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Home My WebLink About1.0 ApplicationSPECIAL/CONDITIONAL USE P ERMIT Applicant:~_,_~~r.~~~~~~-e._a;;;_.;_/o_~_~~d::........;:;o~~g~e1~·~"---~"""----'-r_Q~h~~~S ~in~1~5~~=-....:._/_o.~w~___.;:{!.::;_;;;;_o~/#-/~0-~~H~,Y.__~~~ Address of Applicant: fl..O , f3ox 28/ 3ot/ ) L4tet.vood1 C6 ~-nditional use: Con~frvL f;on o p er4 f,-011 411J ~ ) ( 11u11i1-fe11411c.e 6 f a 114f(/rQI fJ as f /p e /,-ne, Practical Description (location with respect to highways, county roads, and residences): ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ See 4ff /fcAeJ Ap plicAf;on Requirements: 1. Plans and specifications for proposed use. 2. Letters of approval from utility companies, sewage and water. Road access and other information deemed necessary. 3. A vicinity map drawn to scale depicting the subject property, location and use of building and structures on adjacent lots. 4. An impact statement on the proposed use where required by Sections 5.03-5.03.12 of zoning Regulations. 5. Notice including the name of the applicant, description of the subject lot, a description of the proposed special use and time .and place for the hearing shall be given in the newspaper of general circulation in that portion of the county at least fifteen (15) days prior to such hearing time. Applicant shall bear the cost of advertising. 6. A copy of Assessor's map showing property; and a listing of all adjoining property owners of said property. Notice containing information described under paragraph 5 shall be mailed to all owners of record of these lots at least 5 days prior to the above hearing by certified return receipt mail and the receipts shall be presented at the hearing by the applicant. 7. A fee of $ 5 2 5 .00 shall be charged for each appl ica ti on and shall be submitted with the appl i cation. 8. Attach a copy of proof of owne r ship for your property. (Deed, title insurance). List all adjoining property owners of said property. Notice shall be sent at return-receipt mail to all applicant's responsibility hearing. least five (5) days prior to hearing by of the above noted persons. Mailing is the and proof of mailing must be presented at the The above information is correct to the best of my knowledge. Date ' ' I GMrfr1Ei..ocuui~T·p September 6, 1991 ·>.'' ·'·.· · .. ', ). ~"..:)1~ Garfield County Commissioners County Courthouse 109 8th Street Glenwood Springs, CO 81601 Dear Commissioners: 8EP i 0 L 91 As you are well aware, the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Trans Colorado project has hit t he streets. There was one copy of the DEIS mailed directly to your attention and one copy mailed to the Planning Department. If additional copies are necessary, please contact the Bureau of Land Management, Montrose office. I would strongly encourage you and the planning staff to review the DEIS in detail and make any comments you feel are necessary. The comment period ends on October 8, 1991. Public hearings have been scheduled by the BLM to receive oral comments on the DEIS at the following locations: Date & Time September 24 7:30 pm September 25 7: 30 pm September 26 7:30 pm Grand Junction Colorado Montrose Colorado Cortez Colorado Location BLM Conference Room 764 Horizon Drive BLM Conference Room 2465 South Townsend Anasazi Motor Inn Convention Center 666 South Broadway An informal open house session will be held prior to each hearing to meet with BLM representatives and discuss or ask questions about the DEIS. The open house sessions will run from 6: 30 pm to 7: 30 pm. Trans Colorado filed an application with the county on August 26, 1991, to authorize construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed natural gas pipeline through Garfield County. T his application should provide the county with adequate information to favorably consider the project. MAILING ADDRESS : PHONE : (30 3) 989-2 56 0 FA X: (303) 980-9044 STREET ADDRE SS: 12055 W . 2ND PLACE POST OFFICE BOX 281304 LAKEWOOD. COLO RADO 80228-9 304 LAKEWOOD. C O LO RADO 80228-1506 I If you feel the need for an up d ate on the project prior to the public hearings, please contact me and I will make the necessary arrangements. If you have any questions, or require any additional information at this time, please call me in Denver at (303) 294-3773. cc: Mark L. Bean Director of Planning Sincerely, f JUJ J . tlvk4,' Richard A. Chamberlain ' FHOM: DJ\TE: COUNTY coun:n-iousE 109 llLh S1n:c1 Suire 300 Glc11wood Spri11/'.,, CO 01GOl-3JOJ Telq1l1011c: (303) 915-1377 (303) 285-7972 F:ix No: (303) 915 -2379 lfJ\X co·vE1i SilEE'r -~~----------- --------L!__:_=7=Z---J.,~ -+-------------------- TO'li\L NUMUJat OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER PAGE -...:::::·s ____ ___,.__ 1'1\X "IELEl'IIONE NUMBER TO BE SENT TO: {'3:13) _ 2-'f J -'f 5o J'.- • November 21, 1991 GARFIELD COUNTY PLANN I NG DEPARTMENT Chuck Finch, Project Manager Bureau of Land Management 2465 South Townsend Avenue Montrose, CO 81401 • RE: Draft Environmental Impact Statement -Transcolorado Project Dear Mr. Finch: We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Transcolorado Gas Transmission Project. It is our hope that the following concerns and comments will be incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Statement. Our comments will be twofold, add ressing the document as a whole and specific issues within the do c ument. In reviewing the draft document, it seems the treatment is too general and lacks any high degree of specificity. With the exception of special treatment for a few geographical areas, the document is unusually broad and va g ue. This is particularly true in the descriptions of the affected environment and environmental consequences. Relative to the complaint, it is difficult to identify the routing. Mapping at a larger scale would be beneficial to more accurately assess the impacts of the proposed alignments. While it was decided after the scopi ng sessions that analysis of coal bed methane development was not germane for inclusion in the DEIS, we are concerned that this document does not address and quantify the spin-off effects of a project of this magnitude. These impacts might include additional well development, socio- economic and environmental issues. Again, we hope that in future projects, the direct and indirect regional impacts would be considered. More specifically, our concerns with the DEIS include water resources, agricultural lands, visual impacts and threatened and endangered species. The document fails to adequately address impacts on water resources for construction, reclamation and hydr ostatic testing. While Table 2-2 addresses some possible source s for water for hydrostatic testing, it does not adequately address physical and l egal water supply for all aspects of the project. The DEIS does not satisfactorily address impacts on agricultural 109 8TH STREET, SUITE 303 945-8212 I 625-55 71 GLENWOOD SPRINGS , COLORADO 81601 • • lands. While frequently cited, specific locations of prime and unique farmlands are not identified. In addition, the DEIS does not address farmlands of lesser quality than prime and unique status. The general protection measures do not address irrigation ditch crossing and protection measure s. The DEIS identifies several candidate threatened and endangered plant species along the proposed alignment within Garfield County. The protection and/or mitigation of impacts of these species is not adequately addressed. The statement that "it is unclear at this time if avoidance of these plants would be possible" (in reference to the Debeque phacelia) is indicative that further information is required. Finally, our staff is concerned about the potential for the negative visual impacts of the pipeline north of Debeque. On page 120 (Chapter 3 -Affected Environment), the DEIS describes the Roan Cliffs area as being of "highest visual value" and both "scenic and sensitive". Indeed, this area is highly visible and valuable as it is visible from the I-70 corridor and surrounding residential areas. Roan Cliffs are identified as Class II VRM however Figure 4-1 identifies this area as subject to "high" visual impacts, where "visual contrast exceeds management objectives". This conflict presents significant concerns. Also, Transcolorado representatives have indicated that the pipeline would be located above ground at this point. At no point in the DEIS that we could find, does it address the above-ground line and its associated disturbances. Hopefully, the Final EIS will specifically define the impacts and mitigation measures for this portion of the alignment in an adequate fashion. Again, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on this document. -~~ Sincerely, "2 ---~~..#'~ Andrew C. MacGregor Planner COLOR ADO FOR RELEAS E CON TACT I HME :JIATELY CRUC f._ FI ~!CE 303-2 49-77 9 1 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF iHE INTERIOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT MONTROSE DISTRICT OFF IC E 2465 SOUTH TOWN SE ND AV ENUE MONTRO SE, COL ORADO TRANSCOLORADO PIPELINE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT RELEASED The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (draft EIS) for the 81401 TransColorado Gas Transmission Project is now available for public review and comment according to Chuck Finch, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Project Manager. A 45-day public comment period on t h e draft EIS will begin August 23, 1991, and extend through October 8, 1991 . Three public hearings will be held to receive public comments on the draft EIS. The hearings are scheduled as follows: Date and Time City Location Sept. 24, 1991 Grand Junction, BLM Conference Room 7:30 p.m. Colorado 764 Horizon Sept. 25, 1991 Montrose, BLM Conference Room 7:30 p.m . Colorado 2465 South Townsend Sept. 26, 1991 Cortez, Anasazi Motor Inn 7:30 p.m. Colorado Convention Center 666 South Broadway An informal open house session will be held prior to each hearing to provide an opportunity to meet with BLM repres e ntativ es and to discuss the draft EIS. The open house sessions will run from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. --MORE-- • TAKE • PRIDEIN AMERICA - The pipeline is being proposed by the TransColorado Gas Transmission Company (TransColorado), which is a j oint venture among Questar TransColorado, Inc., (subsidiary of Questar Pipeline Company), WestGas TransColorado, Inc. (subsidiary of Western Gas Supply Company), and KNEnergy TransColorado, Inc. subsidiary of KNEnergy). TransColorado has applied to the BLM for right-of-way (ROW) grants and permits to cross Federal lands managed by the BLM and Forest Service (FS). This draft EIS is the result of an intensive review of the project proposal by the BLM and FS and other Federal agencies. A utility corridor analysis for Foresst Plan amendments is included in Appendix A of the draft EIS. The amendment will allow establishment of new utility corridors on FS lands if deemed necessary. TransColorado also has applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Conunission (FERC) for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This certificate is required before the applicant can construct the pipeline. The pipeline would deliver natural gas p roduced in the Rocky Mountain Region to a pipeline terminus at the Blanco gas treatment plant near Bloomfield, New Mexico. The natural gas transported by the new natural gas pipeline would be conuningled with gas from other sources at the Blanco plant and then distributed to Southern California and Midwest markets via the El Paso or Transwestern pipelines. The TransColorado proposed pipeline route would be 302 miles long. The diameter of the pipeline would be 22 and 24 inches. It would transport 300 million cubic feet of gas per day. --MORE-- The pipeline would be construc te d within a 75-f oot-wide construction ROW, with a permanent ROW of 5 0 feet i n wi dth. For purposes of anal y sis, it was assumed the entire acr e age within t h e RO W would be disturb e d. Six new compressor stations wou l d be con st r u c ted, and one existing c ompr e ssor s t ation would be expanded. Each compressor s t ation would require approximately two to five acres of land. Six meter stations which measure the amount of gas going through the p i peline would also be constructed. Each meter station would require disturbance of approximately 0 .25 acre. The total land required for pipeline c onstruction would be 2,802 acres. This includes the clearing of the c o nstr u ction ROW, compressor stations, meter stations, and other related facil i t i es fo r the proposed pipeline. Block valves, pigging facilities (cleaning devices), corrosion protection facilities (cathodic stations), and commun i cation facilities would be included in the project. These facilities would be l ocated within the permanent ROW or with compressor station and meter s tati o n si tes . The construction of the pipeline would t ake approximately 9 months beginning in April 1 992 and ending in December 1992. The pipe l ine would be constructed by three crews (s preads) working i n three separate locations along the pipeline, simultaneously. The three main l ine construction spreads would employ an average of 480 workers ea c h with a ma ximum of 550 persons during peak construction (a 10-week period). In total, approximately 1,440 workers would be employed at any one time during the con struction phase . After construction is completed, approximately 20 workers would be emplo y ed for the operation of the pipeline and ancillary facilities. --MORE-- Environmental protection measures developed from agency and public scoping meetings held in July and Au g ust 1990, general agency requirements, and standard industry practice would be applied to both private and Federal lands Unless otherwise noted, An independent environmental inspector would be hired for each spread to monitor construction and ensure compliance with approved construction and environmental protection measures on private and state lands. A Federal authorized offic er would be responsible for monitoring and compliance on Federal lands. Copies of the draft EIS have been mailed to interested parties and are available for review in most public libraries on the western slope of Colorado and in northern New Mexico. A limited number of copies are also available from the BLM Montrose District Office, 2465 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, Colorado 81401. --END-- I I I I I I ·I I I I r I I ·I I I ., •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADQ AUGUST 1991 I/LING ADDRESS . POST OFFICE BOX 281304 ''.EWoob, COLORADO 80228-9304 PHONE : (303) 989-2560 FAX: (303) 980-9044 STREET ADDRESS: 12055 W. 2ND PLA CE LAKEWOOD , COLORADO 80228-1506 I I I I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I · I "' I I I •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY Mr. Mark L. Bean, Director Garfield County Planning Department 109 8th Street Glenwood Springs, co 81601 Dear Mr. Bean: August 26, 1991 This cover letter precedes an application for a special use permit from Garfield County to authorize construction, operation and maintenance of the TransColorado pipeline. The following are contacts with TransColorado to whom any concerns or questions regarding this application should be addressed: Mr. Curt Dallinger, Project Manager TransColorado Gas Transmission Co. 1050 17 t h Street, Suite 500 Denver, Colorado 80265-0501 (303) 572-4148 Mr. Richard A. Chamberlain TransColorado Gas Transmission Co. P.O. Box 840 Denver, Colorado 80201 ( 303) 294-3773 Once the special use permit from Garfield County has been granted, future administration of it will be contracted to Western Gas Supply Company (WestGas), one of the partners in the project. Future correspondence concerning the pipeline or the permit can be addressed to: Western Gas Supply Company Right-of-Way Department 1050 17th Street, Suite 600 Denver, Colorado 80265-1261 (303) 534-1261 Your cooperation throughout the special use permit review process will be greatly appreciated. S3:fc~re}Jy, f'fjj /l (] , (&JJ). (/. CJLMJt)6-(!J'~-lr\ Richard A. Chamberlain MAILING ADDRESS : PHONE: (303) 989-2560 FAX: (303)980-9C44 STREET ADDRESS : 12055 W . 2 N D PLA C E I ST OFFICE BOX 281304 . :EWOOD. COLORADO 80228-9304 LAKEWOOD . COLORADO 80228-1506 I I I I I I ·I I 1 .. ' ,., I I I 1 I I I I I I . I I ' I I 11 I I I I I I I 't I I I I I I I ll I I' \I I I I I :I ,, I ,,. I I I I I ~ I I II I I I I I I I I I 1· I I I I I TRANSCOLORADO GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE 1. 0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Project Description···························~·· 3 Partner Facilities ............................... 5 Purpose and Need • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 7 Project Benefits .....••..•....•••....••••....••.. 11 Al terna ti ves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 6.1 Preferred Route ........................... 12 6.2 Grand Valley Alternate ...•••...•.......•.. 13 6.3 Comparison Between the Preferred Route and the Grand Valley Alternate ............ 15 6.4 Conclusion ..•.••...••....•..•....•.•...... 22 Environmental Consequences ....................... 40 7.1 Climate and Air Quality ................... 40 7.2 Geology and Topography ....•.•...•....•.... 41 7.3 Leasable Minerals ......................... 42 7.4 Mineral Materials ......................... 43 7.5 Water Quality and Quantity ....•••..•..••.. 44 7. 6 Wetlands . . . . . • . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 7.7 Soils ..................................... 46 7.8 Prime and Unique Farmland ............•..•. 47 7. 9 Forestry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 7.10 Livestock Grazing ......................... 48 _... ......... ----------~- 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 17.0 7.11 Wildlife and Fisheries ·················~··· 49 7.12 Threatened & Endangered Species ......•..•.. 50 7.13 Cultural Resources ...••••.........•.•.•••.. 51 7.14 Visual Resources .....•••••.•.•••.•.•.•..... 51 7 • 15 Noise . • • . • . • • . • . . . • • • • • . • • • . • • . • • • • • • • . . . • • 52 7 .16 Land Use ••••••••••.•.•.•••.•.••.••••••••••. 52 Envirorunental Protection Measures •••••.•••.••..•. 53 compatibility witl1 Adjacent Land uses ••.••••••... 65 compliance with Garfield County zoning Resolution 66 Public Involvement and Scoping .•.•••••••••••.•••• 67 Development Schedule ••••..•••••••••••••••••••••.. 70 Design Characteristics .••.••.•.•..••.••••.••....• 71 Staging Areas and Pipe Storage Areas ••••••••.•••• 74 Natural Resource Requirements •••.••.••••..•••..•. 75 General Construction Procedures •.•••...••..•••.•. 77 16.1 staking of the Right of Way 16.2 Clearing and Grading 16.3 Trench Excavation 16.4 Backfilling Reclamation/Erosion control Plan •••••••.•.••..•.• 80 17.1 Cleanup Activities 11.1.1 Re-Contouring 11.1.2 Topsoil Replacement 17.2 Revegetation 17.3 Erosion control 18.0 ()peration • • • • • • • . • . • • • • • . . • • • • • • • • . . • • . • . . . . • . . • • 83 19.0 20.0 21.0 22.0 Evidence ()f Title (Easement) .•••••••..••.••...•.. 84 Fire Plan .•••.••.•••••••.••••••••.•••.•••••••.•.• 87 Spill Plan • • • . • . • . . . . • • • • • • . . . . • • . • • . . . . . • . • . • • • • 91 Public Safety . • • . . • • . • • . . • • • . . . • • • • • • • • . . • • • • • • . . 93 2 I ~ I I II I I I I I I I I I 'I I II I I ' I I f i ' I I I I I I I I I I I I I LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE NUMBER PAGE 1 Overall Project Map .....•..•..••.......•......... 4 1-2 Relationship of the Proposed Pipeline Route to Conventional and Coal Bed Producing Areas ........ 9 1-3 Regional Partner Systems Map ..................... 10 2 Overall County Map .•...................• Back Pocket 3 Grand Valley Alternate ..................•........ 14 LIST OF TABLES TABLE NUMBER PAGE 1 Proposed Deliveries at Interconnection Points .... 6 2 Potential Water Sources ..•••••..•••..•....•.....• 76 LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A -Transportation Plan APPENDIX B -Economic and Fiscal Impacts APPENDIX C -Emergency Response Plan 3 EXHIBITS EXHIBIT "A" --Typical Pipeline construction Activities EXHIBIT "B" --cross sections of Typical construction ROW EXHIBIT "C" --cross sections of Typical Road crossings EXHIBIT "D" --cross section of Typical Paved Road crossing EXHIBIT "E" --Typical county Road Parallel Encroachment EXHIBIT "F" --Typical Irrigation canal crossing EXHIBIT "G" --Typical Major River crossing EXHIBIT "H" --Typical Minor Stream Crossing -Dry Ditch Method EXHIBIT "J" --Typical Crossing of Existing Pipelines EXHIBIT "K" --Typical Block Valve Design EXHIBIT "M" --Typical Post Construction Temporary Access control EXHIBIT "N" --Typical Post construction ROW Access Control EXHIBIT "O" --RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station Plan View 4 I I I 1 ,, I I I I I I I 1 I I I I I I ~--------------~ I I I I l I I I I I · ' I 1· l I I I I I 1.0 INTRODUCTION TransColorado Gas Transmission Company (TransColorado), is proposing to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline, in excess of 300 miles in length, from a point approximately 20 miles southwest of Meeker, Colorado, to its terminus point near Bloomfield, New Mexico, as shown on Figure 1. TransColorado is a joint venture between three individual natural gas transmission pipeline companies with combined experience in the industry of over 150 years. The three companies are: 1) Questar TransColorado Inc. (a subsidiary of Questar Pipeline Company and its parent Questar Corporation based in Salt Lake city, Utah); 2) WestGas TransColorado Inc. (a subsidiary of Western Gas Supply Company and its parent Public Service Company of Colorado based in Denver, Colorado); and 3) KN Energy TransColorado Inc. (a subsidiary of KN Energy based in Lakewood, Colorado) . All three partners currently own and operate pipeline systems within the state of Colorado. The primary purpose of the proposed pipeline is to transport surplus volumes of natural gas from western Colorado and the entire Rocky Mountain Region to the available marketplace. The pipeline will pass through Garfield County, and therefore, TransColorado intends to apply for and obtain a Special Use Permit authorizing the construction and operation within the county. The pipeline will be constructed and operated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the certificate of public convenience and necessity for the project issued by FERC. Under FERC regulation, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), TransColorado is required to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will evaluate and analyze the environmental affects of the entire project including various alternate routes. The EIS is being prepared under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) as the Lead Agency. TransColorado has encouraged Garfield County and the general public to participate in the EIS process so the concerns of all potentially affected parties can be addressed. TransColorado's intent is to apply for the Special Use Permit prior to issuance of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and FERC Certificate. This will give Garfield County an opportunity to raise any concerns related to the project 1 prior to the issuance of the Final EIS and FEllC certificate· This application is an effort to continue to solicit input and cooperate with Garfield countY and it provides Garfield countY with the necessan' information to favorablY consider Transco1orado'S proposal· Although Transco1orado will cooperate with Garfield countY, it has serious reservations about anY special use permit requirements which are inconsistent with or more burdensome t11an the requirements and conditions imposed Transco1orado bY FERC· 2 I I ' I l I I ' ' ,, ' ' I l ' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1· I I I I I I I I 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPl'ION The entire TransColorado project involves the installation of approximately 302 miles of 22 inch and 24 inch natural gas pipeline. The pipeline has been designed to transport 300 million cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of natural gas. The primary purpose of the project is to transport natural gas from underutilized supplies in western Colorado to consumers in California and Midwest markets. The preferred route proposed by TransColorado traverses through 9 counties in western Colorado and 1 county in northwestern New Mexico. The overall project is represented on Figure 1. TransColorado is proposing to install approximately 26.5 miles of 22" buried steel natural gas pipeline within Garfield County. The pipeline wi ll be installed using standard pipeline construction techniques. The installation process will involve clearing and grading of the right-of-way (ROW), trenching and excavation, stri nging and welding of the pipeline, lowering the pipeline in to the trench, backfilling, and reclamation of the disturbed right of way. These processes are discussed in more detail under General Construction Procedures, Chapter 16.0. There will be one above ground metering facility installed by TransColorado in the county north of DeBeque, the RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station. Rocky Mountain Natural Gas (RMNG), a subsidiary of KN Energy, will add compression at their existing DeBeque Compressor Station site and a small section of pipeline to connect with the TransColorado pipeline. RMNG's facilities are described in Chapter 3.0. Two route alternatives have been proposed and considered in Garfield County, and they are represented on the overall county map, Figure 2. The dark solid line represents TransColorado's preferred route with the alternate route being represented by the dotted line. Both of these alternatives were analyzed in detail in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) ; the TransColorado Preferred Route and the Grand Valley Alternate. They are described in Chapter 6.0. The TransColorado facilities are represented in more detail on the set of 7.5 minute series, topographic quadrangle maps (quad maps); copies of which were included with this application, and are available for review in the Garfield County Planning Department offices. 3 I I ,, I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I I I . I I I I ' I I I i I I I I iRAiv5 Cvi.vRAvC ......... FiGuRi ''i '"'G.AS .. TRA.NSMissio'f.i I I I I I I I I I .-· "I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 3.0 PARTNER FACILITIES Rocky Mountain Natural Gas (RMNG), a subsidiary of KN Energy, one of the three partners in the TransColorado project, will construct facilities to connect to the TransColorado pipeline which will be situated in Garfield County. These facilities have been included in the Draft EIS in order to analyze their environmental affects together with the TransColorado project. These facilities wi ll be purchased, constructed, owned, maintained and operated independently by RMNG and will also be permitted, as necessary, within Garfield County separately by RMNG. Table 1 identifies the proposed gas deliveries into the system at the various supplier interconnection points. At the RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station, RMNG will deliver approximately 50 MMcfd. In order to deliver this volume of gas into the system, RMNG wi ll add 1,200 horsepower of compression at their existing DeBeque Compressor Station, for a total at this facility of 2,400 horsepower. They will also install a short segment of pipeline to interconnect with the TransColorado pipeline. The location of these facilities is represented on the quad maps. 5 TABLE 1 TransColorado Gas Transmission Proiect Proposed Deliveries to the TransCOlorado SyStem at Interconnection Points •J1&t~&9'fillt&1l9-,,., Questar Big Hole o.o 156.7 35.0 2.4 WestGas Meeker RockY Mountain De Beque 41.0 so.a westGas OeBeque 42.6 35.0 RockY Mountain Big Gypsum 168.6 JJl 301.7 Total 6 I I ' 'I I 1 I I I I I I 1 I I i I I I I I I I I I t I I I I I I I I I I I I 4.0 PURPOSE AND NEED The purpose of the proposed TransColorado Gas Transmission Project is to provide a reg i onal natural gas transmission system to transport surplus volumes of natural gas from the western slope of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region to major interconnections with other interstate pipelines for ultimate delivery to southwest, Midwest, and California markets. The increased market demand for natural gas on the national level, the increased gas production within the supply area served by the project, and the inadequacy of existing pipelines to transport this regionally produced gas, justifies the need for the pipeline and associated facilities. With natural gas being touted as the fuel of the future, and western Colorado sitting atop an abundance of this resource, this pipeline is needed to move this gas to the marketplace. National markets where natural gas is currently being utilized have limited access to viable supplies. With the new emphasis on using natural gas in areas where other energy sources have traditionally been utilized, every opportunity to move available surplus suppl i es to the marketplace needs to be explored. The Rocky Mountain Region contains approximately 21% of the proven reserves and approximately 25% of the probable reserves of natural gas in the lower 48 states. Yet the consumption level in the Rocky Mountain Region is only 4. 6% of the total in the lower 48 states. With no significant increase in this consumption level anticipated, a tremendous surplus of these reserves remain . Exporting these reserves to the available markets improves the regions economic position while also fulfilling one of the goals in the new national energy policy strategy. The Colorado Oil and Gas Commission has recently estimated that approximately 800 wel l s in the four county Piceance Basin production area remain shut in awaiting connection to new pipeline transmission systems. This fact also helps to illustrate the need for new pipelines to allow these shut in wells to be utilized. TransColorado applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in July, 1990, for an optional expedited certificate and received preliminary approval on December 20, 1990. In their preliminary determination, FERC stated that a certificate of public convenience and necessity should be granted to TransColorado, pending the treatment of environmental issues in the EIS process. In its findings, FERC states that the project has firm backing from its partners, would provide an advantageous configuration for the supply areas that the pipeline would serve, and would 7 substantially enhance transportation options in the Rocky Mountain area. FERC notes that the pipeline would J01n Northwest Pipeline as a new north-south bridge. FERC states that the TransColorado pipeline would act as a stimulus to additional development of gas reserves in the Rocky Mountain Region adjacent to the pipeline. End uses of the natural gas shipped by the TransColorado system are assumed to be for use in industrial applications to generate steam and electricity, to heat residences, and to fuel vehicle fleets. Gas supplies for the TransColorado pipeline would be provided by existing conventional sources, and coal seam methane wells. Figure 1-2 illustrates the major gas supply basins in western Colorado. Table 1 provides estimates of the quantities of natural gas to be delivered to the TransColorado system at the various interconnection points along the line. Figure 1-3 is a regional partner systems map which shows the TransColorado pipeline in relation to the existing partner's systems in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. The objectives of the TransColorado project cannot be accomplished through the use of any existing or proposed gas transmission systems. 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . . I \ \ OVERTHRUST \ / / BASIN \ _,, ~\ : "' I ~, \ i I GREEN ~ I' .I RIVER <f' ...._ OP I I BASIN o/I ...... \ ~ 1 / ...... ..J --, . r , -:.-,......._ __ _ ,/; /,.. '\ / I I / / PAR>DOX BASIN EL p -0 I I I DESERT BASIN ...... __ I I I I .&.o I I ql"'"/ \ I g, I \ \ I ( ~'// I / SAN JUAN BASIN j I . / •"'0 --1-4 El p~ - -_. --- - -TR~SWESTERN . -............ I ...., 9 WYOMING WIC' -· , __ _ POTENTIAL GAS SUPPLIES <BILLIONS Of" CUBIC f"EET> CONVENTIONAi.. 1,2 BASIN 1 1:1,000'. 0 • 1:1,000' JO 000' 1 GREATER GREEN RIVER <JNClUDtlG SJ.ND WASH, 11,700 5.000 On£RS> WYOMING-UT liH-l>NiO 2,JOO 5,000 OVERTIRJST BEl.T WN> RIVER 1,250 3,400 UNT .VP!CVHCE 7,100 soc UNQ..~ EAGl.LIPMIO PNVDOX 1SO MN .aJNi 1,SOO FOOTNOTES• COM.t;J SEAM 31,000 NIA 2,000 85.000 NIA 88,,DOO 1. BASED ON PROBJBl.£. MOST·L.J<EI. Y RESERVES LISTED IN •POT!NT1Jil. SUPPLY Of NATl.RliL OAS If ~gv-g_~&~,~~~9. 2. F1GlRS 00 NOT tlCl.UOE PROVED ~:it.XVI:.:>. DATA ON PROVED RESERVES AVM..l&E. IN REPORTS BY >MERICNI GAS ASSOQATION, DOCY H"ORMATION AOMINISTRATION. J . "CO.AlSED METHANE SPAAKS A NEW DOGY MXJSTRr VEl..LO A. KWSICRM ~ CHMILS F . ~G. OIL ~ OAS JOURNM.., OCTOBER 9, 1981h ~ "KNOWUl>G£ OF ~ POTDITlM. FOR COM. BED RESOURCE GftOWS,BUT NEEDS WORE S~Y· WM.TER e. AYERS »() BRUCE: s KELSO, OL NCI GAS ~ OCTOBER 2.J, 111811. --- NEW MEXICO FIGURE 1-2 TRANSCOLORADO GAS TRAN.--'SU_'/SS._JO._W A WDTOM m ~ K N W'11Wcsca..CIUOO. IC. ............ lllQ, 11UH9COLCIUOO, RELATIONSHP OF' PROPOSED PIPELINE ROUTE TO CONVENTIONAL ANO COAL BED PRODUCING AREAS REVISION DATE i 21s1ai i I I I I I I ' I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I t I I fOOEU I I I I I El.BERT 1<1T CAASON I ;PRINGS a ~ Cl) ~ ~ CH E'IDINE LINCOLN I BEAVER a :c:; _ PASO I IRON .....::i ~ a ~ l.> CRO'MLY KIOWA PU EB LC I PROWERS BEN T GARFIEl.O OTE'RO I W~GTON I LAS ANIMAS BACA A I Figure 1 -3 Traneoolorado Gu Traninninion Yest.em Gu Suppl.Y COCONINO -Qu..tar Pfpellue Co. ICNEnera. Jno. -Rooky ){ouutain Pfpelln• Co. ~ Major Jnteroonneot I TransColorado Gas Transmission Project Ital I ENSR CONSUL TING AND ENGINEERING I I \I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5.0 PROJECT BENEFITS The major benefits associated with the TransColorado proposal are: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) Create an opportunity for the current producers in the Rocky Mountain Region to better access the marketplace and move their surplus gas supplies; Increase the annual property tax revenues within each county; Increase the state severance tax receipts; Create an increase in the Energy Impact Fund; Increase local spending during the construction phase of the project; Create an opportunity for short term employment during the construction phase of the project, and; Increase competition in the local natural gas market. Reference Appendix B for details of the Economic and Fiscal Impacts associated with construction and operation of the TransColorado pipeline. 