HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.01 03.13.11 Revised Condion #16March 23, 2011
Attention : Renata Busch
Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc.
2717 CR 215, Suite 100
Parachute, CO 81635
Garfield County
BUILDING & PLANNING DEPARTMENT
RE: Pipeline Development Plan Review for High Mesa Discharge Pipeline for a 16-inch
natural gas pipeline-PDPA-6713
Dear Renata,
Upon review, the Application was deemed technically complete on March 2 , 2011 and has been
reviewed against the submittal requirements required in Article IX of the Unified Land Use
Resolution of 2008 , as amended. This letter shall constitute Garfield County's review of the project.
I. Project Overview
The proposed pipeline is located in the Sections 35 and 36 , Township 7 South, Range 96 West
and Sections 2 and 3 , Township 8 South, Range 96 West, Garfield County, Colorado. Encana Oil
and Gas (USA) Inc. (Encana) is proposing to install a 16-inches diameter buried steel na t ural gas
pipeline and a 12 " diameter buried steel water line ; however the water line will not be subject to
review since it is nofgreater than 12-inches in diameter. A compressor and dehydration unit at the
terminus of the pipeline (High Mesa Compresso r Station) will also be reviewed as part of this
applic ation. The pipeline is approx imately 2.8 miles in length and will be located within an ex isting
30' pipeline right-of-way . The proposed gas pipeline will maintain a minimum 1 0' off set from the
existing pipelines . The construction right -of-way width is 30' to 45' depending on the land owner
and the construction of the proposed pipelines will disturb approx imately 25.75 acres. However,
no new disturbance will occur outside the ex isting previously disturbed area.
The 16" pipeline will start at the High Mesa Compressor Station (HMCS) (E1/2 NW1/4, Section 36,
T7S, R96W) and end near the dismantled Wallace Creek Compres sor Station (SE1/4 NW1/4,
Section 3, T8S , R96W).
The purpose of the discharge line , dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate add itional throughput capacities . Encana's drill ing activity is e x pected to increase in
this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes through this facility .
The 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the ex isting HMCS to the ex isting 20" trunk l ine that
runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station for delivery of High Mesa Field
gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor Station. This pipeline will require above-ground
appurtenances (block valves , meters, pig launchers and receivers) at both ends of the pipeline .
Additional above ground appurtenances will be required to connect this pipeline to the e xisting 20",
10", and 8" pipelines near the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station . The pipelines will
be buried at least 48" in depth . The Applicant has also indicated that the proposed pipeline will be
placed under any ex isting pipelines within the right-of-way . The 16" pipeline will be accessible
from County Roads (CR) 304 and 306 and several private roads. The pipeline will cross CR 304
and CR 306. The zone district is Rural.
0375 Co unty Road 352, Building #2 060 • Rifle, CO 81650
(97 0) 625-5 900 • Fax: (97 0) 625 -5 939
1
108 Eighth Stre et, Su ite 401 • Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
(970) 945-8212 • Fax: (97 0) 38 4-3470
II. Ownership
The proposed natural gas pipeline will be located on property owned by:
• Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc., Parcel Number. 2409-361-00-048;
• Larry and Karen Klebold, Parcel Number 2409-351-00-136;
• Linda Jones, Parcel Number 2409-354-00-123;
• Frank and Yoneko McNeil, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-128;
• Patricia Richardson, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-127; and,
• Larry and Dana Knox, Parcel Numbers 2447-022-00-064 and 2447-031-00-081.
These parcels are all within the Rural Zoning District.
Property owners within 200' of the proposed pipeline right-of-way are:
Bureau of Land Management, Parcel Number 2409-364-00-955;
Kimberly Gross, Parcel Number 2447-022-00-049;
William and Sandy Heley, Parcel Number 2409-354-00-122;
Samuel Maness, Parcel Number 2447-031-00-074; and,
Cathy and Ralph Snow, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-126.
There are three houses, two outbuildings, one shed, and one trailer within 350 feet of the
proposed pipeline on Parcel Numbers 2409-354-00-123, 2409-353-00-127, 2447-031-00-074,
and 2447-031-00-081. One outbuilding located on Patricia Richardson is shown partially
within the 30' permanent pipeline right-of-way. However, the Applicant indicates that there
are no safety issues or risks with this structure being located within the right-of-way.
Ill. Notice to Surface Owners
The proposed pipeline is situated on parcels owned by property owners identified above and
evidence of surface owner notification and surface agreements has been provided.
IV. Need for Proposed Action
The purpose of the discharge line, dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate additional throughput capacities. Encana's drilling activity is expected to
increase in this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes
through this facility. The 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing HMCS to the
existing 20" trunk line that runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station
for delivery of High Mesa Field gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor Station.
V. Regulatory Permit Requirements
The following table provides the applicable permit agency name, permit required, and status
of permit for this application. All necessary permits have been obtained for this application.
Permit Aoencv Permit Needed Permit Status
Colorado Department of Public Health and Colorado Discharge Permit System CDPS General Permit COR-030000,
Environment~ Water Quality Control Division Certification Number: COR03821 0
Nationwide Permit 12 for Utility Activity Nationwide Permit #12 and #33
US Army Corp of Engineers and Nationwide Permit 33 for submitted dated 5/6/10, approved in 45
Temporary Drainage Diversion calendar days after date of submittal
Colorado Department of Public Health and Fugitive Dust Emissions Land Development GP03 General Permit
Environment-Air Quality Control Division # 046-0051-00t, issued 11/10/09
Garfield County-Utility Installation Permit For three road bores for the crossing No permits have been obtained. of County Roads 304 and 306
2
VI. Primary Project Participants
The names of project participants were provided and are as follows:
Company Name Contact Address Phone Number/Email
Address
Encana Oil and Gas Dewey Neely, Construction 2717 CR 215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2632 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 250-9462 cell
Encana Oil and Gas Renata Busch, Penn it and ROW 2717 CR 215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2825 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 319-8890 cell
Encana Oil and Gas Bob Anderson, Pipeline 2717 CR 215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2622 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Construction Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 366-0772 cell
Army Corps of Engineers Travis Morse, Environmental 402 Rood Avenue, Grand -Colorado/Gunnison Engineer Junction, CO 81501 (970) 243-1199 office
Basin Regulatory Office
CDPHEWCQD-Nathan Moore, Environmental 4300 Cherry Creek South, (303) 692-3555 office Stormwater Engineer Denver, CO 80202
Garfield County Building
and Planning Fred Jarman, Planning Director 108 8th Street, Ste 401, (970) 945-8212 office
Department Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Garfield County Roads Wyatt Keesbery 0298 CR 333A, Rifle, CO (970) 625-8601
and Bridge Department 81650
VII. Project Facilities
This pipeline will require above-ground appurtenances (block valves, meters, pig launchers
and receivers) at both ends of the pipeline. Additional above ground appurtenances will be
required to connect this pipeline to the existing 20", 10", and 8" pipelines near the dismantled
Wallace Creek Compressor Station. This pipeline expansion will require the addition,
operation, and maintenance of a compressor and dehydration unit to be installed at the
existing HMCS. The proposed compressor unit will be housed in an acoustically insulated
building and all building permits will obtained from the County.
VIII. Construction Schedule
Construction of the pipeline is scheduled to begin upon receipt of application permits and will
take approximately eight to 10 weeks to complete. Working hours will normally range from
sunrise to sunset Monday through Saturday.
