HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.19 Standards Analysis
Article 7
Standards Analysis
Ursa Operating Company LLC
Tompkins Injection Well
OA Project No. 014-2878
760 Horizon Drive, Suite 102 TEL 970.263.7800
Grand Junction, CO 81506 FAX 970.263.7456 www.olssonassociates.com
Standards Analysis
Ursa Operating Company LLC
Tompkins Injection Well
DIVISION 1. GENERAL APPROVAL STANDARDS
SECTION 7-101. ZONE DISTRICT USE REGULATIONS
Small Injection Wells are allowed upon review and approval of an Administrative Review
application within the Rural zone district.
SECTION 7-102. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENTS
The overall project facility generally conforms to the Garfield County Comprehensive Plan. The
proposed use is not within an area governed by an intergovernmental agreement.
SECTION 7-103. COMPATIBILITY
The proposed facility is consistent with current uses on the subject parcel and adjacent properties.
The proposed injection well will be located on an existing natural gas well pad. The UIC well was
approved by COGCC under the Form 2A on March 21, 2015. A copy of the approved Form 2A is
included in the Miscellaneous Permits section.
SECTION 7-104. SOURCE OF WATER
A source of potable water will not be required for workers utilizing the site . This facility is not
manned on a full-time basis and does not require a fresh water distribution and sanitary
wastewater system to properly function. Workers will provide their own potable water in their
trucks. Ursa will provide personnel bottled or potable water at their field office. A source of potable
water is not required for the operation of the facility. Water will not be required for the operation
of sanitary facilities. Portable toilets will be used, and all wastes will be hauled to a licensed
treatment facility. Water will not be required for landscaping. No landscaping is proposed at this
site.
Produced water to be injected into the proposed injection well is generated by Ursa’s natural gas
production assets in the Piceance region. Produced water delivered to the facility will not infringe
on any existing water rights. The produced water generated from Ursa’s natural gas production
operations is a result of Ursa’s drilling operations within the Williams Fork Formation. This
formation is classified by the Division of Water Resources (DWR) as a nontributary formation.
Details specific to the nontributary nature of the water that will be delivered to the proposed
injection well are provided in this submittal. The proposed injection well will not place a demand
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on local groundwater resources. The proposed injection well will be used to dispose of produced
water from Ursa’s operations only.
The injection permit applications (COGCC Forms 31 and 33) have been submitted to 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.
Other required COGCC forms will be submitted as appropriate.
B. Determination of Adequate Water
The proposed injection well will not place a demand on local groundwater resources. The
water disposed of is a result of Ursa’s drilling operations within the Williams Fork
Formation. This formation is classified as a nontributary formation.
SECTION 7-105. CENTRAL WATER DISTRIBUTION AND WASTEWATER SYSTEMS
A. Water Distribution System
The proposed injection well facility will be serviced or inspected daily. This facility will not
require potable or fresh water distribution within the facility.
Produced water will be transferred to the proposed facility via pipeline and water trucks
from the various Ursa Piceance Basin locations. The Tompkins gas pipeline (with co-
located water lines) has been approved by Garfield County and will be constructed to pipe
produced water to the injection well in order to reduce the need to truck water to the site
and to decrease opportunities for environmental and traffic impacts due to water hauling
by truck. After the completion of the pipeline, trucks will be used to haul produced water
to or from the injection well site only when maintenance, emergency conditions, or limited
production needs do not permit use of the pipeline.
B. Wastewater System
No water is required for sanitary services at the site. The site will be served by porta-johns
provided and serviced by Redi Services or Western Colorado Waste. “Will Serve” letters
are included in this submittal in the Wastewater Management Section.
SECTION 7-106. PUBLIC UTILITIES
A. Adequate Public Utilities
Adequate Public Utilities shall be available to serve the land use. Holy Cross Energy will
provide electrical service to the pad. A “Will Serve” letter can be found at the end of this
section. Other public utilities are not required.
B. Approval of Utility Easement by Utility Company
All appropriate easements have been or will be secured as part of the electrical installation
process.
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C. Utility Location
There are no utility easements in the vicinity of the project area on the Tompkins property.
D. Dedication of Easements
All necessary easements have been or will be dedicated to the public as part of this
process.