11 ........... ----------~- -. ......... ___________ ~_ 6.0 ALTERNATIVES Two different route alternatives have been proposed and considered in Garfield County; the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate. They are represented on the overall county map, Figure 2, with the dark solid line representing TransColorado's preferred route and the dotted line representing the alternate route. They are also represented on the set of 7.5 minute series, topographic quadrangle maps (quad maps) included with this application, and available for review in the Garfield County Planning Department offices. Both of these alternatives were proposed by TransColorado, with each alternate route departing from and returning to the overall company preferred route. They were both carried all the way through the impact analysis process in the Draft EIS. The following is a general description of the pref erred route and the Grand Valley Alternate. Both of these alternatives were considered to be viable, constructible routes by TransColorado. 6.1 Preferred Route: The pref erred route selected by TransColorado in Garfield County, is also the agency preferred alternative identified by the BLM in the Draft EIS within the county. The ownership pattern along the route in Garfield County is approximately 26% Federal lands, and approximately 74% private lands. The route also parallels an existing pipeline corridor for approximately 77% of its entire length through the county. The utilities paralleled and the offset distance are shown on the quad maps. The preferred route for the pipeline is parallel to and generally 50 feet west of the existing Rocky Mountain Natural Gas (RMNG) 8 11 pipeline for the majority of its length through Garfield County. It generally follows this pipeline from a point along Piceance Creek in Rio Blanco county, southerly across the Roan Plateau, following existing roads and trails where possible, until it descends from the Roan Cliffs. It descends near Gilman Gulch approximately 10 miles north of OeBeque. This section of the pipeline will be installed aboveground and anchored to concrete supports. After this descent, the route again follows the RMNG pipeline south past Long Point, then paralleling Conn Creek for approximately 2 miles. The route continues south paralleling RMNG and passing just east of the existing RMNG DeBeque Compressor Station site. It then crosses the highway to DeBeque and parallels this road and Roan Creek until it exits Garfield County. 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 6.2 Grand Valley Alternate: The Grand Valley Alternate, as shown on Figure 3, page 14, was proposed by TransColorado and is approximately 70 miles in total length, and approximately 32.2 miles in length through Garfield County. The ownership pattern along the entire route is approximately 65% Federal lands, and approximately 35% private lands. It parallels existing utility ROW corridors for approximately 45% of its entire length. The utilities paralleled and the offset distance are also shown on the set of quad maps included with this application. This route crosses in close proximity to the community of Clifton. The portion of this alternate route located solely in Garfield County is represented on the overall county map, Figure 2. The following is a general description of this entire route through both Garfield and Mesa Counties. The Grand Valley Alternate route deviates from the preferred route approximately 10 miles north and a little west of DeBeque in Garfield County. This alternate route descends from the Roan Cliffs approximately one mile southeast of Chimney Rock and runs in a southwest direction following a small drainage. It then crosses the highway to DeBeque and the Clear Creek Ditch. The route begins following an existing road, crosses Roan Creek and then generally parallels Kimball Creek and the existing road and jeep trails. The alternate route then crosses a steep ridge and drops into the Big Salt Wash drainage where it parallels the Big Salt Wash and Garfield County Road No. 205, in a south-southwest direction. It enters Mesa County on the west side of Mesa County Road No. 16.00, approximately 1 mile north of Ruby Lee Reservoir. It continues to parallel Big Salt Wash and County Road No. 16.00 for approximately 2.5 miles until it intersects with the existing 8 11 and 12" WestGas pipelines. The Grand Valley Alternate then turns southeast and parallels the existing WestGas facilities for approximately 14.5 miles. Here the alternate turns to the east for approximately 3 miles and then turns southeast again, staying at least 1. 5 miles north of Walker Field. The alternate then intersects with the existing Colorado Ute overhead electric line and parallels it for approximately 7 miles until the it turns due south. It then crosses Interstate 70, and generally parallels existing overhead electric lines and 34 Road, crossing Highway 6, the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad and the Colorado River. After crossing the river, the alternate route continues to parallel the existing electric line in a southerly direction until it rejoins the preferred route near Whitewater, in Mesa County. 13 --'\-- Garfield Co. ......-------Mcsaco. - Rio Blanco Co. r _--. ........... -----.. Garfield Co. I ........... ---..... wmn:.W ATER End comparison __ ...- -Proposed Pipeline Route -----Grand Va\\ey Alternate 12 Inch Interconnecting "'"'"""""'' Pipeline .................. S Inch Interconnecting Pipeline oo:P 0 (}) @ Garfield Co. ----------------Mcsaco. Existing Compressor Station, Pipeline Interconnection and Meter Station Proposed Compressor Station Proposed Meter Station Proposed Block Valve 14 GRAND v ALLEY I ALTERNATE I I FIGURE 3 TRANSCOLORAD<I TRANSMISSION I .GAS PROJECT ------------------- I I I I I I 'I I I I ,, I I I I I 'I 6.3 Comparison Between the Preferred Route and the Grand Valley Alternate The objective of the this section i s the compar i son between the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate . In order to compare these two routes, the Gra nd Valley Alternate and its corresponding segment of the preferred route must be analyzed from their beginning po i nt to their point of terminus. The Grand Valley Altern ate deviates from the preferred route approximately 10 mi les north and slightly west of DeBeque in Garfield County, a nd rejoins the preferred route near Whitewater, in Mesa County. The area of comparison is illustrated on the prec eding page, on Figure 3. The information used to make this comparison was obtained either from the Draft EIS, or d irectly from ENSR, the environmental consultant. A general description of these two alternate routes is contained in the preceding chapter. Both of these routes were determined to be constructib l e by TransColorado, and were therefore proposed as viable alternatives. This comparison is based on an environmental analysis which evaluated both routes equally when compared to a multitude of different resources. Tables 6-1 through 6-16 (pages 24 through 39), compare these alternat e routes and categorizes the results. The following is a brief summary of the information contained in these tables: Land OWnership (Table 6-1, Page 24): The Grand Valley Alternate is 19 miles longer than the preferred route. This alternate would also require 15.8 miles of additional pipeline which would be necessary for the required partner interconnections to the Grand Valley Alternate. (This is explained under Partner Interconnects on page 21 of this section) . The majority of the ownership along this 15.8 miles is private. The preferred route crosses a higher percentage of private land than does the Grand Valley Alternate (59% to 35%). However, when the required 15.8 mi les of additional pipeline are included, the alternate route crosses approximately 10 more miles of private land than the preferred route. It also crosses 24.5 more miles of BLM lands. Including the additional required pipeline, the Grand Valley Alternate would have a higher impact on both private land and BLM land, and also on total surface disturbance (770 acres to 459 acres). 15 ~---------------~ ~---------------~ Parallel Utilities (Table 6-2, Page 25): The two routes parallel approximately the same total miles of existing utilities. However, 59% of the preferred route is parallel to at least one facility whereas only 45% of the Grand Valley Alternate is parallel to at least one facility. Therefore, the preferred route parallels a higher percentage of existing utilities for its length than the alternate. Geology and Topography (Table 6-3, Page 26): This table compares the miles of landslide deposits, incised drainages, and steep slopes crossed by each alternate . The preferred rou te crosses 13 mi les of landslide deposits or highly suscepti ble areas compared to 1 mile for the Grand Valley Alternate . The majority of the landslide deposits or highly susceptible areas crossed by the preferred route are on the side slopes of the Grand Mesa in Mesa County, along the north and west side . The Grand Valley Al ternate crosses many miles of incised drainages preferred route. Neither route active faults, and they both cross greater than 40%. approximately 3 times as (26 to 9) as does the crosses any potentially similar amounts of slopes TransColorado has committed to conducting site-specific studi es i n landslide zones to determine which special slope stabilization measures would be necessary to reduce the risk of potential slope failure damage to the pipeline. TransColorado has also proposed protection measures, found in Chapter 8.0, to mitigate adverse effects from incised drainages. Bo t h alternates have different impacts which are hard to compare, but the advantages and disadvantages, when taken as a whole, appear to have substantially the same cumulative impact. Mineral Resources (Table 6-4, Page 27): This table compares the miles of mineral resources crossed by each alternate. Neither alternate will have negative impacts on oil and gas fields, and neither one crosses any areas that have potential strippable coal reserves. Impacts on oil shale development are difficult to evaluate, however, the Grand Va lley Alternate crosses more total miles o f potential development area than the preferred route. The pref erred route does cross a portion of the Powderhorn Coal Lease and would cross a total of 28 miles of coal bearing formation, while the Grand Valley Alternate crosses a total of 15 miles. The preferred route does not cross any active gravel pits or quarries, nor does it cross within 1/4 mile of any active 16 ., I I I I I I I I I I I I I · I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' I I I I gravel pi ts or quarries. The alternate route does cross within 1/4 mile of six active gra vel pits or quarries . Neither of the alternates would have a significant impact on mineral resources. Water Quality and Quantity (Table 6-5, Page 28): This table compares the number of rivers and perennial streams crossed by each alternate. Both the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate cross the Colorado River once. The pref erred route crosses two perennial streams (Roan Creek and Plateau Creek) in Mesa County, neither of which are classified as high quality s t reams. The Grand Valley Alternate crosses two perennial streams (Roan Creek and Kimball creek) in Garfield County, neither of which are classified as high quality streams . Both of the alternates appear to have similar potential impacts to water quality and quantity. Wetlands (Table 6-6, Page 29): This table compares the acres of wetlands disturbed by each alternate during construction. Excluding the Wet Meadows/Haylands category, the two alternates are very close. The preferred routes 1 impact on Wet Meadows/Haylands mostly occurs at the Colorado River crossing. On the east side of the river, there are hay meadows where the estimated crossing length is 3 , 000 feet. The Grand Valley Alternate impacts shrubland wetlands much less than the preferred route, and the pref erred route impacts forested wetlands much less than the Grand Valley Alternate. The preferred route impacts more total acreage of wetlands than the Grand Valley Alternate (7.4 to 2.7). Soils (Table 6-7, Page 30): This table compares the miles of d i fferent soil types crossed by each alternate. The Grand Valley Alternate crosses a significantly larger amount of these different soil types compared to the preferred route. The Grand Valley Alternate crosses over 2.5 times the amount of Saline/Alkaline soils as compared to the preferred route, and over twice the amount of Shallow/Rocky/Wetland soils. The Grand Valley Alternate would have a larger impact on soils. 17 -.... ....... _____________ ~_ Prime and Unique Farmlands {Table 6-8, Page 31): This table compares the miles of prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance crossed by each alternate. Prime Farmland (if irrigated) is described as land that requires irrigation and has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing f cod, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. Farmlands of statewide Importance are described as lands that are not prime farmlands but are considered productive lands if erosion control methods, irrigation, and/or moderate management practices are implemented. The Grand Valley Alternate crosses 3.1 miles of prime farmland compared to o miles crossed by the preferred route. The preferred route crosses 7.8 miles of farmlands of statewide importance compared to 4. 6 miles crossed by the Grand Valley Alternate. Livestock Grazing (Table 6-9, Page 32): This table compares the forage impacted by each alternate during construction. This forage is allocated to livestock by Animal Unit Months (AUM). An AUM is the amount of forage required to sustain a cow/calf unit for one month. The preferred route impacts a total of 51 AUMs, compared to 70 AUM's impacted by the Grand Valley Alternate. cultural Resources (Table 6-10, Page 33): This table compares the number of known cultural sites, both historic and pre-historic, which may be crossed by the two alternates. It also compares the miles of both high and medium sensitivity areas crossed. The preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate both have potential to cross a similar number of sites. The preferred route crosses almost twice as many miles of high sensitivity areas as the alternate, while the alternate crosses more than twice the amount of miles of medium sensitivity areas as the preferred route. This comparison indicates similar potential impacts on the number of cultural sites which may be crossed, while showing that the pref erred route has a greater potential for impact to high sensitivity areas. 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I I I Visual Impacts (Table 6-11, Page 34): This table analyzes the visual impacts of each based on two levels of impacts, high and moderate, total miles of each level crossed. alternate and the The preferred route would cross 1.2 miles impact areas compared to 5.8 miles crossed Valley Alternate. The preferred route would mile of medium level impact areas compared Valley Alternate. of high by the level Grand cross 1 more to the Grand This comparison indicates that the Grand would have a greater potential visual preferred route. Valley Alternate impact than the Land Use (Table 6-12, Page 35): For this comparison, land uses were evaluated in four different categories. This table lists the acres in each category crossed by each alternate during both construction and operation. The preferred route impacts significantly less total acres during both construction and operation than the Grand Valley Alternate. The Grand Valley Alternate crosses a larger number of acres in each category analyzed except Timber Lands which are equal. It crosses 83% more total acres during both construction and operation than the pref erred route. These numbers demonstrate a significantly greater potential impact to land use for the Grand Valley Alternate. Private Property (Table 6-13, Page 36): This table lists the number of parcels crossed by each alternate based upon the size of the parcel. Parcels were broken down into 7 different size categories ranging from less than 1 acre to more than 500 acres. In reviewing the total number of parcels crossed under 40 acres, the pref erred route only crosses 4, compared to the Grand Valley Alternate which crosses 43. The Grand Valley Alternate also crosses a total of 14 parcels smaller than 4 acres, while the preferred route does not cross any. This comparison clearly shows that the Grand Valley Alternate crosses a significantly larger number of small parcels compared to the preferred route. Th i s demonstrates a greater potential to impact more private landowners and small land holdings. 19 Residential Inventory (Table 6-14, Page 37}: This table lists the number of residences located within a certain distance of the centerline of the two alternates. There are 36 residences located within 300 feet of the centerline of the Grand Valley Alternate, with the preferred route having only 5. There are 10 residences located between 300 feet and 500 feet of the centerline of the Grand Valley Alternate, with the preferred route not having any. This comparison shows that the Grand Valley Alternate has a significantly greater potential to impact residences located within 500 feet of its centerline than does the preferred route. cumulative Impacts (Tables 6-15 & 6-16, Pages 38 & 39): Impacts associated with current activities such as water uses, farming, ranching, and land use have . been previously discussed and compared. This section provides analysis and comparison of the cumulative impacts associated with the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate. Cumulative impacts are defined as " ... those impacts on the environment which result from the incremental impact of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonable foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or non-Federal) or person undertakes such other actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over a period of time" (40 CFR Part 1508.7). Cumulative impact analysis requires consideration of the anticipated impacts of the Proposed Action as well as review of past actions and foreseeable future actions in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline project. For the purpose of this analysis, it was assumed that the past actions relative to the cumulative impacts associated with this project are those utilities with operational ROW parallel to the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate. A further assumption is that the only "reasonably foreseeable" future project in the vicinity of the TransColorado Gas Transmission project is the Northwest Pipeline Company's proposal to loop an existing pipeline which runs parallel to a segment of TransColorado' s proposal in Montezuma and La Plata Counties. Table 6-15 indicates the acreage currently functioning as operational ROW for parallel pipelines and power transmission lines. This table also indicates the anticipated operation ROW acreage necessary for the TransColorado project and the combined total of the Transcolorado operation ROW with existing ROWs. The Grand Valley Alternate has a higher amount of acreage currently functioning as operational ROW 20 I I I I I I I I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I for existing utilities than the preferred route. With the Grand Valley Alternate being much longer than the preferred route, approximately 60% more acreage will be needed as operation ROW. Subsequently , when these acreages are added to the current acreages, the Grand Valley Alternate has a much larger combined acreage of operation ROW than the preferred route. The cumulative impacts from the Grand Valley Alternate on parallel facilities would therefore be .greater. During the scoping process for the project, cumulative impacts to land use was identified as an important issue to local residents. In areas where the preferred route and route alternates have been proposed to parallel existing utilities, impacts can result in a large portion of a parcel becoming unbuildable. Table 6-16 provides the results of a cumulative impact analysis performed for parcels less than 20 acres in size, considered the threshold between smaller, generally residential parcels, and large agricultural parcels. This table compares these cumulative impacts between the preferred route and the Grand Valley Alternate. As illustrated in Table 6-13, the Grand Valley Alternate crosses 38 parcels less than 20 acres in size while the preferred route only crosses 2. Several categories in Table 6-16 are relatively close, however, the Grand Valley Alternate requires that 20% of the average parcel be committed to the ROW while the preferred route requires 14%. The cumulative impacts on the small parcels would obviously be much greater on the Grand Valley Alternate due to the larger number of small parcels crossed. Partner Interconnects: As explained in Chapter 3.0, Rocky Mountain Natural Gas will add compression at their existing DeBeque Compressor Station and install a short segment of pipeline to interconnect with the TransColorado system. Table 1 identifies the proposed gas deliveries into the TransColorado system at the various supplier interconnection points. At the RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station, RMNG will deliver approximately 50 MMcfd. At the WestGas-DeBeque Meter Station in Mesa County, Western Gas Supply Company (WestGas) will deliver approximately 35 MMcfd. In order to deliver this volume of gas, WestGas will construct a compressor station, and approximately 2. 5 miles of 8" pipeline in Mesa County t o interconnect with the TransColorado system. If the Grand Valley Alternate were selected, both WestGas and RMNG would be required to install additional facilities in order to interconnect with this alternate route. A total of 15.8 miles of 8" and 12" pipeline would be necessary to make these new interconnections. An 8 11 line would run from the WestGas DeBeque Compressor Station west and then north 21 following the TransColorado preferred route. The line would then be increased to 12" at the RMNG Compressor Station, where it would continue north following the DeBeque Highway, paralleling Roan Creek, to an interconnecting point with the Grand Valley Alternate. This line is represented on the quad maps. Therefore, a similar amount of surface disturbance and resource impacts would be experienced along 15.8 miles of the TransColorado preferred route if the Grand Valley Alternate were utilized. 6.4 Conclusion: In reviewing the above information, it is apparent that the pref erred route selected by TransColorado and the BLM is the more environmentally acceptable route. Of particular interest in the above comparison are several areas discussed which relate directly to the private property owner. The preferred route has a lesser impact on land ownership, crossing 10 less miles of private property than the Grand Valley Alternate. The pref erred route does not cross any prime farmland compared to 3.1 miles crossed by the alternate, and it has less potential of disturbing land use. The visual analysis indicates that the preferred route would have a smaller visual impact by crossing fewer miles of high visual impact areas than the alternate. The alternate is also located within close proximity to many more residences than the preferred route. The preferred route crosses mainly large land holdings compared to numerous small parcels crossed by the Grand Valley Alternate. In fact, the preferred route only crosses 2 parcels smaller than 20 acres, compared to 38 crossed by the alternate. Because of the larger amount of small parcels crossed by the Grand Valley Alternate, it also has a greater potential for cumulative impacts to these smaller parcels. It requires that 2 0% of the average parcel be committed to the ROW. Therefore, 38 parcels would require 20% of their total acreage be committed to the ROW, compared to 2 parcels crossed by the preferred route requiring a 14% commitment to the ROW. The Grand Valley Alternate itself is 19 miles longer, and when one includes the additional 15.8 miles of pipeline necessary for the partner interconnections, this alternate will disturb approximately 35 additional miles of surface area than the pref erred route. The alternate route also disturbs a larger area of sensitive soils. 22 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The comparisons preferred route the reasons why alternate route. above combined with the fact that the would impact much less acreage illustrates the pref erred route was selected over the 23 Private -Miles Private -Percentage BIM -Miles BIM -Percentage Total -Miles 'm8[B 6-1 Gram Valley Alternate 24.5 35% 45.5 65% 70 I:o::l.mi.DJ the 15.8 miles far the partner Valley Altemate. Private -Miles 40.3 Private -Percentage 47% BIM -Miles 45.5 BIM -Percentage 53% Total -Miles 85.8 24 corresponii.rg Segment of Preferred Route 30 59% 21 41% 51 intenx.lmectialS to the Grani 30 59% 21 41% 51 I I I ~' I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I utility Pipelines -Miles Powerlines -Miles Total Miles Percent of Raite Parallel to at !Bast Qle Facility TABr.E 6-2 Gram Valley Alternate 15.6 16.1 31.7 45% 25 Correspo:rxling Segment of Pref erred Route 25.9 4.0 29.9 59% I.an:Jslide Deposits or Highly SUsceptible Areas (Miles) Incised Drainages (Miles) Potentially Active Faults Slopes Greater than 15% but Iess than 40% (Miles) Slopes Greater than or equal to 40% (Miles) Gram Valley Altemate 1.0 26.0 0 1.3 2.9 26 Corresponji.n;J 8egment of Preferred Route 13.0 9.0 0 4.2 2.4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Oil/Gas Fields Coal Bed Methane Oil Shale ( <25 BBI/ton) Oil Shale {>25 BBI/ton) Coal Bearing Fonnation I strippable Coal I I I I I I Sarrl, Gravel, Clay, stone Quarries (Within 1/ 4 mile of Route) Grarrl Valley Alternate 15 18 2 15 6 27 Correspon:ling Segment of Pref erred Route 9 28 0 5 28 I 'I WMm (1IALITY AND (JlANITlY -NUMBER OF ~INGS I I Rivers Perennial streams Grarrl Valley Alternate 1 2 28 Correspon:ling Segment of Pref erred Route 1 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I --------...... ..._ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Wetlani Type Wet MeadowsjHaylani Shrublani Wetlani Forested Wetlani Gran:i Valley Alternate 0 0.9 1.8 2.7 29 Corresporrlin;J Segment of Pref erred Route 5.4 1.8 0.2 7.4 I 'mBIE &-7 I 'IRANSCDiawx> GAS 'IRANSMISSIW PRlilX:r I SOIIS -MillS rnoosFD I Soil Type Grarxi Valley Corresporxlinq Segment I Altemate of Preferred Route I saline/Alkaline 49.2 18.5 I ShallCM'/ROckyjWetlarxi 48.0 23.0 I I I I I I I I I I I 30 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Fannlarrl Type Prime (if irrigated)* Fannl.an:3s of statewide Iirportance** TABLE 6-8 Grani Valley Alternate 3.1 4.6 Corresporrling Segment of Preferred Route 0 7.8 * Prime Fannl.arrl (if irrigated) -is larrl that requires irrigation and has the best CXllllbination of i;:tiysical arrl chemical characteristics for produc~ food, feed, forage, fiber, arrl oilseed crops. ** Fannlams of statewide Inportance -are lams that are not prime fannl.ams but are considered productive lams if erosion control methods, irrigation, an::l/or rocx:ierate management practices are implemented. 31 I 'D\B[E 6-9 I TRANSCDI.aWX> GAS 'IRANSMISSiaf PRlilX:T I I.J:VES'IDCK GRAZn«; -AilMs IMPAC1m IXlRilG c:x:RmUCl'Iaf I I Gram Valley Corresparxlinj Segment Alternate of Preferred Route I 'ltm\I, AilMs 70 51 I I I I I I I I I I I I 32 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Projected Sites Within 75 1 RCM Miles of High Sensitivity Areas Miles of Meclitnn sensitivity Areas TAmE 6-10 Grarxi Valley Alternate 14 21 23 33 COrrespon:ling Segment of Pref erred Route 12 39 10 Impact Level High Moderate TAmE 6-11 Grard Valley Alternate 5.8 5 34 corresporrling segment of Preferred Route 1.2 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I '12\B[E 6-12 I TRANSCDI.CIWX> Q\S 'mANSMI$ICN IRlilX:T I ACmS DIS'IURBED BY IAND USE -Cim'IKJCI'IW AND OPEW\TIW I I..arrl Use Gran:i Valley Corresporrling Segment Alternate of Pref erred Route I Rural Residential I Construction 36 0 Operation 24 0 I Agricultural I Construction 72.7 70.9 Operation 48.5 47 .3 I Rangel am I Construction 536 .4 278 .2 Operation 357 .6 185.5 I Timber I..an:1s I construction 9.1 9 .1 Operation 6.1 6.1 I Total I Ccnstructiat 654 .2 358.2 I q>eratiat 436 .1 238.8 I I I 35 _.. ......... -------------~- size of Parcels crossed (Acre) ress than 1 1 - 4 5 -19 20 -39 40 -99 100 -499 500 + Grarx1 Valley Alt.em.ate 1 13 24 5 19 10 7 79 36 corresponil.n:J Segment of Preferred RoUte 0 0 2 2 27 17 13 61 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Residences Within 300 feet of Centerline Between 300 feet arrl 500 feet Total '12\B[E 6-14 Gran:l Valley Alternate 36 10 46 37 Corresporrling Segment of Pref erred Route 5 0 5 Facility Type Existi.n;J Pipeline (OJrrent Acreage) Existi.n;J Electric Transmission Line (CUrrent Acreage) TransColorado (New Acreage)* Total (Ccm:>ined Acreage) TAm.E 6-15 Gram Valley Altemate 94 272 366 790 1,156 Corresporrling Segment of Pref erred Route 157 133 290 494 784 * -Includes disturbance of the TransColorado pipeline only. 38 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I . I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Number of Parcels Average Size (Acres) Average Acres Per Parcel Required for TransColorado RCM Average Acres Per Parcel of Existi.rg utility RCM Average Total Acres Per Parcel for TransColorado an:l Existi.rg RCM Average Percent of Parcel Committed to RCM ~--------------~ 'mBlE 6-16 Gran:i Valley Alternate 38 7 .5 0.5 1.0 1.5 20% 39 Corresporrling Segment of Pref erred Route 2 10 0.7 0.7 1.4 14% ------------------- 7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES The Transcolorado pref erred route has been demonstrated to be the more environmentally acceptable route. The remainder of this application will focus only on that route. The following is an analysis of impacts on various resources which may be realized by the construction of the TransColorado pipeline and associated facilities within the preferred route. This information was obtained either from the Draft EIS or directly from ENSR, the environmental consultant. Several references are made to mileposts (MP), which are found on the quad maps and are used to locate a specific point or area along the preferred route. This analysis was based on the following guidelines which were used in order to evaluate the impacts. Guidelines: o The extent and duration of construction and operation effects on particular resources were estimated. Short-term impacts were considered to be those impacts lasting fewer than 5 years from the time of construction disturbance. Impacts to wildlife, fisheries, and threatened and endangered wildlife were considered long-term if they lasted beyond one life cycle, and short-term if they lasted less than one life cycle. o Environmental protection measures committed to by TransColorado were compared with the expected impacts in terms of their effectiveness. These environmental protection measures are found in Chapter a.o. o Impacts remaining after all identified environmental protection measures had been applied were evaluated to determine those that should be considered long-term adverse impacts. Long-term adverse impacts are defined as measurable environmental or socioeconomic changes resulting from pipeline construction and operation that will occur over the long term (5 years or longer} after all environmental protection measures have been applied. 7.1 Climate and Air Quality Pipeline construction activities would result in short-term air pollutant emissions from the operation of diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles, and the generation of fugitive dust. These impacts would be restricted to the brief construction period along any one stretch of the pipeline route. The 40 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~--------------·· I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I construction impacts become non existent once construction activities end, and after the disturbed areas are reclaimed. Construction impacts would be minimized by watering exposed areas on access roads, limiting the clearing of vegetation, and curbing vehicle and equipment operation where practical. Watering will typically reduce fugitive dust emissions by at least 50 percent and the presence of vegetation will reduce wind erosion emissions. These impacts will be minor and short-term. 7.2 Geology and Topography Topographic Changes cut and fill to establish a level ROW work space would be required on side slopes (perpendicular to the ROW direction) in excess of 3 percent. A 40 percent slope is considered the upper working limit for ordinary ROW grading and recontouring equipment. The preferred route does not cross any side slopes equal to or greater than 40 percent in Garfield County. Pipeline construction may also encounter ascent and descent slopes (where the slope angle is parallel to the ROW direction) in excess of 40 percent. The major steep slope locations in Garfield County are encountered along the Roan Plateau and at the descent from the Roan Cliffs. The preferred route crosses 1 mile of ascent/descent slopes in excess of 40 percent in Garfield County. TransColorado will avoid significant disturbance to the steep slopes near Gilman Gulch, where the pipeline descends the Roan Plateau, by installing an above ground section of pipe. TransColorado will recontour all ROW cut and fill slopes on completion of pipeline installation, reincorporate rock fragments into the trench, and/or dispose of waste rock at an approved location to prevent any adverse changes in slope topography that would otherwise result from construction. Landslide Hazards Landslide zones, commonly associated with steep slopes and seasonally saturated soils, occur intermittently throughout the region. Field reconnaissance and aerial photo interpretation indicate that the pref erred route is not located on any active (movement wi thin the past 10 to 20 years) landslide slopes. The landslide zones that have been identified show evidence of past movement based on presence of landslide-susceptible 41 formations, and stabilized debris areas identified County. geomorphic characteristics (slumps, flows) • There were no potential slide along the preferred route in Garfield TransColorado will determine whether special slope stabilization measures, stronger pipe, more frequent monitoring, or minor re-routing would be necessary to reduce the risk of slope failure damage to the pipeline, where necessary. Incised Drainage Hazards Rapidly eroding stream channels with steep, unstable banks and narrow streambeds would be crossed at many locations throughout the pipeline route. The primary location in Garfield County where incised channels are encountered are in the Roan Creek area. A total of 3 miles of incised channels will be crossed by the preferred route in the county. The potential for rapid erosion associated with these channels can pose a risk of exposing and potentially damaging the pipeline. Incised channel protection measures identified in Chapter 8.0 include greater-than standard pipeline burial depths, and flattening of the channel bank slopes to increase long term stream bank stability. These measures were developed to protect the pipeline for the life of the project: TransColorado will, as part of its operational monitoring, inspect and restabilize incised channel crossings. Based on these construction design measures and subsequent inspection, long-term adverse impacts to the pipeline or to the channels crossed are not expected. Conclusion Long-term adverse impacts to geology and topography from construction of the pipeline are not expected. Long-term adverse impacts to the pipeline from geologic hazards or erosion are not expected. 