IX. Sensitive Area Survey
Several reports are provided to address areas of concern for the proposed pipeline including
a Biological Resources Sensitive Areas Report (dated July 201 0), Addendum to: Biological
Resources Sensitive Areas Report and Resource Inventory (dated September 2010)
prepared by WestWater Engineering (dated July 2010) and a Class I Cultural, and
Paleontological prepared by Grand River Institute (dated September 2010).
The Biological Resources and Sensitive Areas Report indicates that no Threatened and
Endangered plant species (TESS) were found during the surveys and therefore no affects on
TESS plants are expected.
3
Two federally endangered fish species are known to occur in the Colorado River which
lies . 75 miles to the north of the project site. This report states that 'It is unlikely that
endangered fish in the Colorado River would be affected by this project since sediments are
mostly contained by topography and not likely to reach the river." Five state listed threatened,
endangered, or special concern species may occur within the project area. During surveys,
no state listed threatened, endangered, or special concern was observed in the project area.
No significant impacts to elk, deer, passerine species, black bear, mountain lion, small
mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in the area. However, this report also recommends
mitigation measures to assist in lessen the impacts to some of these species and is attached
as Exhibit A.
No occupied raptor nests were found during the surveys, however, this report states that if
construction is delayed until 2011 or later, the area should be resurveyed to insure no new
raptors have been built that may be affected by the project.
The Class I Cultural Resource Inventory by Grand River Institute (dated September 24,
201 0) indicates that no significant features were recorded within the pipeline corridor studied
during this inventory, no further work is deemed necessary.
A letter dated May 13, 2010 prepared by Olsson Associates inventoried the drainage
crossings for the proposed High Mesa pipeline upgrade. This letter indicates that the
pipeline route extends across the US Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) jurisdictional water
of Spring Creek and nine non-jurisdictional drainages. A Nationwide 404 Permit #12 for utility
line activities and Nationwide Permit #33 for temporary access, construction, and dewatering
have been submitted to and approved by the USAGE.
X. Revegetation Plan
WestWater Engineering prepared an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan (dated July 2010) and Addendum to Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan (dated September 201 0). The initial report proposes a seed mix and
seeding rates. The Volume I Master Stormwater Management Plan -South Parachute Unit
provides adequate reclamation methods to reclaim the disturbed areas of the pipeline
corridor.
XI. Weed Management Plan
WestWater Engineering prepared an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan {dated July 2010) and Addendum to Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan (dated September 201 0) have been provided with this application and
approved by the County's Vegetation Manger.
XII. Emergency Response Plan
An Emergency Response Plan is included with this application.
XIII. Traffic Impact
Construction traffic for the project will use CR 306 (Spring Creek and Wallace Creek Roads).
It is estimated that approximately 75% of the construction traffic will use these roads.
Construction traffic will consist of approximately eight pickup trucks and two crew trucks
including Encana personnel, plus two semi-haul trucks to get the equipment on location and
possibly a fuel truck. Majority of these trucks will make a single round trip per day to the
project area. The semi-trucks could estimate three round trips depending on equipment and
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pipe needs. Working hours normally will range from sunrise to sunset Monday through
Saturday.
XIV. Staging Areas
Two construction staging areas (TUA) associated with this project are identified on the on
plan and profile sheets; 1) located at the HMCS; and, 2) near the dismantled Wallace Creek
Compressor Station.
XV. Hydro Test Water
The natural gas pipeline will be hydrostatically tested. The hydro test will require
approximately 246,000 gallons of water. The water will come from water rights that Encana
holds on the Colorado River. After the completion of the hydro test, the water will be
discharged into well pads for refracting or Hunter. Water Treatment Facility. If the Benzel
Water Treatment Facility needs water it will be trucked but this is Encana's last option for
disposing of this water.
XVI. Referral Comments
Staff referred the application to the following State agencies and/or County Departments for
their review and comment. Comments received are briefly mentioned below or are more
comprehensively incorporated within the appropriate section of this report. Comment letters
are attached and labeled as noted.
A. County Road and Bridge Department (Exhibits B): This department states they don't have
any issues with this application. This project proposes for three road bores, and will need
three separate permits, one for each bore (two on CR 306 and one for CR 304).
B. County Vegetation Management (Exhibit C): This agency's comments are as follows:
Noxious Weeds
• The submitted vegetation and weed management plan are acceptable.
Revegetation
• The revegetation plan including seed mixes, liming, methods, and mulching is
acceptable.
• The applicant has quantified the surface area to be disturbed as 25.75 acres. The
revegetation security rate for a short-term project is $2,500 per acre.
• A revegetation security in the amount of $64,375 ($2,500 per acre x 25.75 acres) is
required.
• The security shall be held by Garfield County until vegetation has been successfully
reestablished according to the Reclamation Standards in the Garfield County Weed
Management Plan. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the County,
upon successful revegetation establishment, to request an inspection for security
release consideration.
• Yellow Sweet Clover (Me/iltus officina/is) is not to be included the seed mix for
revegetation. The Applicant is to closely monitor reseeding contractors to insure that
this species is not used.
Erosion Control
• Any straw or hay bales used in erosion control the Applicant shall use Colorado
Department of Agriculture certified weed-free bales.
C. Garfield County Development Engineer, Mountain Cross Engineering (Exhibit D): Review
generated the following comments:
5
• The pipeline alignment has various obstacles such as roads, drainages, and existing
pipelines. The Application materials show that roads are to be bored and that
streams/drainages will be trenched but mitigated. However the application is silent
concerning the existing pipelines. The Applicant should provide more information
concerning mitigation of pipeline crossings, separation, depths, conflicts, etc. The
concerns identified under this "bullet" were addressed by an email from the Applicant
(Exhibit E) to Mountain Cross Engineering's satisfaction and therefore will not be
made a condition of approval.
• The Biological Resource and Sensitive Areas Report recommends that the area be
resurveyed for raptors if construction is to take place in spring of 2011. Since this
time frame of construction appears to be likely, the area should be resurveyed.
D. Oil and Gas Liaison: No comments received.
E. Town of Parachute (Exhibit F): The Town of Parachute has no objection to the project.
F. Surface owner: No comments received.
G. Grand Valley Fire Protection District (Exhibit G): This agency reviewed the application
and indicated that it is adequate. However, the Emergency Response Plan needs to
have Jim Sears replaced with Chris Bornholdt's name and contact number.
XVII. Summary of Review
The proposed pipeline is located in the Sections 35 and 36, Township 7 South, Range 96
West and Sections 2 and 3, Township 8 South, Range 96 West, Garfield County, Colorado.
The purpose of the discharge line, dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate additional throughput capacities. Encana's drilling activity is expected to
increase in this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes
through this facility. The proposed 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing
HMCS to the existing 20" trunk line that runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek
Compressor Station for delivery of High Mesa Field gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor
Station. This pipeline is approximately 2.8 miles in length and will be located within an
existing 30' pipeline right-of-way.
Upon substantive review of the documents submitted against the required standards and
criteria in Section IX of the Unified Land Use Code Resolution 2008, as amended, Staff has
made a determination of Approval with Conditions for the High Mesa Discharge Pipeline
(PDPA 6713).
