HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.30 West Water Engineering Report 04.29.2009r \NestWater Engineering
Environmental Consulting Services
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2516 FORESIGHT CIRCLE, #1 GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO 81505 (970) 241 -7076 FAX: (970)241 -7097
April 29, 2009
Ms. Julie Justus
Chevron North America E & P
760 Horizon Drive # 401
Grand Junction, CO 81506
RE: Industrial Support Facility (35 -BV) Raptor Survey
Dear Ms. Justus:
WestWater (WWE) biologists were asked to consult on the presence and activity status of raptor nests
(within Colorado Division of Wildlife buffer zone guidelines) near the Chevron SKR- 598 -35 -BV
Industrial Support Facility /Water Management System located in the Clear Creek Drainage, Garfield
County, Colorado. The coordinates for the facility are 39 °34' 19.77 "N latitude, 108 °21'0.18 "W longitude.
WWE biologists reviewed raptor nest data from 2007 and 2008 biological survey reports and conducted
an additional raptor nest field survey on April 28, 2009. One occupied (active) golden eagle nest was
observed on the cliff face southwest of the Industrial Support Facility. The nest is 0.4 miles from the
facility at an azimuth of 214 degrees. It is situated in a cliff `pothole' approximately 1000 feet above the
facility. The nest was observed over the course of 3.25 hours and was continuously occupied by one, and
sometimes two, adult birds. Although no chicks were observed it is likely the adults are rearing young
chicks or incubating eggs.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) recommends no surface occupancy (beyond that which
historically occurred in the area) within 0.25 mile radius of active raptor nests. Furthermore it is
recommended that human encroachment within a 0.50 mile radius of active nests be restricted from
December 15 through July 15. These recommendations are identified in the CDOW publication,
"Recommended Buffer Zones and Seasonal Restrictions for Colorado Raptors ", revised 2008. This
publication also advises that there are exceptions to tolerance limits demonstrated by individuals within a
raptor species.
It is apparent that the Golden Eagle pair mentioned above has chosen to nest within 0.4 miles of the pre-
existing Chevron Industrial Support Facility and its related activities. At no time during the survey did
the eagles appear agitated by the activity occurring on the valley floor below. The success of this Golden
Eagle nest is not expected to be affected by the activities of the Chevron Industrial Support Facility. To
ensure nesting success human activities should not advance any closer than current distances to this eagle
nest between the present date and July 15, 2009. If further human encroachment toward this nest is
expected after July 15, the nest should be re- surveyed to determine if the nest is still occupied.
Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions regarding this report, or if we can be of
assistance in any way.
Sincerely,
Michael W. Klish
Principal Environmental Scientist