HomeMy WebLinkAbout20083382.tiff December 7, 2007 1 lerracon
• Consulting Engineers&Scientists
Mr. Michael Glaze 301 North Howes
3046 Weld County Road 8 Fort Collins,Colorado 80521
Lupton, Colorado 80621 Phone 970.484.0359
Fort Lu
P Fax 970.484.0454
www.terracon.com
Re: Mineral Assessment—Proposed Glaze Industrial Property
Weld County, Colorado
Terracon Project No. 20075106
Dear Mr. Michael Glaze:
Terracon has completed a report of a mineral assessment for the proposed Glaze industrial
property. The proposed industrial property is comprised of approximately one acre and is located
South of Weld County Road 8 and East of Weld County Road 27 in Weld County, Colorado. The
legal description is described as a tract of land situated in the Northwest% of the Northwest'/4 of the
Northwest '/4 of the Northwest '/4 of section 20, Township 1 North, Range 66 West of the 6th Prime
Meridian.
According to aerial photographs provided by the client the subject parcel is bordered on the east and
south by a Halliburton Facility consisting of multiple warehouse/office buildings, asphalt paved
equipment storage areas, and maintenance areas. The site is bordered on the north and west by
county roads with agricultural area beyond.
•
The subject area is located within the Colorado Piedmont section of the Great Plains physiographic
province east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountain Physiographic Province. The Colorado
Piedmont, formed during Late Tertiary and Early Quaternary time (approximately two-million years
ago), is a broad, erosional trench, which separates the Southern Rocky Mountains from the High
Plains. The Great Plains Physiographic Province is characterized in the study area by a large belt of
highlands, which slope gradually eastward through the Rocky Mountains to the Central Lowlands.
Structurally, the area lies within the Denver basin. The Denver basin consists of a series of nearly
horizontal strata of late Tertiary rocks overlying unconformable rocks of Paleozoic and Mesozoic Age.
These rocks have been down folded into a large trough,which was formed when the uplift of the Front
Range occurred. It is anticipated that bedrock underlies the site at relatively shallow depths and is
overlain by alluvial and residual clays, silts, and sands.
Surticial geologic conditions as mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), consist of sand and
gravel deposited by the South Platte River of Quaternary age. These materials, as mapped in this
area, are up to 125 feet in thickness, but average 35 feet. Bedrock underlying the surface soils as
mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), consist of the Denver Formation of Paleocene and
late Cretaceous and lower Tertiary age ('Colton, 1978).
'Colton, Rodger B., 1978, Geologic Map of the Boulder-Fort Collins-Greeley Area Colorado, United States Geological
• Survey,Map I-855-G.
EXHIBIT
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2008-3382
•
Mr.Michael Glaze • lrerramn
Mineral Assessment-
Glaze Industrial Property
• Project No.20075106
The Denver Formation consists of Olive gray claystone and siltstone with interbedded with sandstone
and conglomerate. The Denver Formation contains economic coal deposits and has historically been
extensively mined in the Denver Basin west of the project area. According to the Colorado
Geological Survey (2Carroll and Bauer, 2002) coal has been mined in the Larimie Formation in areas
approximately 10 to 15 miles to the west of the study in the Boulder Weld County coal field. Some of
the major mines within this field including the Washington, Columbine, Andew, Russel, and Witherbee
Mines. The majority of the mines yielded between 0 to 7,216,286 tons and were abandoned in the
early to mid 1900's. Coal bed thicknesses were reported between 4 and 12 feet thick. The Energy
Resource Map of Colorado (3U.S.Geological Survey and the Colorado Geological Survey, 1977)
indicate the depth to subbituminous and bituminous coal in the vicinity of the subject property to be
less than 3,000 feet. The mines to the west of the property were reported to have less than about 150
feet of roof cover. The Boulder Weld County coal field is limited by faulting and according the Colorado
Geological Survey does not extend east of the South Plate River(° Colorado Geological Survey 1975).
