APPENDIX U Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest Environmental Analysis

178 Pages·2009·11.14 MB·English

APPENDIX U

Leech Lake Reservation and Chippewa National Forest
Environmental Analysis

FEIS Alberta Clipper Project
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FEIS Alberta Clipper Project
Environmental Analysis
of the
Proposed Alberta Clipper and
Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
within the
Leech Lake Reservation

and the
Chippewa National Forest
An Appendix to the
Environmental Impact Statement
U.S. Department of State

April 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1  PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION ........................................................................................................... 1-1 
1.1  INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 1-1 
1.2  PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECTS ............................................................ 1-2 
1.2.1  Alberta Clipper Project ...................................................................................................... 1-2 
1.2.2  Southern Lights Diluent Project ......................................................................................... 1-3 
1.3  PROPOSED ACTION ........................................................................................................................... 1-3 
1.4  SCOPE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS ................................................................................... 1-6 
1.5  CONSISTENCY WITH LAND MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES ............................................................... 1-7 
1.5.1  General Forest Management Area (GF) ........................................................................ 1-7 
1.5.2  General Forest – Longer Rotation Management Area (LR) ........................................ 1-7 
1.5.3  Riparian Emphasis Management Area (RE) ................................................................... 1-7 
1.5.4  Unique Biological, Aquatic, Geological, or Historical Management Area (UB) ..... 1-8 
1.5.5  Experimental Forest Management Area (EF) ................................................................ 1-8 
1.5.6  Goblin Fern Administrative Study Area ........................................................................... 1-9 
1.5.7  Tribal Interests ..................................................................................................................... 1-10 
1.6  SCOPING AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .......................................................................................... 1-11 
1.7  ANALYSIS ISSUES ................................................................................................................................ 1-12 
1.8  AGENCY PERMITS AND APPROVALS ............................................................................................. 1-12 
2  ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 2-13 
2.1  INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 2-13 
2.2  ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT DROPPED FROM FURTHER EVALUATION ............................. 2-13 
2.2.1  SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES ....................................................................................................... 2-14 
2.2.1.1  Alberta Clipper Project ..................................................................................... 2-14 
2.2.1.2  Southern Lights Diluent Project ........................................................................ 2-14 
2.2.2  Expanding Existing Applicant Facilities ......................................................................... 2-15 
2.2.2.1  Alberta Clipper Project ..................................................................................... 2-15 
2.2.2.2  Southern Lights Diluent Project ........................................................................ 2-15 
2.2.3  Trucking ............................................................................................................................... 2-15 
2.2.3.1  Alberta Clipper Project ..................................................................................... 2-15 
2.2.3.2  Southern Lights Diluent Project ........................................................................ 2-16 
2.3  ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED IN THIS ANALYSIS ............................................................................ 2-16 
2.3.1  Alternative 1 ....................................................................................................................... 2-16 
2.3.2  Alternative 2 ....................................................................................................................... 2-16 
2.3.3  Alternative 3 ....................................................................................................................... 2-17 
2.3.4  Alternative 4 ....................................................................................................................... 2-17 
2.4  COMPARISON OF ROUTE ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................... 2-17 
2.5  MITIGATION MEASURES.................................................................................................................... 2-22 
3  EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS .......................................................................... 3-1 
3.1  HEALTH AND SAFETY ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 3-2 
3.1.1  Scoping Issue 1 - Potential for Pipeline Rupture ............................................................ 3-2 
3.1.1.1  Description ............................................................................................................ 3-2 
3.1.1.2  Indicator ................................................................................................................ 3-3 
3.1.1.3  Scope ..................................................................................................................... 3-3 
3.1.1.4  Affected Environment ......................................................................................... 3-3 
3.1.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects.................................................................................. 3-4 
3.1.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................... 3-8 