The specific conditions include the following:
1. Any equipment used in construction or operation of a pipeline shall comply with the
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Rules and Regulations, Section 802,
Noise Abatement. Additionally, all power sources used in pipeline operations shall have
electric motors or muffled internal combustion engines.
2. Pipeline operations shall be located in a manner to minimize their visual impact and
disturbance of the land surface. Facilities shall be painted in a uniform, non-contrasting,
non-reflective color, to blend with the adjacent landscape. Right-of-way shall be located in
existing disturbed areas unless safety or visual concerns or other adverse surface
impacts clearly dictate otherwise.
6
3. The Applicant shall provide the County with a digital alignment of the pipeline once
constructed in a format readable to the County Geographic Information System (GIS)
analyst.
4. In no case shall an operator engage in activities which impact Federal or State
threatened and endangered species.
5. Air contaminant emissions shall be in compliance with the applicable permit and control
provisions of the Colorado Air Quality Control Program, Title 25, Resolution 7, C.R.S.
6. All operations shall comply with all applicable Federal and State Public Health and
Environment, Noise, and Air and Water Quality Control standards.
7. Should an abandoned pipeline be removed, it shall be subject to the original revegetation
and weed management requirements in the original application.
8. The security shall be held by Garfield County until vegetation has been successfully re-
established according to the Reclamation Standards in the Garfield County Weed
Management Plan. II is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the County, upon
successful revegetation establishment, to request an inspection for security release
consideration. The Reclamation Standards at the date of permit issuance are cited in
Section(s) 4.06, 4.07 and 4.08 of the Garfield County Weed Management Plan
(Resolution #2002-94).
9. Yellow Sweet Clover (Me/iltus officina/is) shall not in the seed mix to be used for
revegetation. The Applicant shall closely monitor reseeding contractors to insure that this
species is not used.
10. The Applicant shall use the seed mix identified in Appendix B of the Integrated
Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan and identified in Exhibit H.
11. Applicant shall use Colorado Department of Agriculture certified weed-free bales for any
straw or hay bales used for erosion control.
12. The Applicant shall adhere to the Best Management Practices listed in Section 3. 7 on
pages 10 -12 of the submitted Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan as identified in Exhibit I.
13. The Applicant shall adhere to Section 7.0 Mitigation Recommendations on pages 13-15
of the submitted Biological Resources and Sensitive Areas Report and as identified in
Exhibit A.
14. Prior to the issuance of Land Use Change Permit, a resurvey of raptor nests shall be
completed and submitted to Garfield County Planning Department for review.
15. Prior to pipeline construction, the Applicant shall obtain three Utility Installation Permits
(two for CR 306 and one for CR 304) from Garfield County Roads and Bridge Department
and submit these permits to the Garfield County Planning Department.
7
16 . Prior to the issuance of Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall provide the Garfie ld
County Planning Department a building permit for the building to house the proposed
compressor unit.
17. Update the Emergency Response Plan so that Chris Bornholdt is shown as the
Emergency Manager.
18. Prior to the issuance of the Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall prov ide proof of
notice to property owners within 200 feet of the pipeline route that are not affected
surface owners.
This determination has been sent to the Board of County Commissioners to determine if they wish
to call up the matter. The BOCC has 14 days to determ ine if they need to call up the application .
If there is no call up , on April 6, 2011 the County will be able to inform you that the permit has been
approved and can be recorded .
Do not hesitate to contact this office if you have any questions.
Sincerely ,
=/%:!::?-/fl(?pt1
Sen ior Planner
970 .625 .5903
8
March 23, 2011
Attention : Renata Busch
En cana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc .
2717 CR 215, Suite 100
Para chute, CO 81635
Garfield County
BUILDING & PLANNI N G DEPARTMEN T
RE: Pipeline Development Plan Review for High Mesa Discharge Pipeline for a 16-inch
natural gas pipeline-PDPA -6713
Dear Renata,
Upon review, the Application was deemed technically complete on March 2, 2011 and has been
reviewed against the submittal requirements required in Article IX of the Unified Land Use
Resolution of 2008, as amended . This letter shall constitute Garfield County's review of the project.
I. Project Overview
The proposed pipeline is lo cated in the Sections 35 and 36, Township 7 South , Range 96 West
and Sections 2 and 3 , Township 8 South, Range 96 West, Garfield County, Colorado. Encana Oil
and Gas (USA) Inc. (Encana) is proposing to install a 16-inches diameter buried steel natural gas
pipeline and a 12" diameter buried steel water line ; however the water line will not be subject to
review since it is not greater than 12-inches in diameter. A compress or and dehydration unit at the
terminus of the pipeline (High Mesa Compressor Station) will also be reviewed as part of this
application. The pipeline is appro x imately 2.8 miles in length and will be located within an existing
30' pipeline right -of-way. The proposed gas pipeline will maintain a minimum 1 0 ' off set from the
existing pipelines . The construction right-of-way width is 30 ' to 45' depending on the land owner
and the construction of the proposed pipelines will disturb appro x imately 25 .75 acres . However,
no new disturbance will occur outside the ex isting prev iously disturbed area .
The 16" pipeline will start at the High Mesa C ompressor Station (HMCS) (E1/2 NW1/4, Section 3 6,
T7S , R96W) and end near the dismantled Walla ce Creek Compressor St ation (SE1/4 NW1/4,
Section 3, T8S, R96W).
The purpos e of the discharge line, dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate additional throughput capacities . Encana 's drilling activity is expected to increase in
this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes through this facility.
The 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing HMCS to the e x isting 20 " trunk line that
runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station for delivery of High Mesa Field
gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor Station . This pipeline will require above -ground
appurtenances (block valves , meters, pig launchers and receivers) at both ends of the pipeline.
Additional above ground appurtenances will be required to connect this pipeline to the ex isting 20",
1 0", and 8" pipelines near the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station . The pipelines will
be buried at least 48" in depth. The Applicant has also indicated that the proposed pipeline will be
placed under any e xisting pipelines within the right-of-way. The 16" pipeline will be accessible
from County Roads (CR) 304 and 306 and several private roads . The · pipeline will cross CR 304
and CR 306 . The zone district is Rural.
03 75 Co unty Road 352, Buildi ng #2 060 • Rifle, CO 8165 0
(970) 625-5900 • Fax : (97 0) 625 -5 939
1
I 08 Eighth Street, Suite 40 I • Glenwoo d Spr ings, CO 8 1601
(9 70) 945 -8212 • Fax: (97 0) 384-3470
II. ·Ownership
The proposed natural gas pipeline will be located on property owned by:
• Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc., Parcel Number. 2409-361-00-048;
• Larry and Karen Klebold, Parcel Number 2409-351-00-136;
• Linda Jones, Parcel Number 2409-354-00-123;
• Frank and Yoneko McNeil, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-128;
• Patricia Richardson, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-127; and,
• Larry and Dana Knox, Parcel Numbers 2447-022-00-064 and 2447-031-00-081.
These parcels are all within the Rural Zoning District.
Property owners within 200' of the proposed pipeline right-of-way are:
Bureau of Land Management, Parcel Number 2409-364-00-955;
Kimberly Gross, Parcel Number 2447-022-00-049;
William and Sandy Heley, Parcel Number 2409-354-00-122;
Samuel Maness, Parcel Number 2447-031-00-074; and,
Cathy and Ralph Snow, Parcel Number 2409-353-00-126.