E. Construction and Installation of Utilities
Holy Cross Energy will provide electrical power to the site. A copy of the “Will Serve” letter
is provided at the end of this section. Utilities will be installed in a manner that avoids
unnecessary removal of trees or excessive excavations and will be reasonably free of
physical obstructions.
F. Conflicting Encumbrances
Holy Cross Energy will provide electrical power to the site. All appropriate easements will
be free from encumbrances.
SECTION 7-107. ACCESS AND ROADWAYS
The proposed injection well facility will not require construction of new roads. The use will utilize
the existing access off of CR 309 (Rulison-Parachute Road). Traffic will be routed through the
Battlement Mesa area from I-70 exit 75 on CR 300N to CR 301 and then onto CR309 during
operation of this facility. Ultimately this facility will result in a net decrease in traffic impacts to the
Battlement Mesa Planned Use Development (PUD).
A. Access to Public Right of Way
No new roads are proposed to accommodate the proposed injection well facility. Access
to the subject property is from County Road 309 via the Tompkins private driveway. The
existing roadway and access are adequate for the anticipated low traffic volumes. Dust
from the private driveway will be mitigated using gravel, water, and/or other dust
suppressants. Access is granted via the Water Injection Well Lease and Surface Use
Agreement between Ursa and the owners of the parcel.
B. Safe Access
The access leading to the project site generally conforms to the Semi-Primitive standards
of Table 7-107 of the Land Use and Development Code. A waiver of standards is
requested for ROW width, shoulder width, ditch width, cross slope, and shoulder slope.
The county road system and private driveway provide safe access to the facility.
C. Adequate Capacity
The proposed facility will generate little traffic, and the current road system has adequate
capacity to support the proposal. See Traffic Analysis included with this application for
additional details.
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D. Road Dedication
No new public roads are being built or dedicated as part of this project.
E. Impacts Mitigated
Ultimately, this facility will result in a net decrease in traffic impacts to the Battlement Mesa
PUD due to truck traffic not going through Battlement Mesa to the East Parachute I-70
Interchange to take produced water to an injection well in the Silt area. No formal mitigation
will be required for this project. See the Traffic Analysis for further information.
F. Design Standards
As stated above, no new roads are being built as part of this project. The existing access
route generally conforms to the standards of Table 7-107 for Semi-Primitive. Waivers to
the ROW width, shoulder width, ditch width, cross slope, and shoulder slope standards
are being requested.
SECTION 7-108. USE OF LAND SUBJECT TO NATURAL HAZARDS
According to the Geologic Hazard Report, the project area is not subject to avalanches,
landslides, rock fall, alluvial fan hazards, unstable slopes, expansive soils, mud flows, faults,
flooding, collapsible soils, mining activities, radiation, or high water tables. There are COGCC
approved wells on the location, and there is other development in the area.
Slope hazards have been mitigated with appropriate engineering controls during the construction
of the original natural gas well pad.
The facility is not shown within the FEMA 100 year flood hazard zone based on the Flood Plain
Map in the Vicinity of the Town of Parachute, Garfield County, Colorado, or a Firmette Map
generated from the FEMA data. The Colorado River flood plain is located approximately a half
mile to the north of the site at elevations that range 5,200 feet to 5,085 feet. The unnamed
drainage and the Monument Gulch drainage are shown as having Zone A – 100-year flood plains
located along their banks. These areas are also prone to flash floods, however, existing
vegetation has shown minimal signs of flash flooding.
No major faults have been mapped or are known in the Tompkins injection well site vicinity. Any
potential for induced seismic activity will be mitigated by the injection pressure limits set by the
COGCC during the injection well permitting process.
There are no mining activities shown in the vicinity of the site.
There are no significant radioactive mineral deposits known in the immediate area of the site. The
presence of NORM may be an issue with exploration and production and could be an issue with
used pipe scale or used equipment. Radioactive materials are not expected to pose a significant
hazard at the site.
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SECTION 7-109. FIRE PROTECTION
A. Adequate Fire Protection
The proposed injection well is located within the Grand Valley Fire Protection District. The
District is aware of the well pad location and can provide adequate fire
protection/response. Ursa is willing to provide training to the District regarding the site
operations, if requested.
B. Subdivisions
This standard does not apply, because the proposed land use is not a subdivision nor
located within a subdivision.
