HomeMy WebLinkAbout16 Impact AnalysisIMPACT ANALYSIS
O\OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK FOR TWO-SIDED DUPLICATION.
O\OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase II — BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Table of Contents
Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978 1
5.03.07 Industrial Operations Impact Analysis 1
Section 5.03.07(1) Impact Statement 1
Section 5.03.07(2) Traffic 2
Section 5.03.07(3) Distance Buffers 3
Section 5.03.07(5) Rehabilitation 3
Land Use and Development Code 2013 3
Section 4-203.G. Impact Analysis 3
Adjacent Land Use 3
Site Features 4
Soil Characteristics 4
Geology and Hazard 5
Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas 6
Environmental Impacts 7
Nuisance 9
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
This page intentionally blank.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Article 4 — Impact Analysis
GARFIELD COUNTY ZONING RESOLUTION OF 1978
5.03.07 Industrial Operations Impact Analysis
Section 5.03.07(1) Impact Statement
(a) Wetland and Water of the U.S. Impacts: Construction of the BMC A Injection Well has limited
potential to affect wetlands and Waters of the U.S. by introducing fill, either directly during
construction or indirectly from runoff. Implementation of a Spill Prevention, Control, and
Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP), and Best
Management Practices (BMPs) associated with this type of project will provide mitigation for
any potential impacts. Mapped drainages and wetlands will be protected by Ursa using buffer
zones, stormwater BMPs, and SPCC BMPs.
(b) Noise and dust may be generated during construction of the proposed well pad. The impacts
of these nuisances will be mitigated by use of industry best management practices.
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. The injection well will be drilled at the same time as the
natural gas wells on the BMC A pad. Any noise associated with the injection well is attributed to
the electric pump and vehicles visiting the site. The electric pump will be installed in a pump
house. The pump and pump house will be identical to the fabricated metal enclosure in place at
Ursa's other injection well locations. The projected sound levels will not exceed the COGCC and
Garfield County Standards for Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones.
Data gathered during previous sound monitoring has demonstrated Ursa's compliance with the
appropriate sound regulations. A preliminary noise analysis report modeled for this location is
included in this submittal. No sound wall mitigation is proposed during operations or production
phases due to the natural shielding that will be provided by the topography in the area. As
discussed with County Planning Staff, the use of sound walls during operations would likely reflect
sound up the slope to the south of the pad, impacting nearby. Sound study indicates that
unmitigated noise levels will remain below the required thresholds. A receiver site to the northwest
of the pad location is unnecessary as there are no residences in proximity and the northwest
corner of the pad is somewhat buffered by the existing Waste Water Treatment facility. After the
well pad has been placed into the production phase, Ursa will comply with COGCC and Colorado
Revised Statutes for noise levels in Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones.
Potential impacts from air emissions, vapor and odor are required by Colorado Department of
Health and Environment (CDPHE) Air Quality Regulation 7 criteria.
Ursa commits to using carbon blankets over thief hatches on temporary tanks to reduce odors.
Ursa has in place a program to immediately respond to odor complaints via their Land
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 1
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Department. Other best management practices to control emissions include limiting the idling of
vehicles while on site and the use of closed loop completions.
Ursa has developed and implemented a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) emissions monitoring
program with infrared cameras to detect and repair any fugitive emissions. In addition, they have
implemented a Storage Tank Emissions Monitoring (STEM) program to find and repair any
fugitive emissions associated with condensate and produced water tanks. These programs have
been developed in compliance with CDPHE Regulation 7 requirements. Ursa's LDAR program is
set-up to inspect all facilities at least monthly during drilling and completion and quarterly during
production. If a leak is discovered, the first attempt to repair the leak shall be made as soon as
reasonably possible and in accordance with COGCC and CDPHE rules.
The pad and access road will be 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. Potential dust impacts will be mitigated as directed in Ursa's
Fugitive Dust Plan. During construction, truckloads of dirt, sand, aggregate materials, drilling
cuttings, and similar materials will be covered to reduce dust and particulate matter emissions
during transport.
