U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Rock Springs Field Office

May 2002

DECISION RECORD,

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT,

and

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

for

THE QUANTUM ADOBE TOWN

2D GEOPHYSICAL PROJECT

EA# WY-040-EA02-067

Sweetwater County, Wyoming
 

The Bureau of Land Management is responsible for the balanced management of the public lands and resources and their various values

so that they are considered in a combination that will best serve the needs of the American people. Management is based upon the

principles of multiple use and sustained yield; a combination of uses that take into account the long-term needs of future generations for

renewable and nonrenewable resources. These resources include recreation, range, timber, minerals, watershed, fish and wildlife,

wilderness, and natural, scenic, scientific, and cultural values.

 
Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-1

DECISION RECORD

and

FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

for

THE QUANTUM ADOBE TOWN 2D GEOPHYSICAL PROJECT

Sweetwater County, Wyoming

EA# WY-040-EA02-067

Introduction

Quantum Geophysical Inc., (Quantum) , on behalf of AEC Oil and Gas Inc. (lease holder),

submitted a “Notice of Intent to Conduct Oil and Gas Geophysical Exploration Operations” to the

Rock Springs Field Office on October 22 , 2001 to conduct a 2D geophysical operation on existing

federal oil and gas leases within the Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area (WSA) located in

southeastern Sweetwater County, Wyoming (Figure 1). The total length of seismic line is 6.82

miles long but shot holes would be drilled only on those public lands contained within the existing

leases (5.90 miles).

The following federal and state sections are affected by the proposal:

T. 14 N., R. 98 W. Sections: 1

T. 15 N., R. 97 W. Sections: 8, 9, 16 (State of Wyoming), 17, 19, 20, 30

T. 15 N., R. 98 W. Sections: 36 (State of Wyoming)

T. 15 N., R. 97 W. Sections: 4

All public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, with the exception of sections 1 and

4, are contained in federal oil and gas leases. The three leases pre-date passage of the Federal

Land Policy and Management Act which required BLM to consider lands for wilderness designation.

These leases are recognized as valid, existing rights under the Interim Management Policy and

Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness Review (IMP 1995, pg 13). 

Lease Number Date Issued Acres

WYW-017284 January 17, 1969 1,840.00

WYW-017282A March 1, 1969 640.00

WYW-017296 January 17, 1969 2,547.72

 

Alternatives Considered

The attached Quantum Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Exploration Project Environmental

Assessment (WY-040-02-067, EA) fully analyzed two alternatives and considered two others.

Under the Proposed Action, Quantum proposed to conduct 2D geophysical operations along a 6.82

mile line. Shot holes would be drilled on lease using air-powered heliportable drills, placed in areas

of sparse or no vegetation, to drill 3.5-inch holes to an 80-foot depth and hand-lay cable,

geophones, and other equipment needed for recording operations along the entire line. Each shot

hole would be packed with a 30-pound charge of 60 percent seis-gel explosive and then backfilled

with the drill cuttings. Any left over drill cuttings would be removed or scattered. As the holes are
Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-2

Figure 1. Area Map - Adobe Town 2D Seismic Project.
DECISION RECORD AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT

Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-3

drilled and refilled, geophones lines (receivers) would be hand-laid on the ground to record the

sound waves as the explosive charges are discharged. All personnel and equipment would be

moved by foot, helicopter, or existing roads. 

The No Action Alternative analyzed the consequences of denying Quantum’s proposal. Two other

alternatives brought forth during public scoping were considered but dropped from detailed

analysis. One of these alternatives consisted of exchanging minerals and the other was application

of a no surface occupancy stipulation to the existing lease should any drilling for hydrocarbons be

proposed. The attached EA provides the rationale for not analyzing these two alternatives.

Decision

Based upon the analysis contained in the aforementioned EA, the BLM approves Quantum’s

proposed action. Quantum may proceed with geophysical operations on existing leases in the

Adobe Town WSA once the Notice of Intent is approved. Geophysical operations will be subject

to the following list of measures in addition to the standard measures contained in the approved

Notice of Intent.

1. Vehicular traffic will be limited to BLM-approved existing routes. Vehicles will travel at slow

speeds to limit disturbance to wildlife. All off-road project-related activities within the Adobe

Town WSA would occur by foot travel or by helicopter. 

2. Explosive charges will not be detonated within 500 feet of springs, flowing wells, or stock

water wells.

3. No drilling would occur and no explosive charges would be detonated within 0.5 mile (1.0

mile for ferruginous hawks) of an active raptor nest during the mating/nesting season

(February 1 through July 31) unless approved by BLM. Quantum has requested an

exception to the seasonal restriction. Any exceptions approved will be in accordance with

the procedures found in Appendix 7, Green River Resource Management Plan. Appendix

A provides criteria for exception approval. A raptor survey was conducted April, 2002. No

active raptor nests were found along the project line.

