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Noxious Weed Inventory & Management Plan
Summit Midstream Partners I Red Rock Gathering Company LLC
West Pumba Loop Pipeline
Prepared for:
Garfield County
Vegetation Management
0375 County Road 352, Bldg. 2060
Rifle, CO 81650
Prepared by:
Danielle Marco, Assistant Scientist
Olsson Associates
760 Horizon Drive Suite 102
Grand Junction CO 81506
TEL 970.210.43281FAX970.263.7456
dmarco@olssonassociates.com
www.olssonassociates.com
Garfield County, Colorado
Tracey Jensen, Permit Manager-Rockies
Summit Midstream Partners
2128 Railroad Ave., Ste. 106
Rifle, CO 81650
tjensen@summitmidstream.com
970-440-1006
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline
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Table of Contents
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Description of Analysis Area ........................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Photos of Dominant Vegetation Community Types .................................................................... 2
2. RESULTS OF SURVEY EFFORTS .............................................................................................................. 3
2.1. Figure 1: Noxious Weeds Map-West End .................................................................................. 4
Figure 2: Noxious Weed Map -East End ............................................................................................. 5
3. NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................................ 6
4. SEED MIX RECOMMENDATION ............................................................................................................ 7
APPENDIX A-COLORADO LISTED NOXIOUS WEEDS ................................................................................ 8
APPENDIX B· GARFIELD COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED LIST ......................................................................... 11
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Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline
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ASSOCIATES January 16, 2015
1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
This noxious weed inventory and management plan was prepared at the request of Summit
Midstream Partners (Summit) for the proposed West Pumba Loop Pipeline. Red Rock Gathering
Company, LLC (RRG), a subsidiary of Summit is proposing to construct approximately 1.98 miles of
12-inch diameter and 1.68 miles of 20-inch diameter buried steel natural gas pipeline (a total of 3.65
miles of new pipeline) and related aboveground facilities. The proposed West Pumba Loop Pipeline
project is located in Garfield County, Colorado in Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10, Township 7 South, Range 93
West (6th Principal Meridian). The proposed pipeline corridor follows existing pipelines, which were
constructed by Encana Oil and Gas (USA) Inc., and Energy Transfer Corporation (ETC) in the past five
years. The existing ETC 8-inch pipeline and its right-of-way (ROW) was purchased by RRG in 2011,
and is now operated by RRG.
Olsson Associates (Olsson) was retained by Summit to conduct a noxious weed survey and provide a
Weed Management Plan to fulfill requirements requested by Garfield County's Vegetation
Management department.
Both Garfield County's noxious weed list1 and the State of Colorado's noxious weed list2 were utilized
for Olsson's survey efforts (see Appendix A and B). To summarize, our surveys found the following
State listed noxious weeds:
• 5 List B Species
o Bull Thistle (Cirsium vu/gore)
o Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officina/e)
o Musk thistle (Carduus nutans) G
o Plumeless thistle (Carduus acanthoides) G
o Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) G
• 2 List c Species
o Cheatgrass (downy brome) (Anisantha t ectorum)
o Field Bindweed (Convolvu/us arvensis)
G= also a Garfield County noxious weed
1.1. Description of Analysis Area
The proposed ROW passes through natural vegetation communities of mixed grasslands likely caused
by the removal of sagebrush steppe, sagebrush steppe, pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mixed
mountain shrubland. The natural vegetation is dominated by pinyon·juniper woodlands (Pinus edulis
'Garfield County Noxious Weed list: http://www.garfield-county.com/vegetation-management/noxious-weed-list.aspx
2 Colorado Noxious Weed list: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadernarnel=Content-
Oisposition&blobheadername2=Content-Type&blobheadervaluel=inline%3B+filename%3D%22Noxious+Weed+list.pdf
%22&blobheadervalue2=application%2Fpdf&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1251965326013&ssbinary
=true
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 1
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and Sabina osteosperma respectively) big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) with a scattered presence
of Utah serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis), snowberry (Symphorocarpos rotundifolia), and
oakbrush (Quercus gambelii). The understory was diverse, and was dominated by American vetch
(Viscia americana), lupine (Lupinus spp.), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda), paintbrush (Castilleja
spp.), scorpion weed (Phacelia heterophylla), sulfur flower (Eriogonum Umbellatum), June grass
(Koe/aria macarantha), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon
strictus), bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), green needlegrass {Nasse/la viridula) and
needle-and-thread grass (Hesperostipa comata). Additional species occurred in lesser coverage and
amounts.
