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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1.0 ApplicationPORCUPINE LOOP PIPELINE PROJECT City of Rifle Watershed Application Narrative October 2004 Applicant: Canyon Gas Resources, LLC 7400 East Orchard Road, Suite 3025 Englewood, CO 80111 Prepared by: Trigon EPC, LLC 592 Main Street, Suite 8 Meeker, Colorado 81641 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 .0 Project Description .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Project Description ...................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Project Location ........................................................................................................... 1 1.3 Project Design ............................................................................................................. 1 1.4 Project Schedule ......................................................................................................... 1 1.5 Construction Description ............................................................................................. 2 1.6 Project Maps ............................................................................................................... 3 1.7 Required Permits ......................................................................................................... 3 1.8 Environmental Assessment ......................................................................................... 3 2.0 Application Narrative ....................................................................................................... 4 2.1 Plans and Specifications ............................................................................................. .4 2.2 Risk of Injury ............................................................................................................... 5 2.2. 1 Erosion and Sediment Controls ............................................................................... 5 2.2.2 Materials Handling and Spill Prevention Controls .................................................... 7 2.2.3 Other Controls ......................................................................................................... 7 3.0 Additional lnformation ...................................................................................................... 8 LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A-Plan of Development Appendix B-Project Maps Appendix C-Environmental Assessment 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The following sections provide a narrative of the nature and character of the watershed permit requested. 1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Canyon Gas Resources, LLC (CGR) has received a Right-of-Way Grant under Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM}-- Glenwood Springs Field Office to construct, operate, and maintain a 4.3 mile 12-inch diameter natural gas pipeline and related facilities in Garfield County, Colorado. The proposed pipeline project loops an existing CGR 6-inch diameter natural gas pipeline and connects CGR's Bentley and Porcupine Gathering Systems. The pipeline will transport existing and future natural gas produced by Tom Brown, Inc. (TBI) in the Rifle, Colorado area for processing at the Rifle Clough Compressor Station. TBI plans to drill more than 40 new wells in 2004, all of which are dedicated to CGR's gathering systems. Production from these wells is expected to increase by 35 mmsc£'d, increasing total throughput from 15 mmsc£'d to 50 mmsc£'d. System throughput will increase to 100 mmsc£'d in the next four years. The pipeline will de-bottleneck the existing gathering systems and will ensure sufficient capacity to carry CGR's current projection of future ga& volumes. 1.2 PROJECT LOCATION Approximately 700 feet of the pipeline is located in the western portion of the Beaver Creek Watershed in the Township 7 South, Range 94 West, Section 1, west Yz of southeast V. on the North Mamm Peak USGS Quadrangle. Temporary disturbance for pipeline construction inside the watershed is 0.8 acres. An existing well pad located within the watershed will be used for temporary storage of construction equipment and vehicles. There will be no vegetation removal, and no excavation, filling, grading or surfacing associated with use of this well pad. No hazardous materials or petroleum products will be stored within the watershed. 1.3 PROJECT DESIGN CGR will design and build the pipeline in accordance with the National Electrical Code, Department of Transportation, Title 40 CFR Part 192, and ASME B31.8 standards. Facilities will be designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) regulations pertaining to pipeline construction and operation. 1.4 PROJECT SCHEDULE Construction activities have been initiated and are expected to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks. Construction crews will typically work six days per week from daylight to dusk. 1.5 CONSTRUCTION DESCRIPTION The standard open cut construction method will be used to install the pipeline. This method includes clearing, grading, trenching, pipe stringing, pipe bending, welding, joint coating, padding where required, lowering in, backfilling, pneumatic testing, cleanup, and revegetation. Clearing, topsoiling and grading will be limited to the minimum area required for safe and efficient construction. Clearing will be performed only to the extent necessary to allow for construction activities. The ground surface will not be grubbed or cleared of vegetation Jess than four inches in height when possible. Every effort will be made to salvage root systems. Large vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, will be cleared from the right-of-way and stockpiled or windrowed at the edge of the approved workspace for later use in reclamation. Topsoil will be removed and stockpiled. Where topsoil is available, the top 4 to 6 inches of soil will be removed over the trenchline and in areas requiring grading. Topsoil and cleared vegetation will be stockpiled together. The right-of-way will be graded only to the extent necessary to create safe and efficient pipeline installation conditions. Topsoil will not be salvaged over the existing CGR pipelines. Trenching operations will begin after the right-of-way has been prepared. The trench will be excavated in accordance with OSHA and DOT requirements. Subsoil material will be stockpiled separately from topsoil stockpiles. After preparing the right-of-way and trench, pipeline constrnction and installation will include stringing, bending, welding, x-raying, and coating. Segments of pipe (joints) will be transported to the right-of-way, bent to conform to the contours of the trench, and welded together. The welds will be visually inspected and non-destrnctively tested utilizing radiographic or other approved techniques in accordance with AP! standards. At a minimum, radiographic inspection will be conducted in accordance with DOT requirements. The welded joints will be coated and any coating anomalies will be repaired accordingly. Completed sections will be lowered into the trench, padded as necessary to prevent rocks or other objects from commg m contact with and damaging pipe coating, and backfilled with stockpiled subsoil. To test the integrity of the pipeline, pipeline segments will be pneumatically tested with nitrogen and held under pressure for a specified period of time. Cleanup and restoration activities will begin promptly after backfilling. The right-of-way will be graded to the original contours and natural runoff and drainage patterns will be restored. Topsoil will be redistributed over the trench and other portions of the right-of-way from which the topsoil was salvaged. Disturbed areas will be seeded with a seed mix approved by the BLM. Equipment that will be used during constrnction will include, but is not limited to, ten Y..-ton pickup trucks, three welding rigs, two dozers, two track hoes, two side-boom tractors, one bending machine, one ditching machine, and one water truck. 2 Specific construction requirements are listed in the Plan of Development (POD). The POD is included in Appendix A. 1.6 PROJECT MAPS The following maps have been developed and are presented in Appendix B: • A general proj eel location map • A project location map indicating the project location in relation to the watershed boundary • A site plan/map (alignment sheet) drawn to scale that portrays the right-of-way boundaries and the profile/topography of the project area • A vicinity map that depicts county roads, waterbodies, and natural drainage courses of streams within 0.5-mile of the project area 1.7 REQUIRED PERMITS The Glenwood Springs Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management issued the Right-of- Way Grant with stipulations and the Notice to Proceed. In addition, the following permits were acquired and will be adhered to: • Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) General Construction Stom1water Pem1it • CDP HE Construction Dewatering Industrial Wastewater Pem1it • CDPHE Air Emission Permit • Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12 The Garfield County Colorado Special Use Permit will be acquired and adhered to. Copies of permits are available in the POD, included as Appendix A. 1.8 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The BLM has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the impacts of the project and has determined that the proposed Porcupine Loop project will not cause any significant or long-term impacts. The BLM EA is included as Appendix C. 3 2.0 APPLICATION NARRATIVE Specific City of Rifle Watershed permit application requirements are addressed below. 