HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140957 Ver 1_17_Appendix_H_HDD Plan Rev 1 071816_20170227Atlantic
Coast
Pipeline SM
r-
r-"�wDominion
ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC
ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE
Docket Nos.
and
CP15-554-000
CP15-554-001
DOMINION TRANSMISSION, INC.
SUPPLY HEADER PROJECT
Docket No. CP15-555-000
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring,
Operations, and Contingency Plan
Updated, Rev. I
Prepared by
, J-1
ERM
July 18, 2016
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................1
2.0
PURPOSE...........................................................................................................................1
3.0
TRAINING.........................................................................................................................1
4.0
OVERVIEW OF PLAN ELEMENTS.............................................................................2
5.0
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT..................................................................................2
6.0
CONDITION 1: NORMAL DRILLING CONDITIONS..............................................3
6.1 Drilling.....................................................................................................................3
6.2 Monitoring...............................................................................................................4
7.0
CONDITION 2: LOSS OF CIRCULATION..................................................................4
7.1 Drilling.....................................................................................................................4
7.2 Focused Monitoring.................................................................................................5
8.0
CONDITION 3: DRILLING FLUID RETURN AND REMEDIATION .....................5
8.1 Drilling Operations..................................................................................................5
8.2 Focused Monitoring.................................................................................................7
9.0
RESTORATION................................................................................................................7
10.0
GENERAL CONTINGENCY PLANS............................................................................7
10.1 New Drill Path.........................................................................................................7
10.2 Abandonment...........................................................................................................7
10.3 Alternative Crossings...............................................................................................8
11.0
SITE-SPECIFIC CONTINGENCY PLAN.....................................................................8
LIST OF TABLES
Table 4-1 Overview of Plan Elements.............................................................................. 2
LIST OF ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A Site -Specific Contingency Plan (to be provided in the "issued -for -
construction" version of this plan)
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ACP
Atlantic Coast Pipeline
Atlantic
Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC
DTI
Dominion Transmission, Inc.
DES
Dominion Environmental Services
EI
Environmental Inspector
HDD
horizontal directional drill
HDD Plan
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring,
Operations, and Contingency Plan
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
SDS
Safety Data Sheet
SHP
Supply Header Project
ii
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC (Atlantic) — a company formed by four major energy
companies — Dominion Resources, Inc.; Duke Energy Corporation; Piedmont Natural Gas Co.,
Inc.; and AGL Resources, Inc. — proposes to construct and operate approximately 600 miles of
natural gas transmission pipelines and associated aboveground facilities in West Virginia,
Virginia, and North Carolina. This Project, referred to as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), will
deliver up to 1.5 million dekatherms per day of natural gas from supply areas in the Appalachian
region to demand areas in Virginia and North Carolina. Atlantic has contracted with Dominion
Transmission, Inc. (DTI), a subsidiary of Dominion Resources, Inc., to construct and operate the
ACP on behalf of Atlantic.
In conjunction with the ACP, DTI proposes to construct and operate approximately
37.5 miles of pipeline loop and modify existing compression facilities in Pennsylvania and West
Virginia. This Project, referred to as the Supply Header Project (SHP), will enable DTI to
provide firm transportation service to various customers, including Atlantic.
2.0 PURPOSE
For the ACP, the horizontal directional drill (HDD) construction method is proposed for
15 waterbody crossings, two highway crossings, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail/Blue
Ridge Parkway. Other HDD crossings for the ACP could be evaluated as a result of ongoing
engineering design or consultation with permitting agencies. For the SHP, the HDD method is
not currently anticipated for river crossings.
This Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and
Contingency Plan (HDD Plan) describes the procedures to be implemented by Atlantic/DTI and
their Contractors 1 for monitoring drilling operations and responding to inadvertent returns of
drilling fluid to the surface. It also provides contingency plans in the event that an HDD cannot
be completed during construction (e.g., due to repeated collapse of the drill hole).