(c) Creation of hazardous conditions: Some passerine bird species and small mammals may
choose to inhabit or nest on equipment or objects on these locations. 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 (16 U.S.C. 703-712;
Ch. 128; July 13, 1918; 40 Stat. 755) and damaging occupied nests could be considered a
"take" resulting in a violation.
Indirect Construction Effects: Additional human presence and activity related to construction,
operation, and maintenance of the facilities may influence spatial and temporal use of habitat
surrounding the project by wildlife. The greatest influence on wildlife use would be during the
drilling and completion phases. During the operation and maintenance period, the impacts would
be minimal. Since the site exists within and 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 have become habituated to vehicle
traffic. The potential for increased vehicle related mortalities related to this project should be low.
Endangered Fish Species: Designated critical habitat for two endangered fish species (Colorado
pikeminnow and razorback sucker) occurs in the Colorado River downstream of the project and
upstream as far as Rifle. Potential impacts to aquatic species could include water depletions and
runoff from storms or snowmelt that carry increased sediment loads or pollutants to the river.
Implementation of a SPCC, SWMP, and BMPs associated with this type of project will offer
mitigation for any potential impacts.
Section 5.03.07(2) Traffic
All movements at the access are expected to operate at acceptable levels of service throughout
construction. The addition of site traffic, even in the height of construction, does not increase the
existing volumes to amounts required for auxiliary lanes where they are not already provided.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 2
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase II — BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Once construction is complete, the daily volumes will reduce to approximately ten vehicles per
day for the well pad site including injection well activities. Based on the results of the analysis, no
mitigation is recommended for the site.
Water pipelines will be installed to move produced water for reuse on other well pads in the area.
These pipelines will also transport water for disposal in the injection well. The pipelines will
eliminate the need to truck water, except for upset conditions, thus keeping the traffic volume
increases to a minimum after drilling and completions operations are concluded on the well pad.
Section 5.03.07(3) Distance Buffers
The proposed well pad is in the PSRI zone district. The nearest residence is 500 feet south of the
nearest well and 340 feet south of the nearest production facility. It is south and next to the
Battlement Mesa Metropolitan District Water Treatment Plant.
Section 5.03.07(5) Rehabilitation
(a) Ursa will follow COGCC Rules for Interim and Final Reclamation of the proposed well pad. A
copy of Ursa's Reclamation Plan is included in Reclamation Section. The SUA with Battlement
Mesa also outlines the Owner's request for landscaping and reclamation where appropriate.
(b) The proposed well pad will be a COGCC approved location. Ursa will abide by all reclamation
requirements set out by the SUA and the COGCC. Ursa's surface disturbances are covered
under a statewide bond held by the COGCC. A copy of Ursa's bond is included in Reclamation
Section.
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT CODE 2013
Section 4-203.G. Impact Analysis
Adjacent Land Use
The adjacent uses within a 1500 -foot radius of the site consist of a water treatment plant, vehicle,
boat, and RV storage; residences, a skate park; and vacant PUD commercial property. The
proposed use is consistent with the predominant existing uses in the surrounding area, including
the storage facility and water treatment plant. Visual, vegetative, and topographical buffering will
be implemented to separate the proposed facility from the less compatible nearby uses, including
the residences and the park. These uses will not be impacted by construction and operation of
the BMC A injection well beyond normal industrial uses of the parcel once the injection well begins
operations.
Additionally, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) requires that
operators notify all surface and building owners within 1000 feet of the proposed project site. Local
governments with land use authority are required to be consulted and notified as part of COGCC's
Large Urban Mitigation Area (LUMA) rules. COGCC has a series of notifications that go out to
owners and local governments including pre -application notifications. Certifications of the LUMA
notifications sent to date are included with this submittal. Ursa has planned stakeholder meetings
to update the status of development plans in the PUD. Ursa participated in Garfield County's
LUMA consultation visit on February 28, 2017.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 3
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Per Garfield County submittal requirements, a list of landowners and mineral rights owners within
200 feet of the proposed project parcel is included with this submittal. Ursa's Land Department
researched mineral rights by using records from the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder's office.