7.3 Leasable Minerals Leasable minerals include coal, oil shale, and oil and gas. The primary impact concerns are the development of underlying mineral resources and potential effects of surface mining and underground mining subsidence on the pipeline. If underlying minerals have already been leased on federal lands, then these lease rights take precedence over surface uses, such as construction of a pipeline. If a mineral lessee develops the surface area occupied by the pipeline, TransColorado would be required to relocate the pipeline or compensate the lessee 42 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I for the lost minerals. If minerals are not currently leased, then TransColorado has prior rights and future mineral leases would require a surface exclusion to avoid the pipeline . Coal The pref erred route does not cross any active surf ace coal mines, nor does it cross any active or abandoned subsurface mines. Oil Shale There are 22 miles of high-grade oil shale deposits (yielding greater than 25 barrels of oil/ton) crossed by the preferred route in Garfield County. The proposed pipeline could have an impact on development of oil shale depending on how the oil shale is extracted. If the oil shale were mined by underground methods, the pipeline would not preclude development of oil shale resources. If oil shale deposits were mined by surface mining methods, the pipeline would preclude development of the oil shale not already under lease. Mining oil shale by underground methods could result in surface subsidence. The extent and timing of subsidence is governed by many factors, and is difficult to assess since there are no current plans for mining in areas traversed by the pipeline route. If currently leased deposits crossed by the pipeline ROW were developed, the pipeline would have to be relocated or the lessee compensated for the lost minerals. Oil and Gas Construction and operation of the proposed pipeline would not cause adverse impacts to the exploration or development of oil and gas resources or coal bed methane because the pipeline does not conflict with or adversely affect these activities. A total of 3 miles of oil and gas fields, and 27 miles of coal bed methane reserves would be crossed by the preferred route in Garfield County. Conclusion Long-term adverse impacts to leasable minerals are not expected. 7.4 Mineral Materials Under federal mining law, mineral material lease rights take precedence over surface uses. As a consequence, development of a pre-existing mineral material lease or privately owned 43 source could require relocation of the pipeline. If mineral materials are not leased, then the pipeline surface use would take precedence, which would preclude the extraction of mineral materials near the pipeline for the the life of the project. However, the pipeline can be relocated at the request and reimbursement of the future mineral lessee, thereby allowing the minerals to be extracted. Direct pipeline ROW conflicts with active mineral materials (sand, gravel, clay) operations were avoided. The preferred route does not cross any active gravel pits or quarries in Garfield County. Constructi on of the pipeline would put small demands on existing local sand and gravel sources for materials necessary during construction. 7.5 Water Quality and Quantity Surf ace Water Pipeline construction (trenching, pipe laying, and backfilling) in flowing streams would increase suspended sediment in these streams over the short-term (1 to 5 days) required to install the pipe in the stream bed. The preferred route does not cross any major rivers in Garfield County. The route will cross two perennial streams; Crystal Creek at pipeline MP 25.3, and Conn Creek at pipeline MP 36.3. Both of these creeks drain into the Colorado River Basin, however, there was no data available on the average flows, or state stream classification. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be notified of all streams and rivers to be crossed and Section 404 permits and Section 401 water quality certification permits will be obtained; unless the crossings are permitted under the Nationwide Permit System. All staging areas will be located at least 50 feet from the stream or river bank to maintain a buffer zone and avoid water pollution. No hazardous or toxic materials will be stored within 100 feet of the stream or river bank. Given the committed bank protection and erosion control measures outlined in Chapter 8.0, and the short-term (1 to 5 days) duration of increased suspended sediment from in-stream construction activities, long-term suspended sediment impacts to surface water quality are not anticipated. Hydrostatic Testing Hydrostatic testing involves withdrawing water from local streams or rivers and testing the pipeline, under pressure, 44 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I for integrity and leaks. Wa t er would be purchased and withdrawn from one or more streams crossed by the pipeline . TransColorado has established measures to prevent fuel spi l ls associated with portable water pumps by locating these pumps more than 50 feet from the stream bank, constructing a dike around the pumps, limiting the volume of fuel stored at the pump location to 500 gallons, and preventing residual fuel in fuel hoses from contacting the ground. To protect aquatic life, TransColorado has committed to ensuring that no more than 5 percent of the instantaneous flow would be withdrawn from a stream for hydrostatic testing. Discharge sites for hydrostatic test water have not yet been identified . The discharged water must meet applicable National Pollution Discharge Eliminat i on System (NPDES) requirements, and many intermittent drainages and open land disposal sites are available alon g the route. Diffusers will be utilized at the discharge point to reduce the risk of soil erosion. Based on these commitments, adverse impacts from hydrostatic test water withdrawal or discharge are not expected. Irrigation Facilities TransColorado will bore lined canals and plans to cross unlined canals by open trenching when the canals are empty, unless scheduling constraints conflict. Canal bottoms and banks would be backfilled and c ompacted to preconstruction conditions. TransColorado will monitor each unlined canal crossing during the following two irrigation seasons to verify that the integrity of the ditch banks is maintained. Based on these measures, long-term adverse impacts to irrigation canals are not expected. I 7.6 Wetlands I I I I I I Wetlands are primarily associated with the riparian zones of the major perennial streams and rivers. Avoidance is a commonly recommended measure for reducing the extent of physical disturbance to wetlands. In the case of the TransColorado project, opportun ities for avoidance are limited because most wetlands crossed by the pipeline are linear stream channels that cannot be avoided entirely under any pipeline routing approach. The preferred route would traverse a total of 310 feet of wetlands in Garfield County. Wetland areas crossed are the West Fork Parachute Creek, Doe Creek, Crystal Creek, Conn Creek, and the Conn Creek Riparian Zone. 45 The u. s. Army Corps of Engineers will be notified of all wetlands to be crossed and section 404 permits as well as Section 401 water quality certification permits will be obtained, unless the crossings are permitted under the Nationwide Permit System. All staging areas will be located at least 50 feet from the wetland boundary to maintain a buffer zone and avoid water pollution. No hazardous or toxic materials will be stored within 100 feet of the wetland boundary. No above ground facilities will be sited within any federally delineated wetlands. Construction of the pipeline would cause little or no reduction of watershed or water quality maintenance functions because the limited acreage of riparian wetlands disturbed is much less than 1% of the total wetland acreage. With the perpendicular crossings of wetlands proposed by TransColorado, changes to the stream channel shape or drainage patterns are not expected. Therefore, long-term effects on wetland functions downstream of the crossings are not expected. Similarly, little or no reduction of the productive capacity of wetland soils is anticipated from pipeline construction. Removal of vegetation from the construction ROW would result in both short-term and long-term disturbance to wetlands. Recovery of wetland shrubs would vary by species. Removal of herbaceous species is expected to be short-term, with recovery to pre-existing cover within 1 to 3 years. Fast growing species that can sucker from stumps can likely recover most of their former size within 5 years; however, because cattle and big game seasonally browse, recovery is expected to take more than 5 years. 7.7 Soils Saline/Alkaline Soils The pref erred route would cross an estimated 3. 5 miles of soils that may be moderately saline, and/or contain elevated levels of sodium in Garfield County. The areas of saline/alkaline soils encountered in the county are south of the Gilman Gulch area descent from the Roan Plateau. Specific protection measures have been committed to for saline/alkaline soils and are contained in Chapter a.o. Rocky/Shallow Soils The preferred route would cross approximately 20 miles of soils classified as being shallow to bedrock, or containing large stones or coarse fragments in the profile within Garfield County. 46 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~--------------------- Rocky/shallow soils may be difficult to revegetate because of a very shallow root zone and rapid runoff. It is expected that excess rocky material would be excavated, and require reduction in size for replacement in the trench, or would require disposal off-site. TransColorado will dispose of waste rock off-site if necessary; however, estimated volumes are not known. Mobile crushers may be used to reduce the size of excavated rock in some locations. TransColorado has committed to a measure that the amount of rock allowed for disposal on the operational ROW may not exceed the rock percentage (by volume) contained in the top 12 inches of soil on the adjacent undisturbed ROW . All topsoil within the plant rooting depth would be segregated from underlying stony, or bedrock material in accordance with topsoil segregation commitments. SOILS SUMMARY Wind and water soil erosion losses and vegetation productivity losses from the construction and operation ROW across rangelands and forestlands are not expected to exceed those presently occurring on adjacent, undisturbed soils in the long term. In the short term, some increased soil loss would occur, generally stabilizing to preconstruction levels within 1 to 5 years or less, depending upon when vegetation becomes fully reestablished on the ROW. Long-term adverse impacts to soils are not expected. 7.8 Prime and Unique Farmlands Construction of the pref erred route would cross approximately 5 miles of prime and unique farmlands. Most construction impacts to farmlands would be short-term (one growing season). The goal of the construction restoration procedures outlined in Chapter 8. o would be to restore farmlands to their preconstruction productivity within one season. The pipeline would be buried to a depth where it would not interfere with farming activities. Topsoil would be stockpiled during construction and replaced after construction. The ground surface would be replaced to its original contour, and no large rocks would be left on or near the surface. All fences, ditches, drainage tiles and other farm facilities would be repaired to original condition. Restoration procedures would be completed according to guidelines from individual landowners and the SCS. With proper restoration, no impacts to farmlands would occur from construction and operation of the proposed pipeline. However, if restoration were not completed successfully, several long-term impacts could occur. To minimize these 47 .............. ----------~- long-term impacts, all rehabilitation would be completed according to landowner and SCS guidelines. These rehabilitation guidelines would include measures to minimize impacts that may take several years to appear (for example trench subsidence and disruption of irrigation water flow). These construction and rehabilitation measures and guidelines will prevent long-term adverse impacts to the productivity of these farmlands. 7.9 Forestry Construction within the pref erred route would result in the removal of timber resources (Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, aspen) and removal of fuel wood and fencepost resources from pinyon/juniper woodlands from within the construction ROW. In forest and woodland areas, the entire 75 foot wide construction ROW would be cleared of such vegetation only where necessary for construction purposes. Approximately 0.5 mile of timber lands are crossed in Garfield County. Therefore, a maximum of 4.55 acres of timber resources and pinyon/juniper fuel wood and fencepost resources would be removed. These would be long-term impacts on these resources, however, this represents an extremely small percentage of the annual harvest from adjacent public lands in recent years. 7.10 Livestock Grazing Livestock forage would be removed from the pipeline ROW during construction. This forage is allocated ·to livestock by Animal Unit Months (AUM). An AUM is the amount of forage required to sustain a cow/calf unit for one month. In Garfield County, approximately 27 AUMs would be impacted during construction of the pipeline. This AUM loss is minor when compared to the large number of AUMs available on surrounding federal rangelands where typical allotments range from 1,000 to 5,000 acres or larger. Less than 1% of the AUMs available in grazing allotments crossed by the pipeline would be lost, and no reductions in stocking rates would occur. Disturbance of rangelands would be short-term; on most sites forage would return to pre-construction levels within 5 years. Forage production may take several years to return to pre-construction levels in areas of low precipitation and poor soils. The general revegetation and weed control techniques outlined in Chapter 8. o will be followed. 48 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Revegetation reasonable agencies. and weed control satisfaction of would be individual completed to landowners the and Construction of the proposed pipeline could cause short-term impacts to fences and water troughs. After construction is completed, any damaged fences or water sources would be repaired to landowner or agency guidelines. Long-term adverse effects to livestock operations are not anticipated. 7.11 Wildlife and Fisheries Wildlife Construction impacts to wildlife would include temporary disturbance and displacement of animals caused by the construction activities. This disturbance would be short-term. Following construction, animals would return to the area. Disturbance to animals during the critical periods would not occur due to timing limitations on construction imposed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife (CDOW) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Construction would remove most of the vegetation on 91 acres of key mule deer range, and 136 acres of key elk range in Garfield County. However, on a regional basis, these acreages of disturbance are a small percentage (less than 1%) of the adjacent key ranges and winter ranges available. Consultation with the CDOW and USFWS will determine the best time and procedure for construct i on of the pipeline within these areas to insure the least amount of impact to the wildlife. This would be a short-term disturbance. No key antelope ranges are crossed in Garfield County. Several sage grouse breeding/nesting areas will be crossed by the preferred route, resulting in long-term disturbance of approximately 200 acres of habitat. A nesting area is defined as a lek site and surrounding 2-mile radius (approximately 8,042 acres). The different areas crossed in Garfield County would total approximately 38,120 acres. Thus the total acreage disturbed by pipeline construction is very small; less than 1% of the breeding/nesting areas crossed. Fisheries The increased siltation, removal of bottom vegetation, and habitat alteration associated with pipeline construction are considered short-term (less than 1 year) . The removal of overhanging streamside vegetation would be very localized, 49 • and would impact less than 1% of the riparian vegetation occurring within l mile of any stream crossing. The coow and USFWS will be consulted on all major river crossings to prevent any significant impacts to the fisheries located at or below the crossing location. No major rivers are crossed in Garfield County. construction impacts would be limited to areas immediately downstream from the pipeline crossings. Since increased sedimentation would be temporary (1 to 5 days), no measurable effect would be expected on fisheries. Fish may avoid the construction site due to increased sedimentation and/or construction activities. Since no critical spawning areas have been identified at the crossings, impacts to fisheries would be considered minor. 7.12 Threatened and Endangered CT & El Species Significant T & E species will be avoided. Consultation with the USFWS will be continuous and TransColorado is obligated to avoid or mitigate any and all impacts to these species. Some short term localized impacts could result from the disturbance caused by the construction activities. Critical time periods will be observed and disturbance will be minimized during these times. Crossings will occur during low flows to keep the disturbance localized and to avoid spawning periods. The general procedures to avoid T & E plants will be followed. However, it may be necessary to transplant some specific plants or populations. The USFWS will assist in the design of mitigation on a site specific basis and significant impacts are not expected. No Bald Eagle winter range or Blackfooted Ferret habitat will be crossed by the preferred route in the county. The pref erred route will cross in the area of two existing raptor nests. Raptor nests that are located within close proximity to the route will be avoided, and construction will be timed to prevent any impacts to the birds during critical life cycles. Approximately 3 miles of sensitive plant species habitat will be crossed by the pipeline route through the county. surveys will be conducted prior to construction to insure the absence of any species, if any are found, appropriate mitigation measures will be employed to prevent any impacts. TransColorado is required by Federal law to avoid any significant impacts to any and all Threatened and Endangered species. 50 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~-------------------- 7.13 CUltural Resources Class III cultural surveys will be performed on both public and private lands prior to construction, and therefore, damage to any sites should be a voided. However, some sites may not be identified until they are uncovered by the construction equipment. TransColorado is required by bot h Federal and State laws to mitigate any possible impacts to cultural resources and will implement the necessary mitigat i on to prevent the impacts. Mitigation will include the pre-construction surveys as well as recordation of the sites. Specific mitigation will depend upon the value and type of resource. Tra nsColorado will take appropriate steps to prevent a ny future impacts to the resources by blocking access and preventing construction crews from disturbing any discovered sites. A pre-construction cultural resource education effort wi l l be undertaken by TransColorado for all of the construction employees. TransColorado will consult with the appropriate Federal Agency on public lands and with the State Historic Preservation Officer if the resou rce is on private land. A cultural resource specialist may be used to monitor construction activities in specif i c areas to insure that any buried sites will be ident i f i ed a n d protected. Discovery of new buried sites would yield posit ive impacts by detecting a site that may otherwise go undetect ed. 7.14 Visual Resources Several scenic and highly sensitiv e areas exist in Garfield County. The preferred route would cause v a rying decreases in visual resource values over the length o f the ROW through Garfield County. At most locations, adverse visual impacts can be measurably reduced by limitin g ground disturbance; maintaining vegetative screening; and repeating naturally occurring forms, lines, co l ors, and textures of the surrounding landscape. There are no areas in Garfield County where high or moderate visual impacts are anticipated. Th e refore, the county should only experience very minor visual i mpacts from the pipeline installation. 51 7.15 Noise The primary noise-generating elements of the proposed project would be associated with the construction of the pipeline and ancillary facilities. Given a maximum construction rate of 7,500 feet per day of pipeline installed, exposure of nearby residents to heavy equipment noise would typically be 3 to 4 days and would occur primarily during daylight hours. Noise impacts generated by the construction of the pipeline route would be short-term. 7.16 Land Use The proposed project would result in short-term impacts to current land use along the pref erred route. These impacts would consist of inconveniences to nearby residences caused by construction activities, loss of agricultural production for one growing season on cultivated lands, and temporary impacts to livestock grazing activities. Crop production would be lost for one growing season on the approximate 1.5 miles of agricultural lands crossed in Garfield County. These impacts would be temporary and full production could resume on the entire ROW the next growing season following construction. Impacts to irrigation systems are not anticipated as TransColorado will protect existing systems and repair any damage resulting from the pipeline project. Impacts to rangeland would be short-term as livestock would be permitted to return to the ROW upon completion of pipeline construction. Revegetation efforts will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual landowner. Long-term impacts would result from the perceived intrusion of the pipeline and the land use restrictions imposed on the permanent ROW. Construction of structural improvements, such as residences, commercial or agricultural buildings, industrial facilities or mobile homes, would not be permitted on the permanent ROW. The RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station will be situated on property purchased in fee by TransColorado. Therefore, the impacts to land use from above ground facilities should be minimal. For further information on land use, see Chapter 9.0. 52 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ·~---------------------.. - 8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES This section lists general and specific environmental protection measures that TransColorado has committed to employ during the construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline. A detailed description of the general procedures and their probable locations is included in the TransColorado Plan of Development, a copy of which was provided to the county along with a copy of the Draft EIS; copies are also available from the BLM or Forest Service upon request. The majority of the site-specific measures were developed from interagency and public scoping meetings, FERC requirements, company standard practices, and federal agency land use plans. These measures would be applied to both private and federal lands unless otherwise noted. Final protection measures will be available in the final EIS. General Protection Measures An independent, private environmental inspector would be hired to monitor construction and ensure compliance with approved construction and environmental protection measures on private, federal and state lands. A federal authorized officer would be responsible for monitoring and compliance on federal lands. 1. 2. 3. AIR QUALITY Federal, state, and local air emission standards will be met. Water, or other means, to control dust will be provided as required by federal, local , or state regulations. Construction equipment will be properly maintained to reduce emissions. WATER RESOURCES General Construction 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Sediment filter devices will be installed, inspected, and repaired to minimize sed i mentation where needed or required. Proper riprap application or other techniques will be used to stabilize stream banks where needed or required. Topsoil (original horizon) and vegetation will be restored and used in riparian zones to reclaim site. Proper water management techniques will be used to prevent silt from entering water channels. Natural drainages will be protected and restored to original contour and patterns to reclaim site. Drainage structures will be installed as necessary to maintain natural surface drainages. 53 7. Sediment filter devices will be maintained at base of slopes located adjacent to streams until ROW revegetation is complete. 8. The pipeline will be located at lease 50 feet from springs. 9. In narrow and deep channels with a flat bottom and little likelihood of further incision, 4-foot depth of pipe burial wi ll be extended laterally from the channel center line a total distance of 3 times the channel depth. The side walls of the cut in the channel bank will be laid back at an angle of 1.5:1 {horizontal:vertical). 10. In deeply incised channels {V-notched cross-section) pipe will be buried 6 feet below channel bed; depth of burial will extended laterally from the channel center line a total distance of 3 t imes existing channel depth. The side walls of the cut in the channel bank will be laid back to a slope of 1.5:1. 11. To protect groundwater from accidental fuel spills and contamination, no potentially-hazardous materials will be stored or vehicles refueled within a 200-foot radius of all private wells and a 400-foot radius of all municipal water supplies. Stream Crossings 1. Staging areas will be located at lease 50 feet from stream bank to maintain buffer zone and avoid water pollution. 2. No storage of fuels or petroleum products will be allowed within 100 feet of any stream bank to avoid water pollution. 3. Perennial stream crossings wou l d be constructed during the low water period as approved by authorized officer. 4. U. S. Army Corps of Engineers will make a determination regarding Section 404 and Section 10 permits. All crossings could be permitted under the Nationwide Permit System. 5. Section 401 water quality certification waiver will be obta i ned. 6. State-issued stream crossing permits will be obtained, if required. 7. County-issued floodplain permits will be obtained, where necessary. 8. stream crossing will be constructed perpendicular to the stream to minimize length of disturbance. 9. Stream banks will be backfilled to original contour, using gravel or riprap, if necessary. 10. Construction equipment crossing streams will be minimized; culverts, or portable bridges will be used to reduce sedimentation and bank degradation. 11. Minor perennial stream crossings will be completed within 24 hours {<10 feet wide), if possible. 54 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 12. Major stream crossings wi l l completed with i n 7 2 hours (>10 feet wide and <100 feet), if possible . 13. Site-specific construction plans will be submitted to appropriate agencies for a ll river ( 100 feet wi dth or greater) crossings. 14. Authorities responsible f or potable water supplies located within 3 miles downstream will be notified at least 72 hours prior to instream work. 15. Temporary low-water crossin gs will be constructed so as not to block or restrict the existing channel. 16. Low-water crossings will be rehabilitated using material removed during construction to avoid new borrow areas. 17. Flow of spoil off ROW wi l l be prevented to minimize downstream sedimentation . 18. Stream flow will be mainta i ned to protect f i sheries and aquatic habitat duri ng const ruction of stream crossings. 19. ROW will be aligned to avoid loss of mature riparian trees. 20. Irrigation ditches and cana l s will be monitored for two seasons to ensure the integrity of the ditch and canal banks. 21. Exact locations of water wells will be determined prior to construction and the pipeline rerouted to maintain a minimum of 50 feet of clearance from the well. 22. Mudboards wil l be installed to provide a working surface for equipment on unstable areas as determined by the authorized officer. 23. Disturbed areas will be revegetated as soon as possible after construction, or in a ccordance with landowner or agency requests. 24. On streams less than 10 f eet wide and considered a significant fishery the dry ditch method of construction will be used using flume pipe . 25. Rock waterways may be const ructed where high seasonal flows are expected. 26. Major stream crossings will be by the open-cut trench method utilizing tracked backhoes. 27. Abandoned water diversions wi ll be plugged and filled to prevent trapping fish. Hydrostatic Testing 1. Water withdrawal permits wi ll be obtained for hydrostatic testing to protect water rights. 2 . Proper intake procedures will be used to prevent entrainment of fish and maintain flow rates in source streams. 3 . A discharge permit will be obtained for test water disposal, if required. 4 . Test water wil l be sampled during discharge and treated, if necessary, in accordanc e with permit to avoid pollution. 5. Dispersion devices or conta inment structures will be used when discharging test water to avoid erosion. 55 6. No more than 5 percent of current flow will be withdrawn from any source. 7. Discharge of hydrostatic test water will not be made in HQl or HQ2 streams. WETLANDS 1. Wetland areas will be avoided to maximum extent possible. 2. Staging areas will be located at least 50 feet from Wetland edge to maintain buff er zone and avoid water pollution. 3. Petroleum products will not be stored within 100 feet of wetlands to avoid water pollution. 4. Construction of aboveground facilities will not be permitted in federally delineated wetlands. 5. Sediment filter devices will be installed to prevent spoil drift and sedimentation where needed. 6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be notified of construction activities when required. 7. State-issued wetland crossing permit will be obtained, if required. 8. Section 401 water quality certification or waiver will be obtained, if required. 9. Construction ROW in wetland crossings will be less than 75 feet wide to minimize disturbance. 10. Proper clearing techniques will be utilized, leaving roots in place to maintain stability of soils. 11. Wide-track or balloon-tire construction equipment (or proper equipment pads) will be utilized to minimize disturbance. 12. No fertilizer or lime will be used in reclamation activities to prevent eutrophication of wetlands. 13. Soil, rock, tree stumps, or brush riprap will not be used to stabilize ROW to avoid altering the substrate. 14. Slope breakers will be installed and maintained at the base of all slopes adjacent to wetlands after construction. 15. Disturbed areas will be revegetated to restore productivity and minimize visual intrusion. 16. Native herbaceous and woody plant species will be monitored to ensure they permanently revegetate. 17. Undesirable exotic vegetation (e.g., noxious weed invaders) will be removed from the ROW for the first 5 years, or until the ROW is free of the exotic vegetation. 18. Proper construction techniques will be used to prevent silt from flowing into wetlands. 19. ROW will be aligned to avoid beaver ponds or artificial ponds which cannot be replaced. 20. Agreements with landowners will be developed to provide short-term protection of stream banks from livestock. 56 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,, I. I I I I I I I I I 21. Construction across narrow wetlands (<200 feet) will consist of using a work pad for the equipment, and the pipe will be installed as though it were on dry ground. 22. Construction across wide wetlands (>200 feet) will consist of laying pre-fabricated sections of the pipe into the trench, utilizing flotation devices. SOILS 1. Topsoil will be removed and stored separately from subsoils to aid in restoration of original soil horizons. 2. Topsoils may be stripped from disturbed areas to a depth of 12 inches, or to a depth as agreed upon with the landowner/land managing agency. The landowner/land managing agency may also request the width of topsoil to be stripped, but the minimum width will encompass the area over the trench and under the subsoil spoil pile. 3. Steep slopes will be graded properly to minimize erosion. 4. Cuts and fills will be minimized to reduce the amount of exposed soils. 5. Proper blasting techniques will be used to aid in safety and minimize disturbance. 6. Proper trenching techniques will be used to minimize disturbance. 7. Construction restrictions during wet weather (temporary shutdown) will be followed to avoid road and site disturbance (ruts 4 inches or greater). 8. Terraces and benches will be constructed on steep slopes to minimize soil exposure and erosion. 9. Cut and fill will not be used unless side slopes exceed 3 percent to minimize soil exposure and erosion. 