PERMFILE137694

• Permit No: C1980007
• IBM Index Class Name: Permit File
• Doc Date: 7/15/2002
• Doc Name: Environmental Assessment, Panels 16-24
• Section_Exhibit Name: Exhibit 80 Drilling Activities - TR96
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Coa/Methane D'ainage Project -Panel 16-24 IY~er! E!k tl9inc • Page 3-8
Those disturbance areas not located in proximity to surface drainages would have minimal impact on
surface water. Proposed mitigation measures including soil salvage, installation of drainage structures
on roads, drainage control measures for drill pads, road maintenance, and reclamation of surface
disturbance would generally be effective in preventing or limiting soil loss, erosion, and '
sedimentation. In addition, specific USFS requirements, as incorporated in the proposed Conditions
of Approval, and applicable drainage and sediment control and surface water monitoring
requirements of the CDMG Performance Standazds would help to assure prevention of surface water '
impacts.
The potential exists for indirect surface water impacts due to the drilling and well completion
activities, as well as during long-term operation and maintenance of the MDW's. Drill rigs and
support vehicles would utilize and transport fuel to each drill pad, as well as drilling supplies including
water and drilling circulation media. Accidents resulting in the rupture of fuel tanks or spillage of
drilling supplies pose the greatest potential for impacts to soils and surface water quality through the '
release petroleum or chemicals. Proper transportation and handling practices and the use of staging
area(s) should help to minimi>e the potential for accidents. Since most equipment operations would
occur in the drill pad areas, any minor spffis would be contained by the mud pits and drainage control

berms in these areas. As previously noted in Section 1.3.4, all drilling fluids and additives that would '
be used aze either naturally occurring inorganic or organic materials or biodegradable compounds.
Loss or spillage of these materials would not have any long-term adverse water quality effects.
A total of 17 drill pads and 22 MDWs would be located in or adjacent to the WIZ. These locations
are displayed on Map 1, Project Area Activities With Surface Stipulations. Table T3, Drill Pad

Stipulation Effects Summary, and Table T4 Road Stipulation Effects Summary, list the affected drill '
pads and roads. Construction in azeas adjacent to the WIZ would be reviewed on the ground by
USFS personnel to determine whether or not the WIZ would be affected and if additional mitigation
measures should be implemented. '
There are approximately 3.9 miles of existing roads that have segments that run pazallel to drainage
courses within WIZ areas. These roads include portions of the Minnesota Creek, Dry Fork, Horse

Gulch, West Flatiron, and Upper Deep Creek Roads. Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 include construction of ,
approximately 1.1 miles of new road that would run parallel to drainage courses in the WIZ. An
exception to the ]ease stipulation is required For road construction in WIZ that is not a perpendiculaz

crossing. '
3.1.2.3 Alternative 1, No Action
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on or reconstruction, drill pad construction, drilling, or
surface methane drainage activities described in this project would not occur. Therefore, there would
be no new surface disttubance or associated impacts to the geology, surface water, ground water, or

riparian areas. Current MCC methane drainage activities for Panels ]4 and 15 would be completed '
and associated disturbance azeas reclaimed. Under this alternative approximately 5.2 miles of the
existing Long Draw and West Flatiron roads would be reclaimed and obliterated. '
3.1.2.4 Alternative 2, Sylvester Gulch/Long Draw Saddle Long-Term Access
New road construction would result in a 30 foot wide disturbance area. Construction of roads on ,
locations where roads historically existed would result in 15 feet disturbance width. Estimated surface
disturbance for road construction in Alternative 2 would be 30.5 acres. Estimated surface
disturbance for road decommissioning would be 52.4 acres. Estimated surface disturbance for
construction and obliteration of 54 drill pads would be 37.8 acres. Although the conditions for
project approval (Section 2.4.1) include mitigation measures to decrease impacts, this disturbance
would result in soil movement, erosion, and reduction in productivity. ,
EnvimnmentalA.rrertment '
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