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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.09 Impact Analysis Article 4-203.G Impact Analysis Ursa Operating Company LLC Tompkins Injection Well OA Project No. 014-2878 760 Horizon Road, Suite 102 TEL 970.263.7800 Grand Junction, CO 81506 FAX 970.263.7456 www.olssonassociates.com Impact Analysis Ursa Operating Company LLC Tompkins 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 vacant lots for the Battlement Mesa Planned Unit Development (PUD) (see Adjacent Uses Map at the end of this section). The proposed use is consistent with existing uses in the surrounding area. These uses will not be impacted beyond the current activity in the area 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 on private land located approximately 1.75 miles north of the Battlement Mesa PUD, off of County Road (CR) 309 in the SE ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 5, Township 7 South, Range 95 West of the 6th P.M. Access to the site is via CR 309 off of CR 300. The project site encompasses approximately 2.95 acres at an elevation of 5,525 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. Vegetation is dominated by a mixture of mountain big sagebrush, Gambel oak, and pinyon-juniper. A variety of grasses and forbs are distributed throughout the understory in the project area. A few common species include various wheatgrass species, bluegrass, dandelion, and prickly pear. 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 (see NRCS Soils Report section) shows the area soil types. Soils consisting of the following units are within the study area around the Tompkins UIC well: Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 2  Potts-Ildefonso complex, 12% to 25% slopes, Map Symbol 58: The Potts-Ildefonso complex soil is a deep, well drained, sloping soil formed on fans and high terraces at elevations between 5,100 feet and 6,200 feet above mean sea level. Typically the surface layer is a moderately alkaline, pale brown loam about three inches thick and the substratum is light brown to brown silty clay loam to a depth of 60 inches. Permeability is very slow, and available water capacity is high. Surface runoff is moderately rapid, and the erosion hazard for the Potts Ildefonso complex soils is moderate. Slope is listed as a limitation for development on both the Potts and Ildefonso soils and large stones occur in the Ildefonso soil. The Potts-Ildefonso soils in the vicinity of the site are corrosive to unprotected steel but the risk of corrosion to concrete is low. Buried piping and structures onsite will need to be coated or have adequate cathodic protection to prevent corrosion. 4. Geology and Hazard For a full report of the Geology and Soils Hazards, see the Geologic Hazard Report included in this submittal. The Tompkins 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. 5. Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas The site is located at an elevation of approximately 5,525 feet on a terrace above the Colorado River flood plain. The Colorado River is located approximately half a mile to the northwest at an elevation of approximately 5082 feet to 5,200 feet amsl. The Battlement Creek drainage is located approximately three-quarters of a mile to the northeast. There are unnamed intermittent drainages located approximately 150 feet to the west-southwest and another 160 feet east-northeast of the site. Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 3 The Wasatch Formation locally yields water to wells in some areas, but is generally considered a confining unit. The Tertiary sedimentary rocks in the Piceance Basin are generally fine-grained and well cemented resulting in very small hydraulic conductivity in the rock matrix. Sandstone and siltstone generally occur in lenticular bodies and locally have moderate hydraulic conductivities which range from 0.001 to 0.01 foot per day. These lenses of sandstone and siltstone are often widely spaced and not interconnected which further limits the volumes of groundwater the formation can yield to wells. In some areas, fracturing during the structural deformation that occurred when the Piceance Basin was uplifted and dissolution of cementing minerals has enhanced the permeability and hydraulic conductivity in parts of the Piceance Basin aquifer system. Water well depths in the area typically range from 80 feet to 300 feet below ground surface in the vicinity of the site. A water well permitted (Permit # 67379F) to Thomas L. Tompkins for domestic use has a total depth of 178 feet and a static water level reported at 147 feet below ground surface (bgs). Groundwater within the unconsolidated sediments in the area of the proposed site is controlled by the thickness of the sediments and the depth to the top of the Wasatch bedrock. The estimated groundwater flow direction in the vicinity of the site is likely to be sub-parallel with the Colorado River, flowing north-northwest toward the Colorado River through the center and the northern part of the proposed site. Springs used to augment the Parachute community water supply are located approximately 2,000 feet to the north of the proposed Tompkins UIC well. Ursa received a watershed permit and approval from the Town of Parachute for the Tompkins UIC well location in September 2014. Ursa has and will continue to comply with the Conditions of Approval in the watershed permit to protect these springs including installing tertiary containment around the well pad and installing a monitoring well between the well pad and the springs.. Ursa completed a hydrology study prior to receiving the watershed protection permit, as requested by the Town of Parachute. 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). 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 Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 4 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). 