Each HDD will have a customized plan that will be prepared and in place prior to
commencement of HDD operations. 2 This HDD Plan serves as a template for the individual
plans. Each individual plan will identify the appropriate agency contacts and reporting timelines
in the event of an inadvertent return of drilling fluid to the surface and provide a list of the
information which needs to be reported to the agency.
3.0 TRAINING
Prior to the start of construction, Atlantic and DTI will conduct environmental and safety
training for Company and Contractor personnel. The training program will focus on the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission's Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan
and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures; other construction,
` Contractor refers to the company or companies retained by Atlantic/DTI or another contractor to complete the HDD installations.
2 A draft contingency plan for the crossing of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail/Blue Ridge Parkway was filed on May 13, 2016 (FERC
Accession Number 20160513-5223).
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
restoration, and mitigation plans, including this HDD Plan; and applicable permit conditions. In
addition, Atlantic and DTI will provide large -group training sessions before each work crew
commences construction with periodic follow-up training for groups of newly assigned
personnel.
4.0 OVERVIEW OF PLAN ELEMENTS
The elements of the HDD Plan consist of three operational conditions as follows:
Condition 1 — Normal Drilling Conditions;
Condition 2 — Loss of Circulation; and
Condition 3 — Drilling Fluid Return and Remediation
An overview of the corresponding monitoring and operational actions for each condition
is provided in Table 4-1. Subsequent sections of this plan provide additional detail regarding
each of the three conditions described in the table.
TABLE 4-1
Overview of Plan Elements
Condition Status
Actions
Condition 1- Normal Normal drilling fluid
Perform routine collection of drilling fluid at drill entry and exit points
Drilling Conditions circulation is maintained
Perform routine drilling data collection
Conduct routine visual monitoring
Condition 2- Loss of Loss or significant
Discontinue drilling; continue pumping and rotating and slowly swab the drill
Circulation reduction of fluid
string, if appropriate
circulation
Immediately notify an Environmental Inspector, Atlantic/DTI representative, and
Dominion Environmental Services
Adjust drilling fluid and parameters in an effort to regain circulation
Perform focused visual monitoring
Continue drilling if no return to the surface is detected
Condition 3- Drilling Drilling fluid return to
Notify regulatory agencies and authorities having jurisdiction
Fluid Return and the surface is confirmed
Discontinue pumping; continue rotating and slowly swab the drill string, if
Remediation
appropriate
Monitor and document the return area
Contain and collect the return, if practical
If the return is contained and collected, resume pumping and drilling
If containment and collection is not practical, suspend HDD operations
Atlantic or DTI, in consultation with the appropriate regulatory agencies, wil I
issue a notice to proceed, notice to relocate, or notice to shut down
5.0 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT
Equipment and materials required to contain inadvertent returns of drilling fluid will be
available at the drilling sites. Each individual involved in drilling operations will be familiar
with the locations of containment equipment and the specific procedures for handling inadvertent
returns of drilling fluid. The following materials and equipment will be on site in ample supply
depending on the extent of sensitive resources at each crossing:
spill sorbent pads and booms;
straw bales (certified weed -free);
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Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
wood stakes;
sandbags;
silt fence;
plastic sheeting;
corrugated plastic pipe;
shovels;
push brooms;
centrifugal, trash, and sump pumps;
vacuum truck;
rubber -tired or wide -track backhoe;
bobcat (if needed);
storage tanks (if needed); and
floating turbidity curtain (may be considered for use on large streams).
6.0 CONDITION 1: NORMAL DRILLING CONDITIONS
6.1 Drilling
Documentation of the composition and properties of drilling fluids will be maintained at
the jobsite and will be available for review by Atlantic/DTI and its designated representatives.
Documentation will include manufacturer's literature and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) (formerly
known as Material Safety Data Sheets (or MSDSs) for additives, such as thickening agents, if
used (Atlantic's/DTI's standard practice is to not utilize additives). Prior to the use of additives,
Atlantic and DTI will consult with and obtain permission from the appropriate
State/Commonwealth regulatory agencies regarding the use of additives, and confirm that the
additives will not violate water quality standards if inadvertently released into the water.
