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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.03 Impact statementIMPACT STATEMENT The site selection of the proposed facility took into account the current uses of the land surrounding the site, minimizing the visual impact created by the facility, traffic impact to roads, proximity to residences, and the potential for success of reclamation. Alternate locations were studied prior to the selection of the proposed site, but were found to either not meet with the criteria listed above or had other environmental or operational issues. Construction of the water storage and evaporation facility will ultimately reduce the volume and impact from truck traffic on County roads 300 and 304. The facility will be in continuous use and operation 24 hours per day, on a year round basis. However, the majority of activities associated with the facility will occur during typical, daylight working hours. Garfield County Road 304 is the primary access to the general producing area, but is currently a non - maintain road. EnCana will assume the responsibility of maintenance of the road and right -of -way. During peak usage times, the facility is expected to require an average of approximately 6 water tanker trips per day into and out of the facility. The majority of these trips will be on existing and future on -lease roads that already or will in the future serve natural gas wells and operations within the area. Water trucks will operate primarily during daylight hours and will be traveling to and from well locations. The electric driven pump is expected to emanate low -level noise and minimal amounts of vibration. The pump building will aid in mitigating the noise and vibration emitted from the pump and associated equipment. The sound level of noise emanating from the facility will not exceed the 75 decibel maximum set forth in Colorado Revised Statute 25 -12 -103. Given the remote location of the planned facility, noise will not be a nuisance to area residents. The vibration, if any, should be localized to a small area immediately surrounding the pump. If, in the unlikely event, nuisance noise, vibration, or odors are emanated by the facility, additional measures will be taken to control them. The facility is designed to protect ground water and surface water resources. The storage pond will be lined with a 60 millimeter impermeable high- density polyethylene (HDPE) liner placed on top of a felt skid free pad to prevent the poly liner from moving. Preparation of the dirt pad surface beneath the liner will include tilling and raking the soil to at least an 18 inch rock free surface. Compaction of the pond berms will meet or exceed 95% Proctor Density. Compaction test will be conducted by a certified, 3rd party inspection company. The storage pond will be surrounded by a 6 foot field fence (wood post with wire mesh panels). The fence includes steel gates for personnel access. The gates will typically remain closed at all times to prevent unauthorized entry. The adjacent property characteristics and surrounding land uses are such that a visible barrier fence should not be necessary. Facility signage will include the company name, address, and 24 -hour emergency contact numbers. The High Mesa Water Storage and Evaporation Facility will occupy about two acres of the EnCana owned 40 acre parcel. Colorado Department of Wildlife maps indicate that the site is located on winter rangeland for mule deer and elk. This type of facility is by nature incompatible with continued wildlife access therefore wildlife will be excluded by wildlife -proof fencing. The limited size of the facility will not block wildlife migration routes. The water stored at the site is not expected to be an attraction or threat to waterfowl, but a deterrence system will be installed if waterfowl usage does occur. All equipment will be painted to match the color of the surrounding terrain as closely as possible. Visual impact to the area will be minimal due to the placement and limited amount of surface equipment used at the site. Electrical power will be the only public utility used by the facility. The anticipated life of the facility is approximately 20 years. Reclamation of the facility is outlined in the "Reclamation Plan" section of this packet. Reclamation will be bonded under the State permit application.