10. Proper backfilling and compaction and contouring will be done to aid in site reclamat i on. 11. Backfill will be mounded over trench approximately o. 5 foot to account for subsidence unless otherwise requested by the land manager/landowner. 12. Topsoil replacement will be performed over entire disturbed area, sufficient for refilling and mounding. 13. Erosion control measures shall be completed within 30 days after the trench is backfilled to aid in site stabilization . 14. Permanent erosion control shall drain away from disturbed area and begin and end in vegetation or rock. 15. Excess or unsuitable materials will be disposed of at approved off-site locations. 16. Permanent water bars will be constructed on all slopes to help control runoff. Spacing will be as follows, or as otherwise mutually agreed to with the authorized officer or landowner. 57 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 1. 2. 3. 1. Slope 0-2% 2-5% 5-10% 10-20% 20% + Spacing 120 feet 100 feet 75 feet 50 feet 30 feet Sediment barriers will be installed and maintained at the base of slopes located adjacent to road crossings until ROW revegetation is complete, as directed by the authorized officer. Noxious weed-free sediment barriers will be installed at stream, river, and wetland crossings to minimize sedimentation. Trench breakers will be constructed to prevent water runoff in the ditch after pipeline installation. Topsoil will not be used for the construction of trench breakers. Fertilizer will be used to enhance vegetation where recommended. Snow will not be mixed with fill or topsoil during construction to avoid soil losses. Relieve soil compaction in agricultural areas so that bulk density of soils on ROW approximates that of soils on adjacent undisturbed agricultural areas to maintain soil productivity. Compacted soil conditions will be relieved before topsoil is replaced. Topsoil will not be redistributed if the ground or topsoil is frozen. Remove rocks on ROW to approximate pre-construction conditions. Construction will be temporarily delayed after high precipitation when rut depths are greater than 4 .inches. on saline soils (shale badlands) the top 6 inches of soil over the area to be excavated will be stripped, windrowed, and replaced after construction to encourage revegetation by native seeds present in the topsoil. SOLID WASTE Construction sites will be maintained in a sanitary condition. Waste will be disposed of at an appropriate waste disposal site. A litter policing program will be implemented to avoid litter and visual impacts. VEGETATION Appropriate clearing techniques will be utilized to preserve roots, stockpile, or dispose of vegetation wastes to maintain stability of site and provide erosion control. 58 I I I I I I I I I ,I I I I i I I I I I I I 2. I 3. 4. I 5. .I 6. I 7. I 8. 9. I 10. ·I 11. I 12. I 13. I 14. 15. I 16. 17. I 18. 19. I 20. I 21. 22. I I I Construction and reclamation bond will be provided to ensure reclamation. Non-linear ROW techniques (feathering) will be used to minimize visual impacts, where required. Native species will be used for reseeding to provide more natural vegetation unless TransColorado and the landowner otherwise mutually agree. Local authorities (Soil Conservation Service) will be included in reclamation planning for site-specific information. Turf and landscaping will be restored to landowner requirements. Seedbed preparation will be conducted to 3-to-4 inch depth to enhance revegetation (scarifying, tilling, harrowing). Seeding will be conducted during the permanent seeding season with proper seed mixture and techniques (certified seeds, proper seeding, and amount). If construction is completed more than 30 days before the permanent seeding season, temporary erosion control measures shall be used. Mulch application will be used in sensitive areas (dry, sandy, steep slopes) to control erosion, as necessary. Where wood chips are used as mulch, topdress will be with nitrogen at rates mutually agreed to with the authorized officer or landown er. Thatching or fiber blankets will be used on stream banks and areas of high erosion potential to control erosion, if needed. Special land preparation will be accomplished on "critical areas" to control erosion and enhance revegetation. Continuing revegetation efforts will be provided to ensure adequate cover until vegetation is established. Procedures for application of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers will be identified where needed. Cleared vegetation will be properly disposed of. Seed will be used within 12 months of testing to assure seed viability. Seed will be drilled, where feasible, to enhance germination. Broadcast or hydroseeding methods will be used at double the recommended seeding rates, where necessary. Inspection will occur after first and second growing seasons to determine need for further restoration. Revegetation success will be monitored for the life of the project. Problem areas will receive additional revegetation efforts. The ROW will be maintained free of noxious weeds for 5 years after construction. TransColorado will prevent and control weeds along the ROW in accordance with the appropriate authorities for the life of the project. 59 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 7.13 CUltural Resources Class III cultural surveys will be performed on both public and private lands prior to damage to any sites should be may not be identified until construction equipment. construction, and therefore, avoided. However, some sites they are uncovered by the TransColorado is required by both Federal and State laws to mitigate any possible impacts to cultural resources and will implement the necessary mitigation to prevent the impacts. Mitigation will include the pre-construction surveys as well as recordation of the sites. Specific mitigation will depend upon the value and type of resource. TransColorado will take appropriate steps to prevent any future impacts to the resources by blocking access and preventing construction crews from disturbing any discovered sites. A pre-construction cultural resource education effort will be undertaken by TransColorado for all of the construction employees. TransColorado will consult with the appropriate Federal Agency on public lands and with the State Historic Preservation Officer if the resource is on private land. A cultural resource specialist may be used to monitor construction activities in specific areas to insure that any buried sites will be identified and protected. Discovery of new buried sites would yield positive impacts by detecting a site that may otherwise go undetected. 7.14 Visual Resources Several scenic and highly sensitive areas exist in Garfield County. The preferred route would cause varying decreases in visual resource values over the length of the ROW through Garfield County. At most locations, adverse visual impacts can be measurably reduced by limiting ground disturbance; maintaining vegetative screening ; and repeating naturally occurring forms, lines, colors, and textures of the surrounding landscape. There are no areas in Garfield County where high or moderate visual impacts are anticipated. Therefore, the county should only experience very minor visual impacts from the pipeline installation. 51 7.15 Noise The primary noise-generating elements of the proposed project would be associated with the construction of the pipeline and ancillary facilities . Given a maximum construction rate of 7,500 feet per day of pipeline installed, exposure of nearby residents to heavy equipment noise would typically be 3 to 4 days and would occur primarily during daylight hours. Noise impacts generated by the construction of the pipeline route would be short-term. 7.16 Land Use The proposed project would result in short-term impacts to current land use along the preferred route. These impacts would consist of inconveniences to nearby residences caused by construction activities, loss of agricultural production for one growing season on cultivated lands, and temporary impacts to livestock grazing activities. Crop production would be lost for one growing season on the approximate 1.5 miles of agricultural lands crossed in Garfield County. These impacts would be temporary and full production could resume on the entire ROW the next growing season following construction. Impacts to irrigation systems are not anticipated as TransColorado will protect existing systems and repair any damage resulting from the pipeline project. Impacts to rangeland would be short-term as livestock would be permitted to return to the ROW upon completion of pipeline construction. Revegetation efforts will be tailored to meet the needs of the individual landowner. Long-term impacts would result from the perceived intrusion of the pipeline and the land use restrictions imposed on the permanent ROW. Construction of structural improvements, such as residences, commercial or agricultural buildings, industrial facilities or mobile homes, would not be permitted on the permanent ROW. The RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station will be situated on property purchased in fee by TransColorado. Therefore, the impacts to land use from above ground facilities should be minimal. For further information on land use, see Chapter 9.0. 52 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 8.0 ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION·MEASURES This section lists general and specific environmental protection measures that TransColorado has committed to employ during the construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline. A detailed description of the general procedures and their probable locations is included in the TransColorado Plan of Development, a copy of which was provided to the county along with a copy of the Draft EIS; copies are also available from the BLM or Forest Service upon request. The majority of the site-specific measures were developed from interagency and public scoping meetings, FERC requirements, company standard practices, and federal agency land use plans. These measures would be applied to both private and federal lands unless otherwise noted. Final protection measures will be available in the final EIS. General Protection Measures An independent, private environmental inspector would be hired to monitor construction and ensure compliance with approved construction and environmental protection measures on private, federal and state lands. A federal authorized officer would be responsible for monitoring and compliance on federal lands. 1. 2. 3. AIR QUALITY Federal, state, and local air emission standards will be met. Water, or other means, to control dust will be provided as required by federal, local, or state regulations. Construction equipment will be properly maintained to reduce emissions. WATER RESOURCES General Construction 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Sediment filter devices will be installed, inspected, and repaired to minimize sedimentation where needed or required. Proper riprap application or other techniques will be used to stabilize stream banks where needed or required. Topsoil (original horizon) and vegetation will be restored and used in riparian zones to reclaim site. Proper water management techniques will be used to prevent silt from entering water channels. Natural drainages will be protected and restored to original contour and patterns to reclaim site. Drainage structures will be installed as necessary to maintain natural surface drainages. 53 7. Sediment filter devices will be maintained at base of slopes located adjacent to streams until ROW revegetation is complete. 8. The pipeline will be located at lease 50 feet from springs. 9. In narrow and deep channels with a flat bottom and little likelihood of further incision, 4-foot depth of pipe burial will be extended laterally from the channel center line a total distance of 3 times the channel depth. The side walls of the cut in the channel bank will be laid back at an angle of 1.5:1 (horizontal:vertical). 10. In deeply incised channels (V-notched cross-section) pipe will be buried 6 feet below channel bed; depth of burial will extended laterally from the channel center line a total distance of 3 t imes existing channel depth. The side walls of the cut in the channel bank will be laid back to a slope of 1.5:1. 11. To protect groundwater from accidental fuel spills and contamination, no potentially-hazardous materials will be stored or vehicles refueled within a 200-foot radius of all private wells and a 400-foot radius of all municipal water supplies. Stream Crossings 1. Staging areas will be located at lease 50 feet from stream bank to maintain buffer zone and avoid water pollution. 2. No storage of fuels or petroleum products will be allowed within 100 feet of any stream bank to avoid water pollution. 3. Perennial stream crossings wou l d be constructed during the low water period as approved by authorized officer . 4. u. s. Army Corps of Engineers will make a determination regarding Section 404 and Section 10 permits. All crossings could be permitted under the Nationwide Permit System. 5. Section 401 water quality certification waiver will be obta i ned. 6. State-issued stream crossing permits will be obtained, if required. 7. County-issued floodplain permits will be obtained, where necessary. 8. Stream crossing will be constructed perpendicular to the stream to minimize length of disturbance. 9. Stream banks will be backfilled to original contour, using gravel or riprap, if necessary. 10. Construction equipment crossing streams will be minimized; culverts, or portable bridges will be used to reduce sedimentation and bank degradation. 11. Minor perennial stream crossings will be completed within 24 hours (<10 feet wide), if possible. 54 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ I I I I I I I 12. Major stream crossings will completed within 72 hours (>10 feet wide and <100 feet), if possible. 13. Site-specific construction plans will be submitted to appropriate agencies for all river (100 feet width or greater) crossings. 14. Authorities responsible for potable water supplies located within 3 miles downstream will be notified at least 72 hours prior to instream work. 15. Temporary low-water crossings will be constructed so as not to block or restrict the existing channel. 16. Low-water crossings will be rehabilitated using material removed during construction to avoid new borrow areas. 17. Flow of spoil off ROW will be prevented to minimize downstream sedimentation. 18. Stream flow will be maintained to protect fisheries and aquatic habitat during construction of stream crossings. 19. ROW will be aligned to avoid loss of mature riparian trees. 20. Irrigation ditches and canals will be monitored for two seasons to ensure the integrity of the ditch and canal banks. 21. Exact locations of water wells will be determined prior to construction and the pipeline rerouted to maintain a minimum of 50 feet of clearance from the well. 22. Mudboards will be installed to provide a working surface for equipment on unstable areas as determined by the authorized officer. 23. Disturbed areas will be revegetated as soon as possible after construction, or in accordance with landowner or agency requests. 24. On streams less than 10 feet wide and considered a significant fishery the dry ditch method of construction will be used using flume pipe. 25. Rock waterways may be constructed where high seasonal flows are expected. 26. Major stream crossings will be by the open-cut trench method utilizing tracked backhoes. 27. Abandoned water diversions will be plugged and filled to prevent trapping fish. Hydrostatic Testing 1. Water withdrawal permits will be obtained for hydrostatic testing to protect water rights. 2. Proper intake procedures will be used to prevent entrainment of fish and maintain flow rates in source streams. 3. A discharge permit will be obtained for test water disposal, if required. 4. Test water will be sampled during discharge and treated, if necessary, in accordance with permit to avoid pollution. 5. Dispersion devices or containment structures will be used when discharging test water to avoid erosion. 55 6. No more than 5 percent of current flow will be withdrawn from any source. 7. Discharge of hydrostatic test water will not be made in HQl or HQ2 streams. WETLANDS 1. Wetland areas will be avoided to maximum extent possible. 2. Staging areas will be located at least 50 feet from Wetland edge to maintain buffer zone and avoid water pollution. 3. Petroleum products will not be stored within 100 feet of wetlands to avoid water pollution. 4. Construction of aboveground facilities will not be permitted in federally delineated wetlands. 5. Sediment filter devices will be installed to prevent spoil drift and sedimentation where needed. 6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be notified of construction activities when required. 7. State-issued wetland crossing permit will be obtained, if required. 8. Section 401 water quality certification or waiver will be obtained, if required. 9. Construction ROW in wetland crossings will be less than 75 feet wide to minimize disturbance. 10. Proper clearing techniques will be ut il ized, leaving roots in place to maintain stability of soils. 11. Wide-track or balloon-tire construction equipment (or proper equipment pads) will be utilized to minimize disturbance. 12. No fertilizer or lime will be used in reclamation activities to prevent eutrophication of wetlands. 13. Soil, rock, tree stumps, or brush riprap will not be used to stabilize ROW to avoid altering the substrate. 14. Slope breakers will be installed and maintained at the base of all slopes adjacent to wetlands after construction. 15. Disturbed areas will be revegetated to restore productivity and minimize visual intrusion. 16. Native herbaceous and woody plant species will be monitored to ensure they permanently revegetate. 17. Undesirable exotic vegetation (e.g. , noxious weed invaders) will be removed from the ROW for the first 5 years, or until the ROW is free of the exotic vegetation. 18. Proper construction techniques will be used to prevent silt from flowing into wetlands. 19. ROW will be aligned to avoid beaver ponds or artificial ponds which cannot be replaced. 20. Agreements with landowners will be developed to provide short-term protection of stream banks from livestock. 56 I I I I I I I I I I I c I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 'I I. I I I I I I I I i 21. Construction across narrow wetlands (<200 feet) will consist of using a work pad for the equipment, and the pipe will be installed as though it were on dry ground. 22. Construction across wide wetlands (>200 feet) will consist of laying pre-fabricated sections of the pipe into the trench, utilizing flotation dev i ces . SOILS 1. Topsoil will be removed and stored separately from subsoils to aid in restoration of original soil horizons. 2. Topsoils may be stripped from disturbed areas to a depth of 12 inches, or to a depth as agreed upon with the landowner/land managing agency. The landowner/land managing agency may also request the width of topsoil to be stripped, but the minimum width will encompass the area over the trench and unde r the subsoil spoil pile. 3. Steep slopes will be graded properly to minimize erosion. 4. Cuts and fills will be minimized to reduce the amount of exposed soils. 5. Proper blasting techniques will be used to aid in safety and minimize disturbance. 6. Proper trenching techniques will be used to minimize disturbance. 7. Construction restrictions during wet weather (temporary shutdown) will be followed to avoid road and site disturbance (ruts 4 inches or greater). 8. Terraces and benches will be constructed on steep slopes to minimize soil exposure and erosion. 9. Cut and fill will not be used unless side slopes exceed 3 percent to minimize soil exposure and erosion. 10. Proper backfilling and compaction and contouring will be done to aid in site reclamation. 11. Backfill will be mounded over trench approximately o. 5 foot to account for subsidence unless otherwise requested by the land manager/landowner. 12. Topsoil replacement will be performed over entire disturbed area, sufficient fo r refilling and mounding. 13. Erosion control measures shall be completed within 3 o days after the trench is backfilled to aid in site stabilization . 14. Permanent erosion control shall drain away from disturbed area and begin and end in vegetation or rock. 15. Excess or unsuitable materials will be disposed of at approved off-site locations. 16. Permanent water bars will be constructed on all slopes to help control runoff. Spacing will be as follows, or as otherwise mutually agreed to with the authorized officer or landowner. 57 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 1. 2. 3. 1. Slope 0-2% 2-5% 5-10% 10-20% 20% + Spacing 120 feet 100 feet 75 feet 50 feet 30 feet Sediment barriers will be installed and maintained at the base of slopes located adjacent to road crossings until ROW revegetation is complete, as directed by the authorized officer. Noxious weed-free sediment barriers will be installed at stream, river, and wetland crossings to minimize sedimentation. Trench breakers will be constructed to prevent water runoff in the ditch after pipeline installat i on. Topsoil will not be used for the construction of trench breakers. Fertilizer will be used to enhance vegetation where recommended. Snow will not be mixed with fill or topsoil during construction to avoid soil losses. Relieve soil compaction in agricultural areas so that bulk density of soils on ROW approximates that of soils on adjacent undisturbed agricultural areas to maintain soil product ivity. Compacted so il conditions will be re l i eved be f ore topsoil is replaced. Topsoil will not be redistributed if the ground or topsoil is frozen. Remove rocks on ROW to approximate pre-construction conditions. Construction will be temporarily delayed after high precipitation when rut depths are greater than 4 inches. On saline soils (shale badlands) the top 6 inches of soil over the area to be excavated will be stripped, windrowed, and replaced after construction to encourage revegetation by native seeds present in the topsoil. SOLID WASTE Construction sites will be maintained in a sanitary condition. Waste will be disposed of at an appropriate waste disposal site. A litter policing program will be implemented to avo id litter and visual impacts. VEGETATION Appropriate clearing techniques will be utilized to preserve roots, stockpile, or dispose of vegetation wastes to maintain stability of site and provide erosion control. 58 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i 2. I 3. 4. I 5. I 6. I 7. I 8. 9. I 10. I 11. I 12. I 13. I 14. 15. I 16. 17. I 18. 19. I 20. I 21. 22. I I i Construction and reclamation bond wi ll be provided to ensure reclamation. Non-linear ROW techniques (feathering) will be used to minimize visual impacts, where required. Native species will be used for reseeding to provide more natural vegetation unless TransColorado and the landowner otherwise mutually agree. Local authorities (Soil Conservation service) will be included in reclamation p l anning for site-specific information. Turf and landscaping will be restored to landowner requirements. Seedbed preparation will be conducted to 3-to-4 inch depth to enhance revegetation (scarifying, tilling, harrowing) . Seeding will be conducted during the permanent seeding season with proper seed mixture and techniques (certified seeds, proper seeding, and amount). If construction is completed more than 30 days before the permanent seeding season , temporary erosion control measures shall be used. Mulch application will be used in sensitive areas (dry, sandy, steep slopes) to control erosion, as necessary. Where wood chips are used as mulch, topdress will be with nitrogen at rates mutually agreed to with the authorized officer or landowner. Thatching or fiber blankets will be used on stream banks and areas of high erosion pot ential to control erosion, if needed. Special land preparation will be accomplished on "critical areas" to control erosion and enhance revegetation. Continuing revegetation efforts will be provided to ensure adequate cover until vegetation is established. Procedures for app l ication of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers will be identi fied where needed. Cleared vegetation will be properly disposed of. Seed will be used within 12 months of testing to assure seed viability. Seed will be drilled, where feasible, to enhance germination. Broadcast or hydroseeding meth ods wil l be used at double the recommended seeding rates , where necessary. Inspection will occur after first and second growing seasons to determine need for further restoration. Revegetation success will be monitored for the life of the project. Prob l em areas will r eceive additional revegetation efforts. The ROW will be maintained free of noxious weeds for 5 years after construction. TransColorado will prevent and control weeds along the ROW in accordance with the appropriate authorities for the life of the project. 59 23. Construction vehicles that are to be moved onto the ROW will be washed before starting the construction project , and must arrive at the site in a clean and weed free condition. 24. Mulch will be anchored immediately after placing to minimize loss by wind and water. 25. Seeding should occur within 7 days of seedbed preparation. 26. In saline and alkaline soils, reseeding should employ conservation species. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 1. 2. 3. 4. FORESTRY Merchantable timber will be purchased by TransColorado. Downed timber may be hauled off site or scattered o n the ROW, at the agencies' or landowner's direction. If timber is scattered, it shall be done after seeding. Unme rchantable timber wi ll be left on the ROW as a barrier to vehicular traff i c and to impede erosion. Trees which must be cleared from with in the ROW will be cut where possible and not pushed over, except in the actual trench where stumps will be pulled. Trees hung up during felling will be put on the ground immediately as a safety measure. PRIME AND UNIQUE FARMLANDS Construction will be timed to minimize impacts to cropland in accordance with landowner agreements. All disturbed drain tiles will be located, tested, and restored to original condition. Return agricultural land to its original condition (soil profile restored, compaction relieved, and tilled as requested by the landowner). Compensation for crop and orchard losses will be provided. All rehabilitation will be completed according to landowner or SCS guidelines, provided these stipulations are included in the landowner easement agreement. LIVESTOCK GRAZING Grazing deferment plans may be developed with landowners to minimize grazing disturbance until ROW revegetation is complete. All damaged livestoc k facilities (fences, springs) will be repaired to landowner's satisfaction. Temporary fences will be installed when necessary, to prevent livestock movement across fen c es temporarily removed for construction. The ROW will be maintained free of noxious weeds for 5 years after construction. Compensation or temporary measures will be provided for any critical facilities (such as watering sites) that 60 I I I I I I I I ,, I I I I I I I I I i I I I I ,, I I I i I I I I I I i I I I 1. 2. 1. 2. 3 • 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 1. 2. 3 • 4. are disrupted during the construction and restoration process. WILDLIFE Seasonal closures will be observed for elk, deer, antelope, sage grouse, heron, and other specified species unless waived by authorized officer. All non-essential access roads would be closed along the operational ROW to prevent disturbance impacts to wildlife. THREATENED OR ENDANGERED SPECIES Threatened and endangered species clearance wi ll be obtained from appropriate authorities . Clearance surveys for sensitive plant species will be conducted prior to construction. A nesting raptor survey will be conducted prior to construction (survey completed May 1991). Construction near active (listed proposed and candidate species) raptor nests will be restricted during seasonal periods (distance restrictions and dates vary with raptor species) unless waived or modified by authorized agency . Prairie dog towns a l ong the pipeline will be mapped and, if the towns are of sufficient size (according to USFWS guidelines), black-footed ferret clearance surveys will be conducted. Construction will be restricted in key bald eagle wintering areas between November 15 and March 15, unless waived or modified by authorized officer. Site-specific mitigation plans will be developed with the USFWS for any impacted T & E species. No bald eagle winter roost t rees will be disturbed by pipeline construction. WILD HORSES During construction, cuts will be made in open trenches (at BLM-specified intervals) in the Spring Creek Basin horse range to allow horses to escape from the open trench. CULTURAL RESOURCES Culturally sens i tive resource areas will be avoided or mitigated to prevent disturbing archaeological sites. Proper procedure wi l l be fol l owed if cultural discovery is made. Historic places, landmarks, parks, scenic areas, and other recreation lands will be avoided. Archaeological inventories wil l be conducted prior to construction. 61 5. 1. 2. 3 . 4. 1 . 2 . 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7. 8. A cultural resource awareness program will be implemented prior to construction to minimize impacts to archaeological sites. GEOLOGY AND PALEONTOLOGY Areas of unstable slopes, active faults, and locations by mines will be identified prior to construction. Proper mitigat i on will be developed (i.e., alternate locations, stronger pipe, installation of monitoring equipment, installation of block valves to isolate area, use of low-density backfill to allow for pipe movement). Site-specific geotechnical evaluations of compressor sites will be conducted prior to construction to determine foundation requirements . Fault crossings will be assessed and site-specific mitigation measures will be developed (i.e., thicker pipe walls, shut-off valves, and low-density backfill) to maintain safety of pipeline. Proper procedures wi ll be followed i f paleontological resources are discovered during construction . VISUAL RESOURCES Visual Impacts on Grand Mesa, Bookcliffs, and the Grand Valley as well as other scenic areas will be avoided or mitigated. Vi sual intrusions of compressio n and metering facil i t i es will be mitigated as s pecified by the authorized officer. Some specific measures are: o Limit disturbance to minimum area necessary; o Perform careful, detailed siting and design of facilities to minimize visual cont rast, and take advantage of topographic or vegetative screening; and o Select materials and colors to blend with the s urroundings. Above ground facilities will be pa i nted to blend with natural s urroundings (where not precluded by safety regulations) t o minimize visual intrusion . The boundary of the ROW will be feathered to minimize straight, non-natural lines, especially in forested areas as directed by the authorized officer. Views down ROW will be minimized by b reaking l ong, stra i ght lines of p i pe with ROW angles, unless existing ROW corridors are be i ng followed. Native vegetation will be planted at road, trail, and key v i sual viewpoints to break view of ROW and blend with natural landscape. ROW width in high-value visual areas will be minimized. In all disturbed areas, provide successful regeneration with indigenous species. 62 I I I I ,, I I I i ' I I I I I i I I I I I ,, I I I I I · I I I i I I I I I I I 9. Use areas adjacent to an existing p a rallel road or utility corridor as part of the disturbed zone for access or stockpiling. 10. Consolidate the pipeline into a common corridor with existing, nearby utilities when they would be visible in separate corridors. 11. Consider minor relocations of pipeline to a less topographically prominent position wh e re a significantly less visible alignment exists within clos e proximity. RECREATION 1. Temporary entrances will be made availab l e for any major campgrounds or trails blocked by construc tion. TRANSPORTATION 1. Boring techniques will be used under major or busy roadways to avoid disrupting t raffic. 2. During temporary shut-down, ROW shall be blocked to avoid unauthorized entry. 3. Adequate safety precautions and traffic control (detours, flagman) will be p r ovided f or traffic safety, in accordance with federal, s t ate, and local requirements . 4. Any disturbed local roadwa ys will be repaired or replaced to maintain transport ation network. 5. All public and private road way cro ss i ngs and access points will be restored to safe and acceptable conditions. 6 . Minor road crossings will be completed in 24 hours or less to minimize traff i c disruption. LAND USE, ZONING, AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES 1. TransColorado will comply with the va l id existing rights of all permittees, licensee s, ROW holders, leases, mining claimants, and any other holding valid authorizations on BLM, Forest Service and Private lands. 2. Access clearance or access permits will be obtained. 3. Pre-construction meetings with affected parti es will be conducted. 4. All necessary federal, state, and local permits will be obtained. 5. A survey, and a flagged or staked RO W will be provided for landowners. 6. ROW easements will be negotiated in good faith with private landowners. 7. Construction of new roadways will be minimized. 8. Pipe will be bent and instal led within the trench to reasonably fit the vertical a n d horizontal plane of land to minimize trenching. 63 9. Above ground facilities will be painted to blend with natural surroundings (where not precluded by safety regulations) to minimize visual intrusion. 10. Land use plans and subdivision plats will be reviewed to avoid incompatible uses. 11. All existing improvements, such as fences, gates, irrigation ditches, and cattle guards, will be maintained and repaired to at least pre-construction condition to minimize disturbances to the public. 12. Measures will be provided to control use of ROW (natural barriers, gates, or tree planting) and prevent unauthorized travel for the life of the project . PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. A fire prevention and suppression plan has been prepared and will be followed to avoid fire danger and maintain public safety. 2. Spark arrestors will be used during construction, operation, and maintenance to avoid fire danger. 3. Coordination with affected ut i lities wi ll be done to avoid utility disruptions. 4. Safety measures will be provided to protect workers and the public from electric shocks. 