DIVISION 2. GENERAL RESOURCE PROTECTION STANDARDS
SECTION 7-201. AGRICULTURAL LANDS
A. No Adverse Affect to Agricultural Operations
The operation of the proposed injection well will not adversely affect agricultural operations
on the subject property or adjacent lands.
B. Domestic Animal Controls
The operation of the proposed facility will comply with this standard. No domestic animals
are allowed on the project site.
C. Fences
The facility will not generate a potential hazard to domestic livestock or wildlife. No open
storage of hazardous materials or attractions will be conducted on the site. Fences (cattle
panels) will be erected around all wells including the UIC well to discourage livestock and
wildlife from entering containment and equipment areas in accordance with the SUA and
appropriate state agency regulations.
D. Roads
The proposed facility will not impact adjoining roadways beyond current impacts due to
the anticipated low operational traffic volumes. The Project Description and Traffic Study
describe the proposed access. Additional details are shown on the site plan. The proposed
injection well facility will not require construction of new roads. The use will utilize the
existing access from CR 309 (Rifle-Parachute Road).
E. Irrigation Ditches
No irrigation ditches are adjacent to the proposed injection well site. Implementation of the
engineered grading and drainage plan and conformance with stormwater best
management practices will assure that any irrigation ditches on the subject parcel will not
be impacted by the facility.
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SECTION 7-202. WILDLIFE HABITAT AREAS
A. Buffers
The proposed injection well will be located on an existing well pad and no new surface
disturbance will be required. The area immediately surrounding the Tompkins Pad
consists of pinyon-juniper woodlands and sagebrush shrublands.
The proposed site may be surrounded by a sound wall during drilling and completion
activities to provide sound buffers to the surrounding properties and thus from habitat
areas.
B. Locational Controls of Land Disturbance
The proposed injection well is located on an existing well pad and no new surface
disturbance will be required. No wildlife migration corridors are affected. Human presence
and activity may affect animal distribution by creating short-term 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. One of the objectives of this project is
to reduce truck traffic in the area, thereby decreasing the risk of vehicle-related wildlife
mortality.
Fences can pose an increased risk to big game, and any fencing around the facility will be
constructed according to published standards, COGCC standards, and Ursa’s Wildlife
Management Plan that reduce impacts to big game.
Equipment will be outfitted with bird cones to prevent perching.
C. Preservation of Native Vegetation
1. No additional native vegetation removal will be necessary for the development of the
injection well since it will be placed on an existing natural gas well pad.
2. Application of the Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan
(IVNWMP) and Ursa’s Noxious Weed Management Plan provides mitigation for the
native vegetation that has already been removed. Ursa will also comply with COGCC
Rule 1002, and county requirements regarding revegetation and control of noxious
weeds.
3. Prevention of vehicles and equipment traveling from weed-infested areas into weed-
free areas that could disperse noxious or invasive weed seeds and propagates.
The following practices will be employed to minimize the potential for weed
infestations:
Prior to delivery to the site, equipment should be thoroughly cleaned of soils
remaining from previous construction sites which may be contaminated with
noxious weeds.
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If working in sites with weed-seed contaminated soil, equipment should be cleaned
of potentially seed-bearing soils and vegetative debris at the infested area prior to
moving to uncontaminated terrain.
All maintenance vehicles should be regularly cleaned of soil.
Avoid driving vehicles through areas where weed infestations exist.
Spray as scheduled in accordance with Ursa’s Noxious Weed Management Plan
by a certified contractor.
D. Habitat Compensation
Placement of this project within the boundaries of an existing well pad has resulted in
avoidance of additional contributions to cumulative effects of wildlife habitat alteration and
fragmentation in the region. Ursa has developed a Wildlife Management Plan with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife to further mitigate and enhance habitat in the Battlement
Mesa area. The development of the project is not expected to significantly affect any
critical environmental resources.
E. Domestic Animal Controls
Livestock and big game will likely avoid the project site. Dogs and other domestic animals
are not allowed on site.
