Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Paleontological Resources
Paleontological resources are nonrenewable resources. Disturbance of such
resources, whether it is through mechanical surface disturbance, erosion, or pale-
ontological excavation, irrevocably alters or destroys them. Direct impacts on pale-
ontological resources would include surface disturbance during seismic surveys, the
drilling of exploratory wells, and the construction of access roads and other ancil-
lary facilities. The amount of subsurface disturbance is minimal during the explora-
tion phase, and paleontological resources buried below the surface are unlikely to
be affected. Fossil material present on the surface could be disturbed by vehicular
traffic, ground clearing, and pedestrian activities (including collection of fossils).
Surveys conducted during this phase to evaluate the presence and significance of
paleontological resources in the area would assists developers in siting project facili-
ties in order to avoid or minimize impacts on these resources.
Transportation
No impacts on transportation are anticipated during the exploration phase.
Transportation activities would be temporary and intermittent and limited to low
volumes of light utility trucks and personal vehicles.
Visual Resources
Impacts on visual resources would be considered adverse if the landscape were sub-
stantially degraded or modified. Exploration activities would have only temporary
and minor visual effects, resulting from the presence of drill rigs, workers, vehicles,
and other equipment.
Socioeconomics
As the activities conducted during the exploration phase are temporary and limited
in scope, they would not result in significant socioeconomic impacts on employment,
local services, or property values.
Environmental Justice
Exploration activities are limited and would not result in significant adverse impacts
in any resource area; therefore, environmental justice is not expected to be an issue
during this phase.
Acoustics (Noise)
Primary sources of noise associated with exploration include earth-moving equip-
ment, vehicle traffic, seismic survey, blasting, and drill rig operations.
Hazardous Materials and Waste Management
Seismic and exploratory well crews may generate waste (e.g., plastic, paper, contain-
ers, fuel leaks/spills, food, human waste). Wastes produced by exploratory drilling
would be similar but would occur to a lesser extent than those produced during drill-
ing and operation of injection wells. The would include drilling fluid and muds, used
oil and filters, spilled fuel, drill cuttings, spent and unused solvents, scrap metal,
solid waste, and garbage.