5. Noise control measures will be provided for compressor stations to mitigate noise levels where required . 6. An emergency response plan has been prepared and will be followed for leaks and spills (hazard areas, wetlands, stream crossings) to protect the public. 64 I I I I I I ,, I I I I i I I I I I I I I I. I I I I I I I I I I I · i I I I I I 9.0 COMPATIBlLITY WITH ADJACENT LAND USES The pipeline has been designed to have a minimal effect on land use in the affected areas. Heavily populated areas and areas of residential use have been avoided wherever possible. In Garfield County, the preferred pipeline route parallels existing utilities for approximately 77% of its entire length and approximately 26% of the ownership is federal. Existing land use plans have been reviewed to avoid incompatible uses where possible. Existing access will be utilized wherever possible, and no construction of new access roadways is anticipated. Access agreements will be obtained prior to use of access roadways. All existing improvements such as fences, gates, irrigation ditches, cattle guards, etc., will be maintained and repaired to at least their pre-construction condition to help minimize disturbances to the public. Above ground facilities will be painted to blend with the natural surroundings except where prohibited by safety regulations. Once the pipeline has been installed and reclamation completed, the affected landowner will basically have use of the ROW as before, with the exception of not being able to build structures within the ROW. Construction of any permanent structural improvements within the permanent ROW will not be allowed. However, the landowner will be able to use the ROW for any purposes which are compatible with and do not interfere with the pipeline facilities . All stipulations concerning land rights will be contained in the actual ROW easement negotiated with each individual landowner. 65 10.0 COMPLIANCE WITH THE GARFIELD COUNTY ZONING RESOLUTION The Garfield County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have adopted zoning regulations establishing standards and guidelines for various types of developments. These standards and guidelines are contained in the "Garfield County Zoning Resolution of 1978". This project falls under Section 5.03, Special Uses. Compatibility with these zoning regulations is demonstrated throughout this application. The TransColorado pipeline will not have a significant adverse effect on the existing lawful use of water, or on use of adjacent land through the generation of vapor, dust, smoke, noise, glare or vibration, or other emanations. Nor will it have a significant adverse effect on wildlife and domestic animals through the c reation of hazardous attractions, significant alteration of existing native vegetation, blockade of migration r outes, use patterns or other disruptions. The operation of the pipeline will not create hazards or nuisances from truck or automobile traffic to areas elsewhere in the county. TransColorado has worked cooperatively with Garfield County throughout the process. The details of this project have been fully disclosed , and environmental protection measures have been proposed which should mitigate adverse effects the project may have on the environment. The project should not have any negative fiscal impacts on the county, all fiscal impacts should be positive. 66 I I I I . ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' 1. I · I I I I I I 11.0 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND SCOPING TransColorado has been actively promoting t he project to the public, the affected c ounties and agencies , and other groups for over 20 months. This effort was made in order to inform the public and see k their i n put. TransColorado has personally conducted numerous public meetings on the project, and several have been held in Garfield County. The Garfield County Commissioners have been briefed o n t he project on three separate occas i ons. TransColorado has been working closely with the cou nty planning staff for the last 20 months. The scop i ng process for the TransCol orado pip eline proposal formally began in December, 1989, when TransColorado filed a Plan of Development with the BLM Montrose District Office and the BLM began its review of the project. A Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare an EIS on the pro ject was published in the Federal Register on March 15, 1990. An interagency scoping meeting was conve ned in Montrose, Colorado, on June 12 and 13, 1990. Agencies invited included representatives from all the af f ected BLM Resource Areas along the route (White River, Gr and Junc tion, Uncompahgre Basin, San Juan, and Farmington) ; Forest Service Districts (Grand Mesa/Uncompahgre, Ouray, Norwood, Do l ores, Mancos); other affected federal agencies (U.S. F ish and Wildlife Service, Western Area Power Administration, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service) ; Colora do state agencies (Division of Wildlife , Division o f Parks); and the Southern Ute Tribe. The results of the inte ragency meeting included a preliminary identification of issues to b e treated in the EIS, and some suggestions for additional route alternatives. The BLM and USFS then held public s coping meetings to solicit comments from the public. Notice s of thes e meetings were sent to the agencies' mail i ng list on July 9 , 1990. Garfield County was formall y notified of these meetings by TransColorado in a letter dated J u ly 12, 1990. The meetings were conducted at the following places: Grand Junction, July 24; Montrose, July 25; Norwood, J u ly 26; Ignacio , August 6; Durango, August 7; Ma n cos, August 8; and Dolores , August 9. Meeting participants were provided with a scoping document, which summarized the purpose and need and l ocation of the project, and the prel i minary list o f issues ident i fied by the interagency scoping meeting participants . Detailed route maps were also provided for public review . The public then provided oral and written comments on the pipeline proposal. During the public scoping meeting s, the p ub l ic expressed a variety of concerns over the p roposed location of the pipeline . The focus of public concern in Montezuma and La 67 Plata Counties were routes in the Mancos Valley, the Hesperus area and the Wildcat Canyon area where the pipeline would cross private land already encumbered with several utility lines. In addition, the Southern Ute Tribe expressed concern over pipeline routing across tribal lands. Other frequent concerns included: the disproportionate use of private lands relative to available public lands, inadequate reclamation of previous pipeline projects, routing the pipeline in existing corridors containing multiple pipelines resulting in cumulative land use constraints to landowners, and the lack of alternatives to the proposed route from the vicinity of Hesperus to the gas delivery point at Blanco Plant, New Mexico. In Mesa County, numerous comments were received regarding potential visual effects of the proposed route on the side of the Grand Mesa, and objections from the City of Palisade concerning potential impacts on the Palisade municipal watershed. In response to public concerns, tribal opposition and Montezuma County's position of opposing pipelines in the existing corridors, the BLM instructed TransColorado to investigate the constructibility of three new alternative routes in La Plata and Montezuma Counties. TransColorado also defined an alternate route in Mesa County near the Grand Mesa to reduce potential visual effects. Because the 3 new alternate routes in La Plata and Montezuma Counties deviated substantially from the previously proposed route, and would involve new private landowners and tribes (the Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo tribes), the BLM and USFS conducted two additional public meetings, one in Mancos on October 16, 1990, and one in Farmington, New Mexico on October 17, 1990. Notices for these meetings were sent out October 5, 1990. After all of the meetings, written comments were accepted for a period of 14 days. A summary of the comments received as part of the public scoping process is listed below, and they are divided into 6 general groups: 0 0 Natural Resources. These concerns related to management and maintenance of natural resources: soil, vegetation, wildlife, air quality, and water quality. Human Resources/Land Use. These concerns related to the relationships between the pipeline construction and operation requirements and existing land uses, compensation for land damages, changes in landscape visual character, noise, effects on archaeological and historical resources, and transportation requirements. 68 I I I I I I I I I I I I ·I I I I I I . I I ' I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I 0 0 0 0 Routing. These concerns related to expressed preferences for one route segment over another, and suggestions for alternative routes at various locations. Purpose and Need. These concerns related to TransColorado's stated purpose and need for the project. EIS nrocess. These concerns related to the responsibilities of federal, state, and local agencies for reviewing and selecting a preferred alternative for the pipeline. Construction and Reclamation. These concerns related to the procedures used to construct the p i peline , and reclaim the ROW on private and public lands . On Thursday, October 25, 1990, TransColorado conducted an overall county meeting in Montrose, Colorado. Each of the 9 counties in Colorado and the 1 county in New Mexico were invited to attend. Both planning staff's and county commissioners were sen t invitations and were also asked to invite anyone else from the count y they felt needed to be represented. Garfie l d County was repr esented at this meeting. Presentations were given on the current project status, routing, schedule, purpose and need, and project benefits. The project manager's from both Trans Colorado and the BLM were present. The :forum was open and many issues were discussed. 69 12.0 DEVELOPMENT SCHEDULE The TransColorado project is anticipated to begin c onstruction dur i ng t he summer of 1 99 2, with construct i on act i vities taking from 9 to 12 months to complete. However, construct i on start and completion dates are dependent upon permitting and environmental constraints. During the construction period, the intens i ty of construction activities wil l correspond to. schedule con str aints and other stipulations arising from the approval process f o r the project . The pipel i ne will be built utilizing three mainline const ruction spreads tha t will empl oy an estimated average of 4 80 constructi on wo r kers. I n total, including the construction of t he compressor stations , approximately 152 o people will be employed during the course of the ent ire project. During periods when pipel ine construc tion is actively being pursued , the average r ate of construct ion h a s been estimated at 7 500 feet per day per construction s pread . One construction spread will be responsible for the first 124 .5 miles of the project from the start point in Rio Blanco County through to the Olathe Compressor Station in Montrose County. Construction wi th i n Garfield County will be included in the r esponsibil i ties o f th is con struction spr ead. The maximum number of construction e mploy ees to b e working within Garfield County at any one time dur ing the projec t a re n ot known at this time. However, for t he purposes of this application, it can be assumed that this workforce wi l l not exceed the max i mum amount of 480 workers for the construction spread as described above. The capital investment which will occur in Garfiel d County is ant i cipated to be approximately $11,900,000 . This represents the total cost of materials and labor fo r the installation of the TransColorado pipeline and appurtenant facil i ties. Refer t o Appendix B, for detailed information on the economic and fisca l impacts associated with construction and operation of the TransColorado pipeline. 70 .I I I ' I I I I ,, I I I I I I i I I I 1. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 13.0 DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS The project consists of a 26.5 mile long buried 22" steel pipeline within Garfield County. The maximum design flow rate for the project is 300 mi l lion cubic feet per day (MMcfd) of natural gas, based on a maximum allowable operating pressure of 1, 287 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) for the 22 inch pipeline. TransColorado will seek a 50 foot wide permanent ROW for the maintenance and operation of the pipeline. A 75 foot wide construction ROW will be necessary for the installation of the pipeline, with the additional 25 feet reverting back to the surface owner once construction is complete. Construction in some areas, such as river or stream crossings, highway crossings, and on steep slopes, may require ROW in excess of the 7 5 feet. In these cases, Temporary Use Permits (TUP) or authorization from private landowners would be obtained prior to construction. The design and construction standards of the TransColorado pipeline would be in conformance with the requirements of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 192, "Regulations for the 'l'ransportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards" (U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT] regulations) and the Federal Energy Regulat ory Commiss i on (FERC) requirements of Title 18 CFR Chapter 1 Part 2.69, "Guidelines to be Followed by National Gas Pipeline companies in the Planning, Locating, Clearing and Maintenance of ROWs and the Construction of Aboveground Facilities." Design and construction would also meet the requirements of all other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations and would be in general compliance with industry standards. The minimum depth of cover for the pipeline will be in conformance with Title 49 CFR, Part 192.327. Generally, the minimum depth of cover will be between 30 11 and 36 11 in normal soil, and between 18" and 24" in consolidated rock. Depth of cover at all major river and stream crossings will be a minimum of 48 11 in normal soil and 24 11 in consolidated rock. Major river and stream crossings will be engineered and constructed using standard industry procedures, and will be performed during low flow conditions whenever possible. River and stream crossings will be made as close to perpendicular as possible. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be notified of all streams and rivers to be crossed and Section 404 permits and Sect i on 401 water quality certification permits will be obtained; unless the crossings are permitted under the Nationwide Permit System. 71 The excavation across the river or stream will be accomplished with the use of track-mounted backhoes . During the crossing, the excavated material will be placed downstream of the trench in piles with gaps left for the water to flow through. Once the trench has been completely excavated, the pre-welded pipe will be placed into the trench with track-mounted side booms. During backfilling operations, the excavated material will be replaced in the trench from where it was removed, allowing the natural flow of water to continue its original path. Where necessary, the pipeline will be concrete coated or have concrete river weights attached to counteract buoyancy. Excavation of the river or stream banks and slope approaches will be minimized. Extra burial depth for the pipeline will be maintained under the banks and extending beyond the floodplain. The banks will be restored immediately upon completion of construction to as near as practicable their original contour . Where necessary, riprap or other erosion control methods will be utilized on river or stream banks which are subject to high erosion. A typical major river crossing is illustrated on Exhibit "G". A typical minor stream crossing is illustrated on Exhibit "H". One Meter Station will be constructed within Garfield County, the RMNG-DeBeque Meter Station. Design and construction of the meter station will be in conformance with DOT regulations and FERC guidelines, as well as other applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. Construction and operation of the meter station will take place within a purchased fee site, estimated to be approximately 0.25 acre. This site will be adjacent to the existing RMNG Compressor Station site and will be situated in Section 6, Township 8 South, Range 97 West of the S i xth P.M. If additional ROW would be needed for the construction period, TUPs or landowner authorizat i on would be obtained. Exhibit 11 0 11 is a plan view of this proposed facility. One area which offers some of the most difficult pipeline construction on the entire project is found approximately 10 miles north of DeBeque. This is where the pipeline descends from the Roan Cliffs. TransColorado will install approximately 1,500 feet of aboveground pipe in this location (MP 33.5), referred to as the Gilman Gulch legoff. A narrow clearing will be cut through the existing vegetation and the pipe will be anchored to concrete supports . Detailed engineering for this installation will be completed soon, and the results of any specific environmental studies will be contained in the Final EIS. 72 I I I 1 1 I I I I I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Sectionalizing block valves will be required for t he pipeline and will be installed in accordance with the requirements of the DOT Safety Regulations (Title 49 CFR) and other applicable codes and regulations. Two block valves are planned for Garfield County and are spaced at approximate 20 mile intervals, or closer where necessary for the safe and convenient operation of the system. They would consist of buried full bore ANSI 600 ball valves. A typical block valve configuration is illustrated on Exhibit "K". The valve would be placed directly in the pipeline alignment, and have a 30 foot by 50 foot perimeter fence installed aroun d it . The fencing would be located entirely within the permanent pipeline ROW. The valve locations are shown on the set of quad maps included with this application. Individual sections of pipe will be welded together in conformance with Title 49 CFR, Part 192, Subpart E, and API 1104. All welds will be visually inspected by a qualified inspector, and TransColorado intends to inspect 100% of all field welds by non-destructive radiographic methods. A specialized contractor certified to perform radiographic inspection will be employed for this purpose. Any defects will be repaired or removed as required by the specific regulations and standards. Mobile radio and microwave communications will be used for the operation and maintenance of the pipeline . Communication facilities (towers, antennas, buildings, and support facilities) will be constructed at existing sites operated by the partners. Communication facilities will also be constructed at the proposed compressor stations. All communication facilities will be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and wil l be operated in accordance with FCC rules and regulations. The pipeline will be protected aga i nst corrosion with coating and cathodic protection devices. The pipeline will have an external coating of fusion-bonded epoxy measuring between 14 mil nominal, and 12 mil minimum. Cathodic protection devices will be installed within one year of the completion of the project. Two compressor stations will be constructed by TransColorado, the Olathe and Dolores compressor station. Neither one is located within Garfield County. 73 14.0 STAGING AREAS AND PIPE STORAGE AREAS Staging areas are necessary at specific locations along the ROW where major crossings are encountered. No major river or highway crossings are encountered in Garfield County. The only known staging area locations in the county are at the top and bottom of the Gilman Gulch aboveground legoff. The technical information on this section of the pipeline is discussed in the preceding chapter, Design Characteristics. One staging area, approximately 300 feet x 300 feet, will be necessary on the top of the hill, and one staging area, approximately 200 feet x 200 feet, will be necessary on the bottom of the hill. These areas are necessary to accommodate the construction of this difficult installation. All storage of construction equipment will occur at commercial sites identified by the appropriate contractor. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining these sites and acquiring any necessary approvals or authorizations. All pre-fabrication welding for the meter stations and block valves will be performed at contractor's commercial yards. The contractor will be responsible for obtaining these sites and acquiring any necessary approvals or authorizations. Pipe storage areas will be necessary to store the pipe which has been delivered to the area by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad. These areas will be located in commercial storage yards in Grand Junction and Rifle, and are discussed in more detail in the Transportation Plan. Pipe will be removed from these sites and delivered directly to the construction ROW. No additional pipe storage yards are anticipated. 74 I ,'- I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 15.0 NATURAL RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS Water. Approximately 1,200 to 1,500 gpm (gallons per minute) of water would be appropriated for the hydrostatic testing of the pipeline facilities for the entire p roject. Table 2 indicates potential water sources along the preferred route. No more than 5 percent of the current flow will be withdrawn from any one source. It is anticipated that pipeline segments would be tested in a sequential order, and therefore, water could be transferred from segment to segment. Water would be used to control fugi t ive construction as necessary. Water tankers woul d from sources listed in Table 2, page ~ Water would be dependent on construction site soil location, and seasonal conditions. dust during o btain water requirements conditions, Mineral Resources. Mineral resources, such as sand and gravel, would be needed for trench padding, gravel surfacing, and for roadway maintenance and repair. It is estimated that 7,500 cubic yards of imported trench padding material, 2,700 cubic yards of gravel surfacing, and a minimal amount of roadway gravel base would be used during construction of the entire project . For purposes of comparison, it is assumed that approximately 25 cubic yards of trench padding material would be needed for each pipeline mile. Therefore, approximately 650 cubic yards of trench padding material would be necessary for the pipeline installation in Garfield County. 75 TABLE 2 TransColorado Gas Transmission Project Potential Sources of Hydrostatic Test Water ··••···• ).} • .. .. ·5\rijfilri ·:.·.••.!.:• .• • ...••.••..•..•. ·.•• .. • .. • .• · .. • .• · .. • .• ·.•.· .. • .. · .• · .. · .• · ... •.·.···· ..•.. • ......................................... : .• • .• · .• · .••. • ...• • .• • .• • .• • .. ·.•· .. • .• • .. • .• • .•. • .• • .. • .•.••.•..•.••.••.••. • .................. · .•..••.. A .•. :.·.·.•· ........ • .• ·.v···· .•. • .•. · .•. ··.e.:·.•· ... •.• .. • .• ·.·.r.· .... a ... • .. · ... ·.l··.··g······ .. ·F0.·.·.·.·.·.·s·a .• · .• • ... •·.:.:· .• ·.o ...... ·• .. ·.· .. • .. ·.w .. ·.: .• :.•.•· .. · .• • ... • .... s .. · .• • .. ·.······:··· .•. •....•....•..••.•..• .• r.Alrffitiffi wJf:lai~wfil i.' . GPM ] .•.•.•. •.•.:•.:.·.·········.:.·······································.················'·· ••! .! ... · !:::/:•<::::·:::::•:•: ••••••••••:.:· ....... , ... ~: •>t • • .. •.• ...... •.·.·· .• ·.: .•. .-.•· .. · ...... •.•• ............. • .. ·.• .. ·• ... 1 ....• · ... • .. : ••.. • .. 0 ...• •·• ..• • ..• • ..••.. • ... • ..• A .. ··r····· ..••.• •.·•···•• ..•• • ..••.... ~ ...• • ..• • .• ·.·• ...• · .. ··• ..• s .. ·•· .• ···:y.:· ..• • .. ····F~ .. ·.·.··.mr···rows·········o····1········~··········.t~ .. •· ... ·.· .. · .. ···.::·ti··.·:Ac· .. ·.···c·v.· ... •E···.··.·.·.•.e.x.·•.s• ... l ... a 3 .. ·.:·.:· ... ·· .... ® ... · .... s.· .• · .• · ..• ·· .•• · ..• ·:······:e.~ ... • .... ·.··n···.:··· .. •· ...•...••... g·· •. · ..• • ..••.••. ·.; ... : ......... i.·•.: .• • .. : ..• • ..• • ..••..• ·.• .• ••i•••i•ii•i•iiii•·········••ll•ii••••!!•••llii•i•ii••i•i•••i•i• .................... ???????:?!?? .... :~:::~:~:~:~;:{::;?:~:::::'.:::?'. ::::::::::::::::::::::;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::{;'.\{{~~:f}~:}'./::::::::::::::: =1 . tfj)]{!ffiff/{ffj(})[ Piceance Creek Roan Creek Col orado River Plateau Creek Kannah Creek Gunnison River Roubideau Creek San Miguel River Disappointment Creek La Plata River Animas River Dolores River 32 44 3,945 180 31 2,439 120 249 18 37 926 440 1.6 718 2.2 987 3.4 1,500 3.4 1,500 1.5 673 3.4 1,500 3.4 1,500 3.4 1,500 0.9 404 1.8 808 3.4 1,500 3.4 1 500 1 Assuming a maximum withdraw rate of 5 percent with no more than 1,500 gpm (3.4 CFS) withdraw rate from any source. 76 I I· I i I I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 16.0 GENERAL CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES Pipeline construction involves a sequence of activities which are all related and must follow one another in order . The general sequence involves staking the right-of-way, clearing and grading, trench excavation, stringing the pipe, bending the pipe, welding the pipe, lowering the pipe into the trench, backfilling the trench, testing the pipe, cleanup and reclamation. Exhibit "A" illustrates the typical pipeline construction activities. The following are general descriptions of these activities. 16.1 Staking of the Right of Way TransColorado will clearly stake the edges of the construction ROW prior to clearing and grading activities. The contractor's personnel will be required to stay within these boundaries unless otherwise authorized by the affected landowner. Contractor personnel can be subject to dismissal from the project if they do not adhere to this requirement. 16.2 Clearing and Grading In general, a 75 foot wide ROW will be utilized for construction of the pipeline. Additional width for construction will be required for side hill cuts, river crossings and staging areas. Vegetation will be cleared and the construction ROW graded to prov i de for safe and efficient operation of construction equipment, and to provide space for temporary storage of spoil materia l and salvaged topsoil. In general, the width of the ROW clearing will be kept to a practical minimum to avoid undue disturbance of adjacent resources. In certain situations , brush clearing can be limited to trimming and/or crushing to avoid unnecessary disturbance of root systems. Where tree clearing is necessary, the clearing boundaries will be flagged and any specimen trees on the perimeter wi l l be preserved from damage. Where stands of trees are encountered, clearing will be i n such a manner as to eliminate the "straight line" effect and soften the visual impact, as requested by the landowner and/or governing agency. All brush and other materials that are cleared will be windrowed along the ROW. Where necessary, all brush and other debris cleared will be disposed of in accordance with instructions from the landowner, and all applicable laws and regulations. Any salable timber c l eared will be purchased by 77 TransColorado at a rate comparable to timber sales in the industry. Grading of the construction area will be performed in order to create a safe and sui table work surface for construction vehi cles and heavy equipment. On flat terrain, the work surf ace will be leveled across the entire ROW. A bi-level work surface may be necessary in sloped areas . Sidehill cuts will be kept to a minimum to ensure resource protection and minimize the amount of exposed soils. No construction activities will be conducted during conditions when the soil and the ROW or access roads are too wet to adequately support construction equipment . If construction equipment creates 4 inch deep ruts, support wi l l be deemed inadequate and construction activities will be discontinued until soil conditions improve. 16.3 Trench Excavation Construction methods employed to excavate a trench vary depending on soils, terrain, and related factors. Where possible, self-propelled trenching machines will be used. In situations such as with steep slopes, unstable soils, high water table and deep or wide trench requirements, convent i onal mechanica l track type backhoes may be used o Where rock is encountered, tractor-mounted mechanical rippers or rock trenching equipment may be used to facilitate excavation. In areas where rippers or trenchers are not practical or sufficient, blasting may be employed. Strict safety precautions will be taken when blasting. Backhoes will then be used to clean the ditch after ripping or blasting. Access to the affected lands will be maintained during construction activities as necessary. Where the pipel i ne crosses agricultural lands, specific access details will be formulated to allow property owners or tenants to move livestock and equipment across the excavated ditch. Adequate precautions will be taken to ensure that livestock and wildlife will not be prevented from reaching water sources because of the open ditch or pipe strung along the ROW. Such precautions will include contacting livestock operators, providing adequate crossing facilities, or other measures as needed. The depth of the ditch would vary with the conditions encountered. The cover from top of pipe to ground level, as graded to the finished ROW, will be in conformance with the requirements of DOT regulations. 78 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I When there are crossings of canals, borrow ditches, or irrigation ditches that are dredged to maintain depth, the pipeline would either span overhead or be buried underneath to a depth that permits safe dredging. A minimum of 4 2 inches of cover will be provided at borrow ditches, or as required by the governing agency. As a minimum, the ditch will be excavated to a depth to allow a clearance of 24 inches between the TransColorado pipeline and other existing pipelines or underground facilities. Machine excavation wi ll not be performed closer than 5 feet from any existing pipeline encountered in the ROW unless authorized by the pipeline owners/operators. Existing pipeline locations will be marked in the field and 48 hour prior notification given to the owner or operator of the utility. During trench excavation, topsoil will be separated and piled separately from subsoils. The remaining subsoil , or spoil material will be removed and stored in a manner that facilitates the backfilling operation. Spoil banks will contain gaps at appropriate locations to prevent storm runoff water from backing up or flooding. During this process, sediment barriers will be utilized where necessary to prevent sediment from entering water courses. Exhibit "B" illustrates typical cross sections of construction ROW 's for even terrain and sloping terrain. 16.4 Backfilling Backfilling will beg i n after the pipeline has been inspected and placed in the ditch. Backfill i ng will be conducted using a bulldozer, rotary auger backfiller, line travel padding machine, or other suitable equipment. Backfill will generally consist of the material originally excavated. In some cases, backfill material f rom other areas (borrow material) may be needed. The backf ill material would then be graded and compacted where necessary for ground stability, by being tamped or walked in with a wheeled or track vehicle. The soils will be replaced in a sequence and density similar to preconstruction conditions. Subsoils will be backfilled first, followed by replacement of topsoil . Once the trench has been backfilled and compacted, the topsoil wou l d typically be crowned in a berm, 12-inches high or less, and tapered outward from the center and/or spread uniformly over the disturbed ROW. The material i n the berm is intended to compensate for normal settling of backfilled materials. Any excess excavated materials or materials unfit for backfi l l will be properly disposed of in conformance with applicab l e laws or regulations, and landowner requirements. 79 17.0 RECLAMATION/EROSION CONTROL PLAN 17.1 Cleanup Activities Upon completion of backfilling activities, cleanup of the ROW will begin. The intent will be to restore the natural ground contour, re-establish plant growth, and allow natural surface drainage. 17.1.1 Re-Contouring The intent of the re-contouring effort will be to return the disturbed areas back to their original contour. This will be accomplished after the preliminary clean up efforts have been completed. All construction debris will be removed from the ROW and properly disposed of. Severely rutted areas or areas which have been densely packed due to construction activities, will be ripped or plowed to loosen up the soil. The loose soil will then be graded to leave it in the proper condition for revegetation. The disturbed areas will be re-contoured to the satisfaction of the affected landowner and/or governing agency. 17.1.2 Topsoil Replacement Topsoil that has been removed during cleaning and grading or trench excavation activities will be replaced and spread evenly over the disturbed area. Topsoil will be replaced last and is normally mounded in a berm over the trench to compensate for normal settling. In some areas, depending on irrigation requirements, the topsoil can be bladed smooth to match the original contours. The topsoil will never be used for padding material, and it will not be redistributed over the disturbed area if it is frozen. 17.2 Revegetation Recommended seed mixtures have been identified, and are included in the Draft EIS. Consultation with the local soil conservation authority, affected landowners, land managers and revegetation experts will determine the need for additional seed mixtures and appropriate seeding dates. 