HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140957 Ver 2_Wetland & Waterbody Construction & Mitigation Procedures_20130501MAY 2013 VERSION
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FEDERAL ENUcy RECLIUVI'ORY CONIMISSION " OHICEOF FNLI�CV PROJLCTS
IM " I cal -9161 11bg 9 u
L APPLICABILITY ... - ............................................. I
11. PRECONSTRuc-nON FILING .................................. 3
111. ENVIRONME�4TAL INSPECI-ORS ...... --.— .... ....... —4
IV PREG0Ns,rRUCTION PLANNING ................ ............ 5
V. WATERBODY CROSSINGS ....................... - ....... - 8
A.NOTIFICATiON PROCEDURES AND PERMITS .................
8
B.INS'I'A],[.,V]'ION ..............................................................
8
1. Time Window for Constructiori ....................
......... 8
2. Extra Work Areas .... ..... ........... .......
3, General Crossing Procedures
4. Spoil Pile Placement and Control ...........
... 10
5. Equipment Bridges ......... ..... --- ....
..... 11
6. Dry -Ditch Crossing Methods... .............................
12
7. Crossings of Minor Waterbodies ........ ...........
..... 15
& Crossft-igs of Intermediate Waterbodies ... ...........
16
9� Crossings of Major Waterbodies .... ... — ..........
16
10. Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control .........
17
11, Trench Dewatefing...,—,,.,....,, ..... ......
i- 18
C.RFSTORATION .... -- ..... ---- --- ....... .................
18
D.Posl'-CONSTRLIC.-TION
V1. WLTLAND CROSSINGS ....... -- ................. 21
A.GENERAI ... — ... — .......... ...............................................
21
13. INS'IALLATION ............................................................
23
1, Extra Work Areas and Access Roads ..................
-.23
2. Crossing ProcedUres ... ............................ ...........
-.24
3. Temporary Sediment Control ...............................
26
4. Trench Dewatering ................. ........... .............
27
(IRESTOR/mON... ........ - .... -- ......... .............................
28
D.POST-CONS'IRUCHON MAINTENANCE &
REPORTING-- .... ............. ........
---29
V11, HYDRomnc TESTING. ....... ........
31
A.NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES AND PERMITS ........
-- 31
B. GENE.RAL ... ---- ...............................................
-... 32
C.INTAKE SOURCE AND RATE .............
... — 32
D.DISCIIARCF LOCKHON, MFTUOD, AIND RATE 33
wE,rLANF) AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
1. Appi.]CABILITY
A. The intent of these Procedures is to assist project sponsors
by identifying baseline mitigation measures for minimizing
the extent and duration of project -related disturbance on
wetlands and waterbodies. Project sponsors shall specify
in their applications for a view FERC authorization, and
in prior notice and advance notice filings, any individual
measures in these Procedures they consider unnecessary,
technically infeasible, or unsuitable due to local conditions
a nd ful ly descri be a ny afte rnative measures they would use,
Project sponsors shall also explain how those alternative
measures would achieve a comparable level of mitigation.
Once a project is authorized, project sponsors can request
further changes as variances to the measures in these
Procedures (or the applicant's approved procedures). The
Director ofthe Office of Energy Projects (Director) will
consider approval ofvariances Upon the project sponsor's
written request, if the Director agrees that a variance;
provides equal or better environmental protection;
2. is necessary because a portion of these Procedures
is infeasible or unworkable based on project -specific
conditions; or
3. is specifically required in writing by another federal,
state, or Native American land management agency
for the portion of the project on its land or under its
jurisdiction,
M AY 20 1 3 VERM 0 N
Sponsors Of projects planned for construction under the
automatic authorization provisions in the FERC's regulations
must receive written approval for any variances in advance of
construction..
Pioject-related impacts on non-wetiand areas at(, addressed in the
staff's Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance
[liar) (Plan).
1. "Waterbody" includes any natural or artificial stream,
river, Or drainage with perceptible flow at the tiffle Of
crossing, and other permanent waterbodies such as
ponds and lakes:
a. "minor waterbody' includes all waterbodies less than
or equal to 10 feet wide at the water's edge at the time.
of crossing;
b� 'intermediate waterbody" includes all waterbodies
greater than 10 feet wide but less than or equal to 100
feet wide at the watel"S edge at tire time of crossing;
and
c, 'majorwaterbody " includes all waterbodies greater
than too feet wide at the water's edge at the time of
crossing.