2.1 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS Items a-j of part 3 of subsection A of Rifle Municipal Code 10.05.050 are addressed below. Project Location and Legal Description A project location map indicating the site location is included in Appendix B. The legal description of the subject property is the western y, of the southeastern Y. of Section 1, Township 7 South, Range 94 West. Boundary Lines Boundary lines of the subject property are shown on the project alignment sheet included in Appendix B. Buildings There are no buildings or structures within fifty feet of the proposed project. Existing Topography The project area is relatively flat (slopes less than 5 percent) for 400 feet and increases to a 20 percent slope for the last 300 feet. A profile establishing topography of the existing ground is included on the project alignment sheet included in Appendix B. Excavation, Grading, Filling, Suriacing Construction of the project will not result in permanent excavation, grading, filling or surfacing. Construction activities are temporary, grading will be minimized to the extent necessary for safe construction operation, and excavation will result in a temporary stockpile of soil that will be replaced into the trench immediately after pipe installation. Construction activities will not result in surfacing or hardening of the ground surface. No gravel or concrete will be placed in the construction workspace. Preconstruction contours will be restored during cleanup operations and natural drainage and rnnoff patterns restored. Drainage Devices There are no drainage devices in connection with the proposed project. Soil Deposition Topsoil and subsoil will be temporarily stockpiled adjacent to the trench during construction activities. Topsoil will be stripped 4 to 6 inches in depth over the trenchline (approximately 24 inches wide) for a distance of 700 feet and subsoil will be excavated from the trench approximately 42 inches in depth for a distance of 700 feet. Topsoil salvage will result in 26 cubic yards of temporary topsoil stockpiles and trench excavation will result in 182 cubic yards of temporary subsoil stockpiles. This material will be replaced in the trench after pipe installation is complete. 4 Vegetation Existing vegetation in the project area is mixed mountain shrub with dominant species of Gambel oak and serviceberry intermixed with sagebrush and assorted grasses. Vegetation clearing will be performed only to the extent necessary to allow for construction activities. The ground surface will not be grubbed or cleared of vegetation less than four inches in height when possible. Every effort will be made to salvage root systems. Large vegetation, such as trees and shrubs, will be cleared from the right-of-way and stockpiled or windrowed at the edge of the approved workspace for later use in reclamation. After construction activities are complete, the construction workspace will be reseeded with a native seed mix as specified by the BLM in the Right-of-Way Grant. Vicinity Map A vicinity map depicting county roads, watercourses, and natural drainage courses of streams within 0.5-mile of the project area is included in Appendix B. Floodplains The project is not located within the 100-year floodplain of Beaver Creek. 2.2 RISK OF INJURY Activities associated with construction of the project that may present or create a foreseeable risk of injury or pollution to the City's water supply include clearing and grading; access road modifications; vehicle operation, maintenance and fueling; coating pipe joints; and herbicide application to control noxious weeds. Soil disturbed by construction is the most likely potential pollution source and is addressed by the erosion and sediment controls listed below in Section 2.2.1. The potential for accidental spills or leaks will be minimized by adherence to the Spill Prevention, Containment, and Countermeasure Plan, which is summarized in Section 2.2.2. Additional best management practices are detailed in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Control Plan, included in the Plan of Development which is attached as Appendix A. If the project is constructed with the protective actions and mitigation measures outlined in this narrative, the Plan of Development including the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan, the BLM Right-of-Way Grant, and stipulations of the CDPHE Stormwater and Construction Dewatering permits, the project will not present or create a foreseeable risk of injury or pollution to the City of Rifle Watershed. 2.2.1 Erosion and Sediment Controls The potential for erosion and sediment transport is greatest in areas where ground surfaces have been disturbed and soil is exposed to physical agents such as wind and water. In an effort to protect existing water quality, both temporary and permanent best management practices (BMPs) and other erosion control measures have been designed to minimize the effects of erosion caused by stormwater rnnoff. During construction, erosion and sediment control strnctures including waterbars and sediment barriers will be employed as necessary to reduce erosion and runoff from the construction workspace to adjacent areas. Selection of appropriate erosion controls will be 5 based on soil properties, steepness of the slope, and anticipated surface flow or runoff. All control measures will be maintained as necessary. Sediment Barriers Sediment barriers prevent sediment flow and erosion of disturbed areas. Sediment barriers may include silt fence, straw bales, excelsior logs, or sandbags. Sediment barriers will be installed at the eastern boundary of the construction workspace adjacent to County Road 317 and at the base of any slopes on the northern boundary of the construction workspace. The sediment barrier will be constructed in such a manner that sediment will not flow into the road ditch and will not flow off of the construction workspace inside the watershed boundary. To be effective, the sediment barriers must be properly imbedded in the soil. If used, the bottom of the silt fence shall be imbedded into the soil surface at a minimum depth of six inches and straw bales shall be imbedded into the surface soil at a minimum depth of four inches and will be double-staked with wooden stakes. Excelsior logs shall be imbedded into the soil at the depth recommended by the manufacturer. Sediment will be removed from the sediment barriers when capacity is reduced to 50 percent of original. Sediment barriers may be removed from the construction right-of-way if replaced by an equivalent BMP or once the construction workspace has been successfully revegetated. Slope Breakers Slope breakers (waterbars) are utilized for the purpose of reducing the velocity and concentration of nmoff and dispersing runoff to prevent excessive sheet erosion and formation of a gully resulting in transport of sediment off of the right-of-way onto adjacent areas. Waterbars shall be installed in sloped areas susceptible to erosion and constrncted as berms made from disturbed soil materials within the construction right-of-way. Topsoil will not be used to construct waterbars. Drainage or outfall from waterbars shall be directed into natural drainage swales and stable, well-vegetated areas. The drainage from the slope breaker outlets may be further controlled with energy-dissipating devices which may include rock or sediment barriers based upon site-specific conditions. Slope breaker spacing is primarily dependent upon the slope of the right-of-way, the soil erosion potential, and the general right-of-way configuration. Temporary waterbars will be installed in sloped areas susceptible to erosion. Temporary spacing will be determined based on site-specific conditions and as directed by the CGR Representative. Permanent waterbars will be installed across the right-of-way after topsoil replacement. Permanent waterbars will typically be installed every 300 feet when the slope is between 5 and 15 percent. 6 Permanent waterbars will be installed with a 2 to 8 percent outfall to facilitate drainage off of the right-of-way into stable, well-vegetated areas. Permanent waterbar spacing and outfall may be adjusted by the CGR Representative based on site-specific conditions. 