1.2. Photos of Dominant Vegetation Community Types
Mixed Mountain Shrubland
Sagebrush Shrubland
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 2
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2. RESULTS OF SURVEY EFFORTS
Cheatgrass, plumeless thistle, musk thistle, and fi eld bindweed were the most common noxious
weeds found within the project area. Of note, Russi an knapweed (which can be difficult to control),
was observed west of the Pumba Compressor (see maps).
Plumeless thistle occurred mainly towards th e west ern end of the proposed pipeline; but was also
found in concentrated pockets towards the middle of the pipeline. The individuals found along the
middle portion of the pipeline appeared to have been treated this past season. There was also a low
percentage of plumeless thistle observed on the eastern section of the ROW.
Musk Thistle occurred in concentrated pockets along the eastern middle and end of the ROW at a
density of 15%. These appeared to have already bee n sprayed and treated this past season.
Field bindweed occurred in moderate densities on the eastern end of the ROW.
There was an isolated occurrence of Bull thistle near the eastern end of the ROW with a low density
of occurrence.
Houndstongue was found in isolation on the most w estern end of the ROW at <1%. It was very low
density but widespread and should be treated to prevent further infestation.
Community Types at Eastern End
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 3
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2.1. Figure 1: Noxious Weeds Map -West End
I'\,/ ~\e3t Pim~ LD~ P~IM
.. Su,lhistlt
·c:3 C.Ji.agrass
tJil. Houndslon9u11
Qil Plume/"" thist!d
Plumelt!ss fhisllt
Noxious Weed Map 1
Summit Midstream
West Pumba Loop Pipeline
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline
Janua ry: 16,_2015
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Figure 2: Noxious Weed Map -East End
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Hoxlom Weedf
e Field tlindwttd
• Alls1<11"'11e
• Pjj~les.s this~
c::!> CheatgTllSS
AR.1$11 /hiJllt
Pjj~ku /hist~
el Russan iwpNetd
Noxious Weed Map 2
Summit Midstream
West Pumba Loop Pipeline
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline
January 16, 2015
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NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN
As mandated by the Colorado Noxious Weed Act and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Act (and
in conformance with Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) National
Invasive Weed Strategies), an operator shall control noxious weeds on lands they disturb during oil
and gas exploration and development, including well pads, facilities, pipelines, roads and any other
disturbed areas on private property {and on BLM and USFS lands).
To meet the requirements of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, the operator shall conduct prescribed
management techniques for noxious weeds included on one of three State weed lists: List A -
designated for statewide eradication; List B -managed to prevent further spread and, for selected
species, designated for eradication in large areas; and List C -of more localized concern, but for
which the State will provide education, research, and biological control assistance to jurisdictions
that choose to manage the species. The current State list is available in Appendix A.
If populations of List A species are present in the project area, every population shall be eradicated
prior to seed development. To stop the spread of List B species, populations of every species
designated for eradication in a particular county shall be eliminated prior to seed development.
Additionally, to meet reclamation objectives, the operator should eliminate or minimize those
noxious and invasive weeds designated as "undesirable species''. Undesirable species include
redstem filaree and quackgrass, all List C species (e.g., halogeton [Halogeton glomeratus] and
cheatgrass [Anisantha tectorum]), and invasive species that commonly colonize disturbed or
reclaimed land and impede or prevent establishment of desirable species {e.g. kochia [Kochia l sieversiana, K. iranica, K. scoparia] and Russian thistle [Sa/sofa australis, S. iberica, S. kali]).
Control of invasive species is a difficult task and requires on-going control measures. Care must be
taken to avoid negatively impacting desirable plant communities and inviting infestation by other
pioneer invaders. Weed management is best achieved by employing aggressive control early on, and
persistent control efforts over several growing seasons, including direct treatments, prevention
through best management practices, monitoring of treatment efficacy, and subsequent detection
efforts. Weed management is often limited to controlling existing infestations and prevention of
further infestations, rather than eradication, but through effective weed management practices
eradication can be possible in small to medium sized weed populations.