Adjacent landowner addresses were obtained from the Garfield County Assessor's web based
database. Exception Zone Waivers have been executed with the six mobile home owners that
are within 500 feet of the proposed production facilities on the BMC A Well Pad. Approval of the
COGCC Form 2A will constitute approval of the exception location.
Site Features
The site is located on private land within the Battlement Mesa PUD next to the Battlement Mesa
PUD Water Treatment Plant. The proposed well pad is off River Bluff Road (CR 307) in the NE 1/4
of the SE 1/4 of Section 13, Township 7 South, Range 96 West and the NW 1/4 of the SW 1/4 of
Section 18, Township 7 South, Range 95 West of the 6th P.M. on Garfield County parcel number
2407-081-00-152. Access to the site is via River Bluff Road from the intersection of West and
South Battlement Parkway. The project site encompasses approximately 2.75 acres at an
elevation of about 5100 feet. Geologic hazards potentially affecting the BMC A Injection Well
include slope area, corrosive soils, and expansive soils.
The affected area covers a variety of habitat types consisting of native and disturbed rangelands
as well as agricultural areas and a small amount of riparian or wetland communities. The
vegetative cover consists of mostly sage brush and juniper mix. Areas of riparian and wetland
vegetation are dominated by broadleaf cattail, narrowleaf cottonwood, reed canarygrass, and
three -leaf sumac.
The proposed well pad is on a vacant lot in the unplatted portion of Battlement Mesa PUD found
between the Tamarisk and Monument Creek Village Subdivisions and the Battlement Mesa
Metropolitan District's (BMMD) Wastewater Treatment Facility. BMC A Injection Well is below the
bluff that both subdivisions sit on. The site is relatively flat riverfront land sloping toward the
Colorado River. The project site, in its pre -developed condition, is located in a semiarid plateau
region between 5000 ft and 6000 ft in elevation.
Soil Characteristics
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Soils Map shows the area soil types. The
following soil units, are within the study area around BMC A Injection Well:
• Ildefonso stony loam, 25% to 45%, Map Symbol 34: These soil units are deep, well
drained, moderately sloping, hilly, to steep soils found on mesa breaks, valley sides, and
alluvial fans at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 feet amsl. These soils formed in
mixed alluvium derived primarily from basalt. The surface layer is a brown stony loam
about 8 inches thick, the underlying material is a white, strongly calcareous stony loam to
a depth of 60 inches. Permeability is moderately rapid, available water capacity is low, the
surface runoff is medium and the erosion hazard is severe for these soils.
• Arvada Loam, 6% to 20% slopes, Map Symbol 4: The Arvada loam 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
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 4
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
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 is severe.
The Ildefonso soils and the Arvada loam soil are corrosive to uncoated steel and low to moderately
corrosive to concrete. Community development over these soil types is limited by low strength,
shrink -swell potential, large stones, and slopes. Buried piping and structures onsite will need to
have adequate cathodic protection to prevent corrosion due to the salinity of these soils. Slopes
should be protected to prevent erosion.
Geology and Hazard
For a full report of the Geology and Soils Hazards, see the Geologic Hazards Section. The BMC
A Injection Well site is 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 low -amplitude folds interrupt this regional dip. Numerous small sub -parallel northwest
trending folds have been identified in the Green River Formation within the 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.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the UIC program and the injection of
fluids related to oil and gas production as Class II disposal wells for the protection of underground
sources of drinking water (USDWs). In many cases, the EPA delegated authority to implement
the UIC program to the states, with 39 states having primary authority over 95 percent of all UIC
Class II wells. The EPA delegated primacy for regulation of Class II UIC wells to the State of
Colorado in April 1984. Class II UIC wells inject fluids associated with oil and natural gas
production. Most of the injected fluid is salt water, or brine, naturally present in the formation,
produced along with the oil and gas and is injected into a deep disposal well into a formation that
contains brine with similar or more saline water quality characteristics.