There are three houses, two outbuildings, one shed, and one trailer within 350 feet of the
proposed pipeline on Parcel Numbers 2409-354-00-123, 2409-353-00-127, 2447-031-00-074,
and 2447-031-00-081. One outbuilding located on Patricia Richardson is shown partially
within the 30' permanent pipeline right-of-way. However, the Applicant indicates that there
are no safety issues or risks with this structure being located within the right-of-way.
Ill. Notice to Surface Owners
The proposed pipeline is situated on parcels owned by property owners identified above and
evidence of surface owner notification and surface agreements has been provided.
IV. Need for Proposed Action
The purpose of the discharge line, dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate additional throughput capacities. Encana's drilling activity is expected to
increase in this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes
through this facility. The 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing HMCS to the
existing 20" trunk line that runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek Compressor Station
for delivery of High Mesa Field gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor Station.
V. Regulatory Permit Requirements
The following table provides the applicable permit agency name, permit required, and status
of permit for this application. All necessary permits have been obtained for this application.
Permit Agency Permit Needed Permit Status
Colorado Department of Public Health and Colorado Discharge Permit System COPS General Permit COR-030000,
Environment-Water Quality Control Division Certification Number: COR038210
Nationwide Permit 12 for Utility Activity Nationwide Permit #12 and #33
US Army Corp of Engineers and Nationwide Permit 33 for submitted dated 5/6/10, approved in 45
Temporary Drainage Diversion calendar days after date of submittal
Colorado Department of Public Health and Fugitive Dust Emissions Land Development GP03 General Permit
Environment-Air Quality Control Division # 046-0051-001 , issued 11/1 0/09
Garfield County-Utility Installation Permit For three road bores for the crossing No permits have been obtained. of County Roads 304 and 306
2
VI. Primary Project Participants
The names of project participants were provided and are as follows:
Company Name Contact Address Phone Number/Email
Address
Encana Oil and Gas Dewey Neely, Construction 2717 CR 215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2632 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 250-9462 cell
Encana Oil and Gas Renata Busch, Permit and ROW 2717 CR215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2825 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 319-8890 cell
Encana Oil and Gas Bob Anderson, Pipeline 2717 CR 215, Ste 100, (970) 285-2622 office, (970)
(USA) Inc. Construction Coordinator Parachute, CO 81635 366-0772 cell
Army Corps of Engineers Travis Morse, Environmental 402 Rood Avenue, Grand · Colorado/Gunnison Engineer Junction, CO 81501 (970) 243-1199 office
Basin Regulatory Office
CDPHEWCQD-Nathan Moore, Environmental 4300 Cherry Creek South, (303) 692-3555 office Stormwater Engineer Denver, CO 80202
Garfield County Building
and Planning Fred Jarman, Planning Director 108 8th Street, Ste 401, (970) 945-8212 office
Department Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Garfield County Roads Wyatt Keesbery 0298 CR 333A, Rifie, CO (970) 625-8601
and Bridge Department 81650
VII. Project Facilities
This pipeline will require above-ground appurtenances (block valves, meters, pig launchers
and receivers) at both ends of the pipeline. Additional above ground appurtenances will be
required to connect this pipeline to the existing 20", 1 0", and 8" pipelines near the dismantled
Wallace Creek Compressor Station. This pipeline expansion will require the addition,
operation, and maintenance of a compressor and dehydration unit to be installed at the
existing HMCS. The proposed compressor unit will be housed in an acoustically insulated
building and all building permits will obtained from the County.
VIII. Construction Schedule
Construction of the pipeline is scheduled to begin upon receipt of application permits and will
take approximately eight to 10 weeks to complete. Working hours will normally range from
sunrise to sunset Monday through Saturday.
IX. Sensitive Area Survey
Several reports are provided to address areas of concern for the proposed pipeline including
a Biological Resources Sensitive Areas Report (dated July 2010), Addendum to: Biological
Resources Sensitive Areas Report and Resource Inventory (dated September 2010)
prepared by WestWater Engineering (dated July 201 0) and a Class I Cultural, and
Paleontological prepared by Grand River Institute (dated September 2010).
The Biological Resources and Sensitive Areas Report indicates that no Threatened and
Endangered plant species (TESS) were found during the surveys and therefore no affects on
TESS plants are expected.
3
Two federally endangered fish species are known to occur in the Colorado River which
lies . 75 miles to the north of the project site. This report states that 'It is unlikely that
endangered fish in the Colorado River would be affected by this project since sediments are
mostly contained by topography and not likely to reach the river." Five state listed threatened,
endangered, or special concern species may occur within the project area. During surveys,
no state listed threatened, endangered, or special concern was observed in the project area.
No significant impacts to elk, deer, passerine species, black bear, mountain lion, small
mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in the area. However, this report also recommends
mitigation measures to assist in lessen the impacts to some of these species and is attached
as Exhibit A.
No occupied raptor nests were found during the surveys, however, this report states that if
construction is delayed until 2011 or later, the area should be resurveyed to insure no new
rapiers have been built that may be affected by the project.
The Class I Cultural Resource Inventory by Grand River Institute (dated September 24,
201 0) indicates that no significant features were recorded within the pipeline corridor studied
during this inventory, no further work is deemed necessary.
A letter dated May 13, 2010 prepared by Olsson Associates inventoried the drainage
crossings for the proposed High Mesa pipeline upgrade. This letter indicates that the
pipeline route extends across the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) jurisdictional water
of Spring Creek and nine non-jurisdictional drainages. A Nationwide 404 Permit #12 for utility
line activities and Nationwide Permit #33 for temporary access, construction, and dewatering
have been submitted to and approved by the USACE.
X. Revegetation Plan
WestWater Engineering prepared an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan (dated July 2010) and Addendum to Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan (dated September 2010). The initial report proposes a seed mix and
seeding rates. The Volume I Master Stormwater Management Plan -South Parachute Unit
provides adequate reclamation methods to reclaim the disturbed areas of the pipeline
corridor.
XI. Weed Management Plan
WestWater Engineering prepared an Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan (dated July 2010) and Addendum to Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed
Management Plan (dated September 2010) have been provided with this application and
approved by the County's Vegetation Manger.
XII. Emergency Response Plan
An Emergency Response Plan is included with this application.
XIII. Traffic Impact
Construction traffic for the project will use CR 306 (Spring Creek and Wallace Creek Roads).
It is estimated that approximately 75% of the construction traffic will use these roads.
Construction traffic will consist of approximately eight pickup trucks and two crew trucks
including Encana personnel, plus two semi-haul trucks to get the equipment on location and
possibly a fuel truck. Majority of these trucks will make a single round trip per day to the
project area. The semi-trucks could estimate three round trips depending on equipment and
4
pipe needs. Working hours normally will range from sunrise to sunset Monday through
Saturday.
XIV. Staging Areas
Two construction staging areas (TUA) associated with this project are identified on the on
plan and profile sheets; 1) located at the HMCS; and, 2) near the dismantled Wallace Creek
Compressor Station.
XV. Hydro Test Water
The natural gas pipeline will be hydrostatically tested. The hydro test will require
approximately 246,000 gallons of water. The water will come from water rights that Encana
holds on the Colorado River. After the completion of the hydro test, the water will be
discharged into well pads for refracting or Hunter Water Treatment Facility. If the Benzel
Water Treatment Facility needs water it will be trucked but this is Encana's last option for
disposing of this water.