Additives that do not comply with permit requirements and environmental regulations will not be
used during drilling.
The HDD Contractor will maximize the reuse of drilling fluid surface returns by
providing solids control and fluid cleaning equipment of a configuration and capacity that can
process surface returns and produce drilling fluid suitable for reuse.
The Contractor at all times will provide and maintain instrumentation that will:
locate the pilot hole;
measure drill string axial and torsional loads;
measure annulus pressures; and
measure drilling fluid discharge rate and pressure.
Atlantic/DTI and its designated representatives will have access to these instruments and
readings at all times. If requested, Atlantic/DTI will provide this information to agencies with
regulatory jurisdiction over the crossing. A log of all recorded readings will be maintained at the
jobsite and become a part of the "As -Built" information to be supplied by the Contractor to
Atlantic/DTI.
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
6.2 Monitoring
Routine monitoring under Condition 1 will consist of visual inspection by the Contractor
and/or an Environmental Inspector (EI) 3 along the drilled alignment on land and on the
waterbody bed where visible from land or by boat. These examinations will be made
periodically on a time interval no less than every four hours, except during hours of darkness.
Additionally, Atlantic and DTI will monitor source waters, such as seeps and springs, along or
near the drill path for possible inadvertent returns on a time interval no less than every four
hours, except during hours of darkness. The name of the inspector, time of the examination, and
observations of the inspector will be kept in a separate log at the jobsite and be available for
inspection by Atlantic/DTI and its designated representatives. Upon request, Atlantic/DTI will
make the logs available to agencies with regulatory jurisdiction over the crossing. If loss of
circulation and a possible return of drilling fluid to the surface are detected, Condition 2 will be
implemented.
7.0 CONDITION 2: LOSS OF CIRCULATION
7.1 Drilling
The following procedures will be implemented if a loss or significant reduction of
drilling fluid circulation occurs.
The Contractor will discontinue drilling or reaming activities as soon as possible.
The contractor will continue pumping and rotating and slowly swab the drill
string, if appropriate. Swabbing involves withdrawing the drill string to
mechanically clean the drilled hole, which reduces the chances of the drill string
getting stuck in the hole.
The Contractor will immediately notify an EI (the lead EI, if possible), an
Atlantic/DTI representative, and Dominion Environmental Services (DES) that
operations are continuing under Condition 2.
The Contractor will immediately take steps to restore circulation. These steps
will include, but not be limited, to the following.
o Adjusting drilling fluid properties and parameters to encourage annular
flow by weighting up or down, increasing viscosity, or adding lost
circulation material to plug the seam where fluid is being lost. Flow will
be maintained such that annular velocities promote returns to the drilling
rig tanks.
o Employing lost circulation materials provided such materials are approved
by Atlantic or DTI and comply with permit requirements and
environmental regulations.
3 The role and responsibilities of an EI are defined in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation,
and Maintenance Plan.
2
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
Focused monitoring will be performed along the drill path for a drilling fluid
return to the surface.
If circulation is restored or drilling fluid is not observed on the surface, drilling
will continue under Condition 2 for a period of no less than eight drilling hours.
If a return is not identified and either loss or significant reduction of drilling fluid
circulation does not occur during this eight-hour period, the Contractor will notify
Atlantic/DTI that drilling under Condition 1 has resumed.
If a drilling fluid return is identified through focused monitoring during the eight-
hour period or after, Condition 3 will be implemented
7.2 Focused Monitoring
Focused monitoring under Condition 2 will consist of visual observation along the drilled
alignment and at source waters such as seeps and springs along and near the drill path by the
Contractor and/or an EI with no other jobsite responsibilities. The EI will ensure that a sufficient
number of individuals are assigned to monitoring given the size of the HDD and the number of
seeps or springs along or near the drill path. Focused monitoring will occur over the minimum
eight-hour Condition 2 drilling timeline, as indicated above. The time and results of drilled
alignment observations will be kept in a log at the jobsite and be available for inspection by
Atlantic/DTI and its designated representatives. Upon request, Atlantic/DTI will make the logs
available to agencies with regulatory jurisdiction over the crossing. If a drilling fluid return to
the surface is confirmed, Condition 3 will be implemented.
