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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4-203.G.6 Wildlife_Veg IAArticle 4-203.G.6 Wildlife and Vegetation Impact Analysis Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc K19NE Storage Facility (Laydown Yard) OAProject No. 014-2797 WILDLIFE AND VEGETATION ASSESSMENT FOR THE K19 LAYDOWN YARD PREPARED FOR ENCANA OIL AND GAS (USA) INC. Parachute, Colorado PREPARED BY Olsson Associates 760 Horizon Drive, Suite 102 Grand Junction, Colorado 81506 970.263.7800 Cinnamon Levi -Flinn — Assistant Scientist Lilly Griffin — Assistant Scientist December 2014 Olsson Associates Project No. 014-2797 O\OLSSON ® ASSOCIATES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19 Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK FOR TWO-SIDED DUPLICATION. OLSSON® ASSOCIATES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19 Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 Table of Contents 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 1 2.0 SURVEY METHODS 3 3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 3 3.1 Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. 3 3.2 Vegetation Assessment 3 3.3 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species 4 3.4 Noxious Weeds 5 3.5 Wildlife Species Considered 5 3.5.1 Federal and Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Species of Concern 5 3.5.2 Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory, and Non -Migratory Birds 11 3.5.3 Species Considered 12 4.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(a) DETERMINATION OF THE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM EFFECT ON FLORA AND FAUNA 13 4.1 Flora 13 4.2 Fauna 14 4.2.1 Federal and Colorado State Listed Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive Wildlife Species 14 4.2.2 Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory and Non -Migratory Birds 14 4.2.3 American Elk and Deer 14 5.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(b) DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT ON DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT 14 6.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(c) IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS 15 7.0 SECTION 7-202 MITIGATION OF WILDLIFE HABITATS 15 8.0 REFERENCES 18 List of Tables Table 1. Dominant Plant Species within the Project Area 4 Table 2. Noxious Weeds Observed 5 Table 3. USFWS Federal Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Wildlife Species for Garfield County 6 Table 4. Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species List 7 Table 5. Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory and Non -migratory Bird Species in Project Area 12 December 5, 2014 OLSSON ASSOCIATES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19 Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 List of Figures Figure 1: Project Vicinity 2 Figure 2: Mule Deer Winter Ranges 16 Figure 3: Elk Winter Ranges 17 December 5, 2014 OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Olsson Associates (Olsson) was contracted by Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc. to develop an impact analysis to fulfill the legal requirements set forth in Section 4-203.G of the Garfield County Land Use and Development Code (amended October 2014). Section 4-203.G requires proposed developments to describe existing conditions and potential changes created by the proposed land use change. This document provides an assessment of impacts on wildlife habitat, the creation of hazardous attractions, the alteration of existing native vegetation, blocking of migration routes, and changes in habitat use or disruption of habitat use by wildlife. The K19NE Laydown Yard is located approximately 1.0 mile south of the Garfield County Airport, in unincorporated Garfield County in the NEY4 of the SW'/4 of Section 19, Township 6 South, Range 92 West of the 6th P.M. Elevation at this site is approximately 5,686 feet (Figure 1). The K19 pad is an existing permitted oil and gas well pad. The proposed laydown storage yard would have no new surface disturbance since the site is a previously disturbed area, and would be operated within the existing footprint of the K19 pad. December 5, 2014 Photo of pad site, and habitat conditions Photo of reclaimed areas adjacent to site CY‘OLSSON ASSOCIATES 1 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Figure 1: Project Vicinity IL iniputimig lam' NirA 41 or 111 11m-14' HIE 11' m1 m®1 i�� `mi -mail.� Irl _-r. Rifle. '1101; ;�.,,.. u- � r IRO ■■ I ■■ I U 1 ■■ ill. MOM 11111rim 41 11119111111 MINSK& ‘511F01116119 mwdilillbodafird 11 5uhject Parcel ,r I 111111;c16 mo., 36 ■ ■ 7� ERNA a1 � 06 VI ® 113 7 . , s,,�r 12 07 1 it Subject Parcel 0 K19NE Storage Yard Q Parcels — Perennial Stream L..13 Mile Buffer PROJECT NO: 014-2797 DRAWNEY JWH DATE. 11/2512014 December 5, 2014 VICINITY MAP K19NE STORAGE YARD ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC. GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO ON OLSSON ONLOLSSON ASSOCIATES ASSOCIATES 700 HORIZON DR.. SUITE 102 GRAND JUNCTION, CO 81506 TEL 070.203.7800 FAX 970203 7450 W E s FIGURE V-1 2 Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 2.0 SURVEY METHODS A preliminary review of the K19NE laydown yard was conducted to determine the presence/absence of threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife and plant species and their habitats. The review utilized aerial photographs and a review of GIS data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Information, Planning, and Conservation System (IPAC) for listed species in Garfield County (USFWS 2014). Additionally, sensitive or rare wildlife or plant species were reviewed from Colorado Parks and Wildlife's (CPW) Natural Diversity Information source (NDIS) ArcGIS website. Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) GIS data for wildlife habitat was also utilized (COGCC 2013). Species located in the range of the project site were further reviewed for suitable habitats in the vicinity of the project area. On November 4, 2014, Olsson biologists conducted surveys of the project area as well as the surrounding area to assess potential impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat. Field data collected during the survey were documented and/or recorded using a GPS (NAD83 map datum, UTM coordinate system in Zone 12). Vegetation types were determined during an on-site visit. Photographs of the site location, as well as the surrounding area, were taken to record general biological communities, site conditions, and terrain. As this survey was conducted late in the growing season, some plant species and noxious weeds may not have been identifiable. 3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 3.1 Wetlands and Other Waters of the U.S. A desktop assessment of waterbodies and wetlands was evaluated by reviewing areas that could potentially be identified as jurisdictional wetlands and other (non -wetland) waters of the U.S. (WoUS). Impacts to potentially jurisdictional WoUS require permitting through Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Section 404 of the CWA authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to issue permits for the discharge of dredge or fill materials into WoUS. Based on the desktop review and on-site surveys, there currently are no wetlands or drainages conveying WoUS that would be affected by the proposed project. 3.2 Vegetation Assessmenm The K19NE laydown yard is located in an area where the primary land uses include agricultural activities and natural gas development. The project area is located on an existing natural gas well pad, and the surrounding cut and fill slopes are dominated by interim reclamation grasses and forb species. The area of the proposed laydown yard is not surrounded by a fence; however, a fence does border the south side of the location but is maintained by the adjacent landowner. Encana maintains the access road, and December 5, 2014 Photo of sparse native vegetation near site C\OLSSON u, ASSOCIATES 3 Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 currently has no plans for future fencing or gates The proposed facility exists in a disturbed vegetation community dominated by grasses. The site appears to have been dominated previously by sagebrush/greasewood shrublands. Scattered patches of greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus) and big sagebrush (Artemesia tridentata), rabbitbrush (Ericameria nauseosa), fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), and shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia) still persist in some areas. The understory is not diverse, and was dominated by downy brome (Anisantha tectorum) with scattered patches of galleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), and weedy annuals. Additional species occurred in lesser coverage and amounts. The pad location has been kept mostly clear of vegetation. The berms, cut slopes, and fill slopes support weedy species and seeded grasses. The dominating vegetation includes downy brome, crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus), and scattered shrubs ncluding big sagebrush, rabbitbrush, greasewood, and saltbush species (A. confertifolia and A. canescens). Table 1. Dominant Plant Species within the Project Area Common Name Scientific Name Cheatgrass (Downy Brome) Anisantha tectorum Crested wheatgrass Agropyron cristatum Big Sagebrush Artemesia tridentata Rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa Slender wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus Greasewood Sarcobatus vermiculatus Fourwing saltbush Atriplex canescens Shadscale Atriplex confertifolia Russian Thistle Salsola iberica Tall tumblemustard Sisymbrium altissimum Clasping pepperweed Lepidium perfoliatum Redstem Filaree Erodium cicutarium 3.3 Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Plant Species The vegetation survey included an assessment to identify potential habitat for the following plant species, which may occur in the area (USFWS 2014): Colorado hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) DeBeque phacelia (Phacelia submutica) Parachute beardtongue (Penstemon debilis) Ute ladies' -tresses (Spiranthes diluvialis) None of the above mentioned species or potential habitats was located within the project area. December 5, 2014 4 OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 3.4 Noxious Weeds