80 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Special land preparat ion will be used in critical areas to control erosion and enhance revegetation. This will be determined on a site specific basis. The seed bed will be prepared for a depth of 3 to 4 inches to help enhance successful revegetation. The seed mixture will be drilled where feasible, unless broadcasting is desired. If broadcasting of the seed mixture is desired or where drilling is not possible, the pounds of seed per acre will be doubled. Mulch applications will be used in sensitive areas to control erosion and enhance revegetation. Mulch would immediately be anchored to min i mize loss by wind and water. Along streambeds and in areas subject to high erosion, thatching or fiber blankets may be used. TransColorado will provide continuing revegetation ensure that an adequate cover of vegetation established. Inspection will be conducted after and second growing seasons to evaluate the Necessary efforts will be taken to ensure the success of the revegetation effort for a reasonable 17.3 Erosion Control efforts to has been the first success. continued time. TransColorado will utilize various techniques to control erosion to ensure a successful revegetation effort. A brief discussion of erosion control methods is discussed below. Refer to Chapter 8.0 for more detail. Erosion control will be utilized where necessary. Upon successful completion of reclamation activities, erosion control should be limited to steep slopes and extremely sensitive areas. Waterbars will be installed on steep slopes and maintained as a part of normal maintenance activities. The intent of erosion control is to prevent soil erosion which will in turn impact vegetation. This is normally accomplished by diverting drainage away from the disturbed area so it can begin and end in established vegetation or rock. Waterbars act as a barrier to runoff, diverting it off the ROW to a stabilized area; therefore, preventing extensive erosion. They are typically constructed of mounded earth and rock. On long slopes, a series of waterbars are used . The distance between waterbars depends on the soil erosion potential, predicted runoff, and slope. Representative distances between waterbars are identified in Chapter 8.0. Silt screens and hay bales, will only be used where necessary to control erosion, and will be maintained as required until vegetative ground cover has been established. The hay can be 81 scattered and used as mulching material once they are ready to be removed. Silt screens can also be used on a semi-permanent basis in areas where prolonged erosion is anticipated. They are made of synthetic material designed to retain sediment while allowing water to pass through. 82 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 18.0 OPERATION Physical operation of the pipeline and related facilities will be contracted to Western Gas Supply Company (WestGas), one of the three partners. WestGas personnel under contract to TransColorado will operate, maintain, and monitor the pipeline and work out of their existing d i vision offices located in Meeker, Grand Junction, and Durango. Gas control operations would generally be the respons i bility of Questar Pipeline Co., one of the three partners, and would be accomplished by remote control. Personnel wi ll continuous l y monitor and control the pipe l ine using a microwave telemetering system. The base stat ion for t h i s control wou l d be in Salt Lake City, Utah. The pipeline wi ll be marked, i n accordance with regulations, with appropriate metal signs. Mobile radio and microwave commun i cations would be used for operation and maintenance of the pipeline. Communication facilities will be located at the c ompressor stat i ons . Infrastructure needs required f o r the operation of the pipeline would be minimal. Gas a n d electr ic power would be required to operate offices, c o mmunication systems, and ancillary pipeline facilities. Transportation needs would include access to the pipeline ROW and ancilla r y facilities. WestGas field personnel would make periodic visits for inspection and maintenance to the compressor stations, meter stations, and pigging facilities. The pip el i ne route would be inspected periodically by aerial reconnaissance. The pipeline would be monitored annually for leaks by inspecting the entire route "on the ground." Field inspections would be conducted on the pipel i ne ROW and at the ancillary facilities primarily for routine maintenance, corrosion inspection, and leak surveys. Field crews would also be available for unexpected repairs and emergency procedures. Aerial patrols of the entire pip eline will be conducted. Patrolling will be conducted in accordance with DOT regulations. Aerial inspections would be conducted by helicopter and would serve to moni t or the pipeline conditions and the success of reclamation efforts and erosion control. Aerial patrols are intended to e n sure adequate surveillance of the entire pipeline system and t imely response to problems and concerns. 83 19.0 EVIDENCE OF TITLE (EASEMENT) Prior to construction beginning on the project, TransColorado wi ll initiate negotiations with the effected landowners to acquire the necessary land rights. Easements will be acquired fo r the permanent pipeline right-of-way and the necessary access. Construction easements will also be acquired for any temporary right-of-way located outside of the permanent easement boundaries. Landowners will be compensated for the rights acquired to their p r operty , and any damages which occur to the remainder . A copy of Trans Colorado's standard easement form is attached on the fol l ow i ng two pages. Every effort will be made to acquire the rights by good faith negotiations with each landowner; however, i f the necessary rights cannot be acquired by a negotiated agreement, eminent doma i n proceedings will be instituted to obtain these r i ghts. Land f or meter s tation sites will be purchased or legally acquired in fee simple. 84 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TRANSCOLORADO GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY RIGHT-OF-WAY AND EASEMENT GRANT _____________ __, of County, State of ("Grantor"), conveys and warrants to TRANSCOLORADO GAS TRANSMISSION COMPANY, 12055 West 2nd Place, Lakewood , Colorado 80228-1506 ("Grantee"), a right of way and easement feet in width through and across the following lands situated in County, State of Colorado ("t he Lands "): The centerline of the right of way shall extend through and across the Lands as follows: This right of way and easement is granted in consideration of TEN and N0/100 DOLLARS ($10.00) and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is acknowledged, and shall permit Grantee to lay, maintain, operate, repair, inspect, protect, remove and replace pipelines, valves, valve boxes and other gas transmission and distribution facilities, (collectively, the "Facilities") through and across the Lands. Grantee shall be entitled to have and to hold this right of way and easement for so long as the Facilities shall be maintained, with the right of ingress to, egress from, and access on and along the right of way to construct, maintain, operate, repair, inspect, protect, remove and replace the Facilities. This right of way and easement shall carry with it the right to use existing roads for the purpose of conducting the foregoing activities. Grantee may also temporarily use such portion of Grantor's property along and adjacent to the right of way as may be reasonably necessary in connection with construction, maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of the Facilities. Grantor shall have the right to use the Lands, except for the purposes for which this right of way and easement is granted to Grantee, provided such use does not interfere with the Facilities or any other rights granted to Grantee under this Right-of-Way and Easement Grant ("Grant"). Grantor shall not build or construct or in any way permit to be built or constructed any building or other improvement over or across the right of way, or change its contour without written consent of Grantee. Grantee will use such methods of weed control on the easement for five (5) years as are reasonably necessary to control the growth of thistle and other noxious weeds. Grantee agrees to pay damages that may arise to crops or fences caused by the exercise of its rights under this Grant. Should any unresolved dispute arise as to such damages, it shall, at the written request of either party, be arbitrated and determined by disinterested arbitrators, one to be appointed by Grantor and one by Grantee with in 20 days after such request. If the two so 85 chosen are unable to agree within 90 days after appointment, then they shall, within 30 days after written request by either the Grantor or the Grantee, select a third arbitrator. If the two arbitrators cannot agree on a third arbitrator, either Grantor or Grantee may seek appointment of a third arbitrator by a federal district judge of the district in which the Lands lie . The decision of any two of the arbitrators so appointed shall be final. This Grant shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs , legal representatives, successors and assigns of Grantor and the successors and assigns of the Grantee and may be assigned in whole or in part by Grantee. This Grant contains the entire agreement between Grantor and Grantee and, except as stated, there are no other oral promises, agreements or warranties affecting it. WITNESS the execution hereof this ___ day of _____ _,199 _. Witness: GRANTOR: STATE OF COLORADO ) )SS: COUNTY OF ) On this day of 1991, personally appeared before me ___ _ ________ _,the signer_ of the foregoing instrument, who duly acknowledged to me that _he_ executed the same. Notary Public My Commission Expires: Residing at: 86 I I I I I 'I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ' I I I I I I I I I I I I 20.0 FIRE PLAN This plan outlines the channels of responsibility for fire prevention and suppression activities and sets up procedures in the event of a fire within the project area. The project area is defined as: that area within one-half mile of the project ROW, work areas, aerial flight areas and all roads and trails used for construction purposes. This fire plan ill apply to any and all subcontractors and their employees. TransColorado will require that all employees, contractors, and s u bcontractors and their employees are made aware of the contents of this Fire Plan. This plan will be in force during the cons truction phase of the project. Fire Prevention Practices Burning or Blasting. During the period of high fire danger, advanced approval will be obtained before any blasting or burning of brush or slash. Only electronic deton ators shall be used for blasting, unless authorization is obtained to use other methods. Explosives will be stored in accordance with all Federal, State and local laws concerning the use and storage of explosives. Spark Arresters. All diesel or gasoline operated engines shall be equipped with adequate spark arresting devices. Lunch and Warming Fires. Lunch and warming fires, including barbecue grills and charcoal pits, will not be permitted. Smoking. The contractor(s) may, during periods of low to moderate fire danger, permit smoking by i ts employees, but only in safe places. During periods of high or extreme fire danger, smoking may be prohibited except in designated safe areas. Smoking will not be permitted on or around areas containing explosives or inflammable materials. Power Saws. Spark arresters that meet BLM/USFS standards are required on all gasoline power saws. Gas and oil will be carried only in OSHA approved safety cans. Saw operators will check closely around the cuts of logs felled or bucked, particularly in the vicinity of cuts to make certain no fire has started. Storage and Service Areas. Equipment service oil storage areas, and explosive a r eas will be flammable material for a distance of 50 feet. Explosive storage areas will be labeled as Smoking" signs erected. 87 area, gas cleared of Flammable such and and all and "No Oil Filters, Cartridaes, Oily Raas. Used oil, used oil filters, cartridges, and oily rags or waste will be removed from the project area. Glass bottles or jugs will not be used for water, oil, or gasoline. Fire Suppression Policy It is understood and agreed that TransColorado will do all within its power to prevent and suppress fires within the project area. Payment. (For costs incurred in fire suppression activities) A. TransColorado will require its contractors to be responsible for suppression costs together with damages for all fires started as a result of the project construction or contractors on the project or employees of said contractor. B. BLM/USFS will pay the contractors or subcontractors personnel fire fighting and equipment wages for fire suppression work on fires not a result of the project operation or its personnel. It will be the responsibility of the Company to pay the wages of employees for fire fighting, if the fire started as a result of project operations or employees of subcontractors of the Company. Also it will be the responsibility of the Company to pay for equipment used on fire if the fire started as a result of the project operations or employees or subcontractors of the Company. Job Site Equipment The contractor(s) shall furnish and maintain in a serviceable condition, three 100-man tool boxes for its personnel to be used only for suppressing forest fires. These boxes with their tools will be kept sealed and available within the immediate working area of each crew. Each tool box will have in a serviceable condition, the following minimum items: 50 round pointed (O or larger) shovels 10 double bitted axes 50 backpack pumps 50 pulaskis The contractor(s) shall furnish one round pointed (0 or larger) shovel and one pulaski to carry on each project vehicle. Tools will not be required to be carried on helicopters. However, the tool boxes must be available to be transported by helicopters if necessary. 88 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I For each power saw, one round pointed shovel ( o or larger) and one AB rated fire extinguisher of not less than eight ounce capacity, by weight, will be furnished. Within ten (10) days after start of construction, the contractor(s) shall furnish a list of equipment and manpower that will be used. The list will be attached to and become a part of this fire plan. Fire Response/Responsibility TransColorado: a. Is responsible for and will direct all suppression activities on the active project area until relieved by the BLM/USFS Authorized Officer. b. Will ensure that prevention and suppression actions are in accord with the construction permit requirements and requirements set forth in this Fire Plan. c. Will delegate to the next highest in authority responsibilities for the above activities when Company's designated representative is not on project. Bureau of Land Management/US Forest Service: the the the 1. The designated BLM/USFS Officer in c h arge will discuss the Fire Plan with the Company and will discuss with them the equipment and manpower action to be taken when a fire occurs. 2. The designated BLM/USFS Of f icer in charge and the Company will periodically inspect the project area for compliance with the Fire Plan requirements. Company's Responsibility When a Fire Occurs Within the Project Area The Company will immediately send the nearest project crew with appropriate tools and equipment to the fire and take initial attack action. If additional manpower is required, Company will use available personnel, and they will remain at the site until released by BLM/USFS Officer in charge. Communications. The nearest County Sheriff will also be contacted and informed of the location of the fire and the action taken. The Company is to call the Sheriff who will in turn notify the BLM or USFS whichever is applicable. A dispatcher will also be designated to send and receive messages. 89 Rio Blanco County Sheriff (878-5023) Meeker, co Garfield County Sheriff (945-9151) Glenwood Springs, co Mesa County Sheriff Grand Junction, CO (244-3500) 90 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,, I I I I I I 21.0 SPILL PLAN All measures necessary and appropriate for the prevention and containment of accidental discharges will be taken. Spillable materials that are most likely to be used are fuels (gasoline, diesel) and lubricants. Refueling and storage of these substances will not be allowed within buffer zones near river or stream crossings. Equipment refueling, except pumps for hydrostatic testing, will not be allowed within 100 yards of a listed threatened or endangered plant species or perennial or ephemeral stream. Trenching machines or backhoes will be used for trench excavation where possible. At the crossings of existing high pressure liquid hydrocarbon pipelines, the following spec i fic measures will be implemented to prevent any damage: 1) A representative from the existing pipeline company will be on site during cleari ng and grad i ng of the rig ht-of-way and the excavation of the trench. 2) The pipeline will be located using a pipe locator and the line will be staked and f l agged. 3) Mechanical excavating equipment will not be used within five feet of the buried pipeline unless authorized by the pipeline owner and operator. Construction workers will then excavate the trench by hand to physically locate the pipeline. Once the pipeline is exposed, a b ackhoe can be used to clean out the trench. 4) If the line is ruptured during construction, spills will be contained within the open trench. Spoils plugs will b e left in the trench on the downhill side of the liquid pipeline crossing. Vacuum tank trucks wil l be used to pick up the pooled liquid and saturated soils will be removed and disposed of at an approved disposal facility. 5) In the event of a rupture, upstream pipeline pumping facilities and appropriate valves on the line will be closed to reduce spillage, if a spill occurs. 6) Appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies will be notified of t he incident. regulatory The entire pipeline will be hydrostatically tested after the line has been installed and buried. Water will be taken from various sources in accordance with applicable regulations and portable pumps will be used to fill each test section. These pumps are typically driven by diesel fuel engines. To prevent environmental damage from potential fuel spills 91 during the operation of the engine(s), the following measures will be taken: 1) 2) 3) Portable pumps will not be placed within fifty (50) feet of the stream, creek, or river bank. An earthen dike will be constructed around the pump (s) and portable fuel tank ( s) to contain any accidentally spilled fuel. Spilled fuel and contaminated soils within the diked areas will be removed and disposed of properly. A construction employee and inspector will be on site at all times to monitor the operation of the pump(s). Any fuel leaks will be repaired immediately. 4) Refueling of the pumps will take place within the diked areas. Tanker truck operators will not allow residual fuel in fill hoses to drain on the ground. 5) Limit the amount of diesel fuel to be stored at the pump site to 500 gallons. These requirements will be included in the construction contrac t specifications. In addition, the contractors and subcontractor(s) will be required to provide TransColorado with a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan for the transportation and refueling of construction equipment. 92 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 22.0 PUBLIC SAFETY Interstate natural gas pipelines are considered America's safest transportation network. The transportation of natural gas by pipeline involves some degree of risk to the public in the event of an accident and subsequent release of natural gas. The greatest hazard is the possibility of fire or explosion following a major pipeline rupture . In the event of fire because of a natural gas leak or rupture, the pipeline company would shut off the supply of natural gas to the leaking section of pipeline. Once the leaking pipeline section is isolated, the leak or fire would be allowed to empty or burn itself out. Local fire departments would be responsible only for controlling the spread of secondary fires to any dwellings, structures, and property in the general area at risk. Beginning in February 1970, 49 CFR Part 191 required all operators of transmission and gathering systems to notify DOT of specific types of incidents that occurred during operation of the approximately 300,000 miles of natural gas transmission and gathering systems nationwide. The number of failures during the 14-year period, from February 1970 through June 1984, remained fairly constant, with no upward or downward trends. Slightly more than half of the operational failures were caused by outside forces , defined as the encroachment of mechanical equipment, such as bulldozers and backhoes; from earth movements, such as washouts or geologic hazards; from weather effects, such as winds, storms, and thermal strains; and from willful damage. An analysis of the outside forces causing pipeline failures indicates that human error in equipment usage accounts for approximately 75 percent of all such incidents. The frequency of failure during operation is strongly dependent on pipeline age, with p i pelines instal l ed prior to 1950 exhibiting a significantly h i gher incidence of failure. Older pipelines have a higher frequency of corrosion, since corrosion is a time-dependent process, and new pipe generally has more advanced coatings and cat hodic protection to reduce corrosion potential. The use of both an external protective coating and a cathodic protection system, required on all pipelines installed after July 1971, significantly reduces the rate of failure over unprotected or partially protected pipe. Older pipelines also have a higher frequency of incidents caused by outside forces, in part because they may be less well marked and, in part, because older pipelines tend to be of a smaller diameter and are more easily crushed or broken by mechanical equipment or earth movement . 93 The average number of non-employees killed in gas transmission and gathering line accidents per year is . 2. 5 (based on 1970-1984 data) . This translates to a public fatality rate of o. 008 per 1, 000 miles of transmission and gathering lines per year for the entire national network. Application of the industry-wide average to the total of 302 miles of pipeline for the TransColorado project yields a recurrence interval of one fatality every 410 years. However, the remote location of the majority of the pipeline will further reduce public exposure and risk. The proposed pipeline expansion would cause only a very slight increase in risk to the nearby public. 94 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX A TRANSPORTATION PLAN I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TRANSPORTATION PLAN INTRODUCTION As explained earlier, the TransColorado pipeline project will be constructed utilizing three separate mainline construction spreads. The following transportation plan describes the federal, state, private and county roads and highways to be used during the construction of the first 125 miles of pipeline and appurtenant facilities. It also discusses equipment hauling, rail delivery of the pipe, transportation of the pipe, transportation of workers, and transportation needs during pipeline operation and maintenance. This plan refers to the spread responsible for construction through Rio Blanco, Garfield, Mesa, Delta and Montrose counties. TransColorado personnel met wi t h the Mesa County Road Supervisor and a member of the County Engineering Department on May 3, 1991. The project was explained and use of county roads was discussed. Several concerns were raised by the county representatives, and documented by TransColorado. Since that meeting, the transportation plan has been amended to reflect several of their concerns. Communication will continue throughout the construction phase of the project. Any major concerns regarding the transportation plan will be addressed prior to construction beginning. All county regulations pertaining to road use will be met and road use permits will be acquired. TransColorado will be fully responsible for any damage to county roads or facilities caused as a direct result of their usage by TransColorado and/or the construction contractor during construction of the project. Following construction completion , a post construction field review of all roads used will be conducted as necessary. At this review, any damages will be addressed and necessary repairs agreed upon. I 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I TRANSPORTATION PLAN 1.1 Pipeline Construction Existing Federal, State, County, Private, BLM, and Forest Service roads will be used during construction of the TransColorado Pipeline. These roads will be used for transportation of equipment, materials, and personnel to and from the project all along the alignment. All Federal , State, and Co unty regulations will be met, and road use permits will be acquired. All private road s used will be covered in the landowner agreements. 1.1.1 State and Federal hig hways to be used in the region are listed in Table 1. Table 1 -State and Federal Highway Access 0 0' i ~I i i 11111 1.1 111111 1·:111 • 11111 l~!f ~ ·111 ~1111 1111 !11 I 1·1:'~~~ ••••··•••1••1•••• •• /. // ·•·•·•·•K I~ y ' ,... 111 n ·.·.· ·r :t I' I ~I~Ilp.. . . .Ni ... ·.·. ·.· .· .. ·.· ····.·.·. ··.·.·. ··•· ··•·• .·•· .•.• Colo I-70 A Rifle Co. to Ut/Co . border moderate Colo US-50 B Grand Jct. Co. to Montrose. Co moderate Colo US-50 B Montrose. Co. to Rid!!ewav . Co . li!!ht Colo US-160 B Cortez. Co to Jct. with Co. 172 light Colo US-550 B Durango to N. Mex./Co . border li!!ht Colo US-666 B Ut/Co. border to N. Mex./Co. bdr moderate Colo 13 B Rio Blanco to Rifle. Co. lie: ht Colo 62 c Ride:ewav Co . to Placerville. Co lie:ht Colo 65 c Jct. I-70 to Mesa. Co. lie: ht Colo 90 E Montrose. Co to Jct. with Co.14 1 light Colo 140 c Hesnerus. Co . to N . Mex. border lie: ht Colo 141 c Whitewater Co. to Dove Creek.Co lie: ht Colo 145 c Jct. Co. 14 1 to Cortez. Co lie: ht Colo 146 c Cliflou Co . to Jct. US-50 light Colo 184 c Lewis Co. to Mancos. Co lie:ht Colo 348 D Delta. Co. to Olathe. Co. li!!ht Colo us 6/24 I-70 Jct.to I-70 Jct. light N. Mex US-64 B Farmin!!ton NM to Bloomfld NM lie: ht N. Mex US-550 B Shiorock. NM to Co./NM border moderate N. Mex US-666 B Co./NM border to Galluo. NM moderate 1 - I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 1 -State and Federal Hiehwav Access (continued) l:lill ~!~~ii 1111 l!!t~~ 1119Jlf l ~i'i lllli 1111 111 ii11ll i~li ill i ii ~i! I:! II HI 1!il~~~i;l ! I N. Mex N. Mex N. Mex Utah Utah Utah 44 B Bloomfield. NM to Aztec NM 170 c FarminE?:ton NM to Co/MN border 574 c LaPlata NM to Aztec. NM I-70 A Ut/Co. border to Crescent Jct. Ut. US-191 B Crescent Jct.. Ut to Monticello Ut. US-666 B Monticello Ut to Co/Ut. border Roads shown on map number 100. Road Classification: Interstate Highways Principle Highways Secondary Highways Medium Duty Highways Light Duty Highways A B c D E Hauling Use Daily 0-10 Light (L) 11-25 Moderate (M) 25-50 Heavy (H) liE?:ht li!:!ht moderate moderate moderate The traffic load on the Interstate highways and principle highways will depend on where the construction equipment comes from . With the initial start of construction the average hauling for all "3" construction spreads will average 15 pieces of equipment hauled daily for the first 3.2 weeks of construction. It will then taper off for the hauling of equipment until the end of the construction period. Then the haul will commence with the same amount of equipment being hauled out. This does not take into account equipment that will be rented in Grand Jct., Co., or Farmington, NM. This equipment is all ready in the area and any hauling would be to the project alignment. Each contract spread will haul in approximately the same amount of equipment. Regional Railroad Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad Line pipe delivered to: Rifle, Colo. Grand Jct., Colo. Delta/Olathe, Colo. 2 Approximate Footage 240,000 LF 340,000 LF 280,000 LF I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I II I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1.1.2 Athinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Line pipe delivered to: Awroximate Footage Gallup, NM 800,000 LF Transportation of equipment on County, BLM, Forest Service and private roads as shown in Table 3. This will be broken down into sections according to the segment of the alignment awarded to each pipeline contractor. Included in these segments will be probable warehousing facilities and storage facilities locations. These segments will include alternate alignments. First Segment: From the Meter Station at Big Hole (MP 0) to the proposed Olathe compressor station (MP 121.6). Approximate length 121.6 miles. Equipment storage is unlikely, but if it occurs it will be stored at the contractors commercial yard in: Grand Jct., Colorado or Rifle, Colorado Most likely the equipment will be transported directly to the staging areas along the Right of Way alignment. For equipment, see Table 2 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 2 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FOR A TYPICAL MAINLINE CONSTRUCTION SPREAD l'llilllii -::iillll!ffJ&!lll li,I 32 Pickuo Trucks 6.000 3 Suburbans 6 200 12 1 Ton Flat Bed Trucks 6.500 3 2 Ton Mechanics Trucks 12.000 15 DS Track Tvoe Dozers 82.500 16 Track Tvoe Backhoes 69 000 to 92. 000 2 Track Mounted Wheel Ditchers 80.000 1 Track Mounted Rock Ditcher 90.000 10 Buses 8.000 to 12.000 2 Rock Drills 64.000 4 Front-end Loaders 44.000 1 Sand Bag Sacker 2.500 1 Cherry Picker 42.000 14 Stringing Trucks 18.000 20 Pole Trailers 2.000 6 2 112 Ton Trucks 13.000 15 Sidebooms 61.300 to 90 300 5 Tow Tractors 82.500 3 Challenger Tow Cats 32.000 2 Bending Machines 1.800 27 Welding Rigs 7.500 2 Tack Rigs 62.000 4 Water Trucks 33.000 4 X-rav Rigs 6.200 2 Ditch Padding Machines 130 000 2 Motor Patrols 40.500 1 Fill Pumo 3.400 1 Test Pump 3.400 1 Boring Machine 4.200 1 Crane Truck 40.000 2 1500 CFM Air Comoressors 20 000 3 Kenworth Tractors and Low Boys 51,000 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ii I I I I I I I I I I I All equipment will be delivered by contractor or commercial carrier to job site. All Federal, State and County permits will be acquired. F.ach piece of hauled equipment will most likely be hauled over the main county roads 1 or 2 times. Equipment driven to job site will travel the roads twice daily: Pickups, suburbans, 3/4 ton X-ray truck, 1 ton trucks, and buses. Trucks that will travel the roads more than 2 times are: Water trucks, Inspection Pickups, Foreman Pickups. Heavy equipment will be delivered to staging area, then they will work along the right of way. The only time they will be hauled again is when moving around an obstacle: River crossing, Interstate highway crossing, etc. Average daily equipment haul first 3.2 weeks: 0-5 Light (L) 6-12 Moderate (M) 13-20 Heavy (H) Peak hauling for any one phase would be at rate on Table 3 in any one area. 5 1- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 3 Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Rio Blanco Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Co Rd. #S County Sec3S T2S R97W Private Sec36 T2S R97W Priv/BLM#S Sec2 T3S R97W Private Sec11 T3S R97W Private Secl4 T3S R97W Private Seel T3S R97W BLM#S Sec12 T3S R97W BLM #4,#5 Sec13 T3S R97W BLM #4,#S Sec24 T3S R97W BLM #4,#5 Sec2S T3S R97W BLM #4,#S Sec36 T3S R97W Private BLM #4, #S Sec18 T3S R96W BLM#S Sec19 T3S R96W BLM#S Sec36 T3S R97W BLM#S Co Rd. #213 County Co Rd. #204 County Sec31 TIS R97W BLM Secs TIS R97W Private Co Rd. #V·20 County Co Rd. #V·30 County Co Rd. 43-50 County 1-70 N. Service Rd. State Co Rd. #4S ·SO County 1-70 S. Service Rd. State Co Rd. #UOO County Co Rd. 4SOO County Co Rd. '1'00 County Co Rd. #48·50 County Co Rd. #48 ·SO County Secs T11S R97W Private Sec7 T11S R97W BLM 6 Paved None 1,2,3, M 3A,3B Gravel Light grading 3 L Paved None 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Paved None 3 L Dirt/Paved None/Light grading 3 L Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 L Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 L Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 L Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 4 L Gravel Light grading 7 L Paved None 7 M Dirt Light grading 7 L Dirt Light grading 8 L Paved/Grav None 10 L Paved/Grav None 10 L Paved/Grav None 10 L Gravel None 10 L Paved None 10 L Gravel None 10 L Gravel Light grading 10 L Gravel None 10 L Gravel Light grading 10 L Paved/Grav None/grading 11 L Gravel Light grading 12 L Dirt Grading 13 L Gravel Grade and Improve 13 L I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 3 Access for Equipment Hauling (Segment 1, continued) :::: fiiffiitr: ·•' ,: .•• ia~a··8l'.i&ini~ ··-· .·,'.•,·•.•,•.•-,•.•,•.•,• .. ,·.•.·.'.•,•,_•·,•.•,•-•,•.R.•.·.••.•.·,oa_.:_•·.·.•.•.•.·-•··.··.d_•,··.•·-,_•·-•·-•-•.•• ... •.• •.•·.•.•.•-•.•-•.••.'_••-·.•·.•.•-• .•.•-.·•_':_•:.•.•.•.•.•.•-•-•-•-•-•.•.•.•-•-•·.•.•.•.Mii.·.•··.,_·_·.·.·.·.•··.•.·•.·'.·.•·.,_n_•._·.·.•··.,_·._:_•~-·.•.•.•.•-•-•-• ... •.•.•.•.•.•.•·.•.• < •ll!!•il!!lill•illll••llii•i•i 11111 Ji ·,•.·_,'_, •. __ ,·_,• __ ,•_,•,'.c'.,'."•'-:•.'_.o· .. ·.·.'.·~_:rioii','.'_•.•_•.','.f'iii'·_·.•_••.·•_',•_.,•.,• .. ,• .. ,•.·,:·_._,·.•,•·_,•_,•_··,•.• .. ,• .. •_::··,•·_.,•·_,··_,•_,• .,,_, ·_, .. •,•_, .. •,•_, .. •.•.·,•_::· .. •,· .. ,c._.,_._'.'_'_,_"'''_·''.;J!''./'".'o''.' .. ••.n•'_•.••.·.····.•_,.•,iw:!::·':·.·.·.·.•.•.,·'.".·•.'_s·.·_' ... '.·.·.:.:_,_'.••.·." •.···_ •..•.•. R,,.,.,,_._• .• ••_.•, w r ,,,,,,,, ~;J ~ ·~ °' •••• ,~ :::Stana¢e < '!t~'Mtl@Jt :.,•• i======================== Mesa Sec6 Tl IS R.97W BLM Gravel Grade and Improve 13 L Mesa Seel TllS R.98W BLM Gravel Grade and Improve 13A L Mesa Sec2 TllS R98W Private Gravel Grade and Improve 13A L Mesa Co Rd. #39·10 County Paved None 13A L Mesa See19 TllS R97W Private Dirt Grade and Improve 13 L Mesa See30 Tl IS R.97W Private Dirt Grade and Improve 13 L Mesa See29 Tl lS R97W Private Dirt Grade and Improve 13 L Mesa Co Rd. CS·lO County Paved/Grav None 13 L Mesa Seell T2S R2E Private Gravel Light grading 13 L Mesa See12 T2S R2E Private Gravel Light grading 13 L Mesa Seel T2S R2E Private Dirt Grading 13 L Mesa See36 TIS R2E Private Dirt Grading 13 L Mesa Co Rd. COO County Paved None 14 L Mesa Co Rd. CS·lO County Paved None 15 L Mesa Co Rd. CS·20 County Paved None 15 L Mesa Co Rd. FSOO County Paved None 15 L Mesa Co Rd. FSOO County Paved None 16 L Mesa See33 T2S R2E BLM Dirt Grading 16 L Mesa Sec4 T3S R2E Private Dirt Light grading 16 L Mesa Sec3 T3S R2E Private Dirt Light grading 16 L Mesa See2 T3S R2E Private Dirt Light grading 16 L Delta Co Rd. G-SO County Paved None 18 M Delta Seel8 T15S R96W Private Dirt Light grading 18 L Delta Seel8 Tl5S R96W Dept. of Wildlife Rea. Dirt Light grading 19 L Delta Co Rd. G·50 County Paved None 19 M Delta Co Rd. G County Gravel None 19 L Delta Co Rd. G County Paved None 19A L Montrose Co Rd. 5500 County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Transfer County Gravel None 21 L Montrose Co Rd. Hickory County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Holly County Paved/Grav None 21 L Montrose Co Rd. Hillside County Paved None 21 L Montrose Co Rd. Jasmine County Paved None 21 L 7 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 3 Ac~ for Equipment Hauling (Segment 1, continued) ·><·•·········}{··· .. c1···· •. ff ···········••>•• Mfilri~•······ ... ········· > ·.