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 6
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4. SEED MIX RECOMMENDATION
Summit would utilize the following seed mix for reclamation (pending landowner and BLM approval).
Seeding in the late fall (e.g., mid-October) is best to provide for the most optimal reclamation success
and seed establishment. This mix is consistent with the current BLM seed mix guidance document
(Perkins 2014).
Common Name Scientific Name Variety PLS lbs/acre
Bottlebrush Elymus elymoides VNS 2.7 Squirreltail
Bluebunch Pseudoroegneria Secar 3.7 wheatgrass spicata
Slender wheatgrass Elymus San Luis 2.5 trachycaulus
Western Pascopyrum Arriba 3.6 wheatgrass smithii
Canby bluegrass Poa canbyi, P. Can bar 0.3 secunda
letterman Achnatherum VNS 1.7 needlegrass lettermanii
Junegrass Koeleria VNS 0.1 macrantha
Utah serviceberry Amelanchier VNS 0.5 utahensis
Yarrow A ch ill ea VNS 0.05 millefolium
These rates are based on drill seeding (i.e., 60 PLS per square foot), but if the site is to be broadcast
seeded, and then double the seeding rate (120 PLS per square foot or lbs/acre). If noxious weeds
appear to be an issue, then you could withhold seeding-in the Utah serviceberry and yarrow for one
year to allow for more effective weed management (spraying).
Seeding with natives should occur in the fall (mid-October). If an interim mix is needed, then using a
sterile hybrid such as Quickguard or sterile ryegrass could be used. However, with these "cover
crops", seeding should be done somewhat sparingly, so as to not create too dense of a stand.
Seeding at a rate of 15 lbs. per acre (or less) of a cover crop to assist with stormwater management
and to help prevent weed infestations may be a good idea if the final native seed mix wouldn't be
possible for a few months.
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 7
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APPENDIX A-COLORADO LISTED NOXIOUS WEEDS
Colorado Noxious Weeds (including Watch List)
List A Species (22)
Common Scientific
African rue (Peganum harmala)
Camelthorn (Alhagi pseudalhag1)
Common crupina (Crupina vulgaris)
Cypress spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias)
Dyer's woad (lsatis tinctoria)
Elongated mustard (Brassica elongata)
Giantreed (Arundo donax)
Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta)
HydriUa (Hydrilla verticillata)
Japanese knotweed (Pofygonum cuspidatum)
Giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinense)
Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum x bohemicum}
Meadow kna pweed (Centaurea pratensis)
Mediterranean sage (Salvia aethiopis)
Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae}
Myrtle spurge {Euphorbia myrsinites}
Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum)
Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Rush skeletonweed (Chondrilla juncea)
Squarrose knapweed (Centaurea virgata)
Tansy ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)
Yellowstarthistle (Centaurea solstitia/is}
List B Species (37}
Common Scientific
Absinthwormwood (Artemisia obsinthium)
Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)
Bouncingbet (Saponaria officinalis)
Bull thistle (Cirsium vu/gore)
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Chinese clematis {Clematis orientalis}
Common tansy {Tanacetum vu/gore)
Common teasel {Dipsacus fullonum)
Corn chamomile (Anthemis arvensis)
Cutleafteasel (Dipsacus laciniatus)
Dalmatian toad flax, broad-leaved (Linaria dalmatica)
Da I mat la n toa dfla x, narrow-leaved (Linaria genistifolia)
Dame's rocket (Hesperis matrona/is)
( Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa)
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 8
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Eurasian watermilfoil
Hoary cress
Houndstongue
Jointed goatgrass
Leafy spurge
Mayweed chamomile
Moth mullein
Musk thistle
Oxeye daisy
Perennial pepperweed
Plumeless thistle
Quackgrass
Russian knapweed
Russian &olive
Salt cedar
Scentless chamomile
Scotch thistle
Spotted knapweed
Spurred anoda
Sulfur cinquefoil
Venice mallow
Wild caraway
Yellow nutsedge
Yellow toadflax
List C Species (15)
Common
Bulbous bluegrass
Chicory
Common burdock