The COGCC regulates operators of Class II UIC wells per federal law and COGCC's rules and
policies are in place to reduce the likelihood of induced seismicity. The current safeguards defined
by the COGCC permit process include limits on injection volume at pressures below the fracture
gradient. The permit process also involves input from the Colorado Division of Water Resources
(CDWR), the Colorado Geological Survey (CGS), the Colorado Department of Public Health and
Environment (CDPHE), and EPA Region 8 UIC program in Denver.
The COGCC requires Class II UIC wells be properly constructed with cemented surface casing
and production casing to isolate and prevent fluid flow between the injection zones and USDWs.
The COGCC UIC engineer reviews all relevant information including hydrogeologic studies,
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 5
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
CDWR water well information, COGCC geophysical well logs from area production wells. The
COGCC UIC engineer also reviews information on the specific formation and well construction
data submitted by the operator, including resistivity, cement bond, and geophysical logs to verify
that 1) the surface casing is set below the fresh water zones used as a water supply, and 2)
production casing and cement placement and quality adequately isolate the injection zone and
USDWs including fresh water zones that are not currently used as water supplies. The COGCC
requires mechanical integrity tests (MIT) be performed on the injection wells every five years.
The maximum surface injection pressure is calculated based on a default fracture pressure
gradient of 0.6 pounds per square inch (psi) per foot of depth. The operator may conduct a Step
Rate Injection Test to define whether a higher injection zone fracture gradient exists. The COGCC
UIC engineer designates a maximum surface injection pressure as a condition of permit approval.
It is the COGCC's policy to keep injection pressures below the fracture gradient, which is defined
for each injection well, to minimize the potential for seismic events related to fluid injection.
Groundwater and Aquifer Recharge Areas
The site is located on a terrace above the Colorado River flood plain. The Colorado River is
approximately 400 feet to the north. The Monument Gulch creek drainage is approximately 1,000
feet to the southwest. There is an unnamed intermittent drainage 300 feet to the east northeast
of the site.
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 low 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 through 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 250 feet to 300 feet below ground surface along
the terraces above the Colorado River. Static water levels reportedly range between 20 feet and
60 feet bgs based on a review of permitted water wells near the site.
Surficial aquifers are present in the alluvium along the Colorado River and its major tributaries.
The depth to groundwater is expected to be less than 20 feet near the Colorado River. This
alluvium is typically too thin, narrow, and discontinuous to be considered a major aquifer, although
in some areas the alluvium is locally important as surficial aquifers. 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 northern part of the proposed site.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 6
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase II — BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
I IVIWUI!Mel nal 1111pCRA:.
See the Impact Analysis: Section 4-203-G (8) Environmental Impacts Report prepared by
WestWater Engineering and the Geologic Hazards Report prepared by Olsson Associates for a
full analysis of the Environmental Impacts. The project area was evaluated for threatened,
endangered, or sensitive wildlife and vegetative species, including but not limited to Greater Sage
Grouse, DeBeque phacelia, Parachute beardtongue, Ute ladies' tresses orchid, and Colorado
hookless cactus, listed in Garfield County.
Determination of long-term and short-term effects on flora and fauna
Flora
The vegetation communities affected by the project are largely disturbed by previous
developments and management practices. The project's impact to important native vegetation
would be small within the scope of existing developments and other disturbances. No special
status plant occurrences are known to exist nearby. Noxious weeds occurring in the area are
discussed in an accompanying Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan
(IVNWMP) prepared by WestWater for this project.
WestWater biologists determined that the project would affect three potentially jurisdictional
wetlands or Waters of the US. Proper marking, temporary fencing, stormwater, and SPCC BMPs
will reduce the likelihood of inadvertent impacts to the wetlands.
Fauna
Designated critical habitat for two endangered fish species (Colorado pikeminnow and razorback
sucker) occurs in the Colorado River downstream of the project and critical habitat for two
additional species (bonytail and humpback chub) occurs downstream of the project near Grand
Junction. Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker have been documented in the river
upstream as far as Rifle.
Potential impacts to aquatic species would be limited to water depletions and runoff from storms
or snowmelt that carry increased sediment loads or pollutants from the project to the river.
Implementation of a Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC), a Stormwater
Management Plan (SWMP), and Best Management Practices (BMPs) associated with this type
of project will offer a good degree of mitigation for any potential impacts.