Two Colorado State C -list weed species were found on the cut and fill slopes of the project area: downy brome (Anisantha tectorum) and redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium). The presence of downy brome is prolific in the surrounding area, and will likely be difficult to control. It is possible that other weed species occur on the project site and in the nearby area but were not detected due to the time of inspection. Table 2. Noxious Weeds Observed Common Name Scientific Name Growth Cycle/Weed List Comment Redstem Filaree Erodium cicutarium Biennial/Colorado C list Worldwide; crowds out more desirable crop species. Cheatgrass (Downy brome) Anisantha tectorum Annual/Colorado C list Highly adaptable to many environments; promoted by fire; highly competitive and early emergent.. As outlined in Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Weed Management Effort Summary, the weed conditions will be assessed on an individual basis, such that the best, site-specific weed management techniques may be executed. Please reference Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Weed Management Effort Summary. 3.5 Wildlife Species Considered 3.5.1 Federal and Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Species of Concern The K19NE Laydown Yard was evaluated for threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species and their habitats potentially occurring on or adjacent to the project area. According to the USFWS IPAC, there are ten federally listed threatened, endangered, and candidate wildlife species that have the potential to occur in Garfield County (Table 3). Additionally, CPW's list of Threatened, Endangered and Species of Concern was reviewed to determine if any of those species had potential habitat on or adjacent to the proposed laydown yard (Table 4). December 5, 2014 5 C\OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Table 3. USFWS Federal Threatened, Endangered and Candidate Wildlife Species for Garfield County Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Habitat Present Birds Greater Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Large sagebrush shrublands, north of 1-70 in Colorado Candidate No Mexican Spotted owl Strix occidentalis lucida Canyons with mixed conifer old growth mostly in Southwestern Colorado and east of Colorado Springs Threatened No Yellow -Billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Large cottonwood stands along large Rivers; found along North Fork of Gunnison, Colorado, Dolores, Yampa and Rio Grande Rivers Threatened No Fish Bonytail chub Gila elegans Large, swift flowing waters of the Colorado River system Endangered No Colorado pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius Large, swift -flowing muddy rivers with quiet warm backwaters in the Green, Yampa, White, Colorado, Gunnison, San Juan, and Dolores Rivers Endangered No Greenback Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarki stomias Clear, cold mountain streams on the Front Range of Colorado, recently found to occur on the west slope Threatened No Humpback chub Gila cypha Prefers deep, fast-moving, turbid waters often associated with large boulders and steep cliffs in the Green, Yampa, and Colorado Rivers Endangered No Razorback sucker Xyrauchen texanus Deep, clear to turbid waters of large rivers and reservoirs, with silt and gravel substrates in the lower Yampa and lower Colorado Rivers Endangered No Mammals Canada lynx Lynx canadensis Spruce/fir and lodgepole pine forests, sometimes aspen, and shrublands Threatened No Black -Footed ferret Mustela nigripes Associated with prairie dog colonies. Found to occur in Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties Endangered No Nine of the listed species in the above table do not have mapped habitat occurring within or near the site (CPW-NDIS 2013). Potential habitat is not present for the Mexican spotted owl, Yellow -billed cuckoo, Greenback cutthroat trout, Canada lynx, the Black -Footed ferret, or for the four federally listed endangered fish species. The greater sage -grouse (GrSG) has CPW mapped Historic Habitat overlaying the site. GrSG mapped Production Area (includes majority of nesting habitat), Overall Range, Brood Areas, and Winter Range habitats all occur greater than 20 miles northwest of the site, north of the town of Parachute. The proposed laydown yard is not within the GrSG habitat areas as depicted in the Garfield County Greater Sage -Grouse Conservation Plan. December 5, 2014 6 OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Table 4. Colorado State Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Species List Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Potential Habitat present within Project Area? Mammals Black -Footed Ferret Mustela nigripes Associated with prairie dog colonies. Found to occur in Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties FE,SE No Black -Tailed Prairie Dog Cynomys ludovicianus Shortgrass steppe on the eastern plains of Colorado SC No Botta's Pocket Gopher Thomomy bottae rubidus Occurs mostly in riparian areas with sandy soils along lower elevations of the Utah border and the Arkansas Valley SC No Gray Wolf Canis lupus Mountains, woodlands and