described in the COGCC rules and as also described in EnCana's Reclamation Plan attached in the Reclamation Tab. There is no anticipation of any additional construction of structures in association with the existing pits. If structures are needed in the future, EnCana will permit these facilities as Garfield County requires. As operations develop, future pits will replace existing pits. There is no current need for additional utilities to be used in association with these pits. 1.6 Attachments Application Tab Garfield County Special Use Permit Application Agreement to Pay Statement of Authority Narrative Tab Detailed Narrative Maps Tab Vicinity Maps Detailed Driving Directions From the Town of Parachute GPS Coordinates Specific Site Plans Assessors Map Ownership Tab List of Adjacent Landowners Assessors Map Deed & Legal Tab Site - Specific Schedule Deeds Supporting Documentation Tab Quit Claim Deed (Water Rights) Middle Fork Water Storage Facility Special Use Permit Special Use Permit Narrative 3 December 2008 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycleing System Environmental Tab Environmental Sound Level Measurement Survey Phase III Middle Fork Compressor Station Stormwater Tab North Parachute Ranch Stormwater Management PIan Emergency Tab Emergency Response Plan for the North Parachute Ranch Reclamation Tab Reclamation Plan for the North Parachute Ranch 2.0 SECTION 5.03 CONDITIONAL AND SPECIAL USES The following sections address impacts as required by Section 5.03 of the Garfield County Land Use and Zoning Regulations. 2.1 Water and Sanitation Utilities Due to the nature of the well pads, permanent water and sanitation facilities are not feasible. Bottled water will be available for drinking and porta johns will meet the sanitation needs for the well pads associated with the DFRS. 2.2 Access The DFRS is located entirely on the NPR and access is gained therein. The guard shack, which regulates entry into the NPR, is located on County Road 215 approximately 10 miles north of the Town of Parachute. 2.3 Neighborhood Character The DFRS is located in an oil and gas industrial setting and minimal visual impact would occur to the general public or adjacent property owners from any construction and /or operation of these facilities. The nearest residence is approximately 3 miles to the south of the NPR guard gate, and the other adjacent property owners are also involved in and currently operating natural gas processing and mineral extraction facilities. The DFRS would not change the existing neighborhood character. 3.0 SECTION 6.03.07 INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS The following sections address impacts as required by Section 5.03.07 of the Garfield County Land Use and Zoning Regulations. 4 Special Use Permit Narrative December 2008 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycling System 3.1 Existing Lawful Use of Water EnCana has prepared and utilizes the North Parachute Ranch Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCCP) for Gas Gathering Facilities. Implementation of these plans ensures that activities associated with the DFRS comply with stormwater management and spill prevention controls and countermeasures as required by Garfield County, the State of Colorado, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Implementation of these plans also mitigates the potential for EnCana to pollute surface runoff, stream flow, or groundwater. Copies of the SWMP and SPCCP are provided in the Stormwater Tab. A Quit Claim Deed delineating EnCana's water rights is contained in the Supporting Documentation Tab. 3.2 Generation of Vapor, Dust, Smoke, Noise, Glare or Vibration EnCana does not foresee the generation of vapor or smoke. Equipment operation such as portable transfer pumps within the locations and trucks loading and unloading equipment and supplies from the locations may produce vapor or smoke similar to vehicles traveling on roads, which is a standard by- product of equipment operation. EnCana would apply water, gravel, tackifier, or other equivocal measures as necessary to prevent fugitive dust emissions from vehicles traveling in the project area. EnCana has completed a sound level study for the existing Middle Fork Compressor Station. The survey results confirm the existing facilities (with 30,000 horsepower of electric- driven compressor units running) are in compliance with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) noise regulations. The survey indicated that the sound levels for the Middle Fork Compressor Station were, "completely inaudible at all of the property -Iine and residential measurement locations." A report on the results of the sound level survey is provided in the Environmental Tab. The only noise generated from the DFRS will be from portable generators and pumps. Noise will be far less than the drilling and natural gas processing operations already occurring on the NPR. Therefore, noise impacts to adjacent land are not anticipated. EnCana will use portable light plants to meet lighting needs required for the DFRS. All lighting will be directed inward and downward so as to minimize glare to the extent possible. Minor vibration may occur from operation of tire - mounted equipment and portable pumps; however, vibrations would not be noticeable at the property line, 3.3 Wildlife and Domestic Animals Prior to selecting a well pad location, EnCana evaluates potential drilling sites for wetlands, presence of threatened and endangered species, water quality, and revegetation potential. Existing well pads have been sited to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife and future well pads will be sited with the same considerations. Special Use Permit Narrative 5 December 100$ North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycleing System The