HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.5 7-202 697-16-16 WHS ReportERQ
ERO Resources Corp.
Denver
1842 Clarkson St.
Denver, CO 80218
303.830.1 188
Boise
3314 Grace St.
Boise, ID 83703
208.373.7983
Durango
1015'/ Main Avenue
Durango, CO 81301
970.422.2136
Western Slope
P.O. Box 932
161 South 2nd St.
Hotchkiss, CO 81419
970.872.3020
www.eroresources.com
October 23, 2014
Katy Middleton
Blue Sky Permitting and Planning, LLC
9321 54 Road
Mesa, CO 81643
(Email -delivered)
RE: Wildlife Health Standards Analysis
OXY USA WTP LP Proposed 697-16-16 Storage Area
Dear Ms. Middleton,
On October 7, 2014, ERO Resources Corporation (ERO) conducted a biological
resource survey for the proposed 697-16-16 storage area in the Grand Valley Field on
behalf of OXY USA WTP LP (Oxy). 697-16-16 is located approximately 14 miles
north of DeBeque in Garfield County, Colorado. This document is intended to
supplement a Land Use application to Garfield County.
Location and Existing Conditions
For the purposes of the proposed project, the survey area was defined as
approximately 1.1 acres surrounding the existing project envelope (Figure 1). The
legal location of the approximate center of the project area is Section 16, T6S, R97W;
6th PM, UTM NAD 83: Zone 12N; 739283mE, 4379078mN, Latitude, Longitude:
39.528041°N, 108.216048°W, USGS Circle Dot Gulch, CO Quadrangle, Garfield
County, Colorado. Oxy is the surface owner.
Proposed Project
The site's main function will be to provide a storage site for oil and gas equipment
and supplies. The site previously was developed with a pad built and a plugged well
located within the site perimeter. No new grading or surface disturbance would be
required. Stormwater features currently exist on-site. The proposed storage area will
not require lighting, utilities, water, or wastewater. The site will not be manned and
will be occupied only for unloading of equipment and supplies with existing
disturbance footprints. The site will not store waste, hazardous materials, or any
materials that may cause odors or nuisances to adjacent parcels.
Environmental Setting
An ERO natural resource specialist completed a site review of the proposed
project area on October 7, 2014. The site review was conducted for environmental
permitting or clearance issues, including wetlands and waters of the U.S., threatened
and endangered species habitat, migratory birds, and noxious weeds. Colorado Parks
and Wildlife (CPW) habitat and species/nest occurrence maps were referenced prior to
and during field surveys. ERO also reviewed the most recent aerial photography
Consultants in
Natural Resources
and the Environment
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(2011), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information, Planning, and Conservation
documents (USFWS 2014), State of Colorado (Colorado Department of Agriculture
2014) and the Garfield County Noxious Weed Lists (Garfield County 2014). National
Resource Conservation Service (NRCS 2014) soil maps were also referenced prior to
site review.
The 697-16-16 proposed project area is located at an approximate elevation of
8,300 feet above sea level (Figure 2). The existing pad footprint and access road are
maintained gravel surfaces containing minimal to no vegetation. The surrounding area
consists of mixed mountain scrub -shrub habitat dominated by sagebrush (Artemesia
tridentata sp. wyomingensis) and Gambel's oak (Quercus gambelii). The sagebrush
and oak stands belong to a mostly mature age class. Table 1 lists common vegetation
observed within the project area.
Table 1. Common vegetation observed within project area.
Common Name
Scientific Name
Common yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Paintbrush
Castilleja sp.
Serviceberry
Amelanchier alnifolia
Sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata sp. wyomingensis
Lupine
Lupinus sp.
Intermediate wheatgrass
Thinopyrum intermedium
Gambel's oak
Quercus gambelii
Rabbitbrush
Chrysothamnus sp.
Salsify
Tragopogon sp.
Wildlife Habitat Standards
Buffers
Proposed site modifications will not significantly alter the existing visual and
sound buffers.
Locational Controls of Land Disturbance
No grading is proposed at the 697-16-16 site, and is therefore not anticipated to
change animal migration corridors or predation dynamics. No increase in traffic is
anticipated, so there would not be a change to existing animal -vehicle collision
occurrences. Site conditions and activities would remain very similar to current
conditions.
Preservation of Native Vegetation
Oxy will adhere to their Noxious Weed Management Plan for all project activities.
Habitat Compensation
Proposed site modifications are not anticipated to require habitat compensation.
The site is located approximately 1.0 miles from any elk winter concentration area and
occurs outside of CPW preliminary priority habitat for greater sage -grouse.
FRO
Resources
Corporation
Domestic Animal Control
Domestic animals and livestock are currently allowed within the project area;
however, impacts to domestic animals/livestock are not anticipated by proposed site
modifications.
Please feel free to contact me at (970) 872-3020 or apowers@eroresources.com if
you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Aleta Powers
Principal, Natural Resource Specialist
ERO
Resources
Corporation
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