8.0 CONDITION 3: DRILLING FLUID RETURN AND REMEDIATION
8.1 Drilling Operations
The following procedures will be implemented if an inadvertent return of drilling fluid to
the surface is confirmed.
The Contractor will cease drilling and immediately notify an EI (lead, EI if
possible), an Atlantic/DTI representative, and DES.
In the event of an inadvertent return within a waterbody or wetland, or an upland
return that results in drilling fluid entering a waterbody or wetland, the
Atlantic/DTI representative will immediately notify the agencies with regulatory
jurisdiction over the crossing.
The Contractor will discontinue pumping and will rotate and slowly swab the drill
string, if appropriate. Swabbing involves withdrawing the drill string to
mechanically clean the drilled hole, which reduces the chances of the drill string
getting stuck in the hole.
If public health, safety, and/or the environment are threatened by an inadvertent
return, drilling operations will be shut down and the drill string removed from the
hole until the threat is eliminated.
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Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
If the return occurs on land or within a wetland, it will be contained with hand
placed barriers (e.g., hay bales, sand bags, silt fences, etc.) and collected for
disposal or reuse. If the amount of the return exceeds that which can be contained
with hand placed barriers, a small pit will be excavated at the return site to contain
the spread of the fluid, and a pump will be used to transfer the fluid from the pit
into a containment vessel. Drilling may resume under Condition 2 as long as the
return is being contained and collected.
If the amount of return occurring on land or within a wetland exceeds that which
can be contained and collected using small sumps, drilling operations will be
suspended until return volumes can be brought under control.
If an inadvertent return occurs in a waterbody it will be more difficult to contain
because the fluid will be dispersed into the water and carried downstream. In
those areas that can be contained (e.g., in shallow, standing or slow moving
water), the underwater return will be collected using pumps. Drilling may resume
under Condition 2 as long as the return is being contained and collected.
If the return cannot be contained using the methods described above, an attempt
may be made to plug the flow path by adding thickening agents to the drilling
fluid, such as additional bentonite, cottonseed hulls, or other non -hazardous
materials. As noted above, Atlantic/DTI will consult with and obtain permission
from the appropriate State/Commonwealth regulatory agencies regarding the use
of additives and confirm that the additives will not violate water quality standards
if inadvertently released into the water.
If the amount of a drilling fluid return, either on land or within a waterbody or
wetland, exceeds that which can be practically contained and collected, drilling
operations will be suspended, and the Contractor will notify Atlantic/DTI that
drilling cannot continue without a continuous return of drilling fluid.
Atlantic/DTI, in consultation with the appropriate regulatory agencies, will issue a
notice to proceed, notice to relocate, or notice to shut down until further notice.
If impacts to fish or wildlife are observed due to exposure to drilling fluids,
drilling operations will be suspended and the Contractor will notify Atlantic/DTI
immediately. Atlantic/DTI, in consultation with the appropriate regulatory
agencies, will issue a notice to proceed, notice to relocate, or notice to shut down
until further notice.
If an inadvertent return occurs within a source water, such as a seep or spring,
Atlantic/DTI will test the water for water quality and provide an alternate supply
of water to affected landowners until the inadvertent return is remediated.
If necessary, an Emergency Response Contractor will be deployed for assistance
containing and remediating large returns. Emergency Response Contractors will
be identified in the individual plans prepared for each crossing.