plains of the Northern Rockies FE,SE No Grizzly Bear Ursus arctos Woodlands, forests, alpine meadows and riparian areas near streams and rivers FT,SE No Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis Semi -desert shrublands; found to occur in Colorado and Lower Gunnison River Valleys SE No Canada Lynx Lynx canadensis Spruce/fir and lodgepole pine forests, sometimes aspen, and shrublands FTSE No Northern Pocket Gopher Thomomys talpoides macrotis Occurs in meadows and along streams in mountain areas along the Front Range of Colorado SC No Preble's Meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius preblei Foothills riparian areas and along front range streams of Colorado into northern Wyoming FT,ST No River Otter Lontra Canadensis Widespread in large montane river systems ST No Swift Fox Vulpes velox Shortgrass prairie and riparian woodlands on eastern plains of Colorado SC No Townsend's Big- eared Bat Corynorhinus townsendii pallescens Semi -desert shrublands, Pinyon/juniper, open montane forests, caves and abandoned mines SC No Wolverine Gulo gulo Boreal forests and tundra SE No Birds American Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrines anatum Nest on cliffs, forages over forests and shrublands throughout Colorado SC No Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Forages by roosting along larger rivers, stream and waterbodies, also around big game winter ranges throughout Colorado SC No Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia Arid grasslands and shrublands on the eastern slope of Colorado; some occurrences in western Colorado ST No Columbian Sharp-Tympanuchus Tailed Grouse phasianellus columbianus High mountain shrub -grassland communities and associated edges in Northwestern Colorado SC No December 5, 2014 7 CY‘OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Potential Habitat present within Project Area? Ferruginous Hawk Buteo regalis Grasslands and semi -desert shrublands, winter resident in Colorado SC No Greater Sage Grouse Centrocercus urophasianus Large sagebrush shrublands, north of 1-70 in Colorado SC No Gunnison Sage- Grouse Centrocercus minimus Large sagebrush shrublands with diversity of grasses and riparian areas; occurs in Gunnison basin and a small population south of Grand Junction SC No Greater Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis tabida Wetlands, marshes and large waterbodies; Colorado migrant but the Rocky Mountain Population breeds in northwestern Colorado SC No Least Tern Sterna antillarum Migratory in Colorado, found in large reservoirs and rivers in southeastern Colorado FE,SE No Lesser Prairie- Chicken Tympanuchus pallidicinctus Great plains grasslands and shrublands in southeastern Colorado FT,ST No Long -billed Curlew Numenius americanus Larger reservoirs and river systems in Colorado, mostly on eastern plains SC No Mexican Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis lucida Canyons with mixed conifer old growth mostly in Southwestern Colorado and east of Colorado Springs FT,ST No Mountain Plover Charadrius montanus Summers on eastern plains in Colorado in native short -grass steppe; winters in Southern California & Mexico SC No Plains Sharp -Tailed Grouse Tympanuchus phasianellus jamesii Grasslands and river canyons in northeastern Colorado SE No Piping Plover Charadrius melodus circumcinctus Sandbars and beaches along larger rivers in eastern Colorado FT,ST No Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii extimus Dense lower elevation riparian habitats FE,SE No Western Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrines Sandy beaches and barrens in eastern Colorado plains SC No Western Yellow Billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus Large cottonwood stands along Targe Rivers; found along North Fork of Gunnison, Colorado, Dolores, Yampa and Rio Grande Rivers SC No Whooping Crane Grus Americana Migratory through Colorado; found to occur in wetlands, marshes and salt flats FE,SE No Fish Arkansas Darter Etheostoma cragini Shallow, clear, sandy streams with spring fed pools in the Arkansas drainage in eastern Colorado ST No December 5, 2014 8 ONLOLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Potential Habitat present within Project Area? Bonytail Gila elegans Large, swift -flowing waters of the Colorado River system FE,SE No Brassy Minnow Hybognathus hankinsoni Moderately clear tributary streams with sand or gravel bottoms; native to Republican and South Platte river basins ST No Colorado Pikeminnow Ptychocheilus lucius Large, swift -flowing muddy rivers with quiet warm backwaters in the Green, Yampa, White, Colorado, Gunnison, San Juan, and Dolores Rivers FE,ST No Colorado River Cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus Headwater streams and lakes in widespread localized reaches SC No Colorado Roundtail Chub Gila robusta Large rivers in the Colorado River system through Glenwood Canyon, downstream on White River, Milk and Divide Creeks SC No Common Shiner Luxilus cornutus Lakes, rivers and streams, common in pools of streams and small rivers in the South Platte River Basin ST No Flathead Chub Platygobio gracilus Main branches of turbid streams and rivers, fast currents with sand/gravel