SECTION 7-203. PROTECTION OF WATERBODIES
A. Minimum Setback
1. The proposed injection well will be placed on an existing pad and no additional surface
disturbance will be required. The existing pad is immediately adjacent to a dry drainage
just off the northeast corner of the well pad but does not restrict any flow that may
occur from stormwater runoff or snow melt. No Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
jurisdictional wetlands or drainages showing characteristics of Waters of the U.S. will
be affected by the project. The proposed project is not within the 35 foot setback from
the Typical and Ordinary High Water Mark (TOHWM) of a waterbody.
2. There are no entrenched or incised streams on or adjacent to the proposed project
site.
3. The proposed project is not within the 100 foot setback from the Typical and Ordinary
High Water Mark (TOHWM) of a waterbody. No hazardous material will be stored on
the project site. Please see SPCC Plan included in this submittal for measures to
protect surface and groundwater from spills. Final site specific information is required
within six months of completion of construction at the site, so that as built conditions
are shown. Ursa has voluntarily completed the plan in advance of required timelines.
B. Structures Permitted in Setback
No structures will be located within the 35 foot setback.
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C. Structures and Activity Prohibited in Setback
No structures will be located within the 35 foot setback . No work of any kind will occur
within the 35 foot setback.
D. Compliance with State and Federal Laws
The proposed injection well will not impact any Waterbody of the US. A down-gradient
monitoring well has been installed to assist with the protection of Parachute’s water
supply.
SECTION 7-204. DRAINAGE AND EROSION
A. Erosion and Sedimentation
The proposed injection well will not require clearing or vegetation removal beyond the
existing well pad and previously disturbed area. BMPs such as sediment basins, top soil
berms and wattles will be utilized to ensure the continued protection of water bodies from
stormwater runoff during construction and operation of the facility.
B. Drainage
1. This standard requires that lots be laid out to provide positive drainage. Lots are not
proposed as part of this land use application. The proposed project will not create any
impacts to existing drainage patterns.
Per the Conditions of Approval for the Town of Parachute Watershed permit, the well
pad has been graded such that the facility will be a no discharge facility. The well pad
was lined with a minimum four-inch thick bentonite clay liner. The onsite stormwater
retention pond is lined with bentonite, as well.
2. This standard also addresses individual lot drainage within a residential development
and is not applicable to this use. The proposed facility will not impact natural drainage
patterns.
C. Stormwater Run-Off
The site has been designed in accordance with CDPHE Stormwater regulations, COGCC
standards, and Ursa’s Stormwater Management Plans for stormwater management to
control stormwater runoff in a manner that minimizes erosion, transport of sediment offsite,
and site degradation. BMPs will be maintained until the facility is abandoned and final
reclamation is achieved pursuant to COGCC Rule 1004. The proposed injection well site
is not within 100 feet of a Waterbody, and it will create 10,000 square feet or more of
impervious surface area. Design considerations include the following objectives:
1. Avoid Direct Discharge to Streams or Other Waterbodies. Stormwater Runoff from the
project areas will be controlled by use of BMPs such as sediment basins, top soil
berms, and wattles. Disturbed areas outside the working surface have been seeded
to encourage vegetation further enhancing BMPs.
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2. Minimize Directly-Connected Impervious Areas. The site design will create more than
10,000 square feet of impervious surface area. The bentonite liner required by the
Town of Parachute Watershed Permit was calculated for in the development of the
Grading and Drainage Plan. The site has been designed as a no discharge site per
the Watershed Permit. The site will drain to a bentonite lined sediment pond. Drainage
to vegetated buffer strips is not an appropriate technique for this land use.
3. Detain and Treat Runoff. The post-developed site consists of excavations and
embankments to form a drill pad, intercept ditches and berms, and a detention pond.
The facilities include cut and fill slopes at 2:1, intercept ditches and berms to control
runoff, and a detention pond. Runoff from the developed site is directed into the
detention pond which has an as built capacity of 31,000 cubic feet.
a. The required detention pond volume has been calculated to be 22,590 cubic feet.
The as-built pond volume has a capacity of 31,000 cubic feet. See the Drainage
Report for calculation details.
b. The project site is above the 100- and 500-year floodplain of the Colorado River,
therefore a 100-year storm event should not cause property damage.
c. The site has been designed to be a no discharge facility in order to comply with
the Town of Parachute Watershed Permit.
d. The required detention pond volume has been calculated to be 22,590 cubic feet.
