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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.1 Impact Analysis Narrative FINALOXY USA WTP LP 697-16-16 and 604-12-13 Storage Sites Impact Analysis Narrative Section 4-203 (G) 1.0 Introduction The following section addresses the requirements for the Impact Analysis under Section 4-203 of the Garfield County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC). 2.0 Required Exhibits The Impact Analysis shall provide a description of the impacts that this proposed land use change may cause, based upon the standards that the proposed use must satisfy. This section includes exhibits and descriptions of how OXY USA WTP LP (OXY) will ensure that impacts will be mitigated and standards will be satisfied. 2.1 Adjacent Property Landowners An address list of real property adjacent to parcel 2169-214-00-026, the mailing address for each of the property owners and the appropriate portion of a Garfield County Assessor's Map showing the project site location and all public and private landowners adjacent to the subject parcel are provided in the Impact Analysis Tab. Also, in accordance with Garfield County's §24-65.5-101, a copy of the mineral interest owner of the subject property is located in the Impact Analysis Tab. OXY own 95% of mineral rights for the both storage site locations. 2.2 Adjacent Land Use Existing use of adjacent property and neighboring properties are natural resources extraction, public lands, and agricultural. Adjacent parcels are zoned resource lands or public lands. No additional impact would occur to the abutting property owners from the construction and/or operation of the proposed storage sites. The proposed site is located on a 7732 acre parcel. 2.3 Site Features There are no streams, areas subject to flooding, high ground water areas, and lakes within the perimeter of the proposed storage sites. An intermittent stream is located 549 feet to the southeast of the proposed 697-16-16 storage site. A perennial stream is located 713 feet to the west of the 697-16-16 site location. The streams will not be impacted by the development of the site. The 697-16-16 Hydrologic Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage Plan tab. Two perennial streams are located within one mile of the proposed 604-12-13 site located. Streams are located 1,175 feet to the west and 2,942 feet to the east of the site location. The streams will not be impacted by the development of the site. The 604-12-13 Hydrologic Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage Plan tab. The depth to groundwater is variable. Groundwater may be present at depths of 25 feet below ground surface based on area water well records from the Colorado Division of Water Resources for nearby wells. There are no permitted water wells shown in Section 4 or Section 5 nor in the immediate vicinity of the Site. The sites have been designed to direct any surface water away from the sites. Both sites were previously graded and were designed to minimize impacts. Stormwater controls and mitigation efforts are detailed in the Drainage Report in the Grading and Drainage tab. Impact Analysis Narrative Garfield County Administrative Review, 2015 Page 1 of 5 OXY USA WTP LP 697-16-16 and 604-12-13 Storage Sites The sites and access roads are maintained gravel and have minimal to no vegetation. The surrounding areas consist of mixed mountain scrub -shrub habitat dominated by sagebrush and Gambel's oak. The project areas are mostly disturbed and no evidence of use by wildlife or raptors was observed. The Environmental Impact Assessments can be located in the Impact Analysis tab. Descriptions of existing flora and fauna habitat, and migration routes present in the vicinity of the project sites can be found in the reports. Climate of the area is arid with an average annual precipitation of 11.58 inches according to the Western Regional Climate Center. Site photos are provided in the Impact Analysis Tab. 2.4 Soil Characteristics The proposed 697-16-16 storage site is underlain by soils mapped by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service as the Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association. The subject soil is shallow to deep and well -drained soil found on 25 percent to 50 percent slopes. The 697-16-16 Soil Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage tab. The proposed 604-12-13 storage site is underlain by soils mapped by the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service as the Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association and the Parachute-Irigul complex. The Parachute-Irigul-Rhone association is shallow to deep and well -drained soil found on 25 percent to 50 percent slopes on mountains and ridges. The Parachute-Irigul complex is shallow to deep and well -drained soil found on 5 percent to 30 percent slopes on mountains and ridges. The 604-12-13 Soil Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage tab. 2.5 Geology and Hazard 604-12-13 Storage Site The bedrock underlying the 604-12-13 Site is composed of the Unita Formation is underlain by the Tertiary age Green River Formation. These units are composed of claystone, siltstone, shale, and marlstone. The site and access road are not located within an area that has been mapped with landslide hazard areas. The proposed sites will be located on an arid plateau. Proposed storage sites are not located within a 100-yearflood plain. Geologic hazards were identified outside the perimeter of the 604-12-13 site. These include steep slopes and potential rock fall. The site has been designed to mitigate these potential hazards. The Site and access road are in an area with potential for rockfall. Rockfall areas are present to the southwest in the steep precipices. The site is located between two drainages that flow toward the Cascade Canyon. There are apparent rockfall areas along the steep sides of the canyon that have occurred in the past, and therefore have the potential for future rockfalls. The Site will be constructed with a buffer area around the perimeter to protect it in the event of rock falls. The Geologic Hazards Reports and Slope Stability Report are located in the Impact Analysis tab. The Slope Hazard Analysis prepared by D.R. Griffin & Associates shows the areas surrounding the site have greater than 30% slope. The 604-12-13 Annex Site is not expected to have any above grade structures constructed on it and will be used for the storage of equipment and materials. Proposed BMPs and mitigation efforts are detailed in the Drainage Report. The Slope Stability Report concluded the 604-12-13 site is located in a stable geologic location. Impact Analysis Narrative Garfield County Administrative Review, 2015 Page 2 of 5 OXY USA WTP LP 697-16-16 and 604-12-13 Storage Sites 697-16-16 Storage Site The bedrock underlying the proposed Site is composed of the lower part of the Green River Formation. These units are composed of