substrates in the Arkansas River basin SC No Greenback Cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki stomias Clear, cold mountain streams on the Front Range of Colorado, recently found to occur on the west slope FT,ST No Humpback Chub Gila cypha Prefers deep, fast-moving, turbid waters often associated with large boulders and steep cliffs in the Green, Yampa, and Colorado Rivers FE,ST No Iowa Darter Etheostoma exile Clear, slow flowing streams and lakes with undercut banks and some vegetation or algal mat in Northeastern plains streams, Eleven Mile Reservoir and Shadow Mountain Reservoir SC No Lake Chub Couesius plumbeus Lakes and large pools in Boulder Creek and the Cache la Poudre River SE No Mountain Sucker Catostomus playtrhynchus Throughout west on both sides of Continental Divide -prefer clear cold creeks and small to medium rivers with rubble, gravel, or sand substrate SC No Northern Redbelly Dace Phoxinus eos Small slow -flowing streams and connected lakes with vegetation in the South Platte basin SE No Plains Minnow Hybognathus placitus Main channels of rivers in the Arkansas and Platte River basins SE No December 5, 2014 9 O.OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Potential Habitat present within Project Area? Plains Orangethroat Darter Etheostoma spectabile Found in small streams with shallow riffles and gravel substrate in the Republican basin SC No Rio Grande Chub Gila Pandora Pools and streams with gravel substrate and overhanging banks and brush in the Rio Grande basin SC No Rio Grande Cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis Clear, cold isolated headwater streams and lakes in the Rio Grande basin SC No Rio Grande Sucker Catostomus plebeius Slow moving reaches of streams in the Rio Grande basin FE,SE No Razorback Sucker Xyrauchen texanus Deep, clear to turbid waters of large rivers and reservoirs, with silt and gravel substrates in the lower Yampa and lower Colorado Rivers FE,SE No Southern Red Belly dace Phoxinus erythrogaster Clear, streams and rivers with sand and gravel substrates in the South Platte and Arkansas River drainages SE No Stonecat Noturus flavus Large creeks and small rivers with fast moving riffles and rocky substrates; occurs in the South Platte and Republican basins SC No Suckermouth Minnow Phenacobius mirabilis Clear, shallow riffles with sand and gravel substrates in the South Platte and Republican basins SE No Amphibians Boreal Toad Anaxyrus boreas boreas Subalpine forest meadows, wetlands, beaver ponds and margins of lakes in distinct populations within 8,500- 12,000 feet elevation SE No Couch's Spadefoot Scaphiopus couchii Occurs in pools and stock ponds in the prairie grasslands of Southeastern Colorado SC No Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad Gastrophryne olivacea Grassy areas on rocky slopes and in rock -rimmed canyons in southeastern Colorado SC No Northern Cricket Frog Acris crepitans Margins and edges of permanent and semi-permanent ponds and wetlands of the eastern plains of Colorado SC No Northern Leopard Frog Lithobates pipiens Wetlands, beaver ponds, marshes, and wet meadows throughout mid -to lower - elevations of Colorado SC No Plains Leopard Frog Rana blairi Wetlands, marshes, and ponds on eastern plains SC No Wood Frog Rana sylvatica Subalpine wetlands, beaver ponds, lakes, and wet meadows in eastern Grand, northern Larimer, and Jackson Counties SC No December 5, 2014 ONLOLSSON ASSOCIATES 10 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Status Potential Habitat present within Project Area? Reptiles Triploid Checkered Whiptail Cnemidophorus neotesselatus Hillsides, arroyos, and canyons associated with the Arkansas River valley SC No Midget Faded Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis concolor Semi -arid shrublands and rocky arroyos in lower elevations in western Colorado SC No Longnose Leopard lizard Gambelia wislizenii Flat or gently sloping shrublands and desert plains in western Colorado along the Utah border SC No Yellow Mud Turtle Kinosternon flavescens Permanent and intermittent streams, ponds and marshes bordering grasslands and sand hills in eastern Colorado SC No Common King Snake Lampropeltis getula Low elevation, semi desert shrublands near waterways in extreme southwest and southeast Colorado SC No Texas Blind Snake Leptotyphlops dulcis Canyon slopes and bottoms in Pinyon/juniper and shrub habitats in extreme southeastern Colorado SC No Texas horned lizard Phrynosoma cornutum Plains grassland with large patches of bare ground in southeastern Colorado SC No Roundtail Horned lizard Phrynosoma modestum Dry grasslands and shrubland in southeastern Colorado SC No Massasauga Sistrurus catenatus Dry plains grassland and sand hill areas with sandy soils in southeastern Colorado SC No Common Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis Wetlands and aquatic and riparian habitats in northeastern Colorado SC No Mollusks Rocky Mountain Capshell Acroloxus coloradensis Cold water lakes in mid -to -low elevations with high amounts of calcium and other ions; occurs in north central Colorado SC No Cylindrical Papershell Anodontoides ferussacianus Headwater creeks and streams with silty/muddy substrates in Boulder