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 analysis of the environmental impacts. The project area was evaluated for threatened, endangered, or sensitive wildlife species 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 will be placed within the existing disturbance of the Tompkins well pad and no additional native vegetation will be removed for construction. No special status plant occurrences are known to exist nearby. Noxious weeds occurring in the area are discussed in an accompanying IVNWMP prepared by WestWater for this project. Noxious weeds will be treated according to Ursa’s Weed Management Plan, which includes treating weeds three times a year. 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 Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 5 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 Ursa’s SPCC Plan, Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), and Best Management Practices (BMPs) will provide a good degree of mitigation for any potential impacts. Garfield County Road 300 and its associated stormwater management features create an additional mitigating feature. There will be no anticipated depletions associated with the project that could affect aquatic species. Raptors: No raptor nesting habitat will be directly affected by the project. The primary potential long-term effect would be the loss of foraging habitat within the footprint of the existing well pad. Short-term effects could include temporary displacement of raptors in an avoidance area surrounding the pad due to increased human presence and equipment associated with construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility. American Elk and Mule Deer: No additional habitat loss will occur from development of the injection well since it will be placed within an existing disturbance. 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 in this area have become habituated to human activity and indirect effects 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. Fences can pose an increased risk to big game, and any fencing around the facility will be constructed according to published standards that reduce impacts to big game. Black Bear and Mountain Lion: Potential encounters between bears and personnel could occur if garbage or food is available on the site. Mountain lions are occasionally observed in the area but generally avoid human contact. Incidences of human and bear/lion interactions sometimes result in the euthanasia of offending animals by the CPW. During construction and drilling activities, garbage will be contained in wildlife proof receptacles until removed by licensed refuse haulers. After the pad enters full production, personnel will remove garbage when they leave. No food will be stored on site. Small Mammals, Birds (BCC), and Reptiles: No additional vegetation removal will be required for development of the injection well, and no additional habitat will 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. Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 6 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. 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 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 the injection well may influence the 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 before 1954, and most of that came from the Rifle and Garfield mines. Both of these mines were 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 Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 7 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 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 occupied 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 will be erected and will remain in place through completion operations of the natural gas wells to minimize noise. As shown in the Noise Assessment included in this submittal, the projected sound pressure will not exceed the COGCC and Garfield County Standards for Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones. The pump will be housed in a metal fabricated skid mounted building built specifically for the pump. Photos of a similar building are included in the Project Description. 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 the 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. Maintenance of the proposed facility will be coordinated with the existing operations in the area. Monitoring of operations will typically be performed during the daylight hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm by an Ursa employee arriving via pickup truck. Ursa Operating Company Tompkins Injection Well Impact Analysis Page 8 This page intentionally blank. ") 7S 95W 35 AC TOL/T 100 AC SINGLEFAM.RES-IMPROVEMTS IRRIGATEDLAND-AGRICLTRL. VACANTPUDLOTS 05 08 04 09 Battl e m e n t P y Morrisani a M e s a R d Ru l i s o n - P a r a c h u t e R d DISCLAIMER : This Geographic Information System (GIS) and itscomponents are designed as a source of reference for answeringinquiries, for planning and for modeling. GIS is not intended, nor does itreplace legal description information in the chain of title and otherinformation contained in official government records such as the CountyClerk and Recorders office or the courts. In addition, the representationsof locations in this GIS cannot be substituted for actual legal surveys. Project Number: 014-2878 Drawn By: JWH Revision Date: 12/24/2014 Adjacent Land Use Map Ursa Operating CompanyTompkins PadGarfield County, CO Sec 5, T7S, R95W, 6th PM Figure ALU-1 0 250 500 Feet ¯ F: \ P r o j e c t s \ 0 1 4 - 2 8 7 8 \ G I S \ M X D \ A L U - 1 A d j a c e n t L a n d U s e M a p . m x d ")Tompkins Pad Tompkins Pad Area Section County Road Intermittent Stream Adjacent Land Use 35 AC TO L/T 100 AC IRRIGATED LAND-AGRICLTRL. SINGLE FAM.RES-IMPROVEMTS VACANT PUD LOTS 1500'