2. 'Wetland" includes any area that is not in actively
cultivated or rotated cropland and that satisfies tire
requirements of the current federal methodology for
identifying and delineating wetlands.
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCUON AND mrrIGA'n0N PROCEDURES (PROCEDIARES)
11. PRECONSTRUC710N FiLING
A. The following information must be filed with the
Secretary of the FERC (Secretary) prior to the beginning
of construction, for the review and written approva I by the
Director:
1. site specific justifications for extra work areas that would
be closer than 50 feet Frorn a waterbody or wetland; and
2. site-specific justifications for the Use 01'3 construction
right -of' -way greater than 75-f-eet-wide in wetlands.
B� The following information must be filed with the Secretary
prior to the beginning of construction, These filing
requirements do not apply to projects constructed under
the automatic authorization provisions in the FERC's
regulations:
1. Spill Prevention and Response procedures specified in
section IV.A;
2� a schedule identif�ymg when trenching or blasting will
occur within each waterbody greater than 10 feet wide,
within any designated coldwater fishery, and within
any waterbody identified as habitat for fiederally-listed
threatened or endangered species, 'rhe project sponsor
will revise the schedule as necessary to Provide FERC
staffat least 14 days advance notice. Changes within
this last 14 -day period must provide for at least 48 hours
advance notice;
t4m 2013 VERSION 3
3. plans for horizontal directional drills (HDD) under
wetlands or waterbodies, specified in section V.13.6.d;
4. site-specific plans for major waterbody crossings,
described in section V.B.9;
5. a wetland delineation report as described in section
VI.A.1, if applicable; and
6. the hydrostatic testing information specified in section
VI 1. B. 3.
111, ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECFORS
A. At least one Environmental Inspector having knowledge of
the wetland and waterbody conditions in the project area
is required for each construction spread. The number and
experience of Environmental Inspectors assigned to each
construction spread shall be appropriate for the length of
the construction spread and the number/significance of
resources affected.
B� The Environmental inspector's responsibilities are
outlined in the Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and
Maintenance Plan (Plan).
11
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MrUCKKION PROCEDURES (PROCEDUPES)
IV, PRECONSTRUCTION PLANNING
A� The project sponsor shall develop PrOjecIL-SpeCifiCSpill
prevention and Response Procedures that rneet applicable
requirements of state and federal agencies. A copy must
be filed with the Secretary prior to construction and made
available in the field on each COBSIRICtiOrl spread. This
filing requirement does notapply to projects constructed
under the automatic authorization provisions in the
FERC's regulations.
I . It shall be the responsibility of the project sponsor and
its contractors to structure their operations in a mariner
that reduces the risk of spills or the acciderltal exposure
of fuels or hazardous materials to waterbodies or
wetlands. The project sponsor and its contractors must,
at a minimum, ensure that:
a. all employees handling fuels and other hazardous
materials are properly trained;
b� all equipment is in good operating order and
inspected on a regular basis;
c. fuel trucks transporting fuel to on-site equipment
travel only on approved access roads;
cl� all equipment is parked overnight and/of fueled at
least 100 feet from a waterbody or in all upland area
at least 100 feet from a wetland boundary. These
activities can occur closer only if the Environmental
Inspector detern-iines that there is no reasonable
M A Y 2 0 13 V H RSJ ON 5
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONS I RUCTTON AND MITIGATION PPOCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
alternative, and the project sponsor and its contractors
2, The project sponsor and its contractors must structure
have taken appropriate steps (including secondary
their operations in a manner that provides for the
containment structures) to prevent spills and provide
prompt arid effective cleanup of spiHs of fuel and
for prompt cleanup in the event of a spill;
other hazardous materials, At a minimum, the project
c. hazardous materials, including chernicals, fiLiels,
sponsor and its contractors must:
and lubricating oils, are not stored within 100 feet
a. ensure. that each construction crew (including
of a wetland, waterbody, or designated municipal
cleanup crews) has on hand sufficient supplies of
watershed area, unless the location is designated for
absorbent and barrier materials to allow the rapid
such use by an appropriate governmental authority.