County SC No FE= Federally Endangered, FT=Federally Threatened, SE=State Endangered, ST=State Threatened, SC= State Special Concern (not a statutory category) 3.5.2 Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory, and Non -Migratory Birds Olsson evaluated the site for raptor species that could potentially occur in the area (Andrews & Righter 1992, Kingery 1998, and Righter et al. 2004, CPW NDIS 2013). Olsson conducted a habitat survey on November 4, 2014 to determine if any potential raptor nesting habitat was present. The typical raptor nesting season occurs from February 15 -August 15, depending on the species (Table 4). In addition to raptors, Olsson evaluated the site for bird species which could potentially be affected by the proposed laydown yard. Birds of Conservation Concern (BCC) have been identified by the USFWS for priority conservation management in an attempt to prevent or December 5, 2014 C\OLSSON ASSOCIATES 11 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 remove the need to list additional species under the Endangered Species Act (USFWS 2008). A literature review was conducted to identify the potential presence of BCC species that could occur in mixed grasslands and sagebrush habitats near the site. Table 5 shows the BCC species for the Southern Rockies/Colorado Plateau that may have potential to occur within the habitats adjacent to the site. The site has been cleared of all vegetation from the previous disturbance of the K19NE gas well pad; therefore, the site does not provide suitable nesting habitat for some species. Habitat surrounding the proposed laydown yard may provide potential foraging habitat for raptors and nesting and foraging habitat for various, migratory and non -migratory bird species. Table 5. Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory and Non -migratory Bird Species in Project Area Common Name Scientific Name Preferred Habitat BCC Cassin's Finch Carpodacus cassinii Associated with pinyon/ juniper woodlands, Douglas -fir trees, and lodgepole and ponderosa pine forests. May breed in open sagebrush and shrubland with scattered juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) Yes Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Prefers wetlands in both summer and winter; however, these habitats are uncommon in western CO so they will generally nest in sagebrush, montane shrub, grasslands, and hayfields with abundant cover. No Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri Primarily nests in sagebrush shrublands but may occasionally nest in greasewood and rabbitbrush or other shrublands in desert valleys. During migration may uses a variety of riparian and desert shrubs. Yes Sage thrasher Oreoscoptes montanus Primarily nests in sagebrush and at low elevations may nest in greasewood, shadscale saltbush, fourwing saltbush and rubber rabbitbrush intermixed with sagebrush. May nest in mountain mahogany or serviceberry at higher elevations. No 3.5.3 Species_Considered In addition to the review of USFWS and CPW Sensitive species and local species of interest, the following species were evaluated for impacts from the proposed laydown yard. No other listed species have suitable habitats or occupied range within the project area. Elk Mule Deer 3.5.3.1 American Elk and Mule Deer Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) utilize montane forests and pinyon -juniper woodlands with good shrub understory during winter. They rely on sagebrush and shrubs as their primary food December 5, 2014 C\OLSSON ASSOCIATES 12 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 source. Mule deer may utilize the habitat surrounding the site for wintering grounds and will migrate up to higher elevations in the spring (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). Elk (Cervus elaphus) are found in semi -open forests or forest edges adjacent to parks, meadows, and alpine tundra and rely primarily on available grasses and browse for food (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). Elk prefer areas that are less disturbed and generally prefer areas away from roads (Fitzgerald et al. 1994). The proposed laydown yard is located within CPW Game Management Unit (GMU) 42 and Data Analysis Units (DAU) D-12 and E-14. The site location does not occur within CPW mapped migration corridors or wildlife habitat linkages for either species. The site occurs within CPW mapped mule deer Overall Range, Severe Winter Range, Winter Range and Winter Concentration Area. The site occurs within CPW mapped elk Overall Range, Winter Range, Severe Winter Range, and Winter Concentration Area (Figures 2 and 3). During 2014, no elk or mule deer sign was noted during the survey. Photo of more effective native habitats south of site 4.