2.2.2 Materials Handling and Spill Prevention Controls To prevent the accidental release of hazardous materials and petroleum products, construction, operation, and maintenance activities shall comply with CGR's Spill Prevention, Containment, and Countermeasure (Spill) Plan. The Spill Plan is included in the Plan of Development and is summarized in the sections below. CGR's Spill Plan: o Identifies emergency notification and state agency names and phone numbers that shall be contacted in the event of a spill; o Requires sufficient supplies of absorbent and barrier materials on hand to allow for rapid containment and recovery of spills; and • Includes instructions for the collection and disposal of waste, soil, and other materials generated during, and cleanup of, a spill. Th~ following precautions shall be taken to ensure that a release of petroleum and hazardous materials is prevented or contained: o A primary emergency coordinator for hazardous materials management and emergency response will be designated. Two alternates will also be identified. Primary and alternate emergency coordinators will be knowledgeable of the chemicals and processes involved during construction and will have stop work authority to prevent impacts to environmental resources. o All project personnel will be required to receive basic spill prevention trammg, and all personnel who will be involved with the transportation and storage of fuels or hazardous substances, equipment maintenance, and spill response will be provided with additional spill prevention and response training. o The CGR representative will inspect the project area frequently to ensure proper use, storage, and disposal of material. • Equipment and vehicles shall be inspected daily for leaks and receive regular preventative maintenance to reduce the potential for leakage. 2.2.3 Other Controls In addition to requirements in the Spill Plan and installation of erosion and sediment control measures, the following good housekeeping practices will be implemented to prevent or minimize potentially polluting construction materials from injuring. or polluting the City's water supply: 7 • Construction of the project has been scheduled during the dry season to minimize stormwater pollution potential and to control pollutants in the stormwater discharges. • Dust abatement measures will be implemented for control of airborne dust along the project route and on unpaved access roads, as requested by the ELM, fee-landowner, or Garfield County representatives. Unpaved access roads, and topsoil and subsoil stockpiles will be sprayed with water or an approved tackifier, as needed, to minimize the effects of wind erosion and to reduce fugitive dust. • Regular disposal for garbage, rubbish, construction wastes, and sanitary waste will be maintained at all times during construction. Sanitary sewage facilities (portable chemical toilets) will be provided at all work locations. Sanitary waste will be collected and removed for disposal at an appropriate licensed sewage disposal facility. 3.0 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Reclamation/Cleanup All construction-related debris (except vegetative debris) will be removed and disposed of at an appiroved disposal area. The right-of-way and temporary extra workspace areas will be graded as near as possible to the preconstmction contours and natural mnoff and drainage patterns will be restored. Stockpiled topsoil will be redistributed over the trench and will be left in a roughened condition. Permanent waterbars will installed according to the guidelines in Section 2.2.2. Vegetative mulch and excess rock may be used to reduce erosion potential by providing additional surface relief stmcture. Vegetative debris salvaged during clearing and grading operations will be distributed across the right-of-way. Reclamation/cleanup activities will be initiated as soon as practicable after backfilling activities have been completed. Revegetation Every attempt will be made to seed disturbed areas within 24 hours of completing topsoil replacement and installation of permanent soil erosion and sediment control measures. Seed mixes will be purchased from commercial seed vendors and must be state-certified weed- free mixtures. Seed bag tags will be collected and submitted to the ELM to confirm that the seed was purchased from a commercial seed vendor and was tested and certified. Seeding rate will be listed as pounds per acre of pure live seed (PLS). The ELM-approved seed mix is listed below. Seed Species Variety Rate (lbs/acre PLS) Four-wing saltbush Rincon 2 Thickspike wheatgrass Critana 3 Western wheatgrass Arriba 3 Bluebunch Wheatgrass Secar 3 Small burnet I I 8 Seed will be placed in direct contact with the soil at an average depth of 0.5-inches, covered with soil, and firmed to eliminate air pockets around the seeds. Seed will be applied using a rangeland seed drill with a seed release and agitation mechanism sufficient to allow seeds of various sizes and densities to be planted at the proper seeding depth. Broadcast seeding will be employed only in areas where drill seeding is unsafe or physically impossible. Broadcast application rates will be twice that of drill rates. Immediately after broadcasting, the seed will be uniformly raked, chained, or dragged to incorporate seed to a sufficient seeding depth. If the area is seeded prior to a soil crust forming (within 24 hours of topsoil replacement), harrowing or raking may not be necessary. Fall seeding would be completed after September I and prior to prolonged ground frost. If necessary, spring seeding will be completed when the ground thaws and prior to May 15. Soils The project crosses through the Morva! loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes soil and Morval-Tridall complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes mapping units. Morva/ loam, 3 to 12 percent slopes, are gently sloping to rolling soil on mesas and sides of valleys that are formed in reworked alluvium derived from basalt and sandstone. The soil is deep and well drained, with a loam surface texture and loam and stony clay loam subsoil textures. Morval-Tridel/ complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes, are moderately sloping to hilly soils on alluvial fans and sides of mesas that are formed in reworked alluvium derived from basalt and sandstone. The Morva! soil makes up 55 percent of the unit and occurs on less sloping parts of the landscape and the Tridell soil makes up 30 percent of the unit and occurs on the sides of mesas. The Morva! soil is deep and well-drained, with a loam surface texture and clay loam, stony clay loam, and stony loam subsoil textures. The Tridell soil is deep and well-drained, with a stony loam surface texture and a very stony loam subsoil texture. The soil types and parameters are summarized below. Percent of Length Available Surface Erosion Mapping Unit Permeability Water Project (feet) Capacity Runoff Hazard Morva!-Tri dell 80 550 complex Moderate Moderate Medium Moderate Morva! soil Moderately Low Medium Moderate Tridell soil rapid Morva! loam 20 150 Moderate Moderate Slow Slight Runoff Coefficient Estimated runoff coefficient for the project location is between 0.32 and 0.42. Morval-Tridell complex and Morva! loam soils are classed in hydrologic group B and have a moderate rate of water transmission. The runoff coefficient for the project area prior to construction is between 0.32 and 0.42. The runoff coefficient for the project area after construction would increase due to loss of vegetation, but would return to preconstruction levels as the right-of-way revegetates and stabilizes to preconstruction vegetative ground cover conditions. 9 Water Quality Construction of this project will not result in degradation to surface or groundwater quality. No water depletion will occur as a result of the project. Construction dewatering may be required when groundwater and/or stormwater enters the trench. Dewatering shall be accomplished by pumping water from the trench at a controlled rate that prevents erosion and sedimentation. Water will be discharged in a well-vegetated, upland area and will not be pumped directly into flowing waterbodies. Groundwater discharges will occur in accordance with the CDPHE Dewatering Industrial Wastewater Permit and stormwater discharges will occur in accordance with the CDPHE Stormwater Permit. CGR does not anticipate any construction dewatering or stormwater discharges in association with the project. 10 APPENDIX A PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT Porcupine Loop Plan of Development Provided as a separate attachment. APPENDIX B PROJECT MAPS General Project Location Map [2]/7 / / / / / / ,,. / / / ,.sl /. / / ' ,./ ,/ ,/ /. ,//,/ ,/ / ,/ ,.~ ,/ _.ffe ,/ ,/ ,/ ,/ ,/ ' . G ,. ld r-i • / / ·~"' •o / . .:i<1l}I ~ vOUnLy / / . . / lewc_,stle .. lenwWs rings '!/ / / ~(>··1 / / /// / ~~·~:-:;i1t /. /I·~~/// ! ~ ~ ! [I/.// "'1 //. / /•/7/ ./, / T /. / // ~<.I/'~ if/.I/ /)/I /\/.//1 I/ y· /.V// 7/7/f Project Location I~' !·L-~~~~~~r;;;;n;~-i:;~~~~ i cuENr -:-~~---"----..... OEsCR1PnoN Location Map ' /cz::·E'f'uCDE5 ', PORCUPINE PIPELINE PROJECT iL_~~_i0~··~·~--~""~""~'"~'~""'.:__-r_0 AAw-N~BY~CL~~-r=,ME~OAA=wN~::06/~20M04~i;m~~~cEE~xhiMbitl1~-A~ ~.\,s·=~·~·~N~TS~~__,l'~~~•oN~·~~~~:'.'....".'.:._:;.;;;;;;,;;;~~~~~~~rr.i~~~-~.'~v•lfl1'D BY:: !RIGON-SHEEHAN, LLC PRENREO BY TRIGON (~1 ;i :t@: r;:J ~I ~ J{ Von Gordol'I, Su'1\~ 200 _ _ _ _ 'O. Lakewo\id,Cdc.