4. No drilling will occur and no explosive charges would be detonated within greater sagegrouse nesting habitat (suitable habitat within 2.0 mile of an active lek) during the breeding

and nesting season of February 1 - July 31, or on important wintering areas as determined

by BLM (Appendix A). No sage grouse leks are known to occur within 2 miles of the line.

5. Employees and contractors will not harass wildlife, leave trash in unauthorized locations,

travel off-road in vehicles, and will not collect plants or cultural artifacts.

6. Seismic Line (2-D) activities, if conducted in suitable mountain plover habitat will be

preceded by mountain plover surveys. These mountain plover field surveys will be

conducted within mountain plover habitat along the project line and a 1/4 mile buffer on

either side of the project corridor. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain Plover Survey

Guidelines (March 2002) recognizes that short-term, linear projects where actions move

through an area within a day, result in no permanent habitat alteration, and no permanent

project-related above ground features. Per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mountain

plover survey guidelines (March 2002), mountain plover surveys will be conducted 1 to 3

days before project activities begin. If an active nest is found, planned activity will be
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Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-4

delayed 37 days or 7 days post-hatching. If a brood of flightless mountain plover chicks is

observed, project activities will be delayed at least 7 days.

7. Investigations for BLM-sensitive species or their habitat would be conducted prior to any

disturbance in areas determined by the BLM to contain potential habitat for such species

(BLM Manual 6840). These areas would be avoided to the extent possible.

8. Any cultural resources discovered during operations will be reported immediately to BLM.

Work will be halted in an area large enough to maintain integrity of the site and the site will

be evaluated for significance. Evaluation may consist of, but not limited to, avoidance,

testing, excavations, mapping, and/or further archival documentation. All evaluation efforts

will be developed in cooperation or concurrence with the BLM and SHPO.

9. Quantum will be responsible for clean up of any diesel or hydraulic fluid spills, including

contaminated soils. All spill-related material shall be hauled to a Wyoming Department of

Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved disposal site.

10. As directed by the Authorized Officer, Quantum shall be responsible for redeeming areas

disturbed by the geophysical operations on public lands managed by BLM. All trash,

flagging, lath, etc. will be removed and disposed of in an authorized location.

11. Quantum will not conduct any vehicle operations during periods of saturated ground

conditions when surface rutting would occur. Surface ruts deeper than 3 inches will be

cause for the operations to cease.

12. Location of shot points have been located to avoid cultural sites 48SW14104, 48SW14105,

and 48SW14106. Receiver points (cable and/or geophones) will be hand-laid over these

sites. No artifacts will be removed.

13. Optimizing seismic operations at one time will reduce the amount of fugitive dust generated

over the life of the project. No open burning of garbage or refuse is allowed in association

with seismic activities.

14. Shot holes will be properly backfilled. They will also be inspected for subsidence within one

field season and prior to release of the bond liability.

Mitigation measures for paleontology will require: (a) avoidance of known localities, (b)

worker education of the significance of fossil remains and the restriction on collection of

paleontologic resources without a permit, and (c) provision for accidental discovery of fossil

remains will reduce potential significant impacts.

The proponent is responsible for informing all persons associated with this project that they

shall be subject to prosecution for damaging, altering, excavating or removing any

vertebrate fossil objects on site. If vertebrate fossil materials are discovered, the operator

is to suspend all operations that further disturb such materials and immediately contact the

Authorized Officer. Operations are not to resume until written authorization to proceed is

issued by the Authorized Officer.

Within five (5) working days, the Authorized Officer will evaluate the discovery and inform

the operator of actions that will be necessary to prevent loss of significant paleontologic
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Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-5

resources.

The operator is responsible for the cost of any mitigation required by the Authorized Officer.

The Authorized Officer will provide technical and procedural guidelines for the conduct of

mitigation. Upon verification from the Authorized Officer that the required mitigation has

been completed, the operator will be allowed to resume operations.

15. Placement of portable drills on steep slopes (greater than 25%) will be avoided.

16. In order to minimize impacts to big game winter/yearlong range, patches of tall sagebrush

will be avoided by seismic operations where practical.

17. BLM will be notified if personnel working for Quantum observe any unauthorized

disturbance (i.e., 2-track trails) found in the Adobe Town Wilderness Study Area during

seismic operations.

Rationale for the Decision

My decision to approve the proposed action is based upon the following:

S The Proposed Action is in conformance with the land use plan which allows for geophysical

operations.