containment and recovery of spilled inaterials
This applies to storage of these materials and does not
and knows the procedure for reporting spills and
apply to nornial operation or use of equipment in
unanticipated discoveries of coritarnination;
these areas;
b. ensure that cacti construction crew has on hand
f. concrete coating activities are not performed within
sufficient tools and ritaterial to stop leaks;
100 feet of a wetland or waterbody boundary, unless
C. know the contact names and telephone numbers
the location is an existing industrial site designated for
for all local, state, and federal agencies (including,
such use. These activities can occur closer only if the
if necessary, the 11. S. Coast Guard and the National
Environmental Inspector determines that there, is no
Response Center) that must be notified of a spill; and
reasonable alternative, and the project sponsor and its
contractors have taken appropriate steps (including
d. follow the requirements of those agencies in cleaning
secondary containment structures) to prevent spills
up the spill, in excavating and disposing of soils
and provide for prompt cleanup in the event of a spill;
or other materials contaminated by a spill, and in
g. pumps operating within 100 feet of a waterbody or
collecting and disposing of waste generated during
wetland boundary Utilize appropriate secondary
spill cleanup.
containnient systems to prevent spills; and
h. bulk storage of hazardous materials, Including
B. AGENCY COORDINATION
chemicals, fuels, and lubricating oils have appropriate
lbe project sponsor must coordinate with the appropriate
secondary containment systems to prevent spills,
local, state, and federal agencies as outlined in these
Procedures arid in the FERC's Orders.
MAY 2013 VERS ION 7
V. WATERBODY CROSSINCS
A. NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES AND PERMITS
1, Apply to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), or
its delegated agency, for tire appropriate wetland and
waterbody crossing permits.
2. Provide written notification to authorities responsible
for potable surface water supply intakes located within
3 miles downstream of the crossing at [east I week
bet ore beginning work in i he waterbody, or as otherwise
specified by that authority.
3. Apply for state-iSSUed waterbody crossing permits and
obtain individual or generic section 401 water qualiq,
certification or waiver.
4. Notify appropriate federal and state authorities at least
4H hours before beginning trenching or blasting within
the waterbody, or as specified in applicable permits.
1. Time Window for Construction
Unless expressly permitted or further restricted by the
appropriate federal or state agency in writing on a site-
specific basis, inmream work, except that required to
install or remove equipment bridges, must occur during
the following time windows:
a. coldwater fisheries - fune I through Septerrober 30;
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITICATtON PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
and
b. coolwater and warmwater fisheries - June I through
November 30.
2� Extra Work Areas
a. Locate all extra work areas (such as staging areas and
additional spoil storage areas) at least 50 feet away
from water's edge, except where the adjacent upland
consists of cultivated or rotated cropland or other
disturbed land.
b. '['be project sponsor shall file with the Secretary
for review and written approval by the Director,
site-specific justification for each extra work area
with a less than 50 -foot setback from the water's
edge, except where the adjacent upland consists of
cultivated or rotated cropland or other disturbed
land. The justification must specify the conditions
that will not permit a 50 -foot setback and measures
to ensure the waLerbody is adequately protected,
c. Limit the size of extra work areas to the minimum
needed to construct the waterbody crossing.
3. General Crossing procedures
a. Comply with the COE, or its delegated agency, permit
terms and conditions.
b. Construct crossings as close to perpenclicu I ar to the
axis of the waterbody channel as engineering and
routing conditions permit.
M AY 20 13 V E RSI 0 N 9
c. Where pipelines parallel a waterbody, maintain
at least 15 feet of undisturbed vegetation between
the waterbody (and any adjacent wetland) and the
construction nght-of-way� except where maintaining
this offset will result in greater environmental impact.
d. Where waterbodies meander or have multiple
channels, route the pipeline to minimize the number
of wa terbody crossings.
e. Maintain adequate waterbody flow rates to protect
aquatic life, and prevent the interruption of existing
downstream uses.
f. Waterbody buffers (e.g., extra work area setbacks,
refueling restrictions) must be clearly marked in the
field with signs and/or highly visible flagging until
construction-Telated ground disturbing activities are
complete.