implementation of the DFRS on well pad locations permitted through the COGCC will not result in additional impacts on wildlife or domestic animals. Construction of well pads will have a short -term, localized impact on existing vegetation until the pads are reclaimed and revegetation efforts are successful. The implementation of the DFRS will likely have a positive impact on the wildlife on the NPR due to the decrease in truck traffic associated with its use. 3.4 Traffic Impacts Activity at the NPR is anticipated to decrease significantly with the implementation of the DFRS. It is anticipated that the transfer of water through the use of this facility would reduce truck traffic on the NPR by 120,000 truck trips per year. Consequently, traffic on County Road 215 would also be reduced. This would decrease potential vehicle /wildlife encounters on County Road 215 and on the NPR. 3.5 Abutting Property The nearest residence is approximately 3 miles to the south of the NPR guard gate providing substantial geographic relief. The remaining abutting property owners are also involved and currently operating natural gas processing or mineral extraction facilities, so no additional impact would occur to the abutting property owner from the construction and /or operation of the DFRS. 3.6 Reclamation Plan EnCana has developed the North Parachute Reclamation Plan as a guide for declaiming disturbed areas as a result of constructing well pads, access road, compressor stations, facilities and pipelines. The North Parachute Ranch Reclamation Plan is included in the Reclamation Tab. Existing and future pits will be located on well pads permitted by the COGCC. EnCana will complete interim reclamation of the well pad in accordance with COGCC rules and regulations. After drilling and completion operations have been completed for all the wells permitted on a well pad, EnCana will complete final reclamation in accordance with COGCC rules and regulations. 3.7 Emergency Response Plan The DFRS will comply with all EnCana safety practices and emergency response procedures. EnCana's Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and emergency contact numbers are provided in the `Emergency Response Plan Tab." The ERP describes the functional roles and accountabilities for life safety, property damage, and environmental response. The ERP also describes the communication and notification protocols to engage support, based on the nature and complexity of the emergency. 6 Special Use Permit Narrative December 2008 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycling System A survey package for the proposed DFRS is included in the Maps Tab. The survey package includes a vicinity map, detailed driving directions from the Town of Parachute, and GPS coordinates. EnCana will provide a copy of the survey package to the Garfield County Sheriffs Office, Dispatch, Planning Department, and to the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. EnCana will reimburse the appropriate emergency service provider for costs incurred in connection with emergency response far activities associated with this project. 4.0 SECTION 5.03.08 INDUSTRIAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS All operations at the DFRS would comply with applicable county, state, and federal regulations regulating water, air, and noise pollution and would not be conducted in a manner constituting a public nuisance or hazard. Operations would be conducted in a manner as to minimize heat, dust, smoke, vibration, glare and odor and all other undesirable environmental effects beyond the boundaries of the property. The following section address compliance with the standards set forth in Garfield County Zoning Regulations 5.03.08. 4.1 Sound Volume As previously described in detail in Section 3.2 above, EnCana is confident that sound levels from the DFRS would be in compliance with COGCC regulations. 4.2 Vibration Minor vibration may occur from operation of tire- mounted equipment, portable pumps, and generators; however, vibrations would not be noticeable at the property line. EnCana would provide vibration mitigation to meet all vibration regulation requirements. Vibrations would not be noticeable at the fenced property boundary of the DFRS. 4.3 Smoke and Particulate Matter EnCana would apply water, gravel, taekifrer, or other equivocal measures as necessary to prevent fugitive dust emissions from equipment and /or vehicles traveling in the project area. 4.4 Heat, Glare, Radiation, and Fumes No heat generation is anticipated in association with the DFRS and would not be detectable at the property boundaries. Potential glare from installation of lighting (currently not anticipated) will be minimized by directing any outside lighting downward and inward to the facility. No radiation would be produced and the only potential fumes would be from portable pumps and generators associated with the DFRS, Adjacent property would not be affected and a public nuisance or hazard would not be created. Special Use Permit Narrative 7 December 2006 North Parachute Ranch Drill Fluid Recycleing System 4.5 Storage This facility is not anticipated to accommodate the storage of flammable or explosive solids or gases, waste material, or heavy equipment. 4.6 Water Pollution EnCana has prepared and utilizes the North Parachute Ranch SWMP and SPCCP. Implementation of these plans ensures that activities comply with stormwater management and spill prevention controls and countermeasures as required by Garfield County, the State of Colorado, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Implementation of these plans also mitigates the potential for EnCana to pollute surface runoff, stream flow, or groundwater. Copies of the SWMP and SPCCP are provided in the Stormwater Tab. 8 Special Use Permit Narrative December 2008