The as-built pond volume has a capacity of 31,000 cubic feet. See the Drainage
Report for calculation details. The site has been designed to be a no discharge
facility in order to protect Parachute’s water supply.
e. All culverts, and drainage pipes, utilized at this facility are designed and
constructed according to the AASHTO recommendations for a water live load.
SECTION 7-205. ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
A. Air Quality
The injection well itself will not require an air permit or Air Pollutant Emissions Notification
(APEN). Any associated equipment that emits greater than five tons per year of criteria
pollutants, i.e. production tanks, will need an APEN and emission control devices. The
injection well is fed by an electric pump. This pump is exempt from an air permit/APEN.
The only APEN associated with the Tompkins Pad at this time is the condensate tank
battery. The produced water tank battery associated with the UIC well is exempt. Ursa has
30 days after first production to evaluate the potential to emit quantities prior to submitting
an Air Quality permits application. If the potential to emit values dictate that an Air Quality
permit is required, Ursa will obtain the appropriate permit within the allowed timeframe
from the CDPHE Air Quality Division.
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B. Water Quality
No hazardous materials will be stored on site. An SPCC plan will be in effect for the tank
batteries associated with the injection well. A copy of the plan is included with this
submittal.
The Parachute Watershed Permit Conditions of Approval include a variety of requirements
to protect Parachute’s water supply quality. See the Watershed Permit for a complete list
of COAs. Ursa installed tertiary containment around the well pad and installed a monitoring
well between the well pad and the town’s springs. Ursa completed a hydrology study prior
to receiving the permit, as requested by the Town of Parachute.
SECTION 7-206. WILDFIRE HAZARDS
A. Location Restrictions
The proposed injection well facility is not located in an area designated as a severe wildfire
hazard area according to the Garfield County on-line GIS map resources, nor is it located
within a fire chimney as identified by the Colorado State Forest Service.
B. Development Does Not Increase Potential Hazard
The proposed injection well will not increase the potential intensity or duration of a wildfire,
or adversely affect wildfire behavior or fuel composition. In the case of a wildfire in the
vicinity of the well pad, Ursa will have the capability to remotely shut-in all wells on the
pad.
C. Roof Materials and Design
Roof materials for the pump house will be made of noncombustible materials. Any
proposed construction will comply with requirements of the 2009 International Fire Code.
SECTION 7-207. NATURAL AND GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
A. Utilities
Geological hazards are not expected to be associated with the installation of buried
utilities. Trenches for water pipelines, natural gas pipelines, and electrical lines are
expected to be associated with the proposed development. The slopes may pose technical
challenges to the installation of these utilities; however, it is expected that these limitations
will be overcome with proper design and installation.
B. Development in Avalanche Hazard Areas
Avalanches are not expected to affect the proposed UIC well site, since it is located at an
elevation of approximately 5,160 feet above mean sea level.
C. Development in Landslide Hazards Areas
The site is located on alluvial terrace and fan gravels, derived from and reworked from
landslide deposits, and overlying bedrock consisting of the Wasatch Formation. There are
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existing gas wells and other structures in the area. The landslide, alluvial terrace, and fan
gravels are not expected to constitute a geologic hazard for the Tompkins UIC site
development.
D. Development in Rockfall Hazard Areas
Rockfall areas are not present in the area of the site and are not expected to be a geologic
hazard affecting the site.
E. Development in Alluvial Fan Hazard Area
The site is not in an area mapped as an alluvial fan hazard area; however, the site is
underlain by alluvium and fan gravels. The area has been mapped at large scale as
landslide deposits. These landslide deposits formed at the end of the last ice age when
the climate was wetter and are not expected to pose a hazard to the proposed Tompkins
UIC well site.
F. Slope Development
Slope is listed as a limitation for the Potts-Ildefonso soils; however, it is expected that
appropriate design and engineering controls have been incorporated into the pad
construction so that it can be developed for its intended use. The soil erosion hazard for
the Potts – Ildefonso complex soils (Unit #58) are listed as moderate.
G. Development on Corrosive or Expansive Soils and Rock
The Potts-Ildefonso complex soils are listed as corrosive to unprotected steel, but the
potential of corrosion to concrete is low. Ursa’s standard trenching practices for flowlines
include the use of non-native soils for bedding and backfill to mitigate corrosive soils.