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(A) DETERMINATION OF THE LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM EFFECT ON FLORA AND FAUNA 4.1 Floris The continued use and redevelopment of the existing laydown yard would not adversely affect federally listed plant species. No additional vegetation removal is associated with the laydown yard. Vegetation communities and conditions will not be affected on a long- or short-term basis and would remain in their present condition. At this time, it is recommended that noxious weed management be focused on preventing the spread of Redstem filaree, and to prevent any new weed infestations. Please reference Colorado Noxious Weed and Garfield County Weed Lists. As outlined in Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Weed Management Effort Summary, the above mentioned weed conditions will be assessed on an individual basis, such that the best, site- specific weed management techniques may be executed. Please reference Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Weed Management Effort Summary. December 5, 2014 13 C\OLSSON ASSOCIATES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 4.2 Fauna 4.2.1 Federal and Colorado State Listed Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Sensitive Wildlife Species The continued use of the existing site as a laydown yard would not adversely affect federally listed wildlife species due to the lack of suitable habitat within or surrounding the project area. No federally designated critical habitat occurs within or near the site. Colorado State listed Threatened, Endangered or Sensitive wildlife species would not be impacted by the proposed laydown yard due to the lack of suitable habitat available for those species within or surrounding the proposed project area. 4.2.2 Raptors, Birds of Conservation Concern, Migratory and Non -Migratory Birds No additional vegetation removal would be associated with the proposed laydown yard; therefore no suitable raptor, BCC, or other migratory or non -migratory bird species nesting habitat would be impacted. Long- or short-term effects related to the project area would be minimal due to the area being previously disturbed from activities associated with the operation and maintenance of the existing oil and gas well pad, and a lack of suitable nesting habitat in proximity to the site. Loud noises and human activities at the site during the breeding and nesting season may have limited indirect impacts on habitat effectiveness around the pad site, possibly reducing the suitability or effectiveness for nesting activities in the native shrubland habitats; but as mentioned, a lack of suitable nesting habitat in proximity to the pad limits the amount of potential impacts. Foraging and other habitat use would likely continue within adjacent habitats, as available. 4.2.3 American Elk and Deer The existing site is absent of any vegetation, and no additional direct impacts to elk or deer habitats would occur. Elk and deer may be indirectly impacted during the winter months by increased noise and human presence and increased traffic along the access road, which may cause elk and deer to avoid this area during certain times of day or during times of more intense human activities. The winter months are a critical time of year for big game species, when deer and elk are more likely to be utilizing lower elevations and disturbance can have a larger relative impact due to poor foraging opportunities and already stressed animals. Intensive use of the laydown yard during the winter months may force deer and elk away from the area, which could increase energy expenditures for the individuals impacted. During the summer and fall months, most deer and elk are at higher elevation habitats, and therefore use of the pad site outside of the winter would likely have no impact on deer or elk. The use of the laydown yard would not block or impede migration corridors for elk or mule deer. Long-term, reclamation of the site is recommended in order to improve winter range habitat effectiveness in the area. 5.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(B) DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT ON DESIGNATED ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT The K19NE Laydown Yard is not expected to affect any critical habitat for any wildlife species, as no federally designated critical habitat or species were identified within or near the site. According to the CPW GIS data, the project area occurs within Overall, Severe Winter Range, Winter Concentration Areas and Winter Range for elk and mule deer. No additional vegetation December 5, 2014 14 C\OLSSON ASSOCIATES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 014-2797 removal or new construction is associated with the site that would further decrease habitat. The site would not impede any natural migration or movement through the area, but use of the site during the winter months may temporarily cause animals to avoid habitats around the site. Given the limited size and temporary nature of activities associated with laydown yard use, these impacts would likely be short-term in nature, and no measureable impact to mule deer or elk herds would be expected from this project. Activities in the winter months would have a relatively larger potential effect given the condition of animals in the winter months, and reduced availability of forage and security habitats. As mentioned, some individual animals may be indirectly impacted by moving away from the site, but no significant impacts to herds, or long- term impacts to critical wildlife habitat would be expected. 