Coal deposits also can produce natural gas or coal bed methane.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey most historic mines in the area have been abandoned or
reclaimed. The National Coal Resource Assessment(NCRA) Project considers the Denver Formation
as "low priority' in terms of significant production interest in the near future (U.S. Geological Survey
Professional Paper 1625-A, 1999).
• Based on the abandonment and extent of all of the coal mines in the area, the small size of the
property, and the discontinuous and low quality nature of the coal seams , it is our opinion coal
deposits or coal bed methane in the within the project area are of little economic value.
According to the Colorado Geological Survey (6Lawson and Hemborg, 1999), many oil and gas wells
have been drilled within approximately 20 to 25 miles of the property. Approximately 6,816 wells have
been drilled in the Wattenberg field. Production in the Wattenberg field was approximately 53,710,981
barrels of oil and 1,237,186,351 mcf of natural gas as of 1996. Smaller fields including the Banner
Lakes, Horse creek, and Lakeside fields located within 20 to 25 miles of the property, contain between
1 and 20 active wells, with production between 56,839 and 699,096 barrels of oil, and between
324,833 and 7,614,035 mcf of natural gas. Therefore, it is our opinion that economic oil and gas
reserves could be found beneath the subject site.
Surficial geologic conditions as mapped by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) consist of sand and
gravel deposited by the South Platte River. Based on observations of aerial photographs of the site
and review of the geologic map prepared by the USGS (Colton, 1978) the potential exists for
'Carroll and Bauer,2002,Historic Coal Mines of Colorado,Colorado Geological Survey.
] U.S. Geological Survey and Colorado Geological Survey 1997, Energy Resources Map of Colorado, Colorado Geological
Survey and Colorado Geological Survey, Map I-1039.
4 Colorado Geological Survey 1975, Ground Subsidence and Land-Use Considerations Over Coal Mines in the Boulder-
Weld Coal Field,Colorado, Plate 1,Extent of Mining,Colorado Geological Survey.
5 U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1625-A, 1999, Resource Assessment of Selected Tertiary coal beds and
• zones in the Northern Rocky Mountains and Great Plains region,United States Geological Survey.
6 Lawson and Hemborg, 1999, Oil and Gas Fields of Colorado Statistical Summary Trough 1996, Colorado Geological
Survey.
Mr. Michael Glaze Terracon
Mineral Assessment-
Glaze Industrial Property
• Project No. 20075106
deposits of sand and gravel at the site. The depth, width and quality of this material is not known to
us. There are many gravel pits in the South Platte River floodplain located to the north and south of
the site in similar geological settings. However, due to the small size of the parcel and surrounding
property, the site is unlikely be utilized as an economic source of sand and gravel.
There have been reported showings of uranium in the Laramie Formation and White River Formation
in Weld County. According to the Colorado Geological Survey(Nelson, Bishop Collins and
Hombaker, 1997)these deposits are not known to be continuous. There is no published data
Terracon is aware of that indicates these scattered deposits are of economic value.According
Colorado Geological Survey(BStreufert and Cappa, 1994)economic metals do not exist in the area of
the Property.
Based on the size of the parcel, surrounding properties, aerial photograph observations of the site, and
review of geologic maps and literature, it is our opinion that the probability of extraction or removal
of surface or subsurface minerals, is remote. The possibility does exist however, that oil and or
gas could be extracted from the site.
Sincerely,
• TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. VO� o7D L De,To;t't
,o •
ff 40208 ;�
A� .talt3l°���
Christopher M. Gemperline ymond L. Denton, II, P.E tSS• •
•�O•
Engineering Geologist Geotechnical Engineering Depa Nish
Reviewed by:
Neil R. Sherrod, P.G.
Senior Engineering Geologist
Copies: (2)Addressee
'Nelson, Bishop, Hombaker, 1997, Radioactive Mineral Occurrences of Colorado and Bibliography, Colorado Geological
• Survey, 1978.