No high-quality raptor nesting habitat would be affected by the project. 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.
Loss of foraging habitat will occur within the footprint of the proposed well pad. No CPW mapped
migration corridors would be affected. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution
by creating avoidance areas and increasing stress on wintering big game. Due to significant
human presence, deer, and elk that winter in this area have become habituated to human activity
and the indirect effects of avoidance and displacement will be diminished. An increase in vehicle
traffic may result in added vehicle related wildlife mortality, although additional traffic resulting
from this project would contribute minimally, given current traffic volumes on the existing roads.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 7
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Fences can pose an increased risk to big game and fencing around the facility should be
constructed per published standards that reduce impacts to big game.
Potential encounters with black bears could occur if garbage or food is available on the site. Ursa
will mitigate the potential impacts to black bears by keeping trash in bear -proof containers and
removing on a regular schedule. Once the well pad enters the production phase, all trash will be
removed by employees during their periodic maintenance visits.
Nesting habitat for migratory birds will be lost in the footprint of the pad and road and construction
during nesting season could result in destruction of active bird nests. The vegetation removal
needed for development of this project will reduce foraging habitat available for small mammals
and birds. Human presence and activity may affect animal distribution. An increase in traffic could
result in vehicle related mortalities.
The proposed well pad is not found in Greater Sage Grouse habitat.
Determination of the effect on designated environmental resources, including critical Wildlife
Habitat
Development of the project would not directly affect any designated critical wildlife or occupied
plant habitat for threatened or endangered species. Downstream habitats for aquatic species
could be affected by water depletions, pollutants, and sedimentation. This project would contribute
to cumulative effects of habitat alteration in the area.
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 (16 U.S.C. 703-712; Ch. 128; July 13, 1918; 40
Stat. 755) and damaging occupied nests could be considered a "take" resulting in a violation.
Livestock and big game will likely avoid the project sites.
Direct Construction Effects: Construction will remove or significantly alter nesting and foraging
habitat for a variety of migratory and non -migratory birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Indirect Construction Effects: Additional human presence and activity related to construction,
operation, and maintenance of project features may influence spatial and temporal use of habitat
surrounding the project by wildlife. For sites that would be developed adjacent to significant and
long-term human presence, the added indirect effects in those areas would be smaller.
Road -kill: Speed limits are relatively low and most wildlife in the area has become habituated to
vehicle traffic on public transportation rights-of-way. The potential for vehicle related mortalities
related to this project would be moderate.
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
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 8
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase II — BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
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.
Olsson reviewed the Colorado Bulletin 40, Radioactive Mineral Occurrences of Colorado which
states that nearly all of Garfield County's uranium production came before1954, and most of that
came from the Rifle and Garfield mines, 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
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 permanent structures, personnel will not be onsite for extended periods, and the
site will not be developed with structures having basements or substructures in which radon can
accumulate.
Nuisance
Noise and dust may be generated during construction of the proposed well pad. The impacts of
these nuisances will be mitigated by use of industry best management practices.
This proposed use will comply with Colorado Revised State Statutes and COGCC Rules
regarding noise impacts at all times. The injection well will be drilled at the same time as the
natural gas wells on the BMC A pad. Any noise associated with the injection well is attributed to
the electric pump and vehicles visiting the site. The electric pump will be installed in a pump
house. The pump and pump house will be identical to the fabricated metal enclosure in place at
Ursa's other injection well locations. The projected sound levels will not exceed the COGCC and
Garfield County Standards for Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones.
Data gathered during previous sound monitoring has demonstrated Ursa's compliance with the
appropriate sound regulations. A preliminary noise analysis report modeled for this location is
included in this submittal. No sound wall mitigation is proposed during operations or production
phases due to the natural shielding that will be provided by the topography in the area. As
discussed with County Planning Staff, the use of sound walls during operations would likely reflect
sound up the slope to the south of the pad, impacting nearby. Sound study indicates that
unmitigated noise levels will remain below the required thresholds. A receiver site to the northwest
of the pad location is unnecessary as there are no residences in proximity and the northwest
corner of the pad is somewhat buffered by the existing Waste Water Treatment facility. After the
well pad has been placed into the production phase, Ursa will comply with COGCC and Colorado
Revised Statutes for noise levels in Residential/Agricultural/Rural zones.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 9
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase 11— BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
Potential impacts from air emissions, vapor and odor will be controlled via Colorado Department
of Health and Environment (CDPHE) Air Quality Regulation 7 criteria.
