Environmental assessment: Tar sand in situ steam injection experiment

The U. S. Department of Energy - Laramie Energy Technology Center (LETC) intends to conduct a field experiment for the in situ recovery of bitumen from tar sand. The experimental site is located on a ten acre site approximately 6.5 miles West of Vernal, Utah. The operational phase of the experiment will last approximately six months. The experiment will utilize steam to lower the viscosity of the bitumen and drive it into production wells where it is recovered. The recovered product will be separated into bitumen and water components using settling tank and emulsion breaker. The produced bitumen will be stored on site or burned as fuel. The produced water will flow through an environmental sampling tank and into a holding pond. From the holding pond the water will either be treated and recycled into the process or disposed of at a State of Utah approved site. Due to the small scale of this experiment, the impact of the proposed action will be minimal. The number of employees will range from 2-20, peaking during construction and actual site operation, and minimum after completion of the experiment. There will be no violation of air quality standards due to the experiment. The major source of emissions will be an 18MM BTU steam generator. Minor sources include vehicular emissions and a 4.5MM BTU steam boiler. The experiment will not involve any surface discharges. Steps have been taken to ensure that any spills will be localized. The experiment will have no impact on groundwater of the region. No mobile water has been found on site in the tar sand formation to be used during the experiment. Shales of low permeability overlay and underlay the tar sand formation to prevent transport to either the alluvium or underlying sands and shale. The nearest down dip water wells are approximately eight miles from theisite. All wastes generated by the experiment will go to a controlled waste disposal facility. Sanitary wastes will be handled by an on site septic tank and leach field, or removed by licensed field service companies. Impact on local biological life will be minimal. The experiment will have no effect on aquatic habitats. The site is arid and situated approximately 3.5 miles from the nearest perennial water source. The major impact on vegetation will be surface disturbance and removal of vegetation. No critical habitat will be lost. Topsoils are being stockpiled for reclamation purposes. The site is only ten acres and this small loss of habitat should have little effect on wildlife of the area. Some small rodents may be lost. The vast area of sagebrush habitat will allow the displaced animals to relocate without a great deal of stress or competition. No rare or endangered biological species will be affected by the experiment. The experiment will have no known effects on employees or the general population. No serious effects on aesthetic, recreational, or cultural resources is expected.