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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.05 Impact Analysis Article 4-203.G Impact Analysis Ursa Operating Company LLC Speakman A Injection Well OA Project No. 013-3151 760 Horizon Road, Suite 102 TEL 970.263.7800 Grand Junction, CO 81506 FAX 970.263.7456 www.olssonassociates.com Article 4 – Impact Analysis Ursa Operating Company LLC Speakman A Injection Well SECTION 4-203.G. IMPACT ANALYSIS 1. Adjacent Land Use The adjacent uses within a 1500 foot radius of the site primarily consist of agricultural activities, natural gas extraction, public lands, and open space for a PUD (see Adjacent Uses Map). The proposed use is consistent with existing uses in the surrounding area. These uses will not be adversely impacted by construction and operation of the injection well as it will be drilled on an existing natural gas well pad. There are rural zone district residences to the west and north of the proposed injection well. 2. Site Features The site is located on private lands located approximately 0.75 miles southwest of Battlement Mesa, Colorado, off of County Road (CR) 300 in the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ of Section 24, Township 7 South, Range 96 West of the 6th P.M. Access to the site is via Daybreak Drive off of CR 300. The project site encompasses approximately 4.6 acres at an elevation of 5,183 feet. No geologic hazards have been mapped by Garfield County in this area, and no faults or other hazards are evident on the Geologic Map of Colorado. Native vegetation near the pad site is consistent with sagebrush communities and pinyon/ juniper woodlands that occur in the Colorado River valley corridor. Below the site, much of the area is pastureland that leads into a riparian plant community. No significant natural features are located in close proximity to the project area. As a result of applying engineering design criteria, detailed in the accompanying drawings, implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMPs), and Ursa’s industry BMPs, the facility will not affect the surrounding vegetation and water resources. 3. Soil Characteristics The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils Map shows the area soil types. Soils consisting of the following units are within the study area around Speakman Pad A UIC well:  Potts Loam, 6 to 12 % slopes, Map Symbol 56: The Potts loam is a deep, well drained, moderately sloping to rolling soil found on mesas, benches, and the sides of valleys at elevations between 5,000 feet and 7,000 feet. The soil formed in alluvium derived Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 2 from sandstone, shale, or basalt. Permeability is moderate, and the available water capacity is high. Community and recreational development are limited by low strength, shrink/swell potential, and slope. Dwellings and roads can be designed to overcome these limitations.  Potts Ildefonso Complex, 12-25% slopes, Map Symbol 58: The Potts Ildefonso complex are described as strongly sloping to hilly soils that are found on mesas, alluvial fans, and the sides of valleys at elevations ranging from 5,000 feet to 6,500 feet. The Potts soils are as described above, while the Ildefonso soil formed in strongly calcareous, basaltic alluvium, with small amounts of eolian material. The unit is deep, and well drained. The Ildefonso soil typically has a stony surface layer of brown loam, while the underlying material is white, calcareous, and very stony. Permeability is moderately rapid, surface runoff is medium, and the erosion hazard is moderate. Community and recreational development is limited by low strength, shrink/swell potential and very steep slopes. The Potts soil makes up approximately 60% of the unit, and the Ildefonso soil makes about 30% of the unit, with the Morval and Lazear soils making up the remaining 10%. The Morval soils are at higher elevations, and the Lazear soils are shallow and are found on ridge crests and steep mountain sides. 4. Geology and Hazard For a full report of the Geology and Soils Hazards, see the Geologic Hazard Report included in this submittal. The Speakman Pad A UIC well pad Site is located in the southeastern part of the Piceance Basin. The Piceance Basin is an irregularly-shaped elongated basin formed by tectonic forces associated with the Laramide orogeny. These forces down warped the earth’s crust and formed the Piceance Basin as a result of the uplift of the surrounding Colorado Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau. The Piceance Basin is the major structural geologic feature in the region. It is bound to the east by the Grand Hogback monocline, the White River Uplift to the northeast, the Gunnison Uplift to the south, the Uncompahgre Uplift to the south and southwest, the Douglas Creek Arch to the west-northwest, and the axial basin uplift to the north. Sedimentary rocks in the southwestern Piceance Basin gently dip to the north – northeast except where this regional dip is interrupted by low-amplitude folds. Numerous small subparallel northwest trending folds have been identified in the Green River Formation within the basin. The Divide Creek and Wolf Creek anticlines are two gentle, north- northwest trending, gas producing intrabasin folds located near the eastern margin of the Piceance Basin. There are no mapped faults shown in the area of the site on the Geologic and Structure Map of the Grand Junction Quadrangle, Garfield County, Colorado or on the Preliminary Geologic Map of the Grand Valley Quadrangle, Garfield County, Colorado. Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 3 5. Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas The Site is located on a terrace above the Colorado River flood plain. The Colorado River is located approximately 2,000 feet to the north-northwest. The Dry Creek drainage is located approximately 1,645 feet to the west. There is an unnamed drainage that runs along the base of the High Mesa located approximately 700 feet to the northeast of the Site. The shallow aquifer in the area of the proposed Site consists of earthflow, soil creep, landslide, and fan gravels of the Grand Mesa formation as mapped by Yeend and Donnell (See Geologic Hazard Report for more information). The estimated groundwater flow direction is likely to be sub-parallel with the Colorado River, flowing north-northwest toward the Colorado River through the center and northern part of the proposed site. These deposits are shown on the Geology Map. Shallow ground water is also present within the alluvial gravels of the Colorado River, and its tributary drainages. Based on a review of permitted water wells in the vicinity of the site, static water levels range between 43 feet and 85 feet below ground surface (bgs). The proposed injection well will be utilized to dispose of water from Ursa’s operations in the Battlement Mesa area. The proposed well will be permitted and approved for operation by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) (see COGCC Permits section of this submittal). The COGCC review process is intended to address any issues related to potential impacts to groundwater. This well will be operated in strict accordance with COGCC regulations and the approved permit criteria and Conditions of Approval. Environmentally sound and safe operation of the proposed injection well is assured with the implementation of the following leak detection and emergency controls:  Bradenhead Pressure Alarm: monitors surface casing pressure;  Wireless Casing Pressure Monitor/Transmitter: monitors casing pressure;  Wireless Tubing Pressure Monitor/Transmitter: monitors tubing pressure; and  Remote Shut Down Controls: the injection well is equipped with a standalone remote telemetry (shutdown) unit that would allow the injection well to continue to operate (but shut down if any alarms or operational issues occur) in the event that the operator loses contact with the injection well; it is solar powered and has a backup battery power supply. Each control is designed to notify the operator regarding any issues with the injection well, and the controls have the capability to remotely shut down the well, without operator assistance. In addition to the injection well controls listed above, Ursa will have additional controls, which consist of:  Filter Pod Pressure Alarms: monitors filters and notifies operator when to replace filter;  Pump(s) supporting the injection well are equipped with Programmable Logic Controls, which monitors the pump package and pressures; and  The pump(s) are also equipped with Low Oil Level Alarms and monitor flow rates, including the maximum daily pressure/volume (as set by the COGCC). Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 4 The facility will be covered under a site-specific Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plan (SPCC) and Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) construction stormwater management plans and COGCC post-construction stormwater management plans (see appropriate sections included in this submittal). 6. Environmental Impacts See the Impact Analysis: Section 4-203-G (8) Environmental Impacts Report prepared by WestWater Engineering and the Geologic Hazard Report prepared by Olsson Associates for a full analyses of the Environmental Impacts. The project area was evaluated for threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species, including Greater Sage Grouse, listed in Garfield County. Designated critical habitat for two endangered fish species (Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker) occurs in the Colorado River adjacent to the project, and these species have been documented near Parachute. Designated critical habitat for two additional species (bonytail and humpback chub) occurs downstream of the project near Grand Junction. No other species listed in Garfield County would be expected, as habitat conditions are not appropriate for these species. a. Determination of long-term and short-term effects on flora and fauna Flora The injection well would be placed within the existing disturbance of the Speakman A well pad and no additional native vegetation would be removed for construction. No special status plant occurrences are known to exist nearby. No special status plants would be directly affected by development of the injection well and indirect effects would be unlikely because the area surrounding the existing pad was previously developed for agriculture. Noxious weeds occurring in the area are discussed in an accompanying IVNWMP prepared by WestWater for this project. Fauna Colorado River Endangered Fishes: Designated critical habitat for two endangered fish species (Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker) occurs in the Colorado River adjacent to the project, and critical habitat for two additional species (bonytail and humpback chub) occurs downstream of the project near Grand Junction. Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker have been documented in the river nearly to Rifle. Potential impacts would be limited to runoff from storms or snowmelt that carry increased sediment loads or pollutants from the well pad to the river. Implementation of a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), and Best Management Practices (BMPs) associated with this type of project will provide a good degree of mitigation for any potential impacts. Garfield County Road 300 and its associated stormwater management features create Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 5 an additional mitigating feature. There would be no anticipated depletions that could affect aquatic species associated with the project. Raptors: No raptor nesting habitat is directly affected. There is a low possibility for long-term effects other than the loss of foraging habitat within the footprint of the well pad. Short-term effects include temporary displacement of raptors in an avoidance area immediately surrounding the well due to increased human presence and equipment activity associated with construction, operation, and maintenance of an injection well. American Elk and Mule Deer: No additional habitat loss will occur from development of the injection well. No migration corridors are affected. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution by creating avoidance areas and increasing stress on wintering big game. Over time, deer and elk that winter in this area have become habituated to human activity and the indirect effects of avoidance and displacement have decreased. An increase in vehicle traffic could result in additional vehicle related wildlife mortality, although additional traffic resulting from this project would contribute minimally, given current traffic volumes on the existing county road. Traffic volumes and speed on the private road accessing the site are unlikely to result in significant animal mortality from vehicles. Fences can pose an increased risk to big game and any fencing around the facility should be constructed according to published standards that reduce impacts to big game. Black Bear and Mountain Lion: Potential encounters of black bear with construction personnel could occur if garbage or food is available to resident bears and incidences of human-black bear interactions sometimes result in the euthanasia of offending bears by the CPW. An increase in traffic could result in vehicle related mortalities, although the contribution from this project is expected to be low. Small Mammals, Birds (BCC), and Reptiles: No additional vegetation removal would be required for development of the injection well and no additional habitat would be lost. