2009-04-08_REVISION - C1982056 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

surface occupancy within 0.6 miles of sage-grouse leks and 0.4 miles for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks; the site does not fall within this range. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and greater sage-grouse are known to nest within 1.25 and 4 miles of lek sites respectively, therefore we recommend that construction not commence prior to July 1 to minimize impacts on grouse breeding and nesting activities. When compressor stations must be sited within 4 miles of greater sage-grouse active and inactive (within last 10 years) lek sites, locate compressor stations farther than 0.6 mile (3200 feet) from sage-grouse lek sites and use noise reduction equipment on compressors and other development and production equipment. When compressor stations must be sited within 1.25 miles of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse active and inactive (within last 10 years) lek sites, locate compressor stations no closer than 2500 feet from the lek. Use noise reduction equipment on compressors and other development and production equipment. Use topographical features to provide visual concealment of facilities from known lek locations and as a noise suppressant so that operational noise will not exceed 49 dB measured at 30 feet from the source. The CDOW is not aware of any federally listed threatened or endangered species habitat that will be impacted by the proposed drill site activity. The greater sandhill crane is a Colorado species of concern and may utilize some areas within the proposed project but should not be impacted as long as the grouse timing recommendations listed above are followed. Based on information from the Seneca 112007 Wildlife Report, there are active golden eagle nests in Section 13, T5N, R87W and Section 3, T5N, R87W. The CDOW recommends that construction activity within '/z mile of active nests take place outside of the I March to 31 May time period and that any long-term surface disturbance be located outside of a 'A mile nest buffer. It is recommended to install and maintain adequate measures to exclude all types of wildlife (e.g., big game, birds, and small rodents) from all fluid pits (e.g., fencing, netting, and other appropriate exclusion measures). Construct fluid pit fences and nets that are capable of withstanding animal pressure and environmental conditions and that are appropriately sized for the wildlife encountered. Construct fluid pits with a 4:1 escape ramp to allow entrapped wildlife to escape. Treat waste water pits and/or any associated pit containing water with Bti (B. thuringiensis v. israelensis), commonly known as Mosquito Dunks, to control mosquito larvae that may spread West Nile Virus to wildlife or take other effective approaches to controlling mosquito larvae in ponds and pits. The appropriate application rate of Bti is 1 dunk/100 sq. ft. of standing water, applied each 30 day period during 1 June - 30 September. We would also like to provide some general recommendations to be considered. Provide annual educational training for staff and contractors on specific wildlife issues of concern, (e.g., how to recognize lek sites, the location and importance of seasonal wildlife habitats and migratory patterns, the effects of winter range disturbance on wildlife, etc.,). Establish policies to protect wildlife (e.g., no poaching, no firearms, no dogs on location; no feeding of wildlife, etc.). Install raptor perch deterrents on equipment, fences, cross arms and pole tops in grouse habitat. Extending your current integrated, noxious and invasive weed management plan to this site is important to surrounding habitat. Use of dedicated personnel with single responsibility for weed control is often the most effective approach. Store topsoil in windrows no higher than 5 feet. Strip and segregate topsoil prior to construction. Appropriately configure topsoil piles and immediately seed to control erosion, prevent weed establishment and maintain soil microbial activity. The CDOW recommends reclamation with a rangeland seed mix, which contains a broad array of native grass, forb, and shrub species desirable for wildlife, including Columbian sharp-tailed grouse and Greater sage-grouse. Use high diversity (10 species or more) reclamation seed mixes in Columbian sharp-tailed grouse habitat. Use approved CP-4D (Columbian sharp-tailed grouse) seed mixes, based on soil type, available from Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service, or other seed mixes approved by CDOW. Avoid aggressive non-native grasses in Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse habitat reclamation. A