Environmental Appendix i

Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
3.1.2  Scoping Issue 2 – St. Regis Paper Company Superfund Site Contamination ........ 3-10 
3.1.2.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-10 
3.1.2.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-10 
3.1.2.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-10 
3.1.2.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-10 
3.1.2.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-11 
3.1.2.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-12 
3.2  ROADS AND TRAILS ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................ 3-13 
3.2.1  Scoping Issue 3 – Increased Opportunities for Off-highway Vehicle Access ........ 3-13 
3.2.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-13 
3.2.1.2  Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-13 
3.2.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-13 
3.2.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-13 
3.2.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-17 
3.2.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-18 
3.2.2  Scoping Issue 4 – Effects on Local Transportation ....................................................... 3-19 
3.2.2.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-19 
3.2.2.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-19 
3.2.2.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-19 
3.2.2.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-19 
3.2.2.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-20 
3.2.2.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-27 
3.3  VEGETATION AND WILDLIFE ANALYSIS .......................................................................................... 3-28 
3.3.1  Scoping Issue 5 – Wildlife Movement ............................................................................ 3-28 
3.3.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-28 
3.3.1.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-28 
3.3.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-28 
3.3.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-28 
3.3.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-29 
3.3.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-32 
3.3.2  Scoping Issue 6 – Conversion of Land Cover Types .................................................... 3-34 
3.3.2.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-34 
3.3.2.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-34 
3.3.2.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-34 
3.3.2.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-34 
3.3.2.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-35 
3.3.2.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-40 
3.3.3  Scoping Issue 7 – Spread of Invasive Species .............................................................. 3-41 
3.3.3.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-41 
3.3.3.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-41 
3.3.3.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-41 
3.3.3.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-41 
3.3.3.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-49 
3.3.3.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-51 
3.4  HERITAGE RESOURCES ANALYSIS ................................................................................................... 3-53 
3.4.1  Scoping Issue 8 – Construction Impacts to Heritage Resources .............................. 3-53 
3.4.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-53 
3.4.1.2  Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-53 
3.4.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-53 
3.4.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-53 
3.4.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-56 
3.4.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-57 

ii Environmental Appendix
Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
3.5  AESTHETICS ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................... 3-57 
3.5.1  Scoping Issue 9 – Affects to Scenic Quality and Landscape Character ............... 3-57 
3.5.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-57 
3.5.1.2  Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-57 
3.5.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-57 
3.5.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-58 
3.5.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-59 
3.5.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-60 
3.6  RECREATION ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................... 3-61 
3.6.1  Scoping Issue 10 – Recreational Use and Experience ............................................... 3-61 
3.6.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-61 
3.6.1.2  Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-61 
3.6.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-61 
3.6.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-62 
3.6.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-63 
3.6.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-65 
3.7  SOCIOECONOMIC ANALYSIS ......................................................................................................... 3-66 
3.7.1  Scoping Issue 11 – Construction Impacts on Local Communities ............................ 3-66 
3.7.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-66 
3.7.1.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-66 
3.7.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-66 
3.7.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-66 
3.7.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-67 
3.7.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-70 
3.7.2  Other Disclosures – Environmental Justice ................................................................... 3-71 
3.8  SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES ANALYSIS ................................................................................................ 3-72 
3.8.1  Scoping Issue 12 – Construction Impacts to Special Status Species ....................... 3-72 
3.8.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-72 
3.8.1.2  Indicator .............................................................................................................. 3-72 
3.8.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-72 
3.8.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-72 
3.8.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-74 
3.8.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-79 
3.9  SOILS ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................. 3-80 
3.9.1  Scoping Issue 13 - Sensitive Soils in Forested Areas ..................................................... 3-80 
3.9.1.1  Description .......................................................................................................... 3-80 
3.9.1.2  Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-81 
3.9.1.3  Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-81 
3.9.1.4  Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-81 
3.9.1.5  Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-83 
3.9.1.6  Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-84 
3.10  WETLANDS ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................................... 3-85 
3.10.1  Scoping Issue 14 - Wetlands ............................................................................................ 3-85 
3.10.1.1 Description .......................................................................................................... 3-85 
3.10.1.2 Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-86 
3.10.1.3 Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-86 
3.10.1.4 Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-86 
3.10.1.5 Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-87 
3.10.1.6 Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-89 

Environmental Appendix iii

Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
3.11  SURFACE WATERS ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... 3-91 
3.11.1  Scoping Issue 15 – Impacts to Surface Waters ............................................................ 3-91 
3.11.1.1 Description .......................................................................................................... 3-91 
3.11.1.2 Indicators ............................................................................................................. 3-91 
3.11.1.3 Scope ................................................................................................................... 3-91 
3.11.1.4 Affected Environment ....................................................................................... 3-91 
3.11.1.5 Direct and Indirect Effects................................................................................ 3-93 
3.11.1.6 Cumulative Effects ............................................................................................. 3-95 
4  LIST OF PREPARERS ............................................................................................................................................ 4-1 