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution. An increase in traffic could result in vehicle related mortalities, although the contribution from this project is expected to be low. b. Determination of the effect on designated environmental resources, including critical Wildlife Habitat Placement of this project within the boundaries of an existing development has resulted in avoidance of additional contributions to cumulative effects of habitat alteration and fragmentation in the region. The development of the project is not expected to significantly affect any critical environmental resources. Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 6 c. Impacts on wildlife and domestic animals through creation of hazardous attractions, alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration routes, use patterns, or other disruptions  Creation of hazardous conditions: Some passerine bird species and small mammals may choose to inhabit or nest on equipment or objects at the site. The inherent risks associated with these structures are low. By closing or covering all ports, hatches, cavities, and openings (such as the ends of pipes), this potential is decreased. Most non-game bird species and their nests are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C. 703-712; Ch. 128; July 13, 1918; 40 Stat. 755) and damaging occupied nests could be considered a “take” resulting in a violation. Livestock and big game will likely avoid the project site.  Indirect Construction Effects: Additional human presence and activity related to construction, operation, and maintenance of an injection well may influence spatial and temporal use of habitat surrounding the project by wildlife. Since the site exists adjacent to significant and long-term human presence, the additional disturbance from this project is expected to be low.  Road-kill: Speed limits are set low and most wildlife in the area has become habituated to vehicle traffic. The potential for vehicle related mortalities related to this project should be low. d. Evaluation of any potential radiation hazard that may have been identified by the State or County Health Departments Naturally occurring radioactive materials are not expected to be an issue at the Site. Colorado oil and gas operations are not known to have a significant problem with naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) or technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM); however, there have been some instances where pipe scale has contained radium and associated radon gas. A NORM survey including site specific testing could be performed to further assess the radon potential at the Site to serve as a baseline assessment if used pipe or pipe scale is to be disposed offsite in the future. Olsson reviewed the Colorado Bulletin 40, Radioactive Mineral Occurrences of Colorado which states that nearly all of Garfield County’s uranium production came before1954, and most of that came from the Rifle and Garfield mines, located along the same ore body near the town of Rifle. These occurrences were all hosted in the Jurassic Morrison and Entrada Formations, and the Triassic-Jurassic Navajo Sandstone, or the Triassic Chinle Formation which are known to contain uranium and vanadium deposits in the county and in the Colorado Plateau in general. These formations lie at great depth in the vicinity of the Site and are stratigraphically below the depth of the Wasatch Formation. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has posted a statewide radon potential map on their website based on data collected by the EPA and the U.S. Geological Survey. Garfield County and most of Colorado has been Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 7 mapped as being within Zone 1 – High Radon Potential, or having a high probability that indoor radon concentrations will exceed the EPA action level of 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Radon is not expected to be a significant problem at the proposed site since the development will not include any permanent structures, personnel will not be onsite for extended periods, and the site will not be developed with structures containing basements or substructures in which radon can accumulate. 7. Nuisance Adjacent lands will not be impacted by the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare, or vibration beyond those impacts of the current natural gas activities taking place on the well pad. Ursa will apply the appropriate level of controls to accommodate potential impacts via adherence to CDPHE Air Quality regulations and the implementation of industry BMPs included in the SWMP and Ursa’s dust control plan. This proposed use will comply with Colorado Revised State Statutes and COGCC Rules regarding noise impacts at all times. A sound barrier has been erected and will remain in place through completions to minimize noise. The pad and access road are graveled to reduce fugitive dust, which will be controlled using water or other dust suppressants. Remote monitoring will be used to reduce truck traffic and fugitive dust to the extent practical. Aboveground facilities will be managed to minimize visual effects (e.g. painted to blend with environment). 8. Hours of Operation The proposed injection well facility will be accessible to Ursa personnel and their contractors 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year. Daily inspections will be conducted by local operations personnel. Operations and maintenance of the proposed facility will be coordinated with the existing operations in the area. Monitoring of operations will typically be performed periodically during the daylight hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm by an Ursa employee arriving via pickup truck. Ursa Operating Company Speakman A Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 8 This page left blank for two-sided printing.