•· .. ·· .. •· .... · ... ·· .. •··•·••··.•·· ... ·.c.·· .... ·"' ?;;:.:~!•o)n<·· .. ·.· .. wn ...... ·.• .. •· •. •.· ... ··s· ·.· ..• ··.•~.·····.• ..• •· •• · •.. ·Ro ..... r ..••. · .•.•..••......•..•....•..•..• · .. · .. • •• . g9iijlty • ? ~ ·~·· -·• .. •.•.·.•.··.·······.• .. •.•.•.·.•.• .. •.• •... •.•• .. •.• .. ·.•.·.s•·.···.••.·.~.··"•.•·.~·.0.··.·.·.•.8 .. a··.·.·.·ce•.•. UCli ( t<~t.lif~ > ( Montrose Co Rd. Jasmine County Paved None 21A L Montrose Co Rd. 58'50 County Paved None 21A L Montrose Co Rd. Jig County Paved None 21A L Montrose Co Rd. Jay Jay County Paved None 21A L 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1.1.3 Transportation of Line Pipe (Segment #1) Pipe will be transported on Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad to commercial storage yards in Rifle, Grand Jct., Delta, and Olathe. The proposed storage areas are shown on Maps: Rifle Grand Jct. Delta Olathe 3C 52A, 53A 19A 21A The pipe will be transported by truck from the various storage yards to the pipeline right of way over the Federal and State highway on Table #1 and County, BLM, and Private roads on Table 6. Federal and State highways would be subject to approximately 20 loads a day. Average daily transportation through stringing phase: 0-7 Light (L) 8-16 Moderate (M) 17-25 Heavy (H) Peak pipehauling for any one area would be at rates on Table #6. Pipe Storaee Yards Commercial storage yards along railroad: Rifle, Colorado for pipe storage from MP 0-70 374,000 linear feet of 22" line pipe Grand Junction, Colorado for pipe storage from MP 70-105 185,000 linear feet of 22" line pipe Delta, Colorado for pipe storage from MP 105-121.6 section #1 88,000 linear feet of 22" line pipe section #1 9 I I I, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 Access for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) ·::;••N.~~~:mu. <R~~~~tl~·~~·····.··.···1 n••••• i)<U>i••••••••lt••••••••••••••••>·•·•·• ~~··············•• n••~~t~/•••••<•••••••••~P•·.••·.·•: I ? t£9**tl:tt • ~tforl~~$~~;g ••••••••••in••••••• ~~hi~••••••••••••••t ci $1 ;:• ..•.. •••••••. <•·••·•••••••J!e4w~¢4U•••<• >•···••••·•N<•• ·•····•••••i{f~ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Rio Blanco Co Rd. #S Rio Blanco Co Rd. #26 Rio Blanco Co Rd. #29 Rio Blanco Co Rd. #87 Rio Blanco Co Rd. #69 Rio Blanco Sec21 T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec26 T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec27 T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec33 T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec34 T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec3 T3S R97W Rio Blanco Sec3S T2S R97W Rio Blanco Sec36 T3S R97W Rio Blanco Sec2 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Secll TIS R97W Rio Blanco Secl4 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec2 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Secll T3S R97W Rio Blanco Secl4 T3S R97W Rio Blanco Sec23 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec26 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Seel TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec12 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec13 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec24 TIS R97W Rio Blanco Sec2S TIS R97W County County County County County Private Private Private BLM#l BLM #1, #2 BLM#'2 Private Private/BLM#S Private Private Private BLM#3 BLM#3 BLM#3 Private/BLM #3 Private/BLM #3 BLM#S BLM #4, #S BLM #4, #S BLM #4, #5 BLM #4, #S 10 Paved None 123, H 3A,3B Paved None 2 L Gravel Light grading 2 L Gravel Light grading 2 L Gravel Light grading 2 L Dirt Light grading 2 L Gravel Light grading 2 L Gravel Light grading 2 L Dirt Light grading 2 L Dirt Light grading 2 L Dirt Light grading 2 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Paved None 3 H Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Gravel Light grading 3 L Dirt Light grading 3 L Dirt Light grading 3 L Dirt Light grading 3 L Dirt Light grading 3 L Dirt Light grading 3 L Paved None 3 H Dirt/Paved Light 3 UH grading/None Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 L/H Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 UH Dirt/Gravel Light grading 3 UH I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 Ace~ for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) (continued) ·········••••taht~~··········· ·············••ii6 ~d &iliri~i ·••6i ••••• .•.••••.•. ························ ············•·>·.···········.·•<·.··· < ••• />···················•.•····· !••••••••••••••••••! ... ~~Th~~.y I < ·.·.·.···ft >+•.•• •·•·•••·•·•••s&:u<>ri •·r L•·•s 1••••& R.J < p~~---'Ship / I / '."""'.'7----< -I"'\ .•.•.•.......•. / Rio Blanco Sec36 T3S R97W Private/ELM Dirt/Gravel L ight grading #4,#5 Rio Blanco Sec18 T3S R96W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec19 T3S R96W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec35 T3S R97W BLM #3 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec2 T4S R97W Private Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec35 T3S R97W Private Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec2 T4S R97W BLM #4 Dirt Light grading Rio Blanco Secll T4S R97W BLM#4 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec36 T3S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Seel T4S R97W BLM#5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec2 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Secll T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec14 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Rio Blanco Secll T4S R97W BLM #3 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco SeclO T4S R97W BLM #3 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec15 T4S R97W BLM #3 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Secll T4S R97W BLM #4 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec14 T4S R97W BLM #4 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec15 T4S R97W BLM #4 Dirt L ight grading Rio Blanco Sec14 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel Light grading Rio Blanco Sec15 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Garfield Sec22 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Garfield Sec27 T4S R97W BLM #5 Gravel L ight grading Garfield Sec34 T4S R97W Private Gravel L ight grading Garfield Sec4 T5S R97W Private Gravel Light grading Garfield Sec9 T5S R97W Private Gravel L ight grading Garfield SeclO T5S R97W Private Gravel L ight grading Garfield Sec9 T5S R97W Private Dirt Light grading 11 l ~~e ··········~s~·········· , ... 3 L/H 3 H 3 H 4 L 4 L 4 L 4 L 4 L 4 H 4 H 4 H 4 H 4 H 5 L 5 L 5 L 5 L 5 L 5 L 5 H 5 H 5 H 5 H 5 H 5 H 5 H 6 L 6 L I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 II }i' 577T ···· ~t~~ ) ·•·• .. Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Garfield Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Access for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) (continued) iit>~d N'iliri&t-t>ri l••················•••C>wnershl·p··············•···· 1 / surrace 1 > Mfilri~a / •••••s{:ffiori ·•r t sJ •·•&•••R.1 :.: >>> I< -.. _ ye ····· ...... ·.···· ........ . Sects TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec16 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec22 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec23 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec26 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec27 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec35 TSS R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec5 T6S R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec6 T6S R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec7 T6S R97W Private Gravel Light grading Secl8 T6S R97W Private Gravel Light grading Sec24 T65 R98W Private Gravel Light grading Sec25 T6S R98W Private Gravel Light grading Sec36 T6S R98W Private Gravel Light grading Seel TIS R98W Private Dirt Light grading Secl2 TIS R98W Private Dirt Light grading Sec7 TIS R97W Private Dirt Light grading Co Rd. 213 County Gravel Light grading Co Rd. 204 County Paved None Sec31 TIS R97W BLM Dirt Light grading Sec6 T85 R97W BLM Gravel Light grading Sec:5 TIS R97W Private Dirt Light grading Co Rd . 213 County Gravel Light grading Co Rd. 204 County Paved None Co Rd . 45·00 County Paved None Co Rd. 45·00 County Paved None Co Rd. v.20 County Paved/Gravel None Co Rd. y.30 County Paved/Gravel None 12 I ~~~ I >~~~ 6 L 6 H 6 M 6&6A M 6&6A M 6 M 6A M 6&6A M 6 M 6 M 6 M 6 M 6 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 7 M 8 L 8 M 9 H 9 H 10 H 10 L 10 M I I I I ·I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 Access for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) (continued) I 111111 f di11 ll m~~~1=~ i!°ill j , <-i~ \ :: \~~ •• id: 1: t~r~~[ i fl ;;~~;'I i ~!I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Mesa Co Rd. 43.50 Mesa I-70 N. Service Rd. Mesa Co Rd. 45.50 Mesa I-70 S. Service Rd. Mesa Co Rd . u.oo Mesa Co Rd . 45.00 Mesa Co Rd. T·OO Mesa Co Rd. 45.50 Mesa Co Rd. 46·60 Mesa Co Rd. KE·OO Mesa Co Rd. 48·50 Mesa Sec26 Tl OS R97W Mesa Sec22 TlOS R97W Mesa Sec23 TlOS R97W Mesa Sec27 TlOS R97W Mesa Co Rd . 48.50 Mesa Sec 1 TllS R97W Mesa Sec2 Tl lS R97W Mesa Sec3 T11S R97W Mesa SeclO T11S R97W Mesa Sec4 TllS R97W Mesa Secs Tl lS R97W Mesa Sec17 T11S R97W Mesa Sec18 T11S R97W Mesa Sec19 TllS R97W Mesa Sec7 TllS R97W Mesa Sec6 T11S R97W County Paved/Gravel None 10 M State Gravel None 10 M County Paved None 10 M State Gravel None 10 M County Gravel L ight grading 10 L County Gravel None 10 M County Gravel Light grading 10 L County Paved None 11 H County Gravel L ight grading 11 L County Paved/G ravel None 11 L County Paved/Gravel None/Grading 11 M Private Gravel L ight grading 11 L Private Gravel L ight grading 11 L Private Gravel L ight grading 11 L BLM Dirt Light grading 11 L County Gravel Light grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 12 M Private Dirt Grading 13 L Private Dirt Grading 13 L Private/BLM Gravel L ight grading 13 L Private/BLM Dirt Grade & Improve 13 L BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13 L BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13 L 13 I I I I I I I I i I I I I I I I I ; I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 · Acces.s for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) (continued) •••••<-N ·•·<<<•·<r ···• ... •.··.··.••.•· .. • .. •.• .. •.•·.••.·.•·.:.••.•·.R.·.··.·.·.·.•· .. o.·.••·.···.·~.·.1a./.• .. •.·.N.···.··· .. um.•.·.>.··.···.··.·.·.1>.·.•.•.•.·.a.·•.·.·•.•.·•.·.·•.• .. •.••.•• .. •.·•.<>.•.•·.·.·.r.·•.·.· .. • .. •.•• .. •.••.••.•·······.• !·····················~~~g1 >I >••••••••••••• ..... ······················l~· ... '·Al·?~~············ >••• I '&M~ ••· ··••••••••vs~··········· .. •.· .. •· ..• ·• ... · ... ·• .•. ·.·.• .• : ..• ·• .. • .• ·,· .. • .. ·.c·.··.·.• .. ·.am·• .. •.·.o·· .. •.· .. ·.un·.·.·.·.·.·.e·····.·.·.k .·.· .• · ..• •.•.· ..• •·.•.· .• •·· .• •.·.•·.•.• .• • .• • .• • ········ ............ ..::. • ................ · • , . . . . . IH:n;c.,;.r: ~J S&:tfofr'T?S ~ & RW I m;1 :Ill;!! > : Sl1Cf'*c¢/ < < . . . // .. Mesa Seel Tl lS R98W BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Secl2 Tl lS R98W BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Secl3 TllS R98W BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Sec30 TllS R97W Private/BLM Dirt, Jeep Trail Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Sec 3 1 TllS R97W BLM Dirt, Jeep Trail Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Sec33 TllS R97W BLM Dirt, Jeep Trail Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Sec36 Tl lS R98W BLM Dirt, Jeep Trail Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Sec35 TllS R98W BLM Dirt, Jeep Trail Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Co Rdl. 39· 10 County Paved None 13 L Mesa Sec29 TllS R97W Private Dirt Grade & Improve 13 L Mesa Co Rdl. CS ·10 County Paved/Gravel None 13 H Mesa Secll TIS R2E Private Gravel Light grading 13 H Mesa Secl2 TIS R2E Private Gravel Light grading 13 H Mesa Seel TIS R2E Private Dirt Grading 13 H Mesa Sec14 Tl2S R98W Private/BLM Dirt Grading 13 H Mesa Sec36 TlS R2E Private Dirt Grading 13 H Mesa Secll T12S R98W BLM Dirt Grading 13 H Mesa Seel Tl lS R98W BLM Gravel Grade & Improve 13A L Mesa Sec2 Tl lS R98W Private Gravel Grade & Improve 13A L Mesa Co Rdl . 39·10 County Paved None 13A L Mesa Acccaa )I.long RO.W. 14 Mesa Co Rd. CS ·lO County Paved None 15 H Mesa Co Rdl. CS ·20 County Paved None 15 L Mesa Co Rd. C ·20/Blaine Rd . County Paved/Gravel None/Grading 15 M Mesa Co Rd!. FSOO County Paved None 15 M Mesa Sec4 T3S R2E Private Dirt Light grading 15 L Mesa Co Rd. FSOO County Paved None 16 M Mesa Sec33 TIS R2E BLM Dirt Grading 16 M Mesa Sec34 TIS R2E BLM Dirt Grading 16 M Mesa Disposal Site Rd. County Gravel None 16 L 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I r I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Tab le 6 Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Mesa Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Access for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #1) (continued) Sec4 T3S R2E Private Dirt Sec3 TIS R2 Private Dirt Sec2 TIS R2E Private Dirt Sec23 T3S R2E Private Dirt Sec24 TIS R2E BLM/Private Dirt Sec 13 TIS R2E BLM Dirt Sec35 Tl3S R98W BLM Dirt Sec26 T3S R2E BLM Dirt Sec25 T3S R2E BLM/Private Dirt Sec2 T14S R98W Private Dirt Seel T14S R98W BLM Dirt Secl2 T14S R98W BLM Dirt Sec7 T14S R98W BLM Dirt Secl8 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec 17 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec s T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec9 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec4 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Secl6 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec lO T4S R3E BLM Dirt Secl3 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec24 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Sec35 T14S R97W BLM Dirt Sec2 Tl 4S R97W BLM Dirt Sec25 T4S R3E BLM Dirt Seel TlSS R97W BLM Dirt Secll TlSS R97W BLM Dirt Secl2 TlSS R97W BLM Dirt Secl2 TlSS R97W Private Dirt Secl3 TlSS R97W Private Dirt 15 Light grading 16 M L ight grading 16 M Light grading 16 M Light grading 16 M L ight grading 16 M Light grading 16 M L ight grading 16 M Light grading 17 M Light grading 17 M Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 L Light grading 17 M Light grading 18 M L ight grading 18 M Light grading 18 M Light grading 18 M Light grading 18 M Light grading 18 M Light grading 18 L Light grading 18 L Light grading 18 L Light grading 18 L Light grading 18 L I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Delta Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Delta Delta Delta Delta Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Montrose Acct!M for Line Pipe (Segment #1) (continued) SeclS T15S R96W Private Dirt Co Rd. G-50 County Paved Sec13 T15S R97W Private Dirt SeclS T15S R96W Dopt. ol WUdlm R....noe Dirt Co Rd. G County Gravel Sec31 T15S R97W Private Dirt Co Rd. D-Drive County Gravel SeclS 51N RllW BLM/Private Gravel Sec13 51N R12W BLM/Private Gravel Sec24 51N R12W BLM/Private Gravel Co Rd. 12•00 Drive County Paved Co Rd. 51-00 County Paved Co Rd. Banner County Paved Sec19 T51N RllW BLM Dirt Sec30 T51N RllW BLM/Private Dirt Sec31 T51N RllW BLM Dirt Co Rd. G County Paved Co Rd. D·Drive County Paved Co Rd. 1200 Drive County Paved Co Rd. 1500 County Paved Co Rd. 54·00 County Paved Co Rd. Banner County Paved SecS T50N Rl 1 W BLM Dirt Secs T50N RllW BLM Dirt Co Rd. Dalia County Paved/Dirt Secs TSON Rll w Private Gravel Co Rd. 53·00 County Paved Sec16 TSON RllW Private Gravel Co Rd. Falcon County Paved/Gravel Sec22 TSON RllW BLM Dirt 16 Light grading lS L None lS/19 L Light grading 19 L Light grading 19 L None 19 M Grading 19 M None 19 M None 19 L None 19 L None 19 L None 19 M None 19 M None 19 M Grading 19 L Grading 19 L Grading 19 L None 19A M None 19A M None 19A M None 19A L None 19A L None 19A M Grading 20 L Grading 20 L None 21 L Light grading 21 L None 21 L Light grading 21 L None 21 L Light grading 21 L I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Table 6 Access for Line Pipe Stringing (Segment #l)(continued) <2••••••&iffii 6r•·•••••••••· ......•. •.•.•.•.•.•.•.•·.•·.•.•·.•.•.ROi.··.·.··.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.··.·.··.·.d·····.··.·.N.·· .. ···.·.·.wn.·.··.·· .. •.•.• .. ·.·.•·.•.·.·.1>.·.·.·.·.·.er:.•.·.· .. •.•·.·.·· ... ·.•·.•.•.o.•.·.•.··.•.r.•.·.·.·.•·.•.•·.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.•.••.·.•• .. • ~~bi~ · < > t~~ L > MiairitU < ••.•••••••1\-fu·p·•·•·.•.•\ ···•••••.;1••······· ······.•· .. • .. •.•.· .. ··· .. •.·•.·• .. • .. • .. • .. • .. •.•• .. • .. ·.•·.·c·.·.· .. • .. · .. ·.·.·.o·.·.·.·.·.un·.·."'.•·.·.·.·.••t•. '.' .. ·.·.·.·.·.·.•.•• ... • .. • •. • •. • .. • •. • .. · •• • .. •.•• .. • ..... • •• • • > i t / ·.••. :Re.•·q• .. • ... u.·. i. f.ed .... ··.·.··.·.·.·.•.•.'·.•.•.·.•.··.•• ..•. •·.·.·.·•.•.·•• •·.r.•••.<.·•·.11.·. •.< < ..,., ·~onT~SF&tt;.. .·. WllQlllU.. I t .. ~ ............ · .. ·.•.·· .. ·.··.···· ? Montrose Sec21 T50N RllW BLM Dirt Light grading 21 L Montrose Co Rd. 54·25 County Gravel None 21 L Montrose Sec26 T50N RllW BLM Dirt Light grading 21 L Montrose Sec27 T50N Rl 1 W BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Sec22 T50N RllW BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Sec26 T50N Rll W BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Sec34 T50N Rll W BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Sec35 T50N Rll W BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Sec2 T49N RllW BLM Dirt Light grading 21 LIM Montrose Co Rd. 5500 County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Hickory County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Transfer County Gravel None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Holly County Paved/Gravel None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Hillside County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Jasmine County Paved None 21 M Montrose Co Rd. Jasmine County Paved None 21A M Montrose Co Rd. 58·50 County Paved None 21A M Montrose Co Rd. Jig County Paved None 21A M Montrose Co Rd. Jay Jay County Paved None 21A M I 17 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1• I I I I I i i I I I 1.1.4 Transportation of Workers (Segment #1) Construction workers will be transported to their specific work phase by bus from the contractor commercial warehouse facilities. These buses will be parked along the right of way and travel along with the work phase. All roads in Pipe Transportation Access, Table 6, will be applicab le to this transportation schedule. 1.1.5 Pipeline Operation and Maintenance Operations of the TransColorado pipeline will require daily usage of the existing roads in Table #9, Operations and Maintenance. This includes access into Compressor sites, meter sites and block valves. The inspection of the line will be accomplished semi- annually by aerial patrol. Yearly according to the operation plan. Emergency access will be over any of the roads listed on Table #6. 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ----·-------------- Table 9 Operations and Maintenance (Segment #1) I•,.·•,',,.·::::::::::=:::::.,:,:;:::::,:,:::::::.,:>:/ I . !Ill~!(~-;~ 1 ~~~~{1 /.:• ;;; ,.,, iin ~~\':1111 n•·······•?Yi•···· ?•••·: · .•. , •• , .. ·.····,•,····,··:··,.::··,.· .•. ,•.····,·.···,•.•,•,•·.,.· '.,.''··,.:·:·'.,·'.,•·.'.·.····'••.,•'.•.,······'::·•.:':·•,:'.•.':·• .. ,• .•. :. ·,• ... •,.•· ..•. ···.•.•,••,·.·.···.·······.•.F·.········a······c······.1 .••••.1 t••·•y••••.•.••,•.• ... ·.···'····,·.·.·.•.·.·····.···:· •.•.• .. ,····'·····,· .. :•· .. ,•• .. ' .... :•·.•.•.•,•, .. • .. :··.'·····'·.···'·· ... '•· .. ·'·· .. ·'·· .·.·.· } ·.Ma n .l n >, II : ( .MiP ... ·:o····stie.·:···:···.:····:···::···•.•.•.•·,•·:,•.·..... ~· . :~~lihty " : .H .~<41-' '~.·. •.•: W Rio Blanco Big Hole Comp QPC County l ,2 ,3,3A,3B Garfield Block Valve Private/BLM 3 ,4,5 Garfield Block Valve BLM 7,8,9,10 Garfield Rocky Mt . Natural Gas BLM 7 DcBeque Meter Station Mesa West Gas County 9 DcBeque Meter Station Mesa Block V~r,Rca:™or County 10 Mesa Block Valve County 11 Private 11 Private 11 Mesa Block Valve Private 54 Mesa Block Valve BLM 17 17 17 Delta Block Valve County 19 Montrose Olathe Comp . Station County 21 21 21 21/21A 2 1A 2 1A 2 1A 19 0 16.75 36 .15 41 48.5 52 63 82.25 93 .25 109.5 121.6 Co Rd . 5 BLM & Co Rd . #5 Co Rd. 213, 204 Co Rd . 204, BLM Co Rd . 45 ·50, U-00, 45-00 Co Rd. 45.50 Co Rd . KE·OO Sec26 Tl OS R97W Sec27 TIOS R97W CS·IO Seel T14S R98W Sec2 Tl 4S R8W Sec25 T35 R2E Co Rd . D -Drive Co Rd. Transfer Co Rd . Holly Co Rd . Hillside Co Rd . Jasmine Co Rd . 58.50 Co Rd. Jig Co Rd . Jay Jay I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1.1.6 New Road Construction Proposed Alignment (Segment #1) There is no new road construction planned for the pipeline for access. The existing roads will be utilized with limited amount of grading. All proposed compressor sites, meter sites, and block valves were planned around existing roads. Short drive ways are planned at compressor sites, the longest being approximately 500 feet long. Access to the proposed QPC Big Hole Compressor site will be off of Rio Blanco County Rd. #5 (MP-0). Access to the proposed Meeker Meter Station will be off Rio Blanco County Rd. #5 (MP·2). Access to the proposed Rocky Mountain Natural Gas DeBeque Meter Station will be along their existing access to their in place facility (MP-41). Access to the proposed West Gas DeBeque Meter Station will be a short drive way off of Mesa Co. Rd 4500 (MP-48.5). Access to the proposed Olathe Compressor Station will be the longest approximately 500 feet long off of Montrose County Road Transfer (MP·121.6). All roads will be built to the governing agencies specifications with all permits acquired. Site plans for specific facilities will include road access from the nearest existing road. 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I! I I I I I I APPENDIX B I I I ECONOMIC AND FISCAL I IMPACTS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIXB ECONOMIC AND FISCAL IMP ACTS OF THE TRANSCO LO RADO PIPELINE ON GARFIELD COUNTY, COLORADO -Prepared for - TransColorado Gas Transmission Company -Prepared by - Browne, Bortz and Coddington, Inc. 155 South Madison Denver, CO 80209 (303) 321-2547 July 1991 Section I. II. Ill. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Background and Summary ........................................ ., ................................... 1 Background ....................................................................................................... 1 Summary of Impacts to Garfield County .................................................... 1 Economic Impacts ............................................................................................ 2 Employmen t ..................................................................................................... 2 Population ......................................................................................................... 4 Housing .............................................................................................................. s Income ................................................................................................................ 5 Public Facilities and Services ......................................................................... 7 Summary ........................................................................................................... 7 Fiscal Impact An.alysis ..................................................................................... 9 County Revenues and Expenditures ........................................................... 9 Pipeline Impacts ............................................................................................... 9 Summary ........................................................................................................... 10 ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY This report describes the economic and fiscal impacts to Garfield County occur- ring as a result of construction, operation and maintenance of the TransColorado pipeline. The economic and fiscal data utilized in this analysis were drawn largely from the Draft EIS prepared by the Bureau of Land Management or directly from ENSR, the environmental consulting firm that prepared the EIS. In limited instances, the consul- tants collected additional or updated information specific to the individual counties under review. Transportation issues are addressed in Appendix A. Background The TransColorado Pipeline project involves construction of a natural gas trans- mission line extending for approximately 300 miles from Meeker, Colorado to Farmington, New Mexico. The pipeline will be constructed by three crews working simultaneously at separate locations. Each construction spread will employ an average of 480 workers over an approximate nine month period. The northern construction spread will be responsible for laying pipe through Rio Blanco, Garfield, Mesa, Delta and a portion of Montrose counties. Other spreads will be located in counties south of Montrose, with responsibility for completion of the remainder of the project. Economic impacts will be most pronounced during the construction period. Operational impacts are minimal. Non-local workers (persons relocating for employ- ment opportunities) for the northern construction spread are expected to reside princi- pally in Grand Junction, due to the availability of housing and support services and the city's central location between Meeker and Montrose. Additionally, the construction contractor will offer bus service for workers out of the Grand Junction area. The Grand Junction-based spread will be responsible for completing 124.5 miles of pipeline con- struction. Over 26 miles of the pipeline will traverse Garfield County. Summary of Impacts to Garfield County Construction of the TransColorado pipeline is expected to have little significant impact on Garfield County. Although Garfield County may supply part of the local construction force, most of the non-local workers are expected to live and shop in Grand Junction so there will be little or no impact on Garfield County's housing supply and retail sales. After completion of the construction effort, there will be no significant long term workforce associated with the project. A review of the fiscal consequences of the pipeline on Garfield County suggests that the revenues associated with pipeline operations far outweigh any anticipated increase in service costs. The county's taxing jurisdictions can expect to receive roughly $242,000 per year in new property tax revenues over the life of the pipeline. Any increased demand for county services will come from the temporary inflow of workers, most of whom are expected to reside in Mesa County. Long term negative impacts from pipeline construction and operation are not anticipated. II. ECONOMIC IMP ACTS This section reviews the economic impacts associated with construction of the pipeline. Employment, population and income effects are identified. Housing and public service considerations are also noted. A review of trends within the county's economy is followed by a discussion of pipeline impacts. Employment Historic trends. Garfield County's labor force has grown from just over 15,000 participants in 1985 to almost 18,000 in 1990. Unemployment History, Garfield County, 1985-1989 Labor Total Number of Unemployment. Year Force Ern:eloyed Unern:eloyed Rate 1980 12,732 11,799 933 7.3% 1985 15,055 13,869 1,186 7.9 1986 14,849 13,427 1,422 9.6 1987 14,804 13,537 1,267 8.6 1988 15,250 14,170 1,080 7.1 1989 15,725 14,834 891 5.7 1990 17,750 16,650 900 5.1 Average Unem:eloyrnent Rate 1985-1990 7.3% Source: Colorado Labor Force Review Unemployment rates rose to a high of almost 10 percent in 1986. The unem- ployment rate has declined since then to just over five percent in 1990. Over the five year period, the distribution of employment by sector shifted from the transportation and public utilities sector to wholesale trade and construction. Services and retail trade employed the largest percentages of the labor force, accounting for over 50 percent of all employment in 1989. Construction rose during this period and employed just under 10 percent of the workforce in 1989, or approximately 1600 workers. 2 I 1 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Employment by Sector, Garfield County, 1985-1989 1985 1989 1985-89 Chan~e Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Farm Employment 593 4.1% 595 3.6% 2 0.3% Ag,Forestry,Fish 272 1.9 317 1.9 45 16.5 Mining 748 5.1 717 4.4 (31) (4.1) Construction 1,247 8.6 1,576 9 .6 329 26.4 Manufacturing 368 2.5 359 2.2 (9) (2.4) Trans&PubUtil 722 5.0 571 3 .5 (151) (20.9) Wholesale Trade 274 1.9 359 2.2 85 31.0 Retail Trade 3,100 21 .3 3,284 20.1 184 5.9 Fin,Ins,Real Estate 1,134 7.8 1,225 7.5 91 8.0 Services 3,982 27.4 4,911 30.1 929 23.3 Government 2,114 14.5 2,420 14.8 306 14.5 Total Employment"' 14,554 100.0% 16,334 100.0% 1,780 12.2% SOurce: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis • Total employment figures differ from the previous table which only describes employment covered by unemployment insurance. Pipeline impact on employment. The TransColorado pipeline project would employ an average of 480 workers per spread over the course of the construction period. It is anticipated that 25 percent of the workforce or 120 jobs per spread would be supplied locally (Draft EIS) while the balance would come from outside the area (360 jobs). Approximately 80 percent of the TransColorado proposed project workforce would be skilled labor. For the northern section of the project, local workers could potentially supply considerably more than 25 percent of the needed workforce. For example, if construc- tion workers constitute almost 10 percent of the unemployed labor force in Garfield County, (as they make up almost 10 percent of employed workers), approximately 86 currently unemployed construction workers would be available for the proposed pro- ject from Garfield County alone. Local officials believe that much of the unemployed, skilled workforce is in the western part of the county, with convenient access to the pipeline. Former workers from Unocal and the recently closed Mid-Continent coal mine in Pitkin County would offer excellent skills and experience for the pipeline construction crew. Further, past experience indicates that many Garfield County residents have heavy equipment oper- ations and skilled construction trade backgrounds even though they are employed in different sectors. We anticipate a considerable local interest in the well paid positions associated with this project. For the purposes of this analysis, however, the 25 percent figure is used as a conservative estimate. 3 Population Historic trends. Almost 30,000 residents live in Garfield County according to most recent census data. The county's population has grown at an annual average rate of 3.6 percent since 1985, a faster rate of growth than earlier in the decade. Glenwood Springs grew faster than the rest of the county over this period: Population Trends in Garfield County, Glenwood Springs and Rifle Annual Annual Annual Average Average Average Garfield Growth Glenwood Growth Growth Coun!Y Rate Senn gs Rate Rifle Rate 1980 22,514 4,6.37 3,215 1985 25,163 2.3% 5,412 3.1% 4,354 6.3% 1990 29,974 3.6 6,561 3.9 4,636 1.3 source: Colorado Division of Local Government Pipeline impact on population. Of the proposed project workforce, approxi- mately 75 percent are expected to be in-migrant workers, resulting in a temporary increase in population in the five county area. Due to the short duration of the project, it is anticipated that only 15 percent of non-local workers would bring their spouses or families , for an average of 0.3 dependants per in-migrant worker. Using these esti- mates, the temporary increase in population is projected at 468 people over the life of the project. Incremental Increase in Population And Households During Pipeline Construction Period Persons Rel ocating workforce (jobs) 360 Dependents (.3 per non local worker) 108 Total new population during construction (from non-local workers) 468 Average household size 2.3 Total n ew households during construction (from non-local workers) 207 SOurce: TransColorado Environ. Impact Statement and BBC 1991 Assuming an average household size of 2.3, reflecting some workers sharing accommodations, the total increase in number of households is estimated at 207 for the en tire construction spread. The increase in temporary population within Garfield County is expected to be negligible. Most construction workers will reside in Mesa County. Due to the distance from the pipeline route to Glenwood Springs, it is not anticipated that many in-migrant workers would live in the Glenwood area. Rifle is much closer to the proposed project but has much less in the way of retail and public services. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Housing Housing market characteristics. Total housing units in Garfield County exceeded 12,000 in 1989. Approximately 1,200 of these units were unoccupied resulting in an overall vacancy rate of approximately 10 percent. Variations in this vacancy rate exist within the county. For example, while Glenwood Springs has a vacancy rate of just over 5 percent, the rest of the county has a much higher vacancy rate. Housing Market Supply, Garfield County, 1990 Total Housing Units Occupied Housing Units Vacant Housing Units Vacancy Rate Garfield County 12,517 11,266 1,251 10.0 Glenwood Springs 2,882 2,731 151 5.2 source: Colorado Division of Local Government. Rifle 1,984 1,815 169 8.5 Remainder of Garfield County 7,651 6,720 931 12.2 In addition to traditional housing stock, it is anticipated that many in-migrant workers would choose to reside in temporary housing. There is a limited supply of temporary housing in western Garfield County. For example, Rifle has 4 hotel/motels with a total of approximately 130 rooms. Pipeline impact on housing. Because o f the availability of retail, services, hous- ing and free transportation to the job site, it is anticipated that most of the relocating workers will seek residence in Mesa County and few, if any, will seek residence in Garfield County. The bus service provided by the construction contractor is also an inducement to locate in Grand Junction. H some in-migrant workers choose to live in Garfield County, there is an adequate supply of both conventional and temporary housing to accommodate their needs. While the timing of the proposed project coincides with the peak tourist season in the area, most tourists would likely be in the eastern part of the county where there would be little or no impact on local temporary housing from the pipeline workers. Income Historic trends. Income in Garfield County has grown almost 30 percent since 1985. Services, government, and retail trade represent the largest earned income sectors 5 with construction following. Unearned income represents over 33 percent of total county income. Total income for the county was over $400 million in 1989: Garfield County Personal Income (in millions) 1985 1989 1985-89 Change Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Fann Earnings $ 3.4 1.0% $ 3.4 0.8% $ (.002) (0.1)% Ag,Forestry,Fish 2.9 0.9 4.5 1.0 1.6 55.1 Mining 29.1 8.7 31.8 7.3 2.6 9.1 Construction 28.4 8.5 38.0 8.8 9.6 34.0 Manufacturing 7.3 2.2 6.0 1.4 (1.3) (18.1) Trans&PubUtil 20.8 6.2 17.5 4.1 (3.2) (15.5) Wholesale Trade 5.6 1.7 8.3 1.9 2.7 48.0 Retail Trade 32.8 9.8 40.0 9.3 7.1 21.7 Fin,Ins,Real Est. 10.5 3.1 13.6 3.1 3.1 29.6 Services 50.3 15.0 78.1 18.1 27.8 55.3 Government 37.1 ill ~ 11.4 12.2 32.7 Earnings by place of work $228.2 68.2% $290.5 67.2% $62.2 27.3% Div, Int, and Rent $67.5 20.1% $85.7 19.8% $18.3 27.1% Transfer pa~ents 39.0 11.6 58.8 13.6 19.8 50.8 Social Ins. ontribs (12.9) (3.8) (18.2) (4.2) (5.3) (41.4) Adjustments 1U ~ ~ J.i6 La 13.1 Total Personal Income 335.4 100.0% $432.2 100.0% $96.8 28.9% Source: Colorado Division of Local Government Per capita income estimates for Garfield County are compared to the state in the following table. For Garfield County residents, per capita income has been above state levels until recently. Year 1980 1985 1989 Per Capita Income Trends, 1980-1989 Garfield County and Colorado Garfield County $10,282 13,329 15,575 Source: US. Bureau of Economic Analysis and BBC estimates. Colorado $8,944 12,557 18,000 Pipeline impact on income. The construction period will generate additional payroll within the five county region but the impact on Garfield County's levels of per- sonal income are expected to be limited to the local workers who join the construction crew. Based on skill level, wages are expected to range from $9 to $25 per hour, with an average wage of $17 per hour. 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I The average monthly payroll would be $2.14 million per construction spread. Assuming 75 percent of this amount is disposable income, worker spending would exceed roughly $1.6 million per month. Of this amount, $400,000 would come from the resident workforce. Public Facilities and Services Existing community infrastructure. Glenwood Springs has a well developed community infrastructure including schools, hospitals, ambulance services, public safety (police, fire) and other public facilities and services. However, because of its dis- tance from the pipeline, it is not considered a realistic location for construction workers. Rifle is closer and it might be expected that a temporary influx of workers and families might result in increased use of local services. Further, the Battlement Mesa develop- ment has extensive community facilities. Local resources and the potential impact from the temporary influx of construction workers are summarized below: • Health care. Hospital services are available in Rifle through the 30-bed Clagett Memorial Hospital A temporary influx of workers for the TransColorado project should not put undue strain on local health care providers. In addition, it is not anticipated that there will be significant additional demands placed on county welfare and social services by non-local workers. • Emergency Services. The Garfield County sheriff's office is responsi- ble for answering emergency calls in remote reaches of the county. Due to the temporary nature of the project, it does not appear that demand for services will be high. • Education. Due to the short construction period of the proposed TransColorado project, it is anticipated that the impact on Rifle schools would be negligible. The small number of workers who have families with school age children are not expected to overburden public educa- tion facilities. In sum, the impact of the proposed project on Garfield County public facilities and services should be minimal. All local service demands would be temporary. Summary Construction of the TransColorado pipeline is expected to have little significant impact on Garfield County. Although Garfield County may supply part of the local construction force, most of the non-local worker s are expected to live and shop in Grand Junction so there will be little or no impact on Garfield County's housing supply and retail sales. After completion of the construction effort, there will be no significant long term workforce associated with the project. 7 Generally, sufficient capacity exists within the county's present service delivery systems and housing infrastructure to accommodate any temporary demands which might arise as a result of the project. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I III. FISCAL IMP ACT ANALYSIS This section focuses on the fiscal consequences of pipeline construction and oper- ation on Garfield County government. New revenues attributable to the pipeline, espe- cially property taxes are described. County Revenues and Expenditures In 1989, Garfield County received over $12 million in gross receipts, with total expenditures of just under $11.7 million. Property taxes are an important source of rev- enue for the county. Property held its value from 1985 to 1989. Trends in Garfield County Property Tax Revenue, 1985-1990 Property County Mill Property Tax Year Assessed Valuation Levy Revenues 1985 $ 279,581,150 14.5 $ 4,053,927 1990 279,928,720 14.9 4,171,218 (0.1 %) 2.9% partment o Loca airs, Division o Property Taxation Pipeline Impact The pipeline represents a source of tax revenue to the county. It will increase the assessed valuation within the county and generate additional property tax revenues. The table below illustrates the likely impact of the TransColorado project on the county's tax base. Anticipated Revenue from Proposed Pipeline Project Capital Investment• Assessed Valuation Revenues to County (Mill Levy 14.9) Revenues to Other Taxing Districts (Mill Levy 55.1) Anticipated Total New Revenues (Mill Le 70.0) $11,920,010 3,456,803 51,510 190,466 241,976 urce: Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Property Taxation and TransColorado Proposal. • Note: Anticipated capital investment at $450,662 per mile. In total, the proposed project would increase the county's assessed valuation by just under $3.5 million, or 1.2 percent over the current base. The county is estimated to collect over $51,000 in additional tax revenues per year for the life of the project. Other taxing districts within Garfield County stand to gain additional property tax revenues of over $190,000 annually. The largest recipient will be Garfield County school districts. 9 Most importantly, these receipts are not offset by increased service demands. Other benefits which might accrue to the county include severance tax receipts and an increase in the energy impact fund. Summary A review of the fiscal consequences of the pipeline on Garfield County suggests that the revenues associated with pipeline operations far outweigh any anticipated increase in service costs. The county's taxing jurisdictions can expect to receive roughly $242,000 per year in new property tax revenues over the life of the pipeline. Any increased demand for county services will come from the temporary inflow of workers which would be of a short duration. Long term negative impacts from pipeline con- struction and operation are not anticipated. 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C I EMERGENCY RESPONSE I PLAN I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDIX C EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Receivin2. Emergencies can be of many types: Fire or explosions involving company facilities, gas being detected in or adjacent to buildings, natural disasters or any other incident that could be detrimental to the public or company facilities. First notification of an emergency or problem may come from any of many sources, by company personnel, by customer or other utility companies, by law enforcement agencies, or by the general public. The employee who receives the notification will be responsible for obtaining complete and accurate information and recording the information on the Emergency Call Report Form. Identifying and Classifying. If the extent of an emergency 1s uncertain from the intial call or report received, two procedures may be used to determine the scope on the problem. The procedures may be used separately or in conjunction with each other, depending on the circumstances. First any unusual pressure conditions on the system can be ascertained by establishing contact with the dispatcher monitoring the system. A second method of determining the nature of the problem is by dispatching an employee to the scene. The first employee arriving at the scene of an emergency should do whatever possible with reasonable personal safety to provide for the safety of the public and Company personnel. When an employee is dispatched to field check, they should remain in radio contact with the appropriate Communications Center at all times to make a report of the incident, request assisstance, receive instructions, and report the accessibility of roads to the area. Upon arrival at the emergency location, they should verify and report the line segment and/or facility involved, line designation , and extent of damage and/or injuries. If the emergency involves injury, first aid shall be given and actions should be taken to prevent any further injury or damage. Assisstance (such as rescue, fire, police, etc.) shall be requested as necessary and steps shall be taken to contain or isolate the hazard. An effort should be made to minimize the interruption to customers. An immediate effort should be made to control escapmg gas with reasonable 1 personal safety. If unable to control escaping gas safely, a restricted zone should be established around the area, all possible sources of ignition should be eliminated and evacuation of all persons within the zone, should be coordinated with local law enforcement agencies . Contact appropriate office or dispatcher for assistance, equipment, materials, and other items deemed necessary to make repairs . Restoration of service on a pipeline or facility should be effected as soon as materials and manpower are available . Necessary steps to follow in restoration of service include: Checking equipment for damage, making repairs, purging and repressuring of pipeline facilities, resurveying the repaired area to assure there are no additional leaks, strict control to assure tum-off and turn-on operations are coordinated with customers so as to maintain safety to affected parties, the return of valves to their normal position, putting meters back in service, adjusting and calibrating equipment and orderly start-up of affected plants in accordance with written procedures. If a segment of transmission line is repaired by cutting out the damaged portion of the pipe as a cylinder, the replacement pipe must be treated to the pressure required for a new line installed in the same location. The pipe may be pretested before it is installed, but all field girth welds that are not strength tested must first be tested after installation by nondestructive tests meeting the requirements of Section 192.243 of the DOT Code. Supervisors should be kept informed on the actions taken and progress of repairs at all times. Responsibilities. The Division Operations Manager or his order shall be responsible for the following: 1. Keeping a log of all significant events, actions taken during a cns1s, and corrective steps taken in restoring normal operation of the system which includes time of each event. a. All telephone and radio calls. b. Emergency services requested (Fire, Police, Rescue, etc .) c. Record personnel and unit numbers called out and time of call out. d. Location of units and personnel. e. Changes made on the system as a result of the problems such as valves opened or closed. 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 2 . If it can be determined from the call that a senous personal injury 1s involved, contact appropriate rescue service. 3. 4. Act a. b. c. d. e. f. as Communications Center. Notify personnel outlined on call lis t . Receive and transmit radio and/or telephone calls as required. Maintain time log of all actions and activities . Notify customer companies affected by failure Notify main office dispatching and other divisions . Notify public, fire, police, or rescue officials if deemed necessary. Act as Information Center. a. Keep Company officials updated on extent of injuries, damages and on progress of repairs. b. Keep customers and suppliers informed concerning estimated periods of service interruption. 5. Verification of emergency location a. Line segment or facility b. Accessibility -roads to area. c. Extent of damage or injury. d. Observe telemetered pressures. 6. Isolation of Failure a. Orderly adjustment of affected facilities as per procedures. b. Close block valves upstream and downstream. c. Evacuate area and reroute traffic. d. Prevent accidental ignition. 7. Contact Customers a. Inform parties involved b. Estimate down time. 8. Assemble Repair Crews a. Company operating personnel, vehicles, tools, materials, and stores stock-transport to site. b. Alert construction contractor. c. Alert welder. d. Estimate time of repairs. 3 9. Emergency Plan Operation. a. Orderly re-adjustment of affected facilities as per procedures. b. Maximum efforts from alternate facilities. 10. Make Repairs and Restore Service a. Repair line as per code requirements. b. Purge as necessary and put facilities m service, coordinate with customers and suppliers. 11. Keep Company officials informed on progress of repairs. Request or receive instructions. The Person Actini: As Field Coordinator Shall Be Responsible For: 1. Field Verification of Emergency Location. a. Line segment or facility. b. Accessibility -roads to area. c. Pipe size verification. d. Extent of damage or injury. 2. Isolation of Failure. a. Close block valves upstream and downstream. b. Evacuate area and reroute traffic, if necessary. c. Prevent accidental ignition. d. Control gas flow to prevent air involvement in piping and install pressure guages in field piping. e. Determine full extent of hazardous area. f. Ventilate affected premises. g. Report situation to Communications Center, requesting further instructions or assistance if needed and requesting fire, police, or rescue help if needed. 3. Restoration of Service. a. Check equipment for damage. b. Make necessary repairs. c. Purge as necessary and repressure pipeline facilities. d. Resurvey the repaired area to assure no additional leaks. e. Strict control to assure turn-off and turn-on operations are coordinated with customers to maintain safety to affected parties. f. Return valves to positions as directed. g. Put meters back in service. h. Verify proper action of all other equipment. 4 I I · I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I i. Orderly start-up of affected faciliti es in accordance with written procedures. J. Make final check after a period of time to verify that the system has stabilized. Use the Emergency Plan Checklist as a guide. EMERGENCY PLAN CHECKLIST 1. __ Record emergency call on Emergency Call Report . 2. __ In the event of personal injury , noti f y emergency rescue service. 3. __ Identify extent of emergency. 4. __ Notify Division Operations Manager. 5. __ Call out operating personnel. 6. __ Contact contractor as necessary . 7 . __ Prepare a complete record of: __ Telephone and radio communications . __ Times of personnel noti fi cation . __ Location of personnel notification . __ List of any system changes from normal operations. 8. Divisions Operations Manager or next person m command: __ Direct Emergency Coordinator. __ Contact as necessary: __ Manager, Operations Division __ Company's Media Relations De p t. 5 __ Other Division offices as affected . __ Customers as affected. __ Gas Load Control as necessary 9. Accomplish repair and restore service utilizing Field Coordinator. __ Purge and repressure facilities. __ Leak survey area of repair. __ Return system to normal operating conditions as soon as practicable. ___ Verify system stabilization. 10. Complete necessary documentation and forward to mam office. ___ Record of all significant events and system repairs. ___ All necessary damage, injury, leak, and DOT reports. Emergency Calls. All information concerning an emergency will be recorded on TransColorado Company's Emergency Call Report form. A pad of these forms should be at all locations where a call might be received. The following will aid in filling out this form 1. Determine the nature of the emergency (circle one and/or describe). 2. Determine the location of the emergency while the caller is on the phone or radio and locate the problem area on the emergency map. If the problem is not near TransColorado facilities, complete form as applicable and advise caller that the appropriate company will be notified. 3. If the emergency involves injury or facility damage, determine: (a) What i s being done . (b) What needs to be done. (c) Who else needs to be contacted. 4 . Obtain as much information from the caller and about the caller as possible. (a) Callers name 6 I I I I I I I I I I I .I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5. 6. 7. (b) Phone number from which the call is being placed or where caller can be reached. (c) Caller firm's name. (d) Firm's phone number. (e) Employee's name. (f) Employee's unit number. (g) Name of person responsible for (causing) damage or lilJUry. If additional information may be needed ask caller to stand by telephone for ten minutes awaiting a return call, or if the information is adequate, thank the caller for calling and advise that immediate action will be taken. Using the Emergency Check List as a guide, begin call out procedure. Try to contact first person on list; if contact cannot be made, work down the list until someone is contacted and advise the person contacted if the caller is awaiting a return call. As people are contacted and action is requested, complete the last section of the form. If available, notify the Division Operations Manager immediately. Advise him of the situation and whether caller is awaiting his return call. If the Division Operations Manager cannot be reached, check the priority list for next person to be called. Call down the list until someone is notified Notification of Rescue and/or Public Officials. As soon as practical, the Company should make their situation known to any police, fire, and/or rescue representatives or other appropriate individuals. The person establishing the liasion should tell them what the plans are to control the emergency incident and discuss any assistance needed or action which might be taken to protect the public. If assistance is needed and none is present at the scene, such assistance should be requested via radio communication with Division Office, dispatcher, or by using the telephone numbers provided by county on the sys tem maps. Each Division Office should be acquainted with the various authorities and services available in their area of operations, and should discuss with such individuals the type of service which would be required in an emergency. 7 . Emeriency Tools and · Equipment. Each District will maintain tools, equipment and material that· will always be available in the event of an emergency. In addition, Company keys, lights, adequate up to date maps, Valve Setting Manual, emergency call lists, and Emergency Call Report forms will be kept in a convenient, accessible location. The Company will obtain these aids, but it is the employees duty to maintain and know how to use them. Communications. Communications and reporting are very important elements in any emergency. During any emergency situation or immediately following, the Division Operations Manager or his order shall ensure that adequate contact is kept with the main office so that necessary reports are made to the proper departments and authorities within the allowed time element. These reports will generally be immediately communicated by telephone to the Manager, Operations Division with written reports and the log submitted to him as soon as possible after the incident. Required reports and forms are as follows: Investigation of Failures -DOT 192.617. This portion of the DOT Code requires that "Each operator shall establish procedures for analyzing accidents and failures, including the selection of samples of the failed facility or equipment for laboratory examination, where appropriate, for the purpose of determining the causes of the failure and minimizing the possibilty of recurrence". In addition to these investigations, the following reports, when applicable, should be filled out, sent to the Manager, Operations Division, within 10 days after the incident: Incident Report, Pipeline Excavation, Defect and Leak Report and Gas Department Damage Report. The Division Operations Manager or his order shall be responsible for: DOCUMENTATION (A) Obtaining and forwarding information required by jurisdictional regulatory bodies to the Manager, Operations Division. (B) Keeping a log of all significant events and corrective action taken. Forward a copy of this log and a report to the Manager, Operations Division. (C) Investigating the failure or accident in accordance with DOT 192.617. 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I SAFETY-RELAIBD CONDIDON REPORTING Per Part 191 of the DOT Code, operators of natural gas pipelines are required to report certain safety-related conditions in addition to incidents and accidents. The reports are intended to prevent known hazardous conditions from going uncorrected by p r ompting government intervention, if needed, to avoid the occurence of an incident or accident. DOT classifies a "Safety-Related Condition " to be the existence of any of the following conditions involving a natural gas facility in service (facilities which are no longer in service are exempt): 1. In the case of a pi peline that operates at a hoop stress of 20 percent or more of SMYS, general corrosion that ha s reduced the wall thickness to less than that required for the MAOP, and localized corrosion pitting to a degree where leakage might result. 2. Unintended movement or abnormal loading by environmental causes, such as earthquake, landslide or flood, that impairs the serviceability of a pipeline. 3. Any material defect or physical dama ge that impairs the serviceability of a pipeline that operates at a hoop stress of 20 percent or more of its SMYS. 4. A leak in a pipeline that constitutes an emergency. 5. Any safety-related condition that could lead to an imminent hazard and cause (either directly or indirectly by remedial action of the operator), for purposes other than abandonment, a 20 p ercen t or more reduction m operating pressure or shutdown of operation of a pipeline. A report is not required if the condition: 1. is on a customer-owned service line. 2. is an incident or results in an incident before the deadline for filing the safety-related conditi on reports. 3. exists on a pipeline that is more than 200 yards from any building intended for human occupancy or outdoor place of assembly, except that reports are required for conditions within the right-of-way of an active railroad, paved road, street, or highway. 4. is corrected by repair or replacement i n accordance with applicab le safety standards before the deadline for filing the safety-related condition report, except that reports are required f or corrosion conditions other than localized corrosion pitting on an effectively coated and cathodically protected pipeline. 9 Procedure to be followed: If a safety-related condition is discovered, fill out a "Safety-Related Condition Report" immediately. This form must be forwarded to DOT within five working days (not including Saturdays, Sundays, or Federal Holidays), therefore it should be sent to the main office for forwarding to DOT. The procedure for a "Safety-Related Condition Report" is similar to that used for an Incident Report. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INCIDENT REPORTING In case of a hazardous material or waste leak or spill, the Facilities Hazardous Material and Waste Coordinator for the nearest Company facility should be contacted immediately. If the Facility Coordinator cannot be reached, then the Division Operations Manager should be contacted. In the case of a fire involving hazardous materials or waste, the Facility Coordinator should be contacted if the situation allows. If the situation is immediately hazardous and/or expanding in scope, then the local fire department should be called immediately. All persons calling for assistance should provide the following information: What material or waste is involved - What the current status of the situation is - Brief description of what happened - What is being done and what is needed - AT NO TIME SHOULD AN EMPLOYEE RISK THEIR OWN SAFETY TO RESPOND TO OR GATHER INFORMATION ON A HAZARDOUS MATERIAL OR WASTE INCIDENT. 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,, I I EXHIBITS I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ,, I ,, I' 'I I ,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Cl c ~ c QI Cl ICll 1:11 .5 .E E c·-~ ct -"O (.) c • c -en . _ ... - c ,, ·:: ---~\, , ! . ~·i~ -~--c . .-:il-1;-~, ~ "O C I ~ ~ ---------------' = .g \ -. ~ ............. T.B.Nf.$.9.QkQB.@ ........... . :;" ~ \ ~I . GAS TRAYSJllSSION C £ ~·~, ~ A W!STQ.tS ll\ CIUmll'..t.a K N ni ... " • .. WnuHsca.:oiuoo. HC. ,..,,, ,..,.,, .. ~ .aia. T1UHSCCLOIUDO, .! ~ --.,..; ~ u a: -;:: ~ TYPICAL PIPELINE EXHIBIT "A" CONSTRUCTION ACTMTIES REVISION DATE 121~91 I I I I; I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 75' R.O.W . w w 5i--~~__;:2~5·~R~.o~.w~·~~--.i--~~~~~~5o~·~R~.o~.w~·~~~~~----i5 3: q a:: TOPSOIL 1111 I Ill iO I{) 11 l I 1111 1111 1111 TOPSOIL CROSS SECTION ON EVEN TERRAJN 135' MINIMUM R.O.W. WITH WIDTHS TO 200' R.O.W. SPOIL --~-::::lll--...=s=:::s.._11--'l I 11 J [ TOP SOIL --NATURAL -llll~llll llll !Ill TOPSOIL GROUND SLOPE CROSS SECTION ON SLOPING TERRAIN STRINGING PIPE ON VARIED TERRAIN EXHIBIT "B" TRANSCOLORADO •••• I •••••••••• I •••••••••• I ••••••••••••••• GAS. 'f Ri:JISMiSSiON A WESTQAS m aomn'.&a K N Wl'RNISCOLORJOO, llC. all~JlCU TRNISCOLOltADO, CROSS SECTIONS OF TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION RIGHT-OF-WAY REVISION DATE I 215/91 I I I 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1111=1111 h 1111 1111 w z _J !: 0 a:: w z :J !: 0 a:: - z ::::E I() VARIES -w w z >-z _J <(_J !: ffi !: ~~ 0 ow a:: a::u 11 11 II II ..,,. 1111-1111 --..... z ::::E I() II ~ NATURAL GAS PIPELINE UNCASED CROSSING VARIES w >-z <(_J !: ffi ~~ ow a::u z 1111 1111 z 11 11 1111 ::::E ::::E I() I() NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CASED CROSSING EXHIBIT "C" TRANSCOLORADO ltattllltltlllllllllllllll I II II 11111 f l Ill tt I ti I I I I llllltl t i t 1 111 I• GAS TRMSMISSION A WESTQA.S m aomr.... K N WllttmCOLOIUOO, tlC. lml~Jlftl. TRNISCOLOIUOO, CROSS SECTIONS OF TYPICAL. ROAD CROSSINGS REVISION DATE !215191 j I I Ii I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1· I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1111=1111 b 1111=1111 b w z :J . 3: . 0 . a::: z :::? .. rt'") w ~ :J tr -== . 0 ci ==;, ' VAR IE S w w z z :J >-- LL. I-<t_J LL. I-. 0-1 3: ffi 0-1 3: <t <t . 01-0 w::c <z w::c . (!)a.. ow (!)a.. a::: Cl(/) a::: u Cl(/) W<t W<t ... 1111=1111 ...... 1111=1111 z :::? .. rt'") ~ NATURAL GAS PIPELINE UNCASED CROSS ING VAR IES - w w ~ z :J >-- LL. I-<t_J LL. I-. fl\ 0-1 3: ffi 0-1 3: <t <t Cll-0 w::c <z w::c . (!)a.. ow (!)a.. a::: Cl(/) a::: u Cl(/) W<t W<t ..... / 1111=1111 .,,,. 1111 1111 n . . z z :::? :::? ~ .. rt'") Ir 1= I ~ !' NA TUR AL GAS PIPELINE ~ CASED CROSSING EXHIBIT 11 0 11 TRANSCOLORAIXJ ............. . .. GAS TRAHSJllSSJON ~OAS /IA._ CllDIDa IC H OIUOO. IC.' ........ ., TRAHSCOl..ORADQ. IC. CROSS SECTION OF TYPICAL PAVED ROAD CROSSING REVISION DATE B/J0/911 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I NOTE: LLl :2: :J ~ . 0 a: u . ' z :::!: PREFERRED NATURAL GAS PIPELINE LOCATION VARIES w z >--<(_J ~ffi C:::ll- <(Z ow a:!U 1111=1111 I. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS PIPELINE MAY BE LOCATED UNDER THE ROADWAY SURFACE OR OUTSIDE THE HIGHWAY RIGHT-OF-WAY. 2. MINIMUM COVER AS PER 49 CFR 191.327 INDICATED. ADDITIONAL COVER MAY BE NECESSARY AND WILL BE BE ADDRESSED AS ENCROACHMENT PERMITS ARE OBTAINED FROM COUNTY OR OTHER JURISDICTIONAL AGENCY. 1111-1111 EXHIBIT 11 E 11 TRANSCOLORADO .................................................................. GAS TRNISlllSSION A IESTQAS IA _ C11m1b1L It N WfllAHSCOLORADQ, llC. allftA--•""\DIG TIUHSCCILORADO, llC. TYPICAL COUNTY ROAD PARALLEL ENCROACHMENT REVISION DATE 14129/911 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ~ ~ ,-----, I I I I ._ ____ , STAGING AREA TOP OF EDGE OF BANK WATER PIPELINE CENTERLINE I I i i CANAL CEN TERLINE PLAN (NOT TO SCALE > PROFILE EDGE OF TOP OF WATER BANK ,-----, I I I ._ ____ , STAG ING AREA <NOT TO SCALE> NOTES: I. IF FEASIBLE CANALS WILL BE CROSSED WHEN THEY ARE EMPTY. BORING IS THE PREFERRED CROSSING METHOD. 2. THE BURIED DEPTH SHOWN IS WHERE THE CANAL BOTTOM MATERIALS ARE EARTH. SAND. OR GRAVELS. 3. IF BORING IS INFEAS IBLE. CANALS WILL BE CROSSED BY OPEN TRENCH. THE BANKS AND BOTTOM WILL BE COMPACTED AND RESTORED TO PRECONSTRUCTION CONDITION OR BETTER. EXHIBIT "F" TRANSCOLORADO ...................................... -............... "' ...... GAS'TRANSUiSSiON PLAN AND PROFILE OF TYPICAL IRRIGATION CANAL CROSSING REVISION DA TE I 4129/911 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 450' I 50' I .: ~ E • ffi ocr----, ~.LL ____ J STAGING .AREA I i i I i i I I PIPELINE CENTERLINE I i i i TOP OF EOG OF RIVER BANK WATER CENTERLINE PLAN CNOT TO SCALE> PROFILE EDGE OF TOP OF WATER BANK STAGING .AREA CNOT TO SCALE> NOTES: & 50' TYPICAL SE TBACK WHERE POSSIBLE 2. THE BURIED DEPTH SHOWN IS WHERE THE RIVER BOTTOM MATERIALS AAE EAATH,SANO,OR GRAVELS. EXHIBIT "G" TRANSCOLORADO PLAN AND PROFR.E OF TYPICAL MAJOR RIVER CROSSING <MAJOR RIVER OR STREAM> REVISION DATE l21S/91 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I NATURAL GROUND STRAW BALES OR SILT FENCE~ NATURAL GROUND NOTEI NATURAL GROUND ,. CEOTEXTILE_._-- 30•-o • ' MINI W TRENCH WIDTH IN NATURAL GRCUND FABRIC I z CH. CROSS! ...... ~-+o+-~5· ·~~~~~-~ "' • NATURAL ;~ I GRaJND ~ TYPICAL CROSSING PLAN 40'-0' I' GEOTEXTlLE FABRIC NAnlRAL GRt1JNO -------------- PIPELINE ELEVATION A-A SAND BACS GRANULAR BASE NATURAL CROUHO ELEVATION 8-9 EXHIBIT "H" CULVERT ANO ASSOCIATED I..-RCVEIENTS TRANSCOLORADO ARE TEl.PORARY !USED DURING CONSTRUCTJOf . THEN REMOVED) GAS r'R'M""'s-Jll~:SS'!"'ION ..... A WESrCIAS llll. . «mlba K N ~CIUOO, I«:. ~.,. •MJ!m, llUHSCOl.OltADO, TYPICAL CROSSING PLAN DRY DITCH METHOD FOR SELECTED MINOR STREAM CROSSINGS REVISION DAT£ I 216/G'I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 1111 1111 NOTES: 1111 1111 2'CTYPICAL MINIMUM CLEARANCE ) I EXfSTING NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROPOSED NATURAL GAS PIPELINE 1111 1111 I. EXISTING UTILITY TO BE CONT ACTED IN ADVANCE OF CROSSING TO COORDINATE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS. 2. PRIOR TO MAKING CROSSING, MARK EX ISTING UTILITY AND GIVE UTILITY COMPANY 48 HOUR ADVANCE NOTICE <MINIMUM>. EXHIBIT 11 J 11 TRANSCOLORADO GAS rRIHWSSiON A IDTGAS /lxa Qll9ra K N W'nWISCCl.ORADO. llC..·--••""lml. TllANSCOLOIWIO, llC.. TYPICAL CROSSING OF EXISTING PIPELINES REVISION DATE 141291911 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I ---------------------------------------------------·----------""T" 50' MAX -----------r,rr~~~r:.:-------------------------<;rt---------------- - - - - - - - - --~T~ ~T~----------- 0 N PERIMETER FENC ING --··--··--··--··--··--··--··--··--··--··---·--··--··--··--··---·--··--··--··--··--··--··--··-~ .... PLAN VIEW ELEVATION EXH I BIT "K" NOTES: ALL FENCE /4J'.IO GATE LOCATIONS TO BE SUITED TO SPECIFIC SITE CONDITIONS AND ACCESS • .ABOVE SHOWN FACILITIES TO BE LOCATED WITHIN THE PERM/4J'.IENT 50' RIGHT·OF-WAY. TYPICAL BLOCK VALVE SITE PLAN <PRELIMINARY> REVISION DATE I 211191 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I , I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I RECONTOUR AND REYEGETATE ,.,,-TEMPORARY c:~ TREERQUBIARREDS>~ / ~CONSTRUCTION ~ I ACCESS ROAD ------~· i -.e3e----EXISTING ACCESS ROAD -----e- BLOCK ACCESS WITH NATIVE BARRIERS CROCK , STUMPS, ETC.> BLEND-IN WITH NA TIYE ENVIRONMEN T NOTE: I. COORDINATE TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD CLOSURE WITH JURJSDICTIONAL AGENCY OR LAND OWNER. 2. WHERE NECESSARY, FIELD FENCING CAN BE USED TO CONTROL SCCESS. EXHIBIT 11 M 11 ............. T..B.t1:1.~9.9..4:QB.NX!. ........... . GAS TRMSMISSION A l'ESTQAS • C1D91b.a It N 'WllWISCCl.ORADO. IC. ._..,.ma TRAHSCCt.ORADO. JNC. TYPICAL POST CONSTRUCTION TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD CLOSURE REVISION DATE 8130/91( I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PIPELINE RIGHT -OF-WAY CRECONTOURED AND REVEGETATEQ) / WATER BARS~ / I CAS REQUIRED> X I ~~@~ ----EXISTING ACCESS ROAD----e°""- BLOCK ACCESS WITH NA TIYE BARRIERS <ROCK . STUMPS, ETC.) BLEND-IN WITH NATIVE ENVIRONMEN T / / NOTE: S'--- I I. COORDINATE ACCESS CLOSURE WITH JURISDICTIONAL AGENCY OR LAND OWNER. 2. WHERE NECESSARY, FIELD FENCING CAN BE USED TO CONTROL R-0-W ACCESS. $------< \ EXHIBIT "N 11 TRANSCOLORADO ............. , ................................................... .. GAS TRANSMISSION A llESTCIAS /11,.. .-ra It H wnwcsca.ouocuc..•....,,.,,.ma. TllANSCCl.ORADO. 11e. TYPICAL POST CONSTRUCTION R-0-W ACCESS CONTROL REVISION DATE H/301911 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 0 I 0 I 52 I I I I ,, I I I I I I I ROCKY MOUNT~N ! FROM ROCKY l.IOUNT~N TRANSMISSION COMPANY TRANSCOLORADO II METER BUILDING 16'x12'x10' 22" TRANSCOLORADO PIPELINE 100'-0" CONTROL BUILDING 16'x12'x10' l " ACCESS ROAD EXHIB I T "0" TRANSCOLORADO ·································································~ GAS TRMSMISSION A WESTQAS 1%1 . OODl".&.a IC N · Wn!~ORAOO, llC. ~lltC. Til~COLOIUOO, INC METER STATION PLAN AT MILE POST 41.0 <PRELIMINARY> REVISION DATE I 215/91 I I : I ! I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I