g. Crossing of waterbodies. when they are dry or frozen
and not flowing may proceed using standard upland
construction techniques in accordance with the
Plan, provided that the Environmental Inspector
verifies that water is unlikely to flow between
initial disturbance and final stabilization of the
feature. In the event of perceptible flow, the project
sponsor must comply with all applicable Procedure
requirements for 'waterbodies" as defined in section
1; B, 1,
4. Spoil Pile Placeinent and Control
WFIIAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MTTIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
a� All spoil from minor and intermediatewaterbody
crossings, and upland spoil fi-om major waterbody
crossings, must be placed in the construction right-
of-way at least 10 feet frorn the water's edge or in
additional extra work areas as described in section
VB.2.
b. Use sediment barriers to prevent the flow of spoil or
silt -laden water into any -waterbody.
5, Equipment Bridges
a. Only clearing equipment and equipment necessary
for installation of equipment bridges may cross
waterbodies prior to bridge installation. Limit the
number of Such crossings of each waterbody to one
per piece of clearing equipment.
b, Construct and ma"I otain equipment bridges to allow
unrestricted flow and to prevent soil from entering the
waterbody Examples of such bridges include:
(1) equipment pads and culvert(s);
(2) equipment pads or railroad car bridges without
culverts;
(3) clean rock fill and culvert(s); and
(4) flexi-float or portable bridges.
Additional options for equipritent bridges may be
utilized that achieve the performance objectives
noted above. Do not Use soil to construct or stabilize
equipment bridges.
c. Design and maintain each equipirient bridge to
10 MAY 2013 VFRS [ON 11
withstand and pass the highest flow expected to occur
while the bridge is in place. Idign culverts to prevent
bank erosion or streambed scour, If necessary,
install energy dissipating devices downstream of the
culverts,
d� Design and maintain equipment bridges to prevent
soil froin entering the waterbody.
e. Remove temporary equipment bridges as soon as
practicable after permanent seeding.
f. If there will be more than I month between final
cleanup and the beginning of permanent seeding
and reasonable ahernative access to the right-of-way
is available, remove temporary equipment bridges as
soon as practicable after final cleanup.
g, Obtain any necessary approval from the COE, or the
appropriate state agency for permanent bridges.
6. D ry- Ditch Crossing Methods
a. Unless approved otherwise by the appropriate federal
or state agency, install the pipeline using one of the
dry -ditch Methods outlined below for crossings of
waterbodies up to 30 feet wide (at the water's edge
at the time of construction) that are state-clesignated
as either coldwater or significant coolwater or
warinwater fisheries, or federal [y-clesignated as critical
habitat.
b. Dam and Pump
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
(1) The dam -and -pump method may be used without
prior approval for crossings of waterbodies where
pumps can adequately transfer strearnflow VOtUrrICS
around the work area, and there are no concerns
about sensitive species passage.
(2) Implementation of the darn -and -pump crossing
method Must Meet the following performance
criteria:
(i) usesufficient pumps, including on-site backup
pumps, to maintain downstream flows;
(h) construct dains with friaterials that prevent
sediment and other pollutants from entering the
waterbody (e.g., sandbags or clean gi avel with
plastic linel);
(iii) screen pump intakes to minimize enn-ainment
of fish;
(iv) prevent strearnbed scour at pump discharge; and
(v) confinuOUSly monitor the dam and pumps
to ensure proper operation throughout the
waterbody crossing,
c. FlUnle Crossing
The flume crossing method requires implementation
of the following steps:
(1) install flume pipe after blasting (if necessary), but
before any trenching;
(2) use sand bag or sand bag and plastic sheeting
12 M A . Y 2 . 0 . r 1 3 . V E . I Z, . S I ON 13
diverSion Structure or equivalent to develop an
effective seal and to divert stream flow through the
th-11-11C pipe (some modifications to the strearn bottom
may be required to achieve an effective seal);
(3) property align flume pipets) to prevent bank
erosion and streambed scour;
(4) do riot rernove flurne pipe during trenching,
pipelaying, or backfilling activities, or initial
strearribed restoration efforts; and
(5) remove all flume pipes and dams that are not also
part of the equipment bridge as soon as final cleanup
of the stream bed and bank is complete.
