2012-10-29_PERMIT FILE - P2011012

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• Liquid waste products, some of which could be hazardous, will be generated by the Project. Improper handling, storage, and disposal of these products could negatively impact natural resources in the area. 1.8.14 Water Resources /Quality (drinking /surface /ground) • Soil disturbance and erosion may impact surface water quality. • Accidental spills or releases of drilling /cementing fluids, additives, or waste products may degrade surface water quality. • Improper drilling, casing, cementing, and abandonment techniques may degrade groundwater quality and /or quantity by introducing non - native fluids into existing aquifer systems, establishing communication pathways between two or more naturally isolated aquifers, or creating zones of cross - contamination between hydrocarbon- bearing and water - bearing intervals. 1.8.15 Wildlife • Project activities could impact big game, such as mule deer and elk, which use the area for winter concentration areas and critical winter range. • The Project could impact wildlife habitat, including raptor nesting areas. • The Project could cause habitat fragmentation. 1.8.16 Air quality and Climate Change • The Project would release carbon dioxide and /or other gasses associated with climate change. 1.9 Issues and Resources Considered but Eliminated In addition to the resources listed above, the potential effects of the Project on other issues and resources were also evaluated. However, these resources and concerns are either not present /applicable or will be addressed through Project design, management requirements, and /or Environmental Protection Measures (EPMs). It is emphasized that as described in the proposed action, all surface and downhole activities associated with the Project would comply with applicable State of Colorado and federal mining and environmental laws and regulations. State and federal Oil and Gas rules, regulations, policies, orders, notices, best management practices (including Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Rules and Policies, Onshore Oil and Gas Federal Regulations 43 CFR Part 3160, Department of Interior Onshore Oil and Gas Operating Orders, BLM National and BLM State of Colorado Notice to Lessees, BLM Surface Operating Standards and Guidelines for Oil and Gas Exploration and Development), and any other standards, guidelines, and policies would be used as guidance in developing mitigation measures and Conditions of Approval by the TRFO. Such compliance would mitigate effects to potential resources and ensure public health and safety throughout the Project. These concerns will not be carried through in Chapters 3 and 4. 1.9.1 Air Quality The Project Area lies within an area designated as an attainment area. Air emissions resulting from the Project would consist of emissions from mobile sources and the disturbance of soil. Best Management Practices (BMPs) for dust control would be RM Potash Exploration Project I I Environmental Assessment