XVI. Referral Comments
Staff referred the application to the following State agencies and/or County Departments for
their review and comment. Comments received are briefly mentioned below or are more
comprehensively incorporated within the appropriate section of this report. Comment letters
are attached and labeled as noted.
A. County Road and Bridge Department (Exhibits B): This department states they don't have
any issues with this application. This project proposes for three road bores, and will need
three separate permits, one for each bore (two on CR 306 and one for CR 304).
B. County Vegetation Management (Exhibit C): This agency's comments are as follows:
Noxious Weeds
• The submitted vegetation and weed management plan are acceptable.
Revegetation
• The revegetation plan including seed mixes, timing, methods, and mulching is
acceptable.
• The applicant has quantified the surface area to be disturbed as 25.75 acres. The
revegetation security rate for a short-term project is $2,500 per acre.
• A revegetation security in the amount of $64,375 ($2,500 per acre x 25.75 acres) is
required.
• The security shall be held by Garfield County until vegetation has been successfully
reestablished according to the Reclamation Standards in the Garfield County Weed
Management Plan. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the County,
upon successful revegetation establishment, to request an inspection for security
release consideration.
• Yellow Sweet Clover (Meli!tus officina/is) is not to be included the seed mix for
revegetation. The Applicant is to closely monitor reseeding contractors to insure that
this species is not used.
Erosion Control
• Any straw or hay bales used in erosion control the Applicant shall use Colorado
Department of Agriculture certified weed-free bales.
C. Garfield County Development Engineer, Mountain Cross Engineering (Exhibit D): Review
generated the following comments:
5
• The pipeline alignment has various obstacles such as roads, drainages, and existing
pipelines. The Application materials show that roads are to be bored and that
streams/drainages will be trenched but mitigated. However the application is silent
concerning the existing pipelines. The Applicant should provide more information
concerning mitigation of pipeline crossings, separation, depths, conflicts, etc. The
concerns identified under this "bullet" were addressed by an email from the Applicant
(Exhibit E) to Mountain Cross Engineering's satisfaction and therefore will not be
made a condition of approval.
• The Biological Resource and Sensitive Areas Report recommends that the area be
resurveyed for raptors if construction is to take place in spring of 2011. Since this
tirne frame of construction appears to be likely, the area should be resurveyed.
D. Oil and Gas Liaison: No comments received.
E. Town of Parachute (Exhibit F): The Town of Parachute has no objection to the project.
F. Surface owner: No comments received.
G. Grand Valley Fire Protection District (Exhibit G): This agency reviewed the application
and indicated that it is adequate. However, the Emergency Response Plim needs to
have Jim Sears replaced with Chris Bornholdt's name and contact number.
XVII. Summary of Review
The proposed pipeline is located in the Sections 35 and 36, Township 7 South, Range 96
West and Sections 2 and 3, Township 8 South, Range 96 West, Garfield County, Colorado.
The purpose of the discharge line, dehydration unit and additional compressor unit is to
accommodate additional throughput capacities. Encana's drilling activity is expected to
increase in this area over the two to three years which will result in greater gas volumes
through this facility. The proposed 16" pipeline will transport natural gas from the existing
HMCS to the existing 20" trunk line that runs through the dismantled Wallace Creek
Compressor Station for delivery of High Mesa Field gas to Encana's Orchard Compressor
Station. This pipeline is approximately 2.8 rniles in length and will be located within an
existing 30' pipeline right-of-way.
Upon substantive review of the documents submitted against the required standards and
criteria in Section IX of the Unified Land Use Code Resolution 2008, as amended, Staff has
made a determination of Approval with Conditions for the High Mesa Discharge Pipeline
(PDPA 6713).
The specific conditions include the following:
1. Any equipment used in construction or operation of a pipeline shall comply with the
Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Rules and Regulations, Section 802,
Noise Abatement. Additionally, all power sources used in pipeline operations shall have
electric motors or muffled internal combustion engines.
2. Pipeline operations shall be located in a manner to minimize their visual impact and
disturbance of the land surface. Facilities shall be painted in a uniforrn, non-contrasting,
non-reflective color, to blend with the adjacent landscape. Right-of-way shall be located in
existing disturbed areas unless safety or visual concerns or other adverse surface
impacts clearly dictate otherwise.
6
3. The Applicant shall provide the County with a digital alignment of the pipeline once
constructed in a format readable to the County Geographic Information System (GIS)
analyst.
4. In no case shall an operator engage in activities which impact Federal or State
threatened and endangered species.
5. Air contaminant emissions shall be in compliance with the applicable permit and control
provisions of the Colorado Air Quality Control Program, Title 25, Resolution 7, C.R.S.
6. All operations shall comply with all applicable Federal and State Public Health and
Environment, Noise, and Air and Water Quality Control standards.
7. Should an abandoned pipeline be removed, it shall be subject to the original revegetation
and weed management requirements in the original application.
8. The security shall be held by Garfield County until vegetation has been successfully re-
established according to the Reclamation Standards in the Garfield County Weed
Management Plan. It is the responsibility of the applicant to contact the County, upon
successful revegetation establishment, to request an inspection for security release
consideration. The Reclamation Standards at the date of permit issuance are cited in
Section(s) 4.06, 4.07 and 4.08 of the Garfield County Weed Management Plan
(Resolution #2002-94).
9. Yellow Sweet Clover (Meliltus officina/is) shall not in the seed mix to be used for
revegetation. The Applicant shall closely monitor reseeding contractors to insure that this
species is not used.
10. The Applicant shall use the seed mix identified in Appendix B of the Integrated
Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan and identified in Exhibit H.
11. Applicant shall use Colorado Department of Agriculture certified weed-free bales for any
straw or hay bales used for erosion control.
12. The Applicant shall adhere to the Best Management Practices listed in Section 3. 7 on
pages 10 -12 of the submitted Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management
Plan as identified in Exhibit I.
13. The Applicant shall adhere to Section 7.0 Mitigation Recommendations on pages 13-15
of the submitted Biological Resources and Sensitive Areas Report and as identified in
Exhibit A.
14. Prior to the issuance of Land Use Change Permit, a resurvey of raptor nests shall be
completed and submitted to Garfield County Planning Department for review.
15. Prior to pipeline construction, the Applicant shall obtain three Utility Installation Permits
(two for CR 306 and one for CR 304) from Garfield County Roads and Bridge Department
and submit these permits to the Garfield County Planning Department.
16. The Applicant shall obtain all applicable building permits for this application.
7
17 . Update the Emergency Response Plan so that Chris Bornholdt is shown as the
Emergency Manager.
18 . Prior to the issuance of the Land Use Change Permit, the Applicant shall provide proof of
notice to property owners within 200 feet of the pipeline route that are not affected
surface owners.
This determination has been sent to the Board of County Commissioners to determine if they wish
to call up the matter. The BOCC has 14 days to determine if they need to call up the application .
If there is no call up, on April 6 , 2011 the County will be able to inform you that the permit has been
approved and can be recorded .
Do not hesitate to contact this office if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Molly Orkild -Larson , AICP, RLA
Senior Planner
970 .625 .5903
8
EXHIB11i
lA
5.1.2 Aquatic Species
5.1.2.1 Amphibians
Downstream individuals would be most susceptible in the event contaminants were
introduced to surface water during pipeline construction. The amount of available habitat
for amphibians would not be affected by the project. The amount of disturbance is not
expected to affect amphibian populations.
