Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.11 Veg & noxious weed mgnt planCentralized Exploration & Production Waste Management Facility Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed. Management Plan Garfield County Special Use Permit Application Prepared for: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Prepared by: WestWater Engineering (In coordination with Wagon Wheel Consulting) February 2006 Introduction The EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (EnCana) Centralized Exploration and Production Waste Management Facility is approximately 9 acres located south of the Rifle Airport in the NE1 /4SW1 /4 Section 19, T6S, R92W, 6th P.M. (see Map). Site Inspection and Survey A site inspection by WestWater Engineering (WWE) took place on January 11, 2006. The perimeter of the site, and adjoining lands were closely observed for plant communities, listed noxious weeds, wildlife and soils. Located on a gently sloping flat - topped ridge between steep -sided ephemeral tributaries to Mamm Creek, the soils are deep, well- drained and moderately textured. The sagebrush plant community (Artemesia spp.) includes several species of sagebrush (Photo 1). The only native Photo 1. View of ESP Facility Site. Photo 2. Heavily browsed Iambsquarter with cheatgrass in background. grass observed was galleta (Pleuraphis jamesii). Pinyon pine -Utah juniper woodlands surround the site on the steep slopes. Vegetative organic litter is non- existent except for cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum). Four separate plants of a weed, lamb's quarter (Chenopodium spp.) were observed (Photo 2). All palatable vegetation show intensive browsing by mule deer. Amount of Infested Land Needing Treatment There are no listed noxious weeds on the EnCana site as of January 11, 2006. Nor were listed weeds observed in the immediate vicinity. However, there are nearby properties with temporary and long -term soil and vegetation removal and disturbance. The potential for noxious weeds is considered by WWE to be elevated due to the level of soil disturbing industrial activities in the immediate vicinity of the Centralized Exploration and Production Waste Management Facility. Targeted Noxious Weeds and Control Methods Table 1 lists Garfield County Noxious Weed Species for which careful and watchful monitoring should be conducted and control initiated if observed. This information is presented herein for facilitation of monitoring and control by EnCana field staff receiving this report. Table 1. Garfield County Listed Noxious Weeds of Concern for E &P Facility. Common Name*/ Symbol Scientific Name Type ** Control Methods Thistle, Musk CANU Carduus nutans B Till or hand grub in the rosette stage, mow at bolting or early flowering; apply seed head & rosette weevils, leaf feeding beetles, and/or herbicides in rosette stage. Knapweed, Russian ACRE3 Centaurea repens P Re- seeding disturbed sites with fast growing grasses, herbicide in fall (Curtail recommended), allelopathic — tillage may be necessary Houndstongue CYOF Cynoglossum officinale B Re -seed with aggressive grasses, remove at flowering or early seed, or apply herbicides at pre -bud or rosette stage. Thistle, Scotch ONAC Onopordum acanthium Biennial; tillage, hand grubbing, herbicides in rosette stage, mowing at bolting stage State of Colorado. 2000. Colorado Revised Statute 35 -5 -5, Symbol is US Dept. Ag. Nat. Res. Cons. Service official abbreviated code. * *A - Annual, B - biennial, P— perennial z 266000m E. 267000m E, WGS84 Zone 13S 26900om E. J. - 53 PS o S� 17 it �f 43 790 00m N . Area Inspected by WestWater II v f Figure 1. E & P Facility Location Map EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. January 18, 2006 WestWater Engineering Inc, TN *IMN flle 266000mE. 267000m E, 268000m E. D I MILE 030 TEE p tppp METERS z 0 0 0 fti M One species found on the State of Colorado "C" list at 8CCR1203 -19, Bromus tectorum, downy brome or cheatgrass (BRTE), is common on site and the perimeter in heavily grazed areas and on adjoining land. There are hundreds of acres of mixed surface ownership land in the vicinity infested with cheatgrass. Due to ownership and biology of cheatgrass it is not practical or recommended by WestWater biologists for treatment to be extended to this species within the temporary disturbance area of EnCana's project other than indirectly through revegetation of temporary disturbance. The exception would be if the treatment were part of a larger, coordinated integrated vegetation and noxious weed plan on adjoining lands between all affected owners. The following tables summarize the most effective treatment strategies for noxious weeds, depending upon their growth habits. Table 2 includes annuals and biennials, and Table 3 shows strategies for perennial weeds. Table 2. Treatment Strategies for Annual and Biennial Noxious Weeds Target: Prevent Seed Production 1. Hand grub (pull), hoe, till, cultivate in rosette stage and before flowering or seed maturity. 2. Chop roots below soil level. 3. Treat with herbicide in rosette or bolting stage, before flowering. 4. Mow biennials after bolting stage, before seed set. Mowing annuals may not prevent flowering. Table 3. Treatment Strategies for Perennials Target: Deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production 1. Allow plants to expend as much energy from root system as possible, do not treat when first emerging in spring but allow growth to bud/bloom stage. 