Flowlines will be pressure tested annually according to COGCC rules.
H. Development in Mudflow Areas
Collapsible soils are not present in the vicinity of the proposed Tompkins UIC site.
I. Development Over Faults
No major faults have been mapped in the vicinity of the proposed injection well site.
Induced seismic events may be triggered by injection of fluids into the subsurface. The
COGCC limits maximum surface injection pressure through a condition of approval during
the Form 31 and Form 33 approval process. The COGCC’s policy is to keep injection
pressures below the fracture gradient, which is defined for each injection well, in order to
minimize the potential for seismic events related to fluid injection.
SECTION 7-208. RECLAMATION
A. Applicability
No Individual Sewage Disposal System (ISDS) will be installed. No new access is being
proposed. The injection well will be drilled on a previously approved COGCC well pad.
Ursa will abide by all reclamation requirements set out by COGCC Rules 1003 and 1004
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for interim and final reclamation. All of Ursa’s surface disturbances are covered under a
statewide bond, held by the COGCC.
B. Reclamation of Disturbed Areas
A copy of Ursa’s Reclamation Plan is included in this submittal. Areas disturbed during
development will be restored as natural-appearing landforms that blend in with adjacent
undisturbed topography at the end of the life of the injection well and natural gas well pad.
1. Contouring and Revegetation. Areas disturbed by grading will be contoured so they
can be revegetated as appropriate for interim and final reclamation. During final
reclamation at the end of the life for the well pad, the well pad will be planted and have
vegetation established and growing based on 70% coverage as compared with the
original on-site vegetation, using species as noted in the accompanying Reclamation
Plan.
2. Application of Top Soil. Top soil is currently stockpiled as berms around the perimeter
of the well pad. Unused top soil has been stockpiled and vegetated temporarily to
reduce erosion until it can be reused during reclamation.
3. Retaining Walls. No retaining walls are planned for this project.
4. Slash Around Homes. No residences will be part of the proposed project.
5. Removal of Debris. The proposed injection well is located on an existing natural gas
well pad.
6. Time Line Plan. The site will be finally reclaimed in approximately 20-30 years, at the
end of the life for the natural gas wells serving the injection well.
DIVISION 3. SITE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
SECTION 7-301. COMPATIBLE DESIGN
Operation of the proposed facility will be consistent with nearby uses including other oil and gas
development in the area. The facility will be unmanned, except during times of water transfers
and maintenance. There will be minimal impacts to the existing roadway system during the
operational phase.
A. Site Organization
The site has one access point to CR 309 at the southwest corner of the project site. The
site will be organized to provide safe access to and from the site and parking off the public
right-of-way. It will not disrupt solar access to adjacent properties, pedestrian access, nor
access to common areas along CR 309.
B. Operational Characteristics
1. Adjacent lands will not be impacted by the generation of vapor, odor, smoke, glare,
noise or vibration beyond the impacts already associated with the operation of the
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existing natural gas well pad. Generation of dust will be mitigated by the use of gravel,
water, or other additives to the roadways to decrease/prevent the generation of dust
caused by vehicles accessing the well pad. All lighting will be downcast, shielded, and
directed inward to avoid excessive glare. A sound wall has been erected around the
well pad to mitigate noise during natural gas drilling and completion activities. The
projected injection well sound levels will not exceed the COGCC and Garfield County
Standards for Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones.
2. The pump for the injection well will be powered by electricity and will be located within
a pump house designed specifically for the pump. A building permit will be obtained
through Garfield County. Noise will not exceed State noise standards pursuant to
COGCC Rule 802 regarding noise and abatement.
3. Typical hours of operation will be 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, although the site is available to
personnel 24 hours a day, in case of emergency.
C. Buffering
The well pad where the proposed injection well will be located will be designed to mitigate
visual and noise impacts to adjacent property during natural gas drilling and completion
activities.
D. Materials
Tanks, buildings, and equipment will be painted to blend in with the surrounding
landscape.
SECTION 7-302. OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING STANDARDS
Adequate parking will be made available to accommodate Ursa personnel during regular
operation, inspection, and maintenance of the facility. All activities on this site will be
conducted out of any public right-of-way.