2
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
8.2 Focused Monitoring
Focused monitoring under Condition 3 will consist of visual observation along the drilled
alignment, at source waters such as seeps and springs along and near the drill path, and at the
location of the inadvertent return. Focused monitoring will be conducted by the Contractor
and/or an EI with no other jobsite responsibilities. The EI will ensure that a sufficient number of
individuals are assigned to monitoring given the size of the HDD, the number of seeps or springs
along or near the drill path, and the location of the inadvertent return. The time and results of
focused monitoring observations will be kept in a written log at the jobsite. The log will be
available for inspection by Atlantic/DTI and its designated representatives. Upon request,
Atlantic/DTI will make the logs available to agencies with regulatory jurisdiction over the
crossing.
9.0 RESTORATION
All areas affected by inadvertent returns will be restored to pre-existing condition and
contours to the extent practicable. Upland areas will be restored through typical right-of-way
restoration procedures, such as grading, seeding, and temporary and permanent stabilization.
Restoration of wetlands and waterbodies will vary depending on the extent of disturbance during
the initial response to the inadvertent return. Recommendations from the appropriate regulatory
agencies (e.g., the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) will be solicited and followed for restoration
activities in regulated wetlands and waterbodies.
10.0 GENERAL CONTINGENCY PLANS
If the actions described above do not address the problem with the HDD, Atlantic/DTI
may opt to select a new drill path, abandon the drill hole, or consider alternate crossing
measures. Abandonment procedures and alternative crossing measures will be discussed with
appropriate permitting and regulatory agencies, and required approvals will be obtained prior to
implementing alternative crossing measures.
10.1 New Drill Path
Depending on the nature of the problem, Atlantic/DTI may identify a new drill path that
mitigates the cause of the problem. This could result in an altered path, deeper path, or shallower
path, and may retain sections of the original drilled path that are not at risk to the problem. For
sections of abandoned hole, the abandonment procedures identified below will apply to the
abandoned section of the hole.
10.2 Abandonment
In the event a drill hole is abandoned, the following procedures will be implemented:
Heavy drilling fluid or a cement mixture will be pumped into the hole as the drill
assembly is extracted to seal the abandoned drill hole.
The drill end points within approximately 5 feet of the surface will be filled with
soil and the location will be graded to the original contour.
7
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring, Operations, and Contingency Plan
10.3 Alternative Crossings
Before implementing alternative crossing measures, an attempt will be made to identify
and assess the reason for the drill failure as this may be critical for selection of an appropriate
alternate crossing. Potential alternative measures could include:
changing the drill entry and exit points;
changing of the profile (depth) of the drill;
changing drill procedures (e.g., fluid viscosity/pressure/flow velocity, bit
rotation/velocity, etc.);
conducting an open cut from the banks with the pipe pulled across the trench;
conducting an open cut from the banks and a barge with the pipe laid from the
barge; or
implementing a dry crossing method (e.g., conducting a partial stream diversion
using a cofferdam).
In developing an appropriate alternate measure, consideration will be given to:
stream bank type, flow, width, depth, velocity, and volume;
surrounding topography;
condition of riparian areas;
condition and extent of wetlands, if present, on each side of the crossing; and
aquatic biota present.
These and other factors will be considered and discussed with the appropriate regulatory
agencies to minimize environmental impact and secure appropriate approvals. No in -stream
work will occur until approval from the appropriate regulatory agencies is obtained. Final
selection of an alternative crossing measure will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission with supporting data.
11.0 SITE-SPECIFIC CONTINGENCY PLAN
A site-specific contingency plan for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Blue
Ridge Parkway is currently being developed. This plan will be provided to FERC upon
completion and subsequent consultation with applicable agencies, such as the U.S. Forest
Service and National Park Service. Atlantic and DTI anticipate filing a copy of this plan in
December 2016. The site-specific contingency plan will be appended to the "issued -for -
construction" version of this HDD Plan.
ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE, LLC
ATLANTIC COAST PIPELINE
and
DOMINION TRANSMISSION, INC.
SUPPLY HEADER PROJECT
Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling, Operations, and Contingency Plan
ATTACHMENT A
Site -Specific Contingency Plan
(to be provided in the "issued -for -construction" version of this plan)