2. Herbicide treatment at bud to bloom stage or in the fall. In the fall plants draw nutrients into the roots for winter storage. Herbicides will be drawn down to the roots more efficiently at this time. If the weed patch has been present for a long period of time, another season of seed production is not as important as getting the herbicide into the root system. Spraying in the fall will kill the following year's shoots, which are being formed on the roots at this time. 3. Mowing usually is not recommended because the plants will flower anyway; seed production may be reduced, however. Many studies have shown that mowing perennials and spraying the re- growth is not as effective as spraying without mowing. Effect of mowing is species dependent; therefore, it is imperative to know the species and its biology. Recommendations Revegetation. It is recommended disturbed areas be re- seeded immediately with the following seed mix which is formulated in consideration of soils and plant communities: Table 4. Recommended Seed Mix for EnCana E &P Facility Scientific Name Common Name Seedslft.2 Percent of Total by Weight Application Rate Lbs PLS*/acre Achnatherum hymenoides Indian ricegrass 6 15 2.0 Atriplex canescans Fourwing saltbrush 3 19 2.5 Penstemon strictus Rcky.Mtn.Penstemon 5 4 0.5 Chrysothamnus nauseosus Rubber rabbitbrush 5 4 0.5 Elymus L lanceolotus Thickspike wheatgrass 6 11 1.5 Pascopyrum smithii Western wheatgrass 8 22 3.0 Poa sanbergii Sandberg bluegrass 5 2 0.25 Astragulus titer Cicer Milkvetch 4 8 1.0 Pseudoroegneria s. spicatum Bluebunch wheatgrass 6 15 2.0 Totals 48 100 13.25 *PLS is Pure Live Seed, * *Due to rounding Seed should be applied broadcasting at an application rate of approximately 48- seeds /square foot onto a roughened surface followed by harrowing. Re- seeding may be required if future monitoring indicates lack of adequate germination. Monitoring. Monitoring for targeted weeds should be performed on a weekly basis beginning at spring green -up and continuing through the growing season. Monitoring by qualified personnel should be conducted using Table 5 as a general guide to key plant growth periods and best control periods. Mechanical Observed weeds, particularly rosettes, should be controlled when possible and practical first by mechanical means, primarily hand grubbing or pulling. Control of listed species in nearby disturbed areas is recommended to reduce the risk and rate of infestation in the affected right -of -way. Chemical. Spot treating may become necessary and should include areas immediately adjacent to the site on adjoining lands. Chemicals typically used include synthetic auxin growth regulators (e.g., 2,4D; Tordon, Banvel, and Garlon), EPSP synthase inhibitors (e.g., glyphosate) or a mix of these. In all cases, the certified applicator shall deem which chemical(s) and at what concentrations) shall be used at the time of application. However, it is anticipated the aforementioned classes of chemicals will be first choice of most Certified Applicators or Qualified Supervisors. It is recommended a private contractor be engaged to conduct the weed control and monitoring, or that a company representative with weed identification capabilities and pesticide application knowledge (preferably with a certified applicator's license) be assigned this function. Additional Information: Table 5 is a guide to timing of key biological processes and the best time for control of the subject species on an annual basis. Species Table 5. Annual Biology Calendar of Selected Weeds for EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. E&P Facility Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan Aug Sept Type* Jan Feb March April May June July 1Houndstongue B rosettes —> prebud IKnapweed, Russian C P i - -> flowering —> - -> regrowth Thistle, Bull - 1st yr B [ germination rosettes - -> , —> —> —> (Thistle, Bull - 2nd yr B —> - -> bolting flowering ;seed set —> —> —> Thistle, Musk - 1st yr B germination rosettes —> —> —> R—> !Thistle, Musk - 2nd yr B rosettes —> —> - -> bolt flowering ,seed set Thistle, Scotch B rosettes —> —> —> - -> jbolting Iflowering - seed set A = annual; WA = winter annual; B = biennial; P = perennial; CP = creeping perennial r Shaded areas indicate best control timing flowering - seed set germination emerges rosettes 1-> germination - rosettes Centralized Exploration & Production Waste Management Facility Wildlife Assessment and Mitigation Plan Garfield County Special Use Permit Application Prepared for: EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. Prepared by: WestWater Engineering (In coordination with Wagon Wheel Consulting) February 2006 Introduction The EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. (EnCana) E &P Facility is approximately 9 acres located south of the Rifle Airport in the NE1 /4SW1 /4 Section 19, T6S, R92W, 6th P.M. (see Map). Rugged, steep slopes and ephemeral drainages leading to Mamm Creek dominate the landscape. Photo 1. Project Site viewing from SW to NE. z N Photo 2. Mule deer buck in Photo 1, enlarged. Located on a fan or flat ridge -top between steep, partially wooded, ephemeral drainages, soils are deep, fairly well drained, and moderately textured. Three plant communities complement the landscape setting of the site. The dominant community on gently sloping terrain is sagebrush shrubland. Pinyon pine -Utah juniper open woodlands occupy steep slopes adjacent to the sagebrush meadow. Some open and some closed mixed mountain shrubs also occupy adjacent steep slopes with composition and density defined more by aspect than soils. TOPOI map printed on 01/18/06 from "EnCana_E&P_Fadllty.tpo" 26600amE, 2S7oaomE. WGS84 Zone 13S'69°" 5. znr I e� aw County 13 orav 1;. 