Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
this phase to evaluate the presence and significance of cultural resources in the
area would assist developers in siting project facilities, in order to avoid or mini-
mize impacts on these resources.
Ecological Resources
Impacts on ecological resources (vegetation, wildlife, aquatic biota, special status
species, and their habitats) would be minimal and localized during exploration due to
the limited nature of the activities. The introduction or spread of some nonnative inva-
sive vegetation could occur as a result of vehicular traffic but would be relatively lim-
ited in extent. Seismic surveys could disturb wildlife. Exploratory well establishment
would destroy vegetation and impact wildlife. Surveys conducted during this phase to
evaluate the presence and significance of ecological resources in the area would assist
developers in siting project facilities to avoid or minimize impacts on these resources.
Water Resources
Minimal impact on water resources (water quality, water flows, and surface
water/groundwater interactions) would be anticipated from exploration activities.
Exploratory wellbores may provide a path for surface contaminants to come into
contact with groundwater or for waters from subsurface formations to commingle.
They may also decrease pressure in water wells and affect their quality. Very little
produced water would likely be generated during the exploration phase. Most water
needed to support drilling operations could be trucked in from offsite.
Land Use
Temporary and localized impacts on land use would result from exploration activi-
ties. These activities could create a temporary disturbance in the immediate vicinity
of a surveying or monitoring site or an exploratory well (e.g., disturb recreational
activities or livestock grazing). Exploration activities are unlikely to affect mining
activities, military operations, or aviation.
Soils and Geologic Resources
Surface effects from vehicular traffic could occur in areas that contain special (e.g.,
cryptobiotic) soils. The loss of biological crusts can substantially increase water and
wind erosion. Also, soil compaction due to development activities at the exploratory
well pads and along access roads would reduce aeration, permeability, and water-
holding capacity of the soils and cause an increase in surface runoff, potentially
causing increased sheet, rill, and gully erosion. The excavation and reapplication of
surface soils could cause the mixing of shallow soil horizons, resulting in a blending
of soil characteristics and types. This blending would modify physical characteris-
tics of the soils, including structure, texture, and rock content, which could lead to
reduced permeability and increased runoff from these areas. Potential impacts on
geologic and mineral resources would include depletion of hydrocarbons and sand
and gravel resources. It is unlikely that exploration activities would activate geo-
logical hazards. Impacts on soils and geologic resources would be proportional to
the amount of disturbance. The amount of surface disturbance and use of geologic
materials during exploration would be minimal.