Common mullein
Common St.Johnswort
Downybrome
Field bindweed
Halogeton
Johnsongrass
Perennialsowthistle
Poison hemlock
Puncturevine
Redstem filaree
Velvetleaf
Wild proso millet
(Myriophyllum spicotum)
(Cardoria draba)
(Cynoglossum officinole)
(Aegilops cylindrico)
(Euphorbla esulo)
(Anthemis cotulo)
(Verboscum blattario)
(Corduus nutans)
(Chrysanthemum leuconthemum)
(Lepidium latifo/ium)
{Corduus acanthoides)
{Elytrigia repens)
(Acroptilon repens)
{Elaeagnus angustifolia)
(Tamarix chinensis, T. parviflora, and T. romosissima)
(Matricorio perforato)
(Onopordum tauricum)
(Centaureo maculosa)
(Anoda cristota}
(Potentilla recto)
(Hibiscus trionum)
{Corum corvi)
(Cyperus esculentus)
(Linoria vulgoris)
Scientific
(Poo bulbosa)
(Cichorium intybus)
(Ardium minus}
(Verbascum thapsus}
(Hypericum perforotum}
(Bromus tectorum)
(Convolvulus orvensis)
(Hologeton glomerotus}
(Sorghum ha/epense}
(Sonchus arvensis)
(Conium macufatum)
(Tribulus terrestris)
(Erodium cicutorium)
(Abutifon theophrastl)
(Panicum miliaceum)
Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline
January 16, 2015
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Watch List Species (26)
Common Scientific
Asian mustard (Brassica tournefortii)
Baby's breath (Gypsophila paniculata)
Bathurst burr, Spiney cocklebur (Xanthium spinosum)
Brazilian elodea (Egeria densa)
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis)
Common reed (Phragmites australis)
Flowering rush (Butomus umbel/atus)
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
Hairy willow·herb {Epilobium hirsutum)
Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus)
Japanese blood grass/cogongrass (Imperato cylindrica)
Meadow hawkweed (Hieracium caespitosum}
Onionweed (Asphodelus fistulosus)
Pampas grass ( Cortideria jubata)
Parrotfeather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata}
Swainsonpea (Sphaerophysa salsula)
Syrian beancaper (Zygophyllum fobago)
l Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
White bryony (Bryonia alba)
Woolly distaff thistle (Carthamus lanatus)
Yellow flag iris (Iris pseudacorus)
Yellowfloatingheart (Nymphoides peltata)
Yellowtuft (Alyssum murale, A. corsicum)
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( APPENDIX 8-GARFIELD COUNTY NOXIOUS WEED LIST
I Common name I Scientific name
I leafy Spurge I Euphorbia esula
I Russian Knapweed f Acroptilon repens
I Yellow Starthistle I Centaurea solstitalis
I Plumeless Thistle I Carduus acanthoides
I Houndstongue J Cynoglossum officinale
I Common Burdock I Arctium minus
I Scotch Thistle I Onopordum acanthium
I Canada Thistle I Cirsium arvense
I Spotted Knapweed I Centaurea macu/osa
I Diffuse Knapweed I Centaurea diffusa
I Dalmatian I Toad/fax Linaria dolmatica
I Yellow Toadflax I Linaria vulgaris
I Hoary Cr~ss { Cardaria draba
j Salt Cedar I Tamarix parviflora, Tamarix ramosissima
f Oxeye Daisy l Chrysanthemum leucantheum
I Jointed Goatgrass IAegilops cylindrica
I Chicory I Cichorium intybus
(Musk Thistle I Carduus nutans
I Purple
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loosestrife I Lythrum salicaria
I Russian Olive I Elaeagnus angustifolia
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Weed Inventory, West Pumba Loop Pipeline 11
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COLORADO
Department of Public
Health & Envil'onment
CERTIFICATION TO DISCHARGE
UNDER
COPS GENERAL PERMIT COR-0300000
STORMWATER ASSOCIATED WITH CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Certification Number: COR03N530
This Certification to Discharge specifically authorizes:
Red Rock Gathering Co LLC
to discharge stormwater from the facility identified as
Rifle Field
To the waters of the State of Colorado, including, but not limited to:
Spruce Creek, Porcupine Creek, Beaver Creek, Ramsey Gulch, Helmer Gulch-Colorado River
Facility Industrial Activity :
Facility Located at:
Specific Information
(if applicable):
Oil and gas production
I 70 and Cedar Springs Rd Rifle CO 81650
Garfield County
Latitude 39.463325 Longitude ·107.81858
Certification is effective: 3/25/2015 Expiration Date: 6/30/2012
*ADMINISTRATIVELY CONTINUED
This certification under the permit requires that specific actions be performed at designated times.