S The Proposed Action is consistent with management objectives and actions for the

Monument Valley Management Area which specifies the area as open to mineral

exploration provided mitigation can be applied to retain the resource values. The measures

identified under the section entitled Decision assure that the resource values found in the

management area remain protected.

S The Proposed Action, specifically use of helicopters to transport personnel and equipment

into the Adobe Town WSA, use of portable drills to drill shot holes on existing leases, and

the hand-laying of geophones to record seismic waves meet the non-impairment criteria for

interim management of wilderness study areas (see Interim Management Policy and

Guidelines for Lands Under Wilderness Review, 1995). In addition, the interim

management policy recognizes valid existing rights. The leases involved pre-date the

Federal Land Policy and Management Act which directed BLM to inventory certain lands

for study for wilderness designation.

S Public participation, consultation, and coordination has occurred. BLM issued a scoping

document on December 6, 2001, informing the public of the Proposed Action to conduct

geophysical operations on pre-FLPMA leases within the Adobe Town WSA. Nine response

letters were received during the scoping process. Eight of the nine comment letters

supported the project and/or identified specific resource impact concerns that should be

analyzed in the EA. The other letter was in opposition to the project and brought forth two

alternatives and other issues they felt should be addressed. The issues brought forth in this

letter have been considered to the extent that the resource value or issue is or may be

applicable to the project or the project area.

S Since no listed or proposed for listing species are anticipated to be affected by this action,

formal consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not necessary. Mountain
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Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-6

plover, a candidate species, is protected in that seismic activities will follow U.S. Fish and

Wildlife guidelines for survey and protection of mountain plover. The action is not expected

to jeopardize the existence of this species. Other sensitive plant and animal species should

not be negatively impacted since the action is short-term in duration (7 days). Therefore,

all species of concern (listed, proposed for listing, candidate, sensitive, and other species

of concern) have been considered and/or protected.

Finding of No Significant Impact

Based upon the review of the EA, the BLM has determined that the Proposed Action with

implementation of the mitigation measures identified above is in conformance with the Green River

Resource Management Plan. Implementation of this decision will not have a significant impact on

the human environment. Therefore, an EIS is not required.

Appeal

This decision is effective upon the date the decision or approval by the authorized officer. The

decision or approval may be appealed to the appropriate office of the Interior Board of Land

Appeals in accordance with regulations contained in 43 CFR 3150.2. If an appeal is filed, a copy

of the notice of appeal must be filed in this office (Rock Springs Field Office, 280 Highway 191

North, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901) within 30 days of receipt of the decision. Allowing 5 days

mailing time, the appeal period ends 35 days from the date of this decision. The appellant has the

burden of showing the decision or approval appealed from is in error.

If you wish to file a petition for stay pursuant to 43 CFR 3150.2(b), the petition for stay should

accompany your notice of appeal and shall show sufficient justification based on the following

standards:

1. The relative harm to the parties if the stay is granted or denied,

2. The likelihood of the appellant’s success on the merits,

3. The likelihood of irreparable harm to the appellant or resources if the stay is not

granted, and

4. Whether the public interest favors granting a stay.

Each adverse party to an appeal must be provided copies of all documentation. Adverse parties

for this action include:

Quantum Geophysical Inc.

One Riverway, Suite 2100

Houston, TX 77056

AEC Oil and Gas

950 17th Street, Suite 2600

Denver, CO 80202

 May 13, 2002 

Field Manager Date
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Adobe Town 2D Geophysical Decision Record - May 2002 Page DR-7

Appendix A

Criteria to Consider for Exceptions to Seasonal Restrictions for Raptors/Sage Grouse

REQUESTER: ____________________________ DATE OF REQUEST: _______________

PROJECT NAME: __________________________________________________________

REQUESTED DATE(S) OF EXCEPTION: _______________________________________

ACTIVITY PROPOSED: _____________________________________________________

LAST DATE OF FIELD EXAM: ____________________ 

GIS/ARCVIEW MAP REVIEWED: YES NO

General Considerations - Requests for Exceptions Comments

Are factors leading to inclusion of the sage

grouse/raptor seasonal restriction still valid?

What action is the request for an exception for?

Dates of the proposed exception?

Criteria for Lek or Nesting Habitat/Location/Topography Comments

Birds and type present or

absent

Wintering Areas yes, no

Nest or lek location

Topographical features

Nest or Lek Active yes, no,

unknown

Nest chronology of species

Timing Comments

Early or late in breeding/nesting season

Kind of and length of disruptive activity

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Based on the above analysis, I recommend the exception be:

Approved: _____________ Denied: ______________________ 

_______________________________________ Date: ________________________

Wildlife Biologist

The exception is: Approved: _____________ Denied: ______________________

_______________________________________ Date: ________________________

Authorized Officer