claystone, siltstone, shale, and marlstone. Geologic hazards were identified outside the perimeter of the 697-16-16 Storage Site. These include steep slopes and potential landslides, debris flow, and rock fall. The site has been designed to mitigate these potential hazards. Berms are located on the eastern perimeter of the site. The Geologic Hazard report is located in the Impact Analysis tab. The Grading and Drainage Plan is located in the Grading and Drainage Plan tab. The Slope Stability Report concluded the 697-16-16 site is located in a stable geologic location. Photos and constructed mitigation features are detailed in the Slope Stability Report, prepared by Don Berger, Rock Solid Solutions, located in the Impact Analysis tab. 604-12-13 and 697-16-16 Storage Sites The Slope Stability Report determined the proposed sites were designed and constructed to provide for safe access to and from the pad as well as for use in drilling, operations and storage of materials. The proposed sites will be located on an arid plateau. Proposed storage sites are not located within a 100-yearflood plain. Site locations are pre-existing and no structures will be installed on site. A Geologic Hazards Report was conducted for both sites. The report findings c stated that Geologic Hazard Report, Slope Stability Report, and Site Photos are located in the Impact Analysis tab. 2.6 Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas The 100 -year floodplain boundaries are well outside the immediate vicinity of the proposed 697- 16-16 and 604-12-13 storage sites. Floodplain and flood fringe delineations are depicted in the Floodplain Figure located in the Grading and Drainage tab. There are no streams, areas subject to flooding, high ground water areas, and lakes within the perimeter of the proposed storage sites. An intermittent stream is located 549 feet to the southeast of the proposed 697-16-16 storage site. A perennial stream is located 713 feet to the west of the 697-16-16 site location. The streams will not be impacted by the development of the site. The 697- 16-16 Hydrologic Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage Plan tab. The Hydrologic Setting was analyzed for both sites and findings are stated in the Geologic Hazards Report, located in the Impact Analysis tab. Two perennial streams are located within one mile of the proposed 604-12-13 storage site. These streams are located 1,175 feet to the west and 2,942 feet to the east of the site location. The streams will not be impacted by the development of the site. The 604-12-13 Hydrologic Figure is located in the Grading and Drainage Plan tab. OXY has prepared and utilizes the state approved Cascade Creek Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP). Implementation of the SWMP ensures that activities comply with stormwater management as required by Garfield County, the State of Colorado, and the EPA. Implementation of the plan also mitigates the potential for OXY to pollute surface runoff, stream flow, or groundwater. The Cascade Creek Development Stormwater Plan, Permit, and extension letter are provided in the Grading and Drainage tab. 2.7 Environmental Effects Determination of the existing environmental conditions on the parcel to be developed and the effects of development on those conditions, including: a. Determination of the long-term and short-term effect on flora and fauna; Impact Analysis Narrative Garfield County Administrative Review, 2015 Page 3 of 5 OXY USA WTP LP 697-16-16 and 604-12-13 Storage Sites b. Determination of the effect on designated environmental resources, including critical Wildlife Habitat; 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; Oxy contracted ERO Resources Corporation (ERO) to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment for the proposed storage sites. The assessment determined the locations of the storage sites will not cause significant disturbance to flora or fauna since sites location have been previously graded. The proposed site locations will be constructed on previously disturbed ground and are located within an area of similar development. The Environmental Impact Assessment, prepared by ERO, is located in the Impact Analysis tab. Descriptions of existing flora and fauna habitat, wildlife and migration routes present in the vicinity of the project site can be found in the report. d. Evaluation of any potential radiation hazard that may have been identified by the State or County Health Departments; and No potential radiation hazard has been identified by the state or County Health Department. 2.8 Nuisance Nuisance from noise, lighting, and dust is not anticipated. No lighting or utilities will be installed at the proposed sites. In the event that temporary lighting is required, all temporary lighting will be directed inward, towards the interior of the proposed sites. All lighting will adhere to the Lighting Standards stated in Article 7 of the Garfield County LUDC. The sites will be accessed by a private lease road currently owned and maintained by OXY. Both sites are located on a 7732 acre parcel, surrounding by public land and other resource lands parcels. The proposed sites were previously developed and no grading activities will be required. The only construction activities for the proposed storage sites will be the delivery of gravel. Gravel delivery will result in an estimate of two dump trucks vehicles accessing the sites. Vehicle activities during the operations phase are not expected to be daily, but rather intermittent with three (3) vehicles (six trips) for stormwater inspections and vegetation management every month per site. The equipment and materials that will be brought to the facilities are from near -by well pads and will be reused in the general area. The proposed storage use is expected to generate few additional trips to the public roads by providing a place for extra materials and equipment that would otherwise be hauled in or out of the larger field. The traffic report determined that the increase in traffic is negligible. However, the report stated that two locations along CR 213 were identified where maintenance -type improvements should be considered. Details on suggested improvements are provided in the Traffic Report, located in the Impact Analysis tab. 2.9 Hours of Operation Impact Analysis Narrative Garfield County Administrative Review, 2015 Page 4 of 5 OXY USA WTP LP 697-16-16 and 604-12-13 Storage Sites The proposed storage areas will not be manned on a continuous basis with personnel only being present during unloading and loading of equipment and supplies. Access to the site will be infrequent, but allow access full time to accommodate other facilities. The sites are not located in close proximity to any residences and are located in and adjacent to the Resource Lands zone district. Adjacent land uses include natural resource activities and public lands. Impact Analysis Narrative Garfield County Administrative Review, 2015 Page 5 of 5