-odo80223 ENGINEERS & CONSTRUCTORS ~ (303) 295-964"5 Project Location in Relation to Watershed Boundary Map 2 c•..:C-H ~ Locatio~ Mo;:i PORCUPINE PIPELINc P?.OECi L--~~----'-'-''~'~"•~•c~··~"~'_.:.::."~'~~~____JL-~~~~~~~~~~__j I riv: lV-.1.i:. ~ S'.'R',~i) !:"!'; l'RtC::.'\-S".~£.!".~.~. LL".: ?_ 5• \'~1 W~;.i. So.;i'.: 2':0 -. L:•:•)o-~. C:i:t:~J l:~123 {),;J) 2;;-~:;5 '"''"°"' TRIGON CSlk1 ~I~ a: r~ ~I £ r; G I tl £ E R S ~ C 0 N S T F 'J C T C R S Porcupine Loop Alignment Sheet Portraying Project Boundaries and Topographic Profile Project Vicinity Map Depicting County Roads, Waterbodies, and Natural Drainage Courses within 0. 5-mile of Project ''---------------------------1 I cuoo I I Beaver Creek Watershed PORCUPINE PIPELINE PRO.f CT ! SC'JU : 1"=2000 ' RMION: DRAWN BY: CL OOE DRAWN: 9/2004 FU IWIE: Beaver Creek ;t;SUMYED;;;;;;;-;BY;;-: liii~;:v"'_::;;~oo;.odoui5u~~200------L--r;;;PREP.~AAED;:;;-BY~J=R::-IG::::::-=ON=:-C::;:C)ID;;;;;;~~:;;;;: l;::::::;l;:::::;l;;l;:;J.;:;1;:;~~1 ;s (303) 296-!IM5 E N G I N E E R S c!c C 0 N S T R U C T 0 R S APPENDIX D ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT ... ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT RECORD NUMBER: C0-140-2004-0056 EA CASEFILE/PROJECT NUMBER: COC-51003 Amendment, COC-51003-0 I Temporary use Permit PROJECT NAME: Canyon Gas Resources, Porcupine 12" Natural Gas Pipeline Loop LEGAL DESCRIPTION: 61h Principal Meridian, Colorado T7SR94W Sec. I: SESW, SWSE Sec. 9: El/2S\Vl/4, Nl/2SE1/4 Sec. 10: SEl\'E, NESE Sec. 11: lot 3, S l/2Nl/2 Sec. 12: lots 3, 4 APPLICAl\'T: Canyon Gas Resources Inc. - l\'EED FOR PROPOSED ACTIO~: The proposed pipeline project would loop an existing 6-inch diameter natural gas pipeline constructed in 1993 and held under right-of-way COC-51003. The pipeline would co;inect CGR's Bentiey a;id Porcupine Gathering Systems and would transpon existing and farure natural g:.s produced by Tom Brown, fr1c. (TB!) in the Rifle. Colorado area for processing at the Rifle Clough Compressor Station. TB! plans to drill more than 40 new wells in 2004, all of which are dedicated to CGR's gathering systems. Production from these welis is expected to increase by 35 mrnscf/d, increasing total throughput from 15 mmscfid to 50 mmsc£id. System throughput will increase to 100 mmscfid in the next four years. The proposed pipeline will de-bottleneck the existing gathering systems and will ensure sufficient capacity to carry CGR's projected future rnlumes of gas. The Canyon Gas Bentley Phase I & II 8" pipeline was completed in 2003. This pipeline carries natural gas from new wells held by Tom Brown in the High :tviesa, Morrisania Mesa, and Spruce Creek areas. The new source of natural gas is now fed into an existing 6" pipeline constructed in 1993 and held under right-of-way COC-51003. The existing 6" pipeline is inadequate to carry all the new gas, so the applicant is applying to amend the COC-51003 system by installing a new 12" pipeline next to the existing 6" in the area from Spruce Creek east to the Beaver Creek area where the new pipeline would tie into an existing 12" pipeline. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION A.°/\\D ALTERt'i'ATIVES CONSIDERED (including the No Action Alternative): Amend existing right-of-way COC-51003 to include a new 12 inch diameter natural gas pipeline. The amendment will be done under the authority of the Mineral Leasing Act. The amendment will also correct an inaccuracy in the route location of the existing grant. A temporary use permit COC-51003-01 will authorize two staging areas on BLM land and provide for extra work space. The pipeline is approximately 4.3 miles in length, of which 0.8 miles are located on fee-lands and 3.5 miles are located on BLM lands administered by the Glenwood Springs Field Office. The project is located south and west of Rifle, Colorado in Sections I, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of Township 7 South, Range 94 \Vest in the Rulison and North Mamrn Peak USGS Quadrangles. The proposed pipeline will be installed in a trench offset I 0 feet from the existing CGR pipeline and will require a construction right-of-way width of 50 feet. The majority of the construction right- of-way will overlap the existing right-of-way and will utilize the previously disturbed footprint. The right-of-way boundaries will fluctuate in width, where possible, to avoid disturbance to mature pinyon-juniper stands and to avoid straight-line disturbance. The needed construction area outside of the fifty foot permanent right-of-way width will be provided for in the temporary use permit (TUP), two staging areas will also be included in the TUP. A launcher and receiver will be located at located at opposite ends of the pipeline, with risers, blow-downs, and valve sets where appropriate along the right-of-way. CGR wilt design and build the pipeline in accordance with the National Electrical Code, Department of Transportation, Title 40 CFR Part 192, and ASME B31.8 standards. Facilities wilt b~ designed, constructed, and operated in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OS!L<'\) regulations pertaining to pipeline construction and O?eration. Cons:ruction activities are expected to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks and are scheduled for summer or fall 200..:. !\o Action Alternative: The no action alternative would be to der:y the right-of-way application. The applicant would not be able to loop the existing pipeline. PLA!\ CO;-;TORi\1.A.!'\JCE REVIEW: The proposed action is subject to the follo"·ing plan: Name of Plan: Glenwood Springs Resource Area Rlv!P Date Aonroved: January: 1984, Revised: 198S, .Amended: l\o\·. 1996 to include Colorado Standards and Guidelines. Amended: March 1999 to include Oil and Gas Leasing and Development Page or Decision Number: Pages 40 and 41, Transportation Management and Utility and Communication facility Management of the Glenwood Springs Resource Area R.tY!P The proposed action has been reviewed for conformance with this plan (43 CFR 1610.5, BLM 1617 .3) The proposed action is in conformance with the management decisions for Transportation and Communication Facility Management. Fundamentals and Standards for Public Land Health: On February 12, 1997, the Colorado Standards for Public Land H ea/th became effective for all BLM lands in Colorado. Standards describe the conditions needed to sustain public land health and apply to all uses of public lands. The Glenwood Springs Field Office is in the ongoing process of completing Land Health Assessments. The fieldwork for the Rifle-West Land Health . Assessment, which covers the area of the proposed action, was completed in spring-summer of 2004. No formal determination on conformance with the Standards will be made until the Land Health Assessment Report and Determination Document are completed. Based on the findings of the assessment, the authorized officer may take appropriate action to achieve conformance with the standards or implement further mitigating measures on future actions to maintain or prevent a further decline in land health. ALTERNATIVE CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED The only route considered was the proposed action. AFFECTED El't'VIRONMENT I ENVIORNMENTAL IMPACTS I MITIGATION MEASURES: CRITICAL ELElHENTS AIR QUALITY: Air quality would be expected to be impacted by dust and equipment exhaust during construction of the proposed pipeline. These negative impacts would be expected to be localized to the area under construction and would last for a short period of time. There would be no long term negative impacts to air quality from construction of the proposed project. Possible in;ipacts from construction of the proposed pipeline would be expected to be the same as those analyzed in the Oil and Gas Leasing and Development GSFO FSEIS. Development of this .. pipeline is within the parameters established in this analysis which would maintain good air quality. Therefore no further analysis of impacts to air quality is necessary. CL"LTl)RAL RESOlTRCES: A Class ill cultural resource invemo;:-y was conducted of the proposed pipeline and staging area (GSFO:"l l 04-4) by Grand Ri,·er bstitute. Ko h'.storic properties were identified that are eligible for listing on the :t\ational Register of Historic Places. As no historic propenies will be impacted a finding of No Effect was determined, and formal consultation with the Colorado State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is not required (Colorado BLM/SHPO Protocol). bdirect and long term cumulative effects as a result of increased visitation and access could range from illegal collection to vandalism of unknown cultural resources. Therefore, the standard Education/Discovery stipulation needs to be added to the permit informing Canyon Gas Resources Inc and their sub-contractors of their responsibilities to protect and report any cultural resources encountered on public land during operations unde; this permit. l\Iitigation: • Education'Discoverv Stioulation All persons in the area who are associated with this project must be informed that if anyone is found disturbing historic, archaeological, or scientific resources, including collecting artifacts, the person or persons will be subject to prosecution. Pursuant to 43CFRI 0.4(g), the BLM authorized officer must be notified, by telephone, with written confirmation, immediately upon the discovery of human remains, funerary items, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony. Further,-pursuant to 43CFRI 0.4 (c) and (d), activities must stop in the vicinity of the discovery and the discovery must be protected for 30 days or e:itil notified to proceed by the authorized officer. If in connection with operations under this contract the project proponent, his contractors, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural or paleontological value or scientific interest such as historic ruins or prehistoric ruins, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the proponent shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural or paleontological resource and shall notify the BLM authorized officer of the findings (16 U.S.C. 470h-3, 36CFR800.112). Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions and authorization by the authorized officer. Approval to proceed will be based upon evaluation of the resource. Evaluation shall be by a qualified professional selected by the authorized officer from a federal agency insofar as practicable. When not practicable, the holder shall bear the cost of the services ofa non-federal professional. Within five working days the authorized officer will inform the holder as to: -whether the materials appear eligible for the National Register of Historic Places; -the mitigation measures the holder will likely have to undertake before the site can be used (assuming in situ preservation is not necessary); and, - a time frame for the authorized officer to complete an expedited review under 36 CFR 800.11, or any agreements in lieu thereof, to confirm through the State Historic Preservation Officer that the findings of the authorized officer are correct and the mitigation is appropriate. The proponent may relocate activities to a\"oid the expense of mitigation and/or the delays associated with this process, as long as the new area has been appropriately cleared of resources ard the exposed materials are recorded and s:abilized. Olhern·ise, the proponent will be respo:!sible for mitigation costs. The authorized officer will pro\·ide technical and procedural guidelines for the conduct of mitigation. l.ipo:-i \·erification fro~: the authorized officer that the required mitiga:ion has been completed. the proponent wil! then be allowed to resume construction . . "vltiquities, historic ruins, prehistoric ruins, paleontological or objects of scientific interest that are O'.ltside of the authorization boundaries but directly associated with the impacted resource will also be included in this ernluation and/or mitigation . . A..ntiquities, historic, prehistoric ruins, pa!eontological or objects of scientific interest, identified or unidentified, that are outside of the authorization and not associated with the resource within the authorization will also be protected. Impacts that occur to such resources, that are related to the authorizations activities, \vill be mitigated at the proponent's cost. These costs may include the cost of consultation with Native American groups. E1'.1VIRO:NMENT AL JUSTICE: The proposed action is not expected to create a disproportionately high and adverse human health impact or an environmental effect on minority or low-income populations within the area. FARM LAl\'DS (PRIME or lTh'IQUEl: None involved. FLOODPLAINS. WETLA.NDS. RIPARJAN ZONlOS: None involved. The pipeline crosses Porcupine Creek, the creek at the crossing location was found to not have riparian characteristics. n-.vr ASIVE. NON-NATIVE SPECIES: .Affected Envirorunent: Several noxious weeds, including Russian knapweed,.cheatgrass, and. Musk thistle, have been noted within the project area. Envirorunental Consequences: All surface-disturbing activities provide a niche for invasion by or expansion of noxious weeds. Mitigation: • To reduce the opportunities for weeds to become established, the disturbed areas will be reseeded with a mixture of locally-adapted native species. • The project proponent and its contractors shall power-wash all construction equipment and vehicles prior to and after construction activities to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds. • The project proponent will monitor the pipeline at least annually to detect the presence of noxious weeds and will be responsible for promptly controlling any noxious weeds along the pipeline right-of-way. • A Pesticide Use Proposal shall be submitted to BLM and approved prior to initiating any herbicide spraying on public lands. MIGRATORY BIRDS: The proposed pipeline will follow existing road/jeep trails, and an existing pipeline for the majority of the route. Habitat varies from sagebrush, to pinyon-juniper woodlands, and mixed mountain shrub habitat, all with understory grasses and forbs. Given this mix of vegetation, this project alignment provides both foraging and nesting habitat for a Yariety of migratory birds. Several species listed on the U.S. Fish and \Vildiifr Service's B!rds o'. ConserYation Concern list may be present. \\'ithin the pinyon-juniper woodland habitats, the pinyonjay, black-throated gray warbler, black-ch.L"ll1ed hummingbird, g;-ay flyca:cher and juniper titmouse may be present. \\'ithin the mixed moumain shrublands and oakbrush, Virginia's warbler may occur. Within the sagebrush, the sage sparrow and Brewer's sparrow may occur. The pipeline wili generally follow disturbed areas (existing pipeline and roads.'jeep trails) for the majority of its length. However, where no disturbance currently exists, or where past disturbances have been reclaimed, vegetation will be impacted and temporarily lost, until such time as revegetation is successful. Clearing of vegetation to accommodate the pipeline will increase the risk of destroying occupied nest trees and shrubs. Foraging habitat will also be lost in the short- terrn. It is possible that individual native birds and!or the\: eggs will be destroyed by the action. b addition, construction activities will result in human use and noise that may displace birds to adjacent habitats for a short time. Mitigation: • Reseed all disturbed areas associated with pipeline constmction with native grasses and forbs. b addition the right-of-way should be monitored for noxious weeds. Weeds should be treated quickly so as to maintain native habitats important to migratory birds NATIVE AMERICAN RELIGIOUS CONCER.i'\S: The area under consideration contains no known areas or location of religious or cultural concern to Native Americans and the cultural inventory did not locate any significant sites. If such areas are subsequently identified or become known through the Native American notification or consultation process they would be considered . during the implementation phase. . ......... -... . Mitigation: See Cultural Section THREATENED, ENDANGERED. & BLM SENSITIVE SPECIES: Affected Environment: The project area contains no known occurrences or potential habitat for any federal or state.listed threatened or endangered species or any federal candidate or proposed species. The proposed action would have "No Effect" to any listed species or their habitat. The site does contain habitat for the BLM Sensitive plant, Penstemon harringtonii. An initial survey of the proposed pipeline was conducted on May 19, 2004. At that time, eleven occurrences of P. harringtonii were located along the proposed pipeline ROW. A subsequent survey to determine the numbers of individuals and the areal extent of the P. harringtonii populations along the proposed ROW was conducted on July 4'h_5'h, 2004. Initial field surveys along the pipeline corridor were conducted on May 19'\ 2004. Eleven populations of Pensremon harringtonii were located along the proposed project route. Approximately 60 plants were documented in various stages of vegetative, budding, and flowering. A follo\\·-up survey was conducted on July 4th and sm, 2004 to determine disrribution and abundance of Penslemon harringtonii adjacent to the right-of-way corridor a~1 d within two temporary use areas not surveyed in May 2004. Four new populations were documented during the July 2004 survey and se\·eral of the populations found in 1'.lay were enlarged. An estimated 6,662 individuals, with a statistical range of2,S34 to lS,393, were identified in the surveyed c.rea with approximately 824 indi\'iduals located within the te1;1po:-ar_y' use a:-eas and the p~oposed 50-ft distt!:-bc.nce c.rea of the rigi'i.t-of-\i.·ay. Tfjs represents 12.