5.1.2.2 Endangered Fish
The Colorado pikeminnow and the razorback sucker are both federally-listed fish species
that occur in the Colorado River. Potential impacts from the project include
sedimentation oftributaries to the Colorado River, and spills of chemicals, fuels from
equipment, or other hazardous materials .
It is unlikely that endangered fish in the Colorado River would be affected by this project
since sediments are mostly contained by topography a nd not likely to reach the river .
Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Spill Prevention Counter Control (SPCC)
measures should be followed to reduce any potential impacts to aquatic environments.
6.0 EFFECTS TO TESS PLANT SPECIES
No TESS plants or their habitats were found during surveys, and therefore no affects on
TESS plants are expected.
7.0 MITIGATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations for mitigation are presented for maintenance and
improvement of wildlife habitat, qu ality, and prevention of human-caused impacts to
resources.
7.1 Maintenance and Restoration of Habitat
Reclamation plans should include efforts to restore the native vegetation communities
once construction is complete in the project area. The companion report to this
document, the "Integrated Vegetation and Noxious Weed Management Plan (IVNWMP),
High Mesa 16-Inch Discharge Pipeline" (WWE 2010) contains a recommended seed
mixture for reclamation of the disturbed areas. If properly applied, this seed mixture will
benefit all wildlife populations in the area. The IVNWMP also recommends ongoing
control of noxious weeds which will aid the establishment of desired vegetation in the
reclaimed area.
7.2 Planning for Sensitive Time Periods and Areas
7.2.1 Mule Deer and Elk
Because the proposed project lies within a sensitive area for wintering big game (as
defined by the 2009 COGCC rules), consultation with CDOW is recommended before
project development. Disturbances associated with construction activities will likely
cause elk and mule deer to select habitats in more secluded areas away from construction.
This disturbance should not result in any long-term impacts to mule deer or elk.
WestWater E ngineering Page 13 of20 July 2010
7.2.2 Migratory Birds
In order to comply with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by showing a good faith effort to
reduce potential impacts on nesting birds, any brush/tree clearing at the project site
should take place outside of the nesting season. Nesting season for migratory birds is
generally considered to occur between May 15 and July 31 in this area for most species.
June I to July 15 is the peak period when most incubation and brood rearing takes place.
If brush/tree clearing can occur prior to May I, most affected birds will relocate to
alternate nesting sites. After mid-to-late July, most fledging has occurred and brush/tree
clearing impacts would be minimized.
7.2.3 Raptors
Pipeline construction activities within the project area are unlikely to affect raptor
populations. If construction is delayed until 20 II or later, the area should be resurveyed
to insure no new raptor nests have been built that may be affected by the project. If nests
are then discovered, the potential for possible effects to raptors could be reduced by
scheduling construction activities so there is no interference with breeding, nesting, and
brood rearing activities of the species occupying the new nest sites.
If new nests are discovered during subsequent surveys, WWE recommends temporal and
spatial restriction guidelines for construction activities near active nests based on BLM
stipulations (BLM 1987), Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) recommendations
(Craig 2002 and Klute 2008) and literature review of nesting season timing for raptors in
the Roan Plateau region (Andrews and Righter 1992, Kingery 1998). These
recommendations are summarized in Table 8.
Table 8. Timin!! and b offer recommendations for active raotor nests.
Species Buffer Zone Seasonal Restriction
American Kestrel • •
Bald Eagle 0.50 mile 15 October-31 July
Cooper's Hawk 0.25 mile I April-15 August
Golden Eagle 0.50 mile 15 December-IS July
Great Homed Owl • •
Long·eared Owl 0.25 mile I March-15 July
Northern Harrier 0.25 mile I April-15 August
Osprey 0.25 mile I April-31 August
Peregrine Falcon 0.50 mile 15 March-31 July
Prairie Falcon 0.50 mile 15 March -15 July
Red-tailed Hawk 0.33 mile 15 February-15 July
Sharp-shinned Hawk 0.25 mile I April-15 August
Swainson's Hawk 0.25 mile I April-15 July
• Great Homed Owls and Kestrels are relatively tolerant of human activity. Keep activity to a minimum during breeding season.
WestWater Engineering Page 14 of20 July 2010
7.3 Other Mitigation Practices
7.3.1 Erosion
Efforts to control soil erosion within the project area should be implemented. Disturbed
soils within the project area are susceptible to erosion and downstream water quality
could be negatively affected by increased soil erosion. In addition to stormwater
management around the project site, other current factors (noxious weeds, livestock
grazing, other natural gas development) affecting soil erosion should be managed and
remedial measures implemented.
West Water Engineering Page 15 of20 July 2010
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Molly,
Wyatt Keesberv
Mollv Orkild-Larson
High Mesa Di sc harg e Pip eline
Friday, March 11 , 2011 8:47:16 AM
EXHIBIT
~~
After looking over Encana's proposed plan, to construct a pipeline up to 16" in diameter, for
approximately 2.8 miles, and also construct a compressor, and dehydration unit, Garfield County
Road and Bridge sees no issues with this plan . However the plan calls for three road bores, and will
need three separate permits, one for each bore(2 on C.R. 306 and 1 for C.R. 304).
WYATT KEESBERY
Garfield County Road & Bridge
Foreman I Rifle and Silt District
0298 CR 333A
Rifle, Co . 81650
wkeesbery@garfield-county. com
Office-970-625-8601
Fax-970-625-8627
Cell-970-309-6073
EXHIBili
~~
MEMORANDUM
To: Molly Orkild-Larson
From: Steve Anthony
Re: Comments on the EnCana High Mesa Discharge Pipeline permit
Date: March 17,2011
Noxious Weeds
• Weed Management-the applicant has provided a noxious weed survey and management plan.
They are acceptable.
Revegetation
• The revegetation plan including seed mixes, timing, methods and mulching is acceptable.
• The surface area to be disturbed has been quantified as 25.75 acres. The revegetation security
rate for a short-term project is $2500 per acre. This comes to $64,375 (25.75 acres x $2500/acre =
$64,375). The applicant has provided a copy of the revegetation security document in the
aforementioned amount.
• The security shall be held by Garfield County until vegetation has been successfully reestablished
according to the Reclamation Standards in the Garfield County Weed Management Plan. It is the
responsibility of the applicant to contact the County, upon successful revegetation establishment,
to request an inspection for security release consideration.
• The Reclamation Standards at the date of permit issuance are cited in Section(s) 4 .06, 4.07 and
4.08 of the Garfield County Weed Management Plan (Resolution #2002-94).
• As always we are concerned about yellow sweet clover (Melilotus officina/is) ending up in seed
mixes used for pipeline revegetation. We request that.EnCana closely monitor reseeding
contractors to insure that yellow sweet clover is not used in revegetation efforts.
Erosion control
• If using straw or hay bales for erosion control in this project, please use Colorado Department of
Agriculture certified weed-free bales.
March 16, 2011
Ms. Molly Orkild-Larson
Garfield County Building & Planning
0375 County Road 352, Building 2060
Rifle , CO 81650
MOUNT/\IN CROSS
~N61N~ERIN6, INC.
CiVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING AND DESIGN
EXHIBIT
j t2
RE: PDPA-6713, High Mesa Discharge Pipeline : Encana Oil and Gas, Inc.