The certification holder is legally obligated to comply with all terms and conditions of the permit.
This certification was approved by:
Lillian Gonzalez, Unit Manager
Permits Section
Water Quality Control Division
•explanation of Admin Continued in cover letter
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COLORADO
Department of Public
Health & Environment
Dedicated to protecting and lmprovlng the health and environment of the people of Colorado
Megan Davis, Reg and Sr Counsel VP
Red Rock Gathering Co LLC
5910 N Central Expressway Ste 350
Dallas, TX 75206
DA TE: 3/25/2015
MEMO RE: Certification, Colorado Discharge Permit System
Permit No., COROJOOOO, Certification Number: COR03N530
DIVISION CONTACTS: Lillian Gonzalez, Environmental Protection Specialist, at 303-692-3655, or Karen Harford, Admin, at
303-691-4019
ATTACHMENTS: Certification COR03N530, General Permit, Highlight Sheet, Inactivation form
The Water Quality Control Division (the Division) has reviewed the application submitted for the Rifle Field facility and
determined that it qualifies for coverage under the COPS General Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with
Construction Activities (the permit). Enclosed please find a copy of the permit certification, which was issued under the
Colorado Water Quality Control Act.
FEE INFORMATION:
The Annual Fee for this certification is $245.00 [category 7, subcat 9 • Stormwater Construction per CRS 25·8·502] is
invoiced every July. Do Not Pay This Now. The initial prorated invoice will be sent to the legal contact shortly.
CERTIFICATION RECORDS INFORMATION:
The following information is what the Division records show for this certification.
For any changes to Contacts· Legal, Facility, or Billing· a "Notice of Change of Contacts form" must be submitted
to the Division. This form is also available on our web site and must be signed by the legal contact.
Faclltty: Rifle Field GarfieldCounty
Construction Activities
Oil and gas production
Legal Contact (receives all legal documentation pertaining to the permit certification):
Megan Davis, Reg and Sr Counsel VP Phone number: 214·462-n04
Red Rock Gathering Co LLC Email: mdavis@summitmidstream.com
5910 N Central Expressway Ste 350
Dallas, TX 75206
Facility Contact (contacted for general inquiries regarding the facility):
Andrew Parisi,Env Dir
Red Rock Gathering Co LLC
999 18 St Ste 34005
Denver, CO 80202
Billing Contact (receives the Invoice pertaining to the permit
certification):
Andrew Parisi, Env Dir
Red Rock Gathering Co LLC
999 18 St Ste 34005
Denver,CO 80202
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTINUATION EXPLANATION:
Phone number: 303-626·8269
Email: aparisi@summitmidstream.com
Phone number: 303·626-8269
Email: aparisi@summitmidstream.com
The Division is currently developing a renewal permit and associated certification for the above permitted facility. The
development and review procedures required by law have not yet been completed. The Construction Stormwater General
Permit, which expired June JO, 2012, is administratively continued and will remain in effect under Sectfon 104(7) of the
Administrative Procedures Act, C.R.S. 1973, 24-4-101, et seq (1982 repl. vol. 10) until a renewal permit/certification is Issued
and effective. The renewal for this facility will be based on the application that was re<:eived 3/19/2015 The expiration
date Identified on the enclosed certfffcatlon (6/30/2012) is correct; all effluent limits, terms and conditions
of the administratively continued permit are in effect until the renewal is complete.
4300 Cherry Creek Drive S., Denver, CO 80246·1530 P 303 ·692·2000 www.colorado.gov/cdphe
John W. Hickenlooper, Governor Larry Wolk, MD, MSPI~. Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer IAT