~'% of the surveyed populations. En\'ironmental Consequences: The project, as initially proposed, would result in the removal or destruction of approximately 12.4% of the P. harringtonii population within the surYeyed area. If Temporary L'se Area 2 is not utilized, or is relocated to entirely avoid the P. harringtonii pla:its in it, then 694 individuals or 10.4% of the surveyed P. harringtonii population would be wi:hin the pro;iosed disturbance area. The loss of 10% of the population is not likely to dir.iinish the long-term viability of the population or lead to a trend toward ESA listing of the species. The disturbance for the proposed pipeline would potentially open a corridor for im·c.sion by inrnsive, nonnative species. The potential consequences this can have on popLilation numbers c.nd suitable habitat can be observed along the existing pipeline corridor. For example, areas in which the herbaceous understory is dominated by cheatgrass mark the boundary of several existing P. han-ingtonii populations. The proximity of these invasive species to several populations of P. harringto11ii increases the likelihood that these species would expand into the disturbed area;; created by this proposed action and outcompete or prevent re-establishment of the BLM Sensitive P. harri11g1onii. Mitigation: • Temporary Use Area 2 will not be utilized as part of this project. • All disturbed areas will be promptly reseeded with locally adapted native plant species. • The project proponent will monitor the pipeline for successful establishment of native vegetation and for early detection of noxious weeds. • Seeding of the site will continue annually until desirable native vegetation is established . at the same or better cover than adjacent undisturbed vegetation within the same ecological site. WASTES. HAZARDOUS or SOLID: None involved. WATER QUALITY. DRINKING or GROUND: Oil and gas activities including construction of pipelines has resulted in minimal adverse impacts to water quality in the GSFO. The impacts to surface water quality from development of the proposed pipeline would be expected to be minor and the same as those discussed in the Oil and Gas Leasing and Development FSEIS. Short term impacts are expected to be small. These impacts would primarily be an increase in sediment and salinity resulting from drainage from surface disturbed areas. Increases in sediment and salinity yield are usually greatest during the initial disturbance and decrease over time with successful reclamation of the site. Pipeline disturbance would be held to a minimum size and would be situated as far as possible from drainage channels, and steep slopes to minimize increases in sediment and salt yield. Development of this pipeline is within the parameters established in the FSEIS analysis which would maintain good water quality. Therefore no further analysis of impacts to water quality is necessary. WILDEM'ESS. AREAS of CRITICAL El\'VIRONME'\'TAL CONCER.~. \\'ILD and SCENIC RIVERS: None involved. ' 1\°0\'-CRITICAL ELE!\!El'iTS Only those non-critical elements where issues have been identified and rnitigatior. is needed will be addressed in this section. RAl\GE lv!Al\AGME01T: Affected Em·ironment: The proposed pipeline would cross public land on the Po~cupine Common # 08119 and the Spruce Gulch Common #08121 Allotments. The table below su=arizes the permitted grazing use on the allotments. Allotment : Permittee I Livestock I Period of use , %P ' AUl\Is ' Kind & l'io. L · Porcupine . Jack Farris i Cattle 15 ! 05/07 -09/30 ' 100 . 72 Common# ! I Ronald D & I Cattle 10 i 05110 -09/10 i 100 : 41 . OS 119 I Vickie R. Mead ' I I I Joan L. Savage Cattle 195 05/16 -06/16 i 84 I 167 I -I Cattle 11 I 06116 -09130 i 84 !33 I ' I j Cattle 70 110/0 I -1 0/15 I 84 '?9 I 1- ; Spruce Gulch i Arnold & Elsie I Cattle 14 I 05/15 -09130 1 so ! 51 I Common# · Mackley I 08121 ! Joan L. Savage Cattle 196 05/16 -06/30 138 ! 113 ' Cattle 25 i 10/01 -10/30 138 !9 Environmental Consequences: Since the proposed pipeline in within the right-of-way of a previously constructed pipeline, any negative impacts to livestock management would be the same as those that occurred during construction of the first pipeline. The main impact would be a . -... -... minimal loss of livestock forage for approximately 3 years. Typically after about a three year period for vegetation to become established on the disturbed site, forage production is greater then on those sites prior to the disturbance. Livestock may also be minimally disturbed by the increase in human activity during construction. Mitigation: It is not anticipated that the level of impacts from implementation of the proposed action would require adjustment of the livestock stocking rate. The level of forage utilization will be monitored on the allotment and if necessary, adjustments in livestock use will be made to protect land health based on this monitoring. During construction the trench would be back filled as soon as possible to minimize the hazard to livestock. SOILS: Affected Environment: The project crosses through the following soil mapping units: Morval-Tridell complex, 6 to 25 percent slopes, are moderately sloping to hilly soils on alluvial fans and sides of mesas that are formed in reworked alluvium derived from basalt and sandstone. The Morva! soil makes up 55 percent of the unit and occurs on less sloping parts of the landscape and the Tridell soil makes up 30 percent of the unit and occurs on the sides of mesas. The Morval soi,! is deep and well-drained, with a loam surface texture and clay loam, stony clay loam, and stqny loam subsoil textures. The Tridell soil is deep and well-drained, with a stony loam surface texture and a very stony loam subsoil texture. Nihil/ channer:c loall!. 6 ro 25 percent slopes, is a moderately sloping to hilly soi\ on alluvium deri\·ed from Greer: River shales a:id sandsto:ies. The soil is deep a:id \\·eii-dra!ned, with a channery loam surface texture and very channery loam. extremely channery sandy loam and extremely cha.'1Dery loam subsoil textures. Torrionhents-Camborthids-Rock outcrop complex. s1eep, are exposed sandstone and sh"le bedrock, loose stones, and soils that are shallow to deep over sandstone and shale bedrock and stony basaltic alluvium. Torriorthents make up 45 percent of the complex, Cambonhids make up 20 percent, and Rock makes up 15 percent. Torrionhents are located on foothills and mountainsides below rock outcrops and Camborthids are located on lower toe-slopes and concave open areas on foothills and mountainsides. Surface textures are clayey to loamy and inclLLde variable amounts of gravel, cobble, and stones in the substratum or on the surface. Torriorthents-Rock outcrop complex, steep, are exposed sandstone and shak bedrock, and stony soils that are shallow to moderately deep over sandstone and shale bedrock and stony basal tic alluvium. Torriorthents make up 60 percent of the complex and Rock outcrop makes up 25 percent. Isolated areas ofNihill and Tridell soils are included in this mapping unit. Torrionhents are on foothills and mountainsides below the rock outcrop. Surface textures are clayey to loamy and include variable amounts of gravel, cobble, and stones in the substratum or on the surface. Environmental Consequences: Construction of the proposed project could affect soils in several ways including increased erosion, compaction, reduced fertility, and poor revegetation. Clearing, grading, and movement of construction equipment and vehicles would remove vegetative cover and expose the soils to the effects of wind, rain, and rnnoff. Grading, trenching, and backfilling activities could cause mixing of the soil horizons end could result in reduced soil fmility and reduced revegetation potential. Movement and operation of construction equipment could compact the soil and result in an increased erosion hazard and reduced revegetation potential. , ........... · Mitigation: Mitigation includes measures for the proper handling of topsoil, erosion control, and reclamation procedures. • Topsoil will be removed and stockpiled. Where topsoil is available, the top 4 to 6 inches of soil will be removed over the trenchline and in areas requiring grading. Topsoil and cleared vegetation will be stockpiled together on BLM lands. Topsoil will be stockpiled separate from cleared vegetation on fee-lands. The right-of-way will be graded only to the extent necessary to create safe and efficient pipeline installation conditions. • During construction, temporary and permanent erosion control measures will be implemented to control erosion and transport of sediment. Erosion and sediment controls will be used and maintained during all phases of construction. Selection of appropriate erosion controls will be selected based on soil properties, steepness of the slope, and anticipated surface flow or runoff. Erosion control measures are detailed in CGR's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. • Clean-up and reclamation activities will be initiated as soon as practicable after backfilling activities have been completed. All construction-related debris (except vegetative debris) will be removed and disposed of at an approved disposal area. The right-of-way will be graded as near as possible to the pre-construction contours and natural runoff and drainage patterns will be restored. Stockpiled topsoil will be redistributed over the trench and other portions of the right-of-way from which the topsoil was sal\'aged. Topsoil will be Jeft"in a roughened condition. All dist_urbed areas will be reseeded with the appropriate seed mix and rates as listed in