Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The interaction between surface water and groundwater may also be affected if the
two are hydrologically connected, potentially resulting in unwanted dewatering or
recharging. Soils compacted on existing roads, new access roads, and well pads gen-
erate more runoff than undisturbed sites. The increased runoff could lead to slightly
higher peak storm flows into streams, potentially increasing erosion of the channel
banks. The increased runoff could also lead to more efficient sediment delivery and
increase turbidity during storm events. During drilling and construction, water qual-
ity can be affected by
•
Activities that cause soil erosion or dust that can be washed into water
bodies
•
Weathering of newly exposed soils, causing leaching and oxidation that can
release chemicals into the water
•
Increased salinity levels resulting from increased sediment loading
•
Discharges of waste or sanitary water
•
Use of herbicides and dust suppressants (e.g., magnesium chloride)
•
Contaminant spills
Land Use
Land use impacts would occur during the drilling/construction phase if there are
conflicts with existing land use plans and community goals; existing recreational,
educational, religious, scientific, or other use areas; or existing commercial land
use (e.g., agriculture, grazing, mineral extraction). In general, the development of
large-scale geologic sequestration facilities and transport pipelines is expected to
change the character of the landscape from a rural to a more industrialized setting.
Existing land use would be affected by intrusive impacts such as increased traf-
fic, noise, dust, and human activity, as well as by changes in the visual landscape.
In particular, these impacts could affect recreationists seeking solitude or recre-
ational opportunities in a relatively pristine landscape. Ranchers or farmers could
be affected by loss of available grazing or crop lands, the potential for the introduc-
tion of invasive and noxious plants that could affect livestock forage availability,
and a possible increase in livestock/vehicle collisions. In forested areas, drilling
could result in the long-term loss of timber resources. The expanded access road
system could increase the numbers of off-highway vehicle (OHV) users, hunters,
and other recreationists in the area. Although the change in landscape charac-
ter could discourage hunters who prefer a more remote backcountry setting, the
potential for illegal hunting activities could increase due to the expanded access
road system. Construction and drilling noise could potentially be heard 20 miles
(32 kilometers) or more from the project area. It would be barely audible at this
distance, but it could affect residents' and recreationists' perception of solitude.
Most land use impacts that occur during the drilling/construction phase would
continue throughout the life of the sequestration project. Overall, land use impacts
could range from minimal to significant depending on both the areal extent of the
project, the density of injection wells and other ancillary facilities, and the compat-
ibility of the project with the existing land uses.