5 r Map. E & P Facility Location EnCana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. January 18, 2006 WestWater Engineering Inc. TNlrpMN nI• 766040.m E. 267000mE. 268100F.,E. 0.91E pa�aaKw 1[11 ) Ta „ --- WI- .WINO mans Map enaled will TOPOIS 6 M 11 ahotad Oevap}r (www,otloielgeogaphicsomftopo.) z More than 50% of the sagebrush had no coarse, vegetative litter on the soil surface. Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorurn) is found on a portion of the site, primarily the southwest quadrant of the site. z Site Inspection and Survey N A site inspection was conducted by WestWater Engineering (WWE) on January 11, 2006. The perimeter and adjoining lands were inspected for plant communities, listed noxious weeds, soils and wildlife. Potential Wildlife Occurrence Due to the physiographic aspect and slope and relation to the current built environment, a moderate diversity of wildlife is expected to be observed passing over, nearby, or through the site seasonally. Some important species can be observed directly on the site including mule deer (Photo 2 above). The following table lists species reasonably be expected to be observed at some time during the year from on near the site. Few of the listed species are observed year round. Most observation potential is seasonal. Wildlife Species Likely Found in E &P Facility Vicinity* 'Common Name' 'Scientific Name' 'Occurrence' ** 'Abundance' ** Amphibians Great Basin Spadefoot Spea intermontana Known to occur Uncommon Woodhouse's Toad Bufo woodhousii Known to occur Common Birds American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos Known to occur Fairly Common American Kestrel Falco sparverius Known to occur Fairly Common American Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum Known to occur Rare American Robin Turdus m gratorius Known to occur Common Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Known to occur Unknown Black- billed Magpie Pica pica Known to occur Common Black- capped Chickadee Poecile atricapillus Known to occur Fairly Common Brewer's Blackbird Euphagus cyanocephalus Known to occur Common Brewer's Sparrow Spizella breweri Known to occur Common Brown - headed Cowbird Molothrus ater Known to occur Common Bushtit Psaltriparus minimus Known to occur Uncommon Cassin's Finch Carpodacus cassia Known to occur Fairly Common Chukar Alectoris chukar Known to occur Uncommon Clark's Nutcracker Nucifraga columbiana Known to occur Fairly Common Common Raven Corvus corax Known to occur Fairly Common Cooper's Hawk Accipiter cooperii Known to occur Uncommon Dark -eyed Junco Junco hyemalis Known to occur Common Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens Known to occur Uncommon Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus Known to occur Uncommon European Starling Stumus vulgaris Known to occur Abundant Field Sparrow Spizella pusilla Known to occur Unknown Gambel's Quail Callipepla gambelii Known to occur Rare Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos Known to occur Uncommon Gray Jay Perisoreus canadensis Known to occur Uncommon Gray Vireo Vireo vicinior Known to occur Rare Great Homed Owl Bubo virginianus Known to occur Uncommon Green - tailed Towhee Pipilo chlorurus Known to occur Common Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus Known to occur Uncommon Homed Lark Eremophila alpestris Known to occur Fairly Common House Finch Carpodacus mexicanus Known to occur Common House Sparrow Passer domesticus Known to occur Common House Wren Troglodytes aedon Known to occur Common Indigo Bunting_ Passerina cyanea Known to occur Rare Juniper Titmouse Baeolophus griseus Known to occur Fairly Common Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus Known to occur Uncommon Merlin Falco columbarius Known to occur Unknown Mountain Bluebird Slalia currucoides Known to occur Fairly Common Mountain Chickadee Poecile gambol' Known to occur Common Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Known to occur Common Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus Known to occur Fairly Common Northern Shrike Lanius excubitor Known to occur Unknown Pinyon Jay Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Known to occur Common Prairie Falcon Falco mexicanus Known to occur Uncommon Pygmy Nuthatch Sitta pygmaea Known to occur Rare Red - tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Known to occur Uncommon Rock Dove Columba livia Known to occur Common Gunnison Sage Grouse Centrocercus minimus Likely to occur Uncommon Sage Sparrow Amphispiza bell! Known to occur Uncommon Sage Thrasher Oreoscopfes montanus Accipifer striatus Known to occur Known to occur Uncommon Uncommon Sharp- shinned Hawk Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia Known to occur Fairly Common Steller's Jay Cyanocitta stalled Known to occur Fairly Common Swainson's Hawk Buteo swainsoni Known to occur Uncommon Townsend's Solitaire Myadestes townsendi Known to occur Uncommon Turkey Vulture Cathodes aura Known to occur Fairly Common Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus Known to occur Common Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana Known to occur Rare Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis Known to occur Fairly Common Western Meadowlark Sturnella neglecta Known to occur Common Western Screech -Owl Otus kennicottii Known to occur Unknown Western Scrub Jay Aphelocoma californica Known to occur Fairly Common Western Tanager Piranga ludoviciana Known to occur Fairly Common White - breasted Nuthatch Sitta carolinensis Known to occur Fairly Common White - crowned Sparrow ,Zonofrichia leucophrys Known to occur Fairly Common Wild Turkey Meleagris gallopavo Known to occur Uncommon Mammals American Badger Taxidea faxus Known to occur Fairly Common American Elk Cervus elaphus Known to occur Abundant Black Bear Ursus americanus Known to occur Common Black - tailed Jackrabbit Lepus califomicus Known to occur Uncommon Bobcat Lynx rufus Known to occur Common Bushy - tailed Woodrat Neofoma cinema Known to occur Fairly Common Common Porcupine Erethizon dorsatum Known to occur Uncommon Coyote Canis latrans Known to occur Abundant Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Known to occur Abundant Desert Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii Known to occur Common Ermine Mustafa erminea Known to occur Uncommon Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus Known to occur Fairly Common Kit Fox Vulpes macrotis Likely to occur Unknown Least Chipmunk Tamias minimus Known to occur Common Long - tailed Weasel Mustafa frenata Known to occur Common Mountain Lion Fells concolor Known to occur Common Mule Deer Odocoileus hemionus Known to occur Abundant Pinyon Mouse Peromyscus truei Known to occur Common Red Fox Vulpes vulpes Known to occur Uncommon Ringtail Bassariscus astutus Known to occur Fairly Common Striped Skunk Mephitis mephitis Known to occur Abundant White - tailed Jackrabbit Lepus townsendii Known to occur Common Reptiles Fence Lizard Sceloporus undulafus Known to occur Common Longnose Leopard Lizard Gambelia wislizeni! Known to occur Unknown Midget Faded Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis concolor Known to occur Uncommon Racer Coluber constrictor Known to occur Uncommon Sagebrush Lizard Sceloporus graciosus Known to occur Common Western Rattlesnake Crotalus viridis Known to occur Uncommon *Data from Colorado Division of Wildlife, edited by WestWater Engineering for the site. **When found in Garfield County in similar plant communities. Discussion The site is excellent wildlife habitat. At the time of inspection, 25 mule deer were observed on site. An estimated 35 -50 total mule deer were within 100 meters of the center of the site at the time of inspection. The gently sloping sagebrush meadow forming the site on top of the ridge is high quality winter range for mule deer. Evidence suggests a long history of winter grazing by mule deer. The site is in an open, shrubby area as can be seen in the photos surrounded by pinyon pine -Utah juniper woodlands on steep, rugged slopes on two sides. Plant communities together with ruggedness of surrounding terrain combine to offer nearby hiding cover and escape routes. Most wildlife observed from the site are expected to be moving or passing through. Smaller species such as Brewer's sparrows and western bluebirds do depend on the adjoining shrublands for food, cover, and, in some cases, nesting. Construction and operation of the E & P Facility and loss of this sagebrush meadow will displace direct use of the site. Wildlife Mitigation The following measures are recommended to EnCana by WestWater Engineering, Inc.: Improve undisturbed sagebrush shrublands. Greater than 90% of the site is developed and it is a relatively small site compared to the surrounding landscape. The uniqueness of the site, e.g. for mule deer winter range, will be lost since the imprint of the facility nearly matches the location of the sagebrush plant community. Some methods to compensate for the loss is to improve the sagebrush remaining by taking out competing pinyon pine or Utah juniper, chopping or mowing a portion of the older, more senescent sagebrush, removing all domestic livestock grazing, and fertilization. Minimize footprint of temporary disturbance and reduce to the minimum level possible all soil disturbing activities. Park construction vehicles on previously disturbed lands during construction. Re- seeding. Temporary disturbances on EnCana property have been recommended to be re- seeded with native grasses and shrubs as well as an introduced, short -lived but highly wildlife - desirable, non - bloating legume. These measures are described in the Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan for this E &P Facility. Fence Removal. Two wildlife un- friendly sheep -type fences are located on site. The fence through the center of the site must be removed to complete the facility. The other, located on the northern edge of the site running east to west, if removed would benefit wildlife.