the Stipdations. Every attempt will be made to seed disturbed areas within 24 hours of completing top soi 1 replacemrnt and inscallation of perrr.anent soil erosion c71d sediment control measures. If seeding is no~ COiT!.plcted \\·ithir: 24 hours, the seed will be incorporated in:o the soil mechanically or by hand. VISL'AL RESOURCES: Aff:cted En\'ironment: The proposed action is located within an area classified as VR.M Class IV in the 1984 Glenwood Springs Resource Management Pian. The objective of this class is to pro,·ide for management activities which require major modifications of the existing character of the landscape. The level of change to the characteristic landscape can be high. These management acti\·ities may dominate the view and be the major focus of viewer attention. However, every attempt should be made to minimize the impact of these activities through careful location, minimal disturbance, and repeating the basic elements. (1999 Oil and Gas SEIS, ROD, LN i"l 0, page 14.) Environmental Consequences: The proposed action is likely to lengthen the long term visual modifications due to new disturbances along the existing pipeline. Short sections of the existing pipeline can be seen from County Rd. 320. While reclamation has been successful and sage brush has been re-established, the nevi disturbance and remo,·al of more trees will accentuate a un-natural line feature within the landscape. The proposed action would create new contrasts in color, line, shape and texture. Interim reclamation of the pipeline would reduce the contrast after two to three growing seasons. Long term impacts are expected, as the dominate vegetation (Pinyon and Juniper trees) will not re-establish for decades. The proposed action would meet VRt\1 Class IV objectives. However, to minimize impacts the following mitigation should be stipulated. Mitigation: Jn order to reduce visuc.l impacts to adjacern landowners and to travelers on County Rd. 320 efforts should be made to stay within the existing disturbance whenever possible .. especially within Sectionl l, east of Porcupine Creek .. The minimum amourJ.of.Negetation and.top. •.. __ . soil should be disturbed. Efforts should be made to avoid straight line disturbances whenever possible. RECREATION!TRA VEL: Affected Environment: The 1984 RMP mapped this area in ROS as "Semi-Primitive Motorized". The area as a whole today has remained much the same as in 1984 due to its steep topography and heavy vegetation. The area is predominately used during hunting season. Travel limitations as identified in the 1984 GSFO RMP were not deemed appropriate for immediate implementation and implementation was deferred until circumstances warranted action. The proposed project area was identified to be "Limited to existing roads and trails". Recreational travel has increased greatly since 1984. However, while the area has been managed as "Open", travel is limited due to the areas steep and rugged topography. Increased travel is occurring and is expected to increase along existing routes and/or along cleared areas such as pipelines. Environmental Consequences/Mitigation: In order not to preclude future travel management decisions and to maintain the current ROS settings mitigation should include the following: • Reclamation measures will include the placement ofrocks at all intersections with existing roads, and the power line clearing. ' , • The right-of-way will be left in a roughened condition and scattered with vegetative debris salvaged during clearing operations. WILDLIFE. AQUA TIC: The project area contains one perennial stream, Porcupine Creek. This strean: wili be crossed by the pipeline along with several small ephemeral drninages in the area. Porcupine Creek is not known to contain any fish given the limited amount of flow, steep gradient, and flashy runoff. The stream routinely blows out and provides no quality habitat for fish. 1\o impacts to aquatic wildlife are anticipated. J\o fisheries or other aquatic wildlife are located in close proximity of the proje~t. Downstream fisheries located in the Colorado River wi 11 not be affected by the proposed action as reseeding should quickly reestablish vegetation at disturbed sites and minimize erosion concerns. Analysis on the Public Land Health Standard for plant and animal communities (partial, see also Vegetation and Wildlife, Terrestrial): The field portion of a formal Land Health Assessment was completed in 2004. The proposed action should not have any negative effect on Land Health Standard 3, as no aquatic wildlife are located in the area and no impacts will occur to downstream fisheries. WILDLIFE. TERRESTRIAL: A variety of wildlife species may be found in the vicinity of the pipeline project. The area contains habitat for many species of big game, small game, and nongame mammals and birds. The project is also located within mapped mule deer and elk winter range, severe winter range, and winter concentration areas. The proposed action will generally follow previously disturbed areas including an existing pipeline, and roads and jeep trails. However, where vegetation has reestablished or never been .. ... _ ...... . impacted, foraging habitat and cover will be removed. Impacts should be should short-term until .. such time as res<:cdi:ig est'J.b!ishcs native vegetation back onto disturbed areas. Constructi-OEA'l-ill·-·-· . increase noise and human use in the area which will increase the risk of displacement of wildlife from the area for a short time. Mitigation: • Reseed all disturbed areas associated with pipeline construction with native grasses and forbs. In addition the right-of-way shall be monitored for noxious weeds. Weeds shall be treated quickly so as to maintain native habitats important to resident wildlife. Analysis on the Public Land Health Standard for plant and animal communities (partial, see also Vegetation and 'Wildlife, Aquatic): The field portion of a formal Land Health Assessment was completed in 2004. The proposed action will result in some fragmentation of connected habitats as vegetation is cleared. In addition, losses of forage and cover will occur. However impacts should be short-term until such time as vegetation reestablishes and provides forage and cover. LIST OF PREPARERS: Vaughn Hackett, Realty Specialist i<;ay Hopkins, Outdoor Recreation Planner (visual resources) Cheryl Harrison, Archaeologist, and Native American Tom Fresques, Wildlife Biologist Carla Scheck, Ecologist PERSO)lS/AGEl\CIES CO?\'SULTED: GSFO staf'.. Trigon -Sheehan st2.ff FO:\'Sl C0-140-2004-56 IA The environmental assessment, analyzing the environn1ental effects of the proposed action, has been reviewed. The approved mitigation measures result in a finding of no simificant imoact on the human environment. Therefore, an environmental impact statement is not necessary to further analyze the environmental effects of the proposed action. DECISION AND RATIONALE It is my decision to approve the environmental assessment and to grant the right-of-way amendment and associated temporary use permit. 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Cultural Resources: STIPULATIONS· • COC-51003 Amendment ···-EXHIBIT B Education/Discovery Stipulation All persons in the area who are associated with this project must be informed that if anyone is found disturbing historic, archaeological, or scientific resources, including collecting artifacts, the person or persons will be subject to prosecution. Pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4(9), the ELM authorized officer must be notified, by telephone, with written confirmation, immediately upon the discovery of human remains, funerary items, sacred objects, or objects of cultural patrimony. Further, pursuant to 43 CFR 10.4 (c) and (d), activities must stop in the vicinity of the discovery and the discovery must be protected for 30 days or until notified to proceed by the authorized officer. If in connection with operations under this contract the project proponent, his contractors, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural or paleontological value or scientific interest such as historic or prehistoric r~ins, graves or grave markers, fossils, er artifa=ts, the proponent shall i~mediately suspend all operations in th~ vicinity of the cultural or pale~ntological resource and shall notify the BLN authorized officer of the :1nd1ngs (16 U.S.C. 470h-3, 35 CFR 800.112). Operations may resume at the discovery site upon re::eip':. of i,..·ritten ir:s::ri.;.::tions and authorization by the: a\1:.h.::i::-ized officer. P..pproval to proceed. will be based upon evaluation of the resoc.rce. Evaluation shall be b::-· a qualified professional sele::te=. by tb.e a:.:::horized officer fron a :e=.era: agency iri.so:.ar as p'!:'acti::a":::.le. r'°;:-.e:-, n::it. pra.::ticable, the holder s:-.all bear tl:e c::sc o: the senrices of a r.o~-fede:::-al !==-o:e.s s ion al. \·:.:.:t:'..:: five v-10!."'king Cays t!".e a:.:.:.horized c::i::e:-v...