iv Environmental Appendix
Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.3-1  Land Use within the Proposed Project Area with Delineated Wetlands ................... 1-5 
Table 1.7-1  Analysis Issues .................................................................................................................... 1-12 
Table 2.4-1  Comparison of Effects for Alternatives .......................................................................... 2-18 
Table 2.5-1  Summary of Mitigation Measures ................................................................................... 2-23 
Table 3.1.1-1  History of Mainline Pipeline Releases within LLR and CNF Boundaries ..................... 3-3 
Table 3.2.2-1  Average Daily Traffic Counts on Potential Access Roads ......................................... 3-21 
Table 3.2.2-2  Roads Crossed by Alternative 2 ..................................................................................... 3-22 
Table 3.2.2-3  Roads Crossed by Alternative 3 ..................................................................................... 3-24 
Table 3.2.2-4  Roads Crossed by Alternative 4 ..................................................................................... 3-25 
Table 3.3.2-1  CNF Management Areas Crossed by Each Alternative ............................................ 3-35 
Table 3.3.2-2  Acreage of CNF Landscape Ecosystem Types Affected by Proposed Action ..... 3-36 
Table 3.3.3-1  State- and County-designated Noxious Weeds and Plants of Concern within the
CNF ...................................................................................................................................... 3-42 
Table 3.3.3-2   Noxious Weeds and Plants of Concern within the LLR ............................................... 3-43 
Table 3.3.3-3  Noxious Weeds Identified within the Proposed Action (Alternative 2) Project Area ...
.............................................................................................................................................. 3-45 
Table 3.4.1-1  Heritage Resources .......................................................................................................... 3-54 
Table 3.4.1-2  Native American Groups Contacted ........................................................................... 3-55 
Table 3.6.1-1  Recreational Events Occurring in the Project Area .................................................... 3-62 
Table 3.8.1-1  Management Indicator Species .................................................................................... 3-74 
Table 3.8.1-2  Sensitive Species Mitigation Measures .......................................................................... 3-75 
Table 3.9.1-1  Soil Limitations and Characteristics of Alternative 2 in miles ..................................... 3-81 
Table 3.9.1-2  Soil Limitations and Characteristics of Alternative 3 in miles ..................................... 3-81 
Table 3.9.1-3  Soil Limitations and Characteristics of Alternative 4 in miles ..................................... 3-82 
Table 3.10.1-1  Summary of Wetlands Affected by Construction of Alternatives ............................ 3-87 
Table 3.11.1-1  Surface Waters Crossed within the Proposed Project –Alternative 2 ...................... 3-91 
Table 3.11.1-2  Surface Waters Crossed within the Proposed Project – Alternative 3 ..................... 3-92 
Table 3.11.1-3  Surface Waters Crossed within the Proposed Project – Alternative 4 ..................... 3-92
LIST OF FIGURES (SEE APPENDIX 3)
Figure 1 – Project Overview Map
Figure 2 – Project Location Map
Figure 3 – Management Areas Crossed
Figure 4 – Typical Right-of-Way Schematic
Figure 5 – Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence
Figure 6 – Typical Timber Mat Span Bridge
Figure 7 – Typical Rock Flume Bridge
Figure 8 – Typical Waterbody Crossing – Wet Trench Method
Figure 9 – Typical Waterbody Crossing – Dam and Pump Method
Figure 10 – Typical Waterbody Crossing – Rock Flume Method
Figure 11 – Typical Waterbody Crossing – Horizontal Directional Drill
Figure 12 – Typical Wetland Crossing
Figure 13 – Slope Breakers – Perspective View
Figure 14 – Slope Breaker – Elevation View
Figure 15 – Typical Trench Breakers – Perspective View
Figure 16 – Typical Trench Breakers – Plan & Profile View
Figure 17 – Typical Silt Fence Installation
Figure 18 – Typical Straw Bale Installation
Figure 19 – Typical Dewatering Measures
Figure 20 – Dewatering Measures – Straw Bale Structure
Figure 21 – Typical Stream Crossing Replanting Design
Figure 22 – Land Ownership in the Project Area
Figure 23A – Other Forest Service Projects
Figure 23B – Other Forest Service Projects

Environmental Appendix v

Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects
APPENDICES
Appendix 1 References
Appendix 2 Comments Raised During Scoping
Appendix 3 Figures
Appendix 4 Cumulative Effects Summary Matrix

vi Environmental Appendix
Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights Diluent Pipeline Projects