8Streufert and Cappa, 1994, Location Map and Descriptions of Metal Occurrences in Colorado with Notes on Economic
Potential,Colorado Geological Survey,Map Series 28, 1994.
Physical Soil Properties-Weld County,Colorado,Southern Part nodripshere map
• Physical Soil Properties
This table shows estimates of some physical characteristics and features that affect
sod behavior. These estimates are given for the layers of each soil in the survey
area.The estimates are based on field observations and on test data for these and
similar soils.
Depth to the upper and lower boundaries of each layer is indicated.
Particle size is the effective diameter of a soil particle as measured by
sedimentation, sieving, or micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as
classes with specific effective diameter class limits.The broad classes are sand,
silt, and clay, ranging from the larger to the smaller.
Sand as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.05 millimeter to
2 millimeters in diameter. In this table,the estimated sand content of each soil layer
is given as a percentage,by weight,of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
Silt as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are 0.002 to 0.05
millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated silt content of each soil layer is
given as a percentage, by weight,of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
in diameter.
Clay as a soil separate consists of mineral soil particles that are less than 0.002
millimeter in diameter. In this table, the estimated clay content of each soil layer is
given as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters
• in diameter.
The content of sand, silt, and clay affects the physical behavior of a soil. Particle
size is important for engineering and agronomic interpretations,for determination
of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification.
The amount and kind of clay affect the fertility and physical condition of the soil and
the ability of the soil to adsorb cations and to retain moisture.They influence shrink-
swell potential, saturated hydraulic conductivity(Ksat), plasticity, the ease of soil
dispersion, and other soil properties.The amount and kind of day in a soil also
affect tillage and earthmoving operations.
Moist bulk density is the weight of soil (ovendry)per unit volume. Volume is
measured when the soil is at field moisture capacity, that is, the moisture content
at 1/3-or 1/10-bar(33kPa or 10kPa) moisture tension. Weight is determined after
the soil is dried at 105 degrees C. In the table,the estimated moist bulk density of
each soil horizon is expressed in grams per cubic centimeter of soil material that is
less than 2 millimeters in diameter. Bulk density data are used to compute linear
extensibility, shrink-swell potential, available water capacity, total pore space, and
other soil properties.The moist bulk density of a soil indicates the pore space
available for water and roots. Depending on soil texture,a bulk density of more than
1.4 can restrict water storage and root penetration.Moist bulk density is influenced
by texture, kind of clay, content of organic matter, and soil structure.
Saturated hydraulic conductivity(Ksat) refers to the ease with which pores in a
saturated soil transmit water. The estimates in the table are expressed in terms of
micrometers per second. They are based on soil characteristics observed in the
field, particularly structure, porosity, and texture. Saturated hydraulic conductivity
• (Ksat)is considered in the design of soil drainage systems and septic tank
absorption fields.
USDA Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 2.0 412912008
Conservation Service National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 1 of 4
•
Physical Soil Properties-Weld County,Colorado,Southern Part nodripshere map
• Available water capacity refers to the quantity of water that the soil is capable of
storing for use by plants.The capacity for water storage is given in inches of water
per inch of soil for each soil layer.The capacity varies,depending on soil properties
that affect retention of water. The most important properties are the content of
organic matter,soil texture,bulk density,and soil structure.Available water capacity
is an important factor in the choice of plants or crops to be grown and in the design
and management of irrigation systems.Available water capacity is not an estimate
of the quantity of water actually available to plants at any given time.
Linear extensibility refers to the change in length of an unconfined clod as moisture
content is decreased from a moist to a dry state. tt is an expression of the volume
change between the water content of the clod at 1/3-or 1/10-bar tension(33kPa or
10kPa tension)and oven dryness. The volume change is reported in the table as
percent change for the whole soil.The amount and type of clay minerals in the soil
influence volume change.
Linear extensibility is used to determine the shrink-swell potential of soils.The
shrink-swell potential is low if the soil has a linear extensibility of less than 3 percent;
moderate if 3 to 6 percent;high if 6 to 9 percent;and very high if more than 9 percent.