·i::..:!.. :.nfo:-rn ;;:!;.e ho::..C.e.r as tc: -whether the mate:-ials appear elig~ble for t~e Natior:al Register of .Eist.o:::-ic Places; -t.he mitigation 17'.easure:s the holde:-v:i::..l likely have to un::ie::-:.ake b"efore the site C2.:il be used (assu:r . .:".:-.g ir: si::u preserva':ior: is n.Q:. necessary) ; and, - a time frame for t:-.e a...:.:.h:>rized c:ti~er to co:-:".plete an expeC.ited review under 36 CFR soo.:1, O!."' ar:y agree~ents in lieu there:::Jf, to confirm through the S=ate Historic ?reservatio~ Office?: that the findings of the authoYizeC. officer are corYe::t an.d the mitigatio:i is appropriate. · """ proponent may relocate activities to a.void the expense of. r..itigation a-:!.d/o?: the delays associat.ed v:it.l"l t.his p:-ocess, as long as the ne'.'; area has ;;,een appropriately cleareC of resources a:ld. the exposed r..aterials are recorded and stabilized. Otherwise, the propo:-ien: will be responsible for mitigation costs. The authorized o:.:Eice?: ·~:ill prov.:de technical and procedu::':."al g~idelines for the conduct of ~itigation. Upon verification from the c.u:.horized officer that the req--.1ired mitiga:.io:-i has been completed, the prop:::J~ent will then be allowed to resume construction. ~~tiquities, historic, prehistoYic ruins, oaleontological or objects of scientific interest that are oucside of ti~ authorization boundaries but directly associated with the impacted res:::Jurce will .3.lso be included in this evaluation and/or mitigation. A...~tiquities, historic, prehistoric ruins, paleontolqgical or objects of .............. ·: . ··-·· ...... ,• ., -~: · .. , .• scientific interest, identified or unidentified, that are outside of the authorization and not associated with the resource within the authorization will also be protected. Impacts that occur to such resources, that are related to the authorizations activities, will be mitigated at the proponent's cost. 2. The holder(s) shall comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations exi.sting or hereafter enacted or promulgated. In any event, the holder(s) shall comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended (15 u.s.c. 2601, et seq.) with regard to any toxic substances that are used, generated by or stored on the right-of-way or on facilities authorized . under this right-of-way grant. (See 40 CFR, Part 702-799 and especially, provisions on polychlorinated biphenyls, 40 CFR 761.1-761.193.) Additionally, any release of toxic substances (leaks, spills, etc.) in excess of the reportable quantity established by 40 CFR Part 117 shall be reported as required by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, Section 102b. A copy of any report required or requested by any Federal agency or State government as a result of a reportable release or spill of any toxic scl>stances shall be furnished to the a'.lthorized officer concurrent with the filing of the reports to the involved Federal agency or State government. 3. The holder of C-51003 agrees to inden.~ify the United States agains~ ar.y li,a=-ility arising from the release of a~y r.azardous subs;:.ance o:-hazardous w~ste (as these terms are defined in the Ccm~rehensive E~vironme~tal Resno:i.se, Ccr:1pensation and Liability Act o: 1980, ~2 U-.S.C. 9601, et~.) or the -·· Resource Conser,ratio:i. and Reco~1ery A:::t of !.S76, 4.2 U.S.C. 6901, et~.) o:i. t!".e right-0£-i,.:2.y (ur.less t~e release or t.'.:'.:-eate:l.ed release is i'.·:--.olly c:-. .:::-elated to the righ:-o:-way holder's activity o~ t~e right-of-way. This agreemen~ applies without regard to whe:her a release is caused by the ~older, its age:l.t., or u~=e~a:ed :tird ;ar:ies. "::. The holC.e:::-shall be respo:-.sible :o:-wee=. co:i.trol »·:it:.ir. t.!'.e lir..i:s o: cr.e ~~sht-of-way. The holder is respo~sible for consultat.io~ wi:~ the authorized o:ficer and/er local authorities for accep:a~le weed co~':.rol me:hods. Al: ·,;ef'.icles and const.ruction equipmer.t rr,us': ~-= washed prio!:" to e:-i':.ering the !:"ighc-of-way area. Washing may not be Co:-.e o::: the right-of-'-1,·ay. v;asiins must. be done a~ a location that will not con:a~~nate the immediat.e a!:"ea with weed seeds that may be on the vehicles and eq-"...:.i;:::-:.ent. S. Use of pes':.icides shall coraply i,.:ith applicable Fede=-al a:i.d S:ate la'NS. Pesticides shall be used only in accorda::ce v:ith their registered uses and 't:itl:in lirnitat.ions imposed by the Secre:a:-y of the Interior. ?!:"ior to the us= a: pe:s ticides, the holder sh2.l l o::i:..air. f~o'.':', the au ':ho::i zed off ice:-'.·1ri t. te:-. approval. 6. The pipeline route shall be seeded i>.'ith the seed r.;ix indicated below. The holder shall seed all disturbed areas ~ith the seed mixture(s) listed below. The seed mixture(s) shall be planted in the amounts specified in pounds of pure live seed (PLS) /acre. There shall be no primary or secondary noxio'J.s weed seed in the seed mixture. Seed shall be tested a:-.C. the viability testing of seed shall be done in accorda:ice w'ith State law (s) an::: within 9 months prior to purchase. Commercial seed shall be either certified or registered seed. The seed mixture containe!:" shall be tagged in accordance with State la\.;(s) and available for inspection by the. authorized officer. Seed Mixture Species of Seed Four wing saltbush Thickspike wheatgrass Western wheatgrass Bluebunch wheatgrass Small burnet Variety (Rincon) (Critana) (Arriba) (Secar) Note: seeding rates will be doubled for broadcasting. Pounds/Acre ·PLS 2.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 1. 0 Total 12.0 lbs/acre PLS.Pure Live Seed (PLS) formula: % of purity of seed mixture times % germination of seed mixture = portion of seed mixture that is PLS. Broadcasting of seed will be done as soon as possible after . recontouring; if the ground has crusted the seed will be raked into the ground. In areas that can be drill planted, seed shall be planted using a drill equipped with a depth regulator to ensure proper depth of planting where drilling is possible. The seed mixture shall be evenly and uniformly planted over the disturbed area. (Smaller/heavier seeds have a tendency to drop to the bottom of the drill and are planted first. The holder shall take appropriate measures to ensure this does not occur} . Where drilling is not possible, seed shall be broadcast. The seeding will be repeated until a satisfactory stand is established as de~ermined by the authorized officer. Evaluation of growth will not be made before col":'\plet:ion of the second growing seaso:i. after seeding. The authorized officer is to be notified a minimum of seven d~ys p=io~ to seeding of , the project. No:e: Double application ra~e fa= broadcas: applica~io~. Broadcas:ing of seed will be done as soar: as possible after re-CO:lt.ouring, ..... ~ the grot:.nd has crus:.ed, the seed will be raked into the sro·.!nd.. 7. ~.11 desi~:1, material, co:--.s::ructio:'l., ope!."'a:ion, rr.ai!"'.':.e;i.a~ce, a:1d. :.er~inaticn ;=a=:.1ce3 s~all be i~ a::co=da~:e ~itt safe a~d p=ove~ e~~i~eeri:1g ;::-a:::t.ices. 8. The holder shall res:.ore draina3es, to :te great.es:. ex:e~: possible, to :ne original ba:-.k config•.i::-a:.io:--., s:.rea:7'. bct:o::-. ·,;iC.:!-., a:i.C. chan::e:i gra:lien:. Loose soil, fill, a~d culve!."'ts shall be removed fr~~ ara~:1age cha~nels as directed by the authQrized o:ficer. 9. All su:-::a::e disturbing const:?:;.!.::tior. a::::i·..-ities r.,"..:.s:. ::ai-:e place 1,o.,·i::i:.n r.he limits of the existing rig~t-of-way. 10. All topsoil shall be stripped. and co:-.se::-·.rea in s:.ockpiles. The topsoi2. shall be eve~ly respread on completioil o: pipeline bt:.rial. Topsoil s~all not be used for pipe padding. 11. No construction or routine maintenan=e activities shall be perfo::-med during periods when ::he soil is to::> we': tc a:.equately s-...ippo::-: constri.:ction eqt.:.ipment. 12. The holder shall recontour disturbed areas to restore the site to the O!"iginal contour of the ground as deterr.tined by the autf>.orized officer. 13. Vegetatio~ such as trees 1 stur.1pS, brust, and boulders a!ld rocks rerr.oved fro!n the rig:tt-of-\'1ay shall no':. be left ..... .-ir;.dro· ... ·ed o:i. the side of the right-of- way. The removed tress, stumps, brush, bo'J.lders and rocks must be evenly respread across the right-of-way and left so as not to exte;id. more tha:"!. t'lti'O feet above the ground surface. Tree stumps will be cut fro;n the trunk. 14. No construction shall occur from the period of December 1 to April 30 to protect wintering big game. 15. Unless indicated otherwise in this "Exhibit B" all work must be done in accordance with the Plan of Development, prepared for the project, and the environmental assessment prepared for the project (EA-140-2004-56). 16. Water bars will be installed to the satisfaction of the authorized officer. 17. Remedial reclamation to correct such problems as seeding failures or erosion may be required by the authorized officer. lB. The holder will schedule a preconstruction conference with the BLM representative prior to starting ground disturbing work. 19. The holder will begin all reclamation work as soon as possible after the pipe is laid. 20. The holder may not drive the pipeline route for routine monitoring activities. 21. All above ground structures will be painted with a color specified by the autho~ized officer.