6.0 SECTION 4-203.G (6)(C) IMPACTS ON WILDLIFE AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS The laydown yard would not create hazardous attractions to avian or mammalian wildlife species or domestic animals, alter additional native vegetation, block migration routes, or cause a change in habitat use. Wildlife species may be indirectly impacted by increased noise and human presence while equipment is being transferred and stored. Use of habitats by wildlife would still likely occur on or adjacent to the pad and storage yard site during the nighttime hours, and during times when there are no human activities at the laydown yard. The majority of the species occurring within the area have widespread habitats; therefore, most wildlife species that may be indirectly affected would have other habitats in the greater area that are still available for foraging, reproduction, dispersal and shelter. The proposed project may impact individuals indirectly but would not likely impact populations. No impacts to domestic animals would be expected. 7.0 SECTION 7-202 MITIGATION OF WILDLIFE HABITATS There would be no direct loss of wildlife habitat from a change in use of the site. At this time, there are no recommendations for seasonal restrictions, mitigations or special requirements due to the previous disturbance of the existing oil and gas pad. Ongoing noxious weed management will be required to maintain existing vegetation and wildlife habitat quality, and to control any spread of existing noxious weeds. If larger elk or deer herds begin to congregate around the site during the winter months, Encana should consider consulting with CPW to minimize potential impacts to wintering big game species. December 5, 2014 15 O\OLSSON ASSOCIATES Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Figure 2: Mule Deer Winter Ranges O K1 9N E Storage Yard Subject Parcel Q Mule Deer Severe Winter Range Q K1 9N E Storage Yard Boundary — Perennial Stream Mule Deer Winter Concentration Area t. W E PROJECT NO. 014-2797 DRAWN BY: JWH DATE 11/25/2014 MULE DEER HABITAT MAP K19NE STORAGE YARD ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC. GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO O\OLSSON ASSOCIATES 700 HORIZON DR.. SUITE 102 GRAND) I. TION, CO 81606 TEL 970 2607800 FAX 970263.7456 FIGURE MD -1 December 5, 2014 CY\ OLSSON ASSOCIATES 16 Pr' Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Figure 3: EIk Winter Ranges 0 K19NE Storage Yard Subject Parcel Q K19NE Storage Yard Boundary — Perennial Stream EIk Severe Winter Range EIk Winter Concentration Area W� E 8 PROJECT NO: 014-2797 DRAWN EY JWH DATE. 11125!2014 ELK HABITAT MAP K19NE STORAGE YARD ENCANA OIL & GAS (USA) INC. GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO O'OLSSON ASSOCIATES 760 HORIZON DR., SUITE 102 GRAND JUNCTION, CO 8151]8 TEL 970.263.7800 FAX 970283.7458 FIGURE E-1 December 5, 2014 ON.OLSSON ASSOCIATES 17 Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. 8.0 REFERENCES Wildlife and Vegetation Assessment for K19NE Laydown Yard 014-2797 Andrews, R., and R. Righter. 1992. Colorado Birds: A Reference to Their Distribution and Habitat. Denver Museum of Natural History. Denver. Colorado Bat Working Group 2014. Online website sponsored by the Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO. 80523. Accessed on November 19, 2014. http://www.cnhp.colostate.edu/teams/zoology/cbwg/index.asp CPW-NDIS. 2013. Colorado Parks and Wildlife Natural Diversity Information Source-. http://ndis.nrel.colostate.edu/wildlife.asp. Accessed on September 6, 2013 (http://www.arcgis.com/home/search.html?q=Colorado%20Parks%20and%20Wildlife&t=groups ). CWMA. 2013 A. Doran, S. Anthony, C. Shelton. Noxious Weeds of Colorado, Eleventh Edition. Colorado Weed Management Association, Centennial. Fitzgerald, J.P.; C. A. Meaney; D.M. Armstrong. 1994. Mammals of Colorado. Denver Museum of Natural History. Denver. Kingery, H. E. 1998. Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas. Colorado Bird Atlas Partnership, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Denver. Mutel, C.F. and J.C. Emerick. 1992. From Grasslands to Glacier: The Natural History of Colorado and the Surrounding Region. Johnson Printing. Boulder, CO Righter, R., R. Levad, C. Dexter, and K. Potter. 2004. Birds of Western Colorado Plateau and Mesa Country. Grand Valley Audubon Society, Grand Junction. USFWS. 2008. Birds of Conservation Concern 2008. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arlington, Virginia. USFWS. 2014. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Information, Planning, and Conservation System. Endangered Species List — Western Colorado Ecological Services Field Office County List. Accessed November 18, 2014. Available online: http://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/wizard/chooseLocation!prepare.action Weber, William A., and Ronald C. Wittman. 2012 Colorado Flora, Western Slope. Third Edition, University Press of Colorado, Boulder. Whitson, T.D. (editor), L.C. Burrill, S.A. Dewey, D.W. Cudney, B.E. Nelson, R.D. Lee, and R. Parker. 2001. Weeds of the West — 9th edition. Western Society of Weed Science in cooperation with Cooperative Extension Services, University of Wyoming, Laramie. December 5, 2014 18 C.OLSSON ASSOCIATES