If the linear extensibility is more than 3, shrinking and swelling can cause damage
to buildings, roads, and other structures and to plant roots. Special design
commonly is needed.
Organic matter is the plant and animal residue in the soil at various stages of
decomposition. In this table,the estimated content of organic matter is expressed
as a percentage, by weight, of the soil material that is less than 2 millimeters in
diameter. The content of organic matter in a soil can be maintained by returning
. crop residue to the soil.
Organic matter has a positive effect on available water capacity,water infiltration,
soil organism activity,and filth.It is a source of nitrogen and other nutrients for crops
and soil organisms.
Erosion factors are shown in the table as the K factor(Kw and Kf)and the T factor.
Erosion factor K indicates the susceptibility of a soil to sheet and rill erosion by
water.Factor K is one of six factors used in the Universal Soil Loss Equation(USLE)
and the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE)to predict the average
annual rate of soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in tons per acre per year.The
estimates are based primarily on percentage of silt, sand, and organic matter and
on soil structure and Ksat Values of K range from 0.02 to 0.69.Other factors being
equal,the higher the value,the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion
by water.
Erosion factor Kw indicates the erodibility of the whole soil. The estimates are
modified by the presence of rock fragments.
Erosion factor Kf indicates the erodibility of the fine-earth fraction, or the material
less than 2 millimeters in size.
Erosion factor T is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion
by wind and/or water that can occur without affecting crop productivity over a
sustained period. The rate is in tons per acre per year.
Wind erodibility groups are made up of soils that have similar properties affecting
their susceptibility to wind erosion in cultivated areas. The soils assigned to group
1 are the most susceptible to wind erosion, and those assigned to group 8 are the
• least susceptible. The groups are described in the"National Soil Survey
Handbook."
USDA Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 2.0 4/29/2008
Conservation Service National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 2 of 4
Physical Soil Properties—Weld County,Colorado,Southern Part nodripshere map
• Wind erodibility index is a numerical value indicating the susceptibility of soil to wind
erosion,or the tons per acre per year that can be expected to be lost to wind erosion.
There is a close correlation between wind erosion and the texture of the surface
layer, the size and durability of surface clods, rock fragments, organic matter, and
a calcareous reaction. Soil moisture and frozen soil layers also influence wind
erosion.
Reference:
United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
National soil survey handbook, title 430-VI. (http://soils.usda.gov)
USDA Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 2.0 4/29/2008
Conservation Service National Cooperative Soi!Survey Page 3 of 4
• • •
Physical Soil Properties—Weld County,Colorado,Southern Part nodripshere map
Report—Physical Soil Properties
Physical Soil Properties—Weld County,Colorado,Southern Part
1
Map symbol Depth Sand Silt ' Clay Moist Saturated Available Linear Organic Erosion factors Wind i Wind
and soil name bulk hydraulic water extensibility matter erodibility erodibility
density conductivity capacity Kw Kf 7 group index
In Pct Pct Pcf g/cc micro m/sec In/In Pct Pct •
1-,Altvan loam, •
0 to 1 percent
•
•
slopes
Altvan 0-10 --- — 15-25 1.25-1.40 j 4.00-42.00 0.14-0.17 .0.0-2.9 .1.0-2.0 .28 .28 .4 5 56
10-25 — -- 20-35 1.25-1.40 11.41-14.11 0.14-0.21 0.0-2.9 .0.5-1.0 .20 1.20
25-00 — — 0-5 ,1.45-1.60 :141.00-141.00 0.02-0.06 ;0.0-2.9 0.0-0.5 .05 .10
Data Source Information
Soil Survey Area: Weld County, Colorado, Southern Part
Survey Area Data: Version 9, Feb 11. 2008
S
CSPA Natural Resources Web Soil Survey 2.0 _ - 4/29/2008
Conservation Service National Cooperative Soil Survey Page 4 of 4
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