Dear Molly:
This office has perfmmed a review of the documents provided for the High Mesa Discharge
Pipeline Development Plan application of Encana Oil and Gas Inc. The submittal was found to be
thorough and well organized. The review generated the following que~tions, concerns, or
comments:
1. The pipeline alignment has various obstacles such as roads, drainages, and existing
pipelines. The Application materials show that roads are to be bored and that
streams/drainages will be trenched but mitigated. However the application is silent
concerning the existing pipelines. The Applicant should provide more information
concerning mitigation of pipeline crossings, separation, depths, conflicts, etc.
2. The Biological Resource and Sensitive Areas Report recommends that the area be
resurveyed for raptors if construction is to take place in spring of 2011. Since this time
frame of construction appears to be likely, the area should be resurveyed.
Feel free to call if any of the ab.ove needs clarification or if you have any questions or c~mments.
Chris Hale , PE
826 1 /2 Grand Avenue • Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
PH: 970.945.5544 • FAX: 970.945 .5558 • www.mountaincross-eng.com
From:
To:
Subject:
Date:
Chris Hale
Molly Orkild-Larson
RE : MOLLY*Follow Up from High Mesa Pl Site Vi siit
Monday, March 21, 201110:15:07 AM
EXHIBIT
IE
That seems fine . I have no additional comments concerning this . That leaves only the resurveying for
raptors . Thanks , Molly .
Sincerely,
Mountain Cross
Engineering, Inc .
Chris Hale, P.E .
826 1/2 Grand Avenue
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Ph: 970.945.5544
Fx : 970.945.5558
From: Molly Orkild-Larson [mailto :morkild -larson@garfield -county.com]
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2011 10:04 AM
To: Chris Hale
Subject: FW : MOLLY*Follow Up from High Mesa PL Site Visiit
FYI
From: Busch, Renata [mailto:Renata.Busch@encana .com]
Sent: Thursday, March 17, 2011 11:30 AM
To: Molly Orkild -Larson
Subject: RE: MOLL Y*Follow Up from High Mesa PL Site Visiit
Please forward to Chris Hale. Thank you!
Molly -I left a voice mail for Chris advising that I would be sending you this information and I would
ask that you please forward it to him ; as I do not have his email.
1. Encana's standard depth for an buried pipeline is 48 inches . We do not know the exact depths
of all of our pipelines, this we will find out after our State required one calls are made and after
we Hydro-vac the existing pipelines .
2. Most likely because the existing pipelines Encana and other midstream companies have, the 48"
standard we will probably go under the existing pipelines. We will provide field bends on these
crossings if necessary, we do not plan on boring under any line crossings and we do not need
to provide casing on these crossings.
3 . We plan on avoiding existing pipelines by the state mandated one calls, Then we will follow our
standard hydro-vacing procedures and if it's not possible to hydro-vac we will dig and expose
the lines with a shovel. We will take every precaution to avoid damaging existing pipelines. We
will probably have an Encana locator on site during most of the job.
Thank you . Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Also, Bob Anderson's contact
information is:
Bob Anderson (Construction Coordinator)
970.285.2622 (office)
970.366.0772 (cell)
robert.anderson@encana com
-1\.ena t a E:>usch
Permitting I South Rockies Construction
Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc.
EXHIBIT
•M•o•ll~yO•r•k•il•d--L•a-rs•o•"------------------------------------------~1 ------~------
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments :
Robert Knight [ParaT A@parachutecolorado.com)
Tuesday, March 08 , 2011 7:17 AM
Molly Orkild-Larson
PDPA-6713
Robert J Knight. vet
The Town of Parachute has no objection to EnCana's pipeline project.
Robert J. Knight
To •tm Of Parachute
To •tm Adm inistr ato r
(970) 28 5-7630 Work
robertk @par achutec.olor ado. com
1
GRAND VALLEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
March 23 , 2011
Molly Orkild-Larson
0124 STONE QUARRY RD
PARACHUTE, CO 81635
PHONE: 285-9119, FAX (970) 285-9748
Garfield County Planning and Building Department
I 08 81h Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
Subject: Encana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc -High Mesa: Discharge Pipeline
Ms. Larson,
EXHIBIT
§
After reviewing this project I am assuming that there will be access to the location if an
emergency arises. This would be in place so that all the heavy equipment can place the pipeline
and will have access roads for Encana needs as well. Therefore the District will not need any
extra accommodations made during the duration of this project. I did look over the ERP as well
and all looks great. I did notice that in the spill response section page 6, Jim Sears is still listed as
the Emergency Manager, this is incorrect. The new Emergency Manager is Chris Bornholdt and
his cell number is 970 -618-6873 or office at 970-945-0453.
If you have any questions regarding this review please feel free to contact me.
Rob Ferguson
Deputy Fire Chief
APPENDIXB
s forP .J Woodland and/or M . /W BiQ: SaQ:ebrush Shrubland ---. . -... ~ .. · ·--.. !.--:;,,,·::-~~ __,.....: . ·--h ""' ...==~~ ---~--.~ • ... -·Z·'~ .G:o o ':.. · ... : . , .: · . . ~ ....... ·=B =-= -~ ~ ~ -. • .,.. -_ ............. """""""""" ~ PLS :-'"~~-~-·. ;". . . . · . ~•entif"l~}liam~ ~ ~ ~-. ;. 'J""~ Variety -Seas,gn Fo~ .. 'Ibsl:·~ 7*' ~;·_a e ... ~:.:.·.--.:~. . . __ -. -· · -~-. ·""'=-·--:;;~·-.......... ='""-.__,~I-~·~ ~-~ ..... .111 ~ ~". ).;,: ,_,.;;.__ ..... _ ..... ·lS!.~ ..
Plant the Following (10% Total)
Indian . . N ezpar Paloma
Ri •n-r• Achnatherum [Oryzopszs} hymenozdes Ri 'k ' Cool Bunch 1.9 ceyass mroc
and Both of the Following (15% Each, 30% Total)
Galleta Pleuraphis [Hilaria} jamesii Viva florets Warm Bunch 2.5
~~~~:~s Pseudoroegn eria spicata, Agropyron spicatum Secar, P-7, Anat one Cool Bunch 2 .8
and One of the Following (20% Total)
Thickspike Elymus lanceolatus ssp. /anceo/atus, Agropyron C .tan S h dim C 1 Sod-3 4 n a, c wen ar oo . . Wheatgrass dasystachyum formmg
Slender . Wheatgrass Elymus trachycaulus, Agropyron trachycaulum San Lms Cool Bunch 3.3
Western A . h .. Arrib C 1 Sod-3 0 Wh t•n-r· gropyron smzt ll a oo fi ._ "' . ea,);.lass ormif1c._
and Two of the Following (40% Total)
Muttongrass P oafendleriana Cool Bunch 0.6
Sandberg p nd'z.. .. p J h
Bl . ..,.... oa sa uergll, oa secunua Cool Bunc 0.6 u e5 .ass
Bottlebrush . . . .
Squ irreltail Elymus elymozdes, Sztamon hystrzx Cool Bunch 2 .7
*Based on 60 pure live seeds (PLS ) per square foot, drill-seeded. Double this rate (120 PLS per square foo t) if broadcast or hydroseeded.