All off-loading and loading will take place on the well pad out of the public right-of-way.
See Site Plan for traffic circulation patterns. Loading and unloading of vehicles will take
place in a manner that will not interfere with the flow of traffic on County Road 309.
Parking and loading surfaces have been designed by an engineer to ensure proper
drainage of surface and stormwater. See Grading and Drainage Plan section.
Traffic circulation patterns on site will be such that no vehicle will be required to back onto
the public right-of-way.
The access driveway for the proposed injection well runs to the southwest off of the well
pad to CR 309. The apron to CR 309 is constructed to accommodate the traffic typical of
natural gas well pads. The driveway has a clear vision area of 325 feet to the west and
650 feet to the east. See the Traffic Study for more information.
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A. Parking and Loading Area Landscaping and Illumination
No landscaping is planned for the proposed project site. Any illumination will be downcast
and shielded per Garfield County standards.
SECTION 7-303. LANDSCAPING STANDARDS
This type of industrial use is exempt from the landscape standards of the Development Code.
SECTION 7-304. LIGHTING STANDARDS
A. Downcast Lighting
Any lighting will be directed inward, towards the interior of the site.
B. Shielded Lighting
Any exterior lighting will be shielded so as not to shine directly onto other properties.
C. Hazardous Lighting
Light from the site will not create a traffic hazard or be confused as traffic control devices.
D. Flashing Lights
The facility will not contain flashing lights.
E. Height Limitations
There will be no light sources exceeding 40 feet in height on the site, except on the mast
of the drilling rig as required by OSHA safety standards.
SECTION 7-305. SNOW STORAGE STANDARDS
Snow will be stored in a vacant section of the existing disturbed area. The site will be
graded to accommodate snowmelt to ensure sufficient drainage.
SECTION 7-306. TRAIL AND WALKWAY STANDARDS
A. Recreational and Community Facility Access
The proposed site is located in a rural area of Garfield County. A connection to public
facilities is not appropriate or feasible.
DIVISION 10. ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR INDUSTRIAL USES
SECTION 7-1001. INDUSTRIAL USE
A. Residential Subdivisions
This site is not located in a platted residential subdivision.
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Tompkins Injection Well
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B. Setbacks
The edge of the project disturbance is located more than 100 feet from all adjacent
property lines.
C. Concealing and Screening
This site is located in a rural area. Aboveground facilities will be managed to minimize
visual effects (e.g. painted to blend with the environment).
D. Storing
All products and chemicals will be temporarily stored in compliance with all national, state
and local codes and will be more than 100 feet from adjacent property lines.
E. Industrial Wastes
All industrial wastes will be disposed of in a manner consistent federal and state statutes
and requirements of CDPHE and COGCC, and in accordance with Ursa’s Waste
Management Plan
F. Noise
No sound impacts that exceed standards will be generated from the injection well facility.
A sound barrier has been erected and will remain in place through drilling and completions
operations of the natural gas wells to minimize noise impacts. Loading and unloading
operations will be conducted to minimize noise impacts as much as possible. The
occasional pickup truck for maintenance and monitoring purposes will not impact
surrounding operations and properties beyond the impacts of the current natural gas
operations on the well pad. Pumps for the injection well are electric and will be housed in
a building specifically designed to accommodate the pump to reduce any potential noise
impacts. Photos of a similar pump house used at another of Ursa’s injection well facilities
are included in the Project Description. Operation of the facility will not exceed the
Residential/Agricultural/Rural Zone Standards and Colorado Noise Statute 25-12-103
requirements.
G. Ground Vibration
Ground vibration will not be measurable at any point outside the property boundary.
H. Hours of Operation
The facility will not generate noise, odors, or glare beyond the property boundaries greater
than what is allowed under the Land Use Development Code. Activities will occur primarily
during daylight hours, Monday through Saturday, but may occur 24/7 depending upon
operational needs.
I. Interference, Nuisance, or Hazard
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
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Tompkins Injection Well
Standards Analysis Page 16
well pad. Ursa will apply the appropriate level of BMPs and mitigation 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.
The pad and access road has been graveled to reduce fugitive dust, which will be
controlled further by using water or other dust suppressants.
This proposed use will comply with Colorado Revised State Statutes and COGCC Rules
regarding noise impacts.