Additionally, Ursa commits to using carbon blankets over thief hatches on temporary tanks to
reduce odors. Ursa has in place a program to immediately respond to odor complaints via their
Land Department. Other best management practices to control emissions include limiting the
idling of vehicles while on site and the use of closed loop completions.
Ursa has developed and implemented a Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) emissions monitoring
program with infrared cameras to detect and repair any fugitive emissions. In addition, they have
implemented a Storage Tank Emissions Monitoring (STEM) program to find and repair any
fugitive emissions associated with condensate and produced water tanks. These programs have
been developed in compliance with CDPHE Regulation 7 requirements. Ursa's LDAR program is
set-up to inspect all facilities at least monthly during drilling and completion and quarterly during
production. If a leak is discovered, the first attempt to repair the leak shall be made as soon as
reasonably possible and per COGCC and CDPHE rules.
Potential dust impacts will be mitigated as directed in Ursa's Fugitive Dust Plan using water or
other dust suppressants as appropriate. During construction, truckloads of dirt, sand, aggregate
materials, drilling cuttings, and similar materials will be covered to reduce dust and particulate
matter emissions during transport. Remote monitoring will be used to reduce truck traffic and
fugitive dust to the extent practical.
Lighting impacts during drilling and completion operations will be mitigated per the SUA. All
lighting, except as needed for safety reasons, will be directed inward and downward, and be
shaded to prevent direct reflection on adjacent property and residences in the area. LED lights
will be used when possible and practical. Workers will be advised when moving light plants to
ensure that the light is focused directly on the work being done. Drilling mast lighting will be
downcast and shielded to reduce fugitive light outside the well pad. Safety considerations will take
precedence.
During operations, all lights will be directed inward and downward, towards the interior of the site
and away from residences.
Above ground facilities will be painted to blend with the environment to decrease visual impacts.
If a nuisance complaint is received on a location for noise, odor, dust, or other nuisances, Ursa's
standard operating practice is to respond to each complaint as soon as possible. The person
receiving the complaint, usually the Landman, gathers as much information (such as wind
direction, time, duration, strength, nature of odor or noise, etc.) about the issue as possible. This
information is relayed to the operations lead who begin to determine the source of the issue and
what may be causing it. Once the root cause of the issue is identified, the team determines
mitigation efforts that will help remedy the concern(s). The land team follows up with the
stakeholders on the effectiveness of the mitigation efforts and adjustments are made as
necessary. All complaints are logged and tracked to improve Ursa's overall best management
practices (BMP) performance on existing and future assets. Ursa has implemented a Stakeholder
Hotline for concerns and complaints that will be answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by
a designated Ursa staff member. The number is 970-620-2787. Ursa also has a 24/7 emergency
hotline, 855-625-9922.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 10
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
Battlement Mesa PUD Phase II — BMC A Injection Well
Ursa Operating Company and Battlement Mesa Land Investments 016-3531
The construction of the BMC A well pad and injection well will be limited to the hours of 7:00 am
and 7:00 pm, except for emergencies and episodic events beyond Ursa's control. Per the SUA,
there are no time of day restrictions regarding drilling, completing, re -completing, workover, or
reservoir fracture stimulation operations. Drilling will occur continuously 24 hours a day. Well
completion activity will be limited to between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm as an added BMP. Once the
wells are in production, vehicle trips to the pad will be limited to the hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm,
except for emergencies and episodic events beyond Ursa's control.
April 28, 2017, revised July 14, 2017 11
OLSSON
ASSOCIATES
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK FOR TWO-SIDED DUPLICATION.
O\OLSSON
ASSOCIATES