WestWater Engineering Appendix B July 2010
t.bbler
m >< :::r::
iii
=i
EXHIBIT
l:C
Table 3 . Treatment Strategies for Annual and Biennial Noxious Weeds
Target: Prevent Seed Production
I . Hand grub (pull), hoe, till , cultivat e in rosette stage and before flowering or see d maturity. If see ds
develop, cut and bag seed heads.
2. Cut roots with a spade just below soil level.
3. Treat with herbicide in rosette or bolting stage, before flowering.
4. Mow biennials after boltin g stage, before seed set. Mowing annuals will not prevent flowering , but
can reduce total seed pr oduction .
(Sirota 2004)
Table 4. Treatment Strategies for Perennials
Target: Deplete nutrient reserves in root system, prevent seed production
I. 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. If seeds develop , cut and bag if possible.
2. Herbicide treatment at bud to bloom stage or in the fall (recommended after August 15 when natural
precipitation is present). 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 due to translocation of
nutrients to roots rather than leaves. 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 fa ll (after middle August) will kill the following year's shoot s, which are being formed
on the roots at thi s time.
3. Mowing usually is not recommended becau se the plants will flower anyway; seed production should
be reduced. Many studies have shown that mowing perennials and spraying the re-growth is not as
effec tive as sp raying without mowing. Effect of mowing is species dependent; therefore, it is
imperative to know the s pecies and its basic biology. Timing of application must be done whe n
biologically appropriate, which is not necessa rily convenient.
4. Tillage may or may not be effective . Most perennial roots can sprout from pieces on ly ~ in . -I in .
lon g. Clean machinery thoroughly before leav in g the weed patch.
5. Hand pulling is genera lly not recommended for peretmial species unless you know the plants are
see dlings and not estab li shed plants. Hand pulling can be effective on sma ll patches but is very
lab or inten sive because it must be done repeatedly.
(Sirota 2004)
Some weeds, particularly annuals and biennials, can develop resistance to herbicid es. The ability
to quickly develop immunity to her bicides, especially when they are used incorrectly, makes it
imperative to use the proper chemicals at the correct time in the specified concentration
accord ing to the product label. Most misuse is centered on excessive application, either in
frequency or concentration. T hi s resu lts in mostly top kill and resistant phenotypes.
3.7 Best Management Practices-Noxious Weeds
Construction : The following practices shou ld be adopted for any construction project to red uce
the costs of noxious weed control and aid in prevention efforts. The practices include :
• Top soil, where present, should be segregated from deeper soi ls and replaced as t op soi l
on the final grade, a process known as live topsoil handling;
WestWater Engineering Page 10 of 14 July 2010
• Wetland vegetation, if encountered, should be live handled like sod, temporarily watered
if necessary, and placed over excavated sub-soil relative to the position from which the
wetland sod was removed;
• Cut-off collars should be placed on all wetland and stream crossings to prevent back
washing or draining of important aquatic resources;
• In all cases, temporary disturbance should be kept to an absolute minimum;
• Equipment and materials handling should be done on established sites to reduce area and
extent of soil compaction;
• Disturbances should be immediately reseeded with the recommended mix in the re-
vegetation section;
• Topsoil stockpiles should be seeded with non-invasive sterile hybrid grasses, if stored
longer than one growing season;
• Prior to delivery to the site, equipment should be cleaned of soils remaining from
previous construction sites which may be contaminated with noxious weeds; and
• If working in sites with weed-seed contaminated soil, equipment should be cleaned of
potentially seed-bearing soils and vegetative debris prior to moving to uncontaminated
terrain.
In areas with slope greater than three percent, imprinting of the seed bed is recommended.
Imprinting can be in the form of dozer tracks or furrows perpendicular to the direction of slope.
When utilizing hydro-seeding followed by mulching, imprinting should be done prior to seeding
unless the mulch is to be crimped into the soil surface. If broadcast seeding and harrowing,
imprinting should be done as part of the harrowing. Furrowing can be done by several methods,
the most simple of which is to drill seed perpendicular to the direction of slope in a prepared bed.
Other simple imprinting methods include deep hand raking and harrowing, always perpendicular
to the direction of slope.
Herbicides: Annual and biennial weeds are best controlled at the pre-bud stage after germination or
in the spring of the second year. The species identified in the survey are susceptible to commercially
available herbicides. Selective herbicides are recommended to minimize damage to desirable grass
species.
Professionals or landowners using herbicides must use the concentration specified on the label of
the container in hand. Herbicides generally do not work better at higher concentrations. Most
herbicide failures observed by WWE are related to incomplete control caused by high
concentrations killing top growth before the active ingredient can be transported to the roots
through the nutrient translocation process. Most herbicide applications should use a surfactant, if
directed on the herbicide label, or other adjuvant as called for on the herbicide label.
Grazing: In the event grazing is allowed in the project area, it should be deferred in reclaimed
areas until the desired plant species that have been seeded are established.
Alternative Methods: An alternative method, particularly where there is poor or destroyed
topsoil, is the application of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, typically referred to as
AMF. These fungi, mostly of the genus Glomus, are symbiotic with about 80 percent of all
vegetation. Endo-mycorrhizal fungi are associated mostly with grasses and forbs and could be
helpful when reclaiming this project. In symbiosis, the fungi increase water and nutrient transfer
WestWater Engineering Page II ofl4 July 2010
capacity of the host root system by as much as several orders of magnitude (Barrow and
McCaslin 1995).
Over-the-counter commercial products, which are better adapted to coating seeds when re-
seeding and treating roots of live seedling trees and shrubs at time of planting, come in powder
form and are available from many different sources. Some also come in granular form to be
spread with seed from a broadcast spreader. The best AMF products should contain more than
one species.
All Colorado State Forest Salida District tree and shrub plantings include the application of
AMF. According to District Forester Crystal Tischler, "AMF is worth it" (Tischler 2006). Most,
if not all, Colorado Department of Transportation re-vegetation/reseeding projects now require
use of AMF and BioSol, a certified by-product of the penicillin manufacturing process composed
primarily of mycelium. Compacted soils respond well to fossilized humic substances and by-
products called humates. These humates, including humic and fulvic acids and humin were
formed from pre-historic plant and animal deposits and work especially well on compacted soils
when applied as directed.
3.8 Commercial Applicator Recommendations
A certified commercial applicator is a good choice for herbicide control efforts. Restricted
herbicides require a Colorado licensed applicator. An applicator has the full range of knowledge,
skills, equipment, and experience desired when dealing with tough noxious weeds. Reclamation
farming services using multiple seed bin range drills and specialized related equipment is
available and should be used for reclamation seeding projects.
Monitoring: Areas where noxious weed infestations are identified and treated should be
inspected over time to ensure that control methods are working to reduce and suppress the
identified infestation. The sites should be monitored until the infestations are eliminated or
reduced to acceptable levels. These inspections can then be used to prioritize future weed
control efforts.
4.0 REVEGETATION-RECLAMATION
Site specific reclamation plans should be developed with a qualified reclamation contractor.
Successful reclamation of the project area is dependent upon soil type and texture, slope gradient
and aspect, proper weed control, available water, and revegetation with suitable plant species.
Appendix B is a table that provides the recommended seed mix for Pinyon-Juniper Woodland
and/or Mountain/Wyoming Big Sagebrush Shrubland.
WestWater Engineering Page 12 of 14 July 2010