d. 1-forizornal Directional Drill
For each wateybody or wettand that would be crossed
using the H DD method, file with the Secretary for the
review and written approval by the Director, a plan
that includes:
(1) site-specific construction diagrams that show tire
location of mud pits, pipe assembly areas, and all
areas to be disturbed or cleared for construction;
(2) jL[Stification that disturbed areas are limited to the
minimum needed to construct tire crossing;
(3) identification of any abovegrOUnd disturbance or
clearing between the HIDD entry and exit workspaces
during construction;
(4) a description of how an inadvertent release of
wEfLAND ANDWNTERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
drilling mud would be contained and cleaned up;
and
(5) a contingency plan for crossing the waterbody or
wetland it) the event the HDD is unsuccessful and
how the abandoned drill hole would be sealed, if
necessary�
'rhe requirement to file I tDD plans does not
apply to projects constructed under the autornatic
authorization Provisions in the FERC's regulations.
7. Crossings of Minor Waterbodies
Where a dry -ditch crossing is not required, rninor
waterbodies may be crossed using the open -cut crossing
method, with the following restrictions:
a. except for blasting and other rock breaking tneaSUres,
complete instream construction activities (including
trenching, pipe installation, backfill, and restoration
of the streambed contours) within 24 hours,
Strearnbanks and unconsolidated streambeds may
require additional restoration after this period;
b� lintit use of equipment operating in the waterbody to
that needed to construct the crossing; and
c. equipment bridges are riot required at minor
waterbodies that do not have a state -designated
fishery classification or protected status (e.g.,
agricultural or intermittent drainage ditches),
However, if an equipment bridge is used it Must be
constructed as described in section VB.5.
14 MA I Y 1 20 1 1 3 V . E . R . S I I . 0 . N ....... 15
M
8. CFossingsofti-itermediateWaterbodies
Where a dry -ditch crossing is not required, intermediate
waterbodies may be crossed using the open -cut crossing
method, with thefollowing restrictions;
a. complere insticarri construction activities (not
including blasting and other rock breaking measures)
within 48 hours, unless site-specific conditions make
completion within 48 hours infeasible;
b. limit use of equipment operating in the waierbody to
that needed to construct the crossing; and
c. all other construction equipment must cross on all
equipment bridge as specified in Section V�B.5.
9� Crossi It gs of Mai or Waterbod i es
Before construction, the project sponsor shall file will)
the Secretary for the review and written approval by the
Director a detailed,isite-specific construction plan and
scaled drawings identifying all areas to be disturbed
by construction for each n-rajor waterbody crossing
(the scaled drawings are not required for any offshore
portions of pipeline projects). This plan must be
developed in consultation with the appropriate state and
federal agencies and Shall include extra work areas, spoil
storage a reas, sediment control structures, etc., as well
as mitigation for navigational issues. The requirement
to file major waterbody crossing plans does not apply to
projects constructed under the automatic authorization
provisions ofthe FERC's regulations.
WETLAND AND NAIATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND N4rrIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
The Environmental Inspector may adjust the filial
placernent ofthe erosion and sediment control
structures in the flield to maxii-nize effectiveness.
10. Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control
Install sediment barriers (as defined in section IV.F.3.a
ofthe Plan) immediately after initial disturbance of the
waterbody rn adjacent upland, Sediment barriers must
be properly maintained throughout construction and
reinstalled as necessary (Such as after backfilling of the
trench) until replaced by permanent erosion controls
or restoration of adjacent upland areas is complete.
Temporary erosion and sediment control rneasures
are addressed in more detail in the Plan; however, the
following specific measures must be implemented at
stream crossi rigs:
a. install sediment barriers across the entire
construction right-of-way at all waterbody crossings,
where necessary to prevent the flow of sediments
into the waterbody. Removable sediment barriers
(or driveable berms) must be installed across the
travel lane. These removable sediment barriers can
be removed during the construction day, but FnLISt be
re -installed after construction has stopped for the day
and/or when heavy precipitation is muninent;
b. where waterbodies are adjacent to the construction
right-of-way and the fight -of -way slopes toward the
waterbody, install sediment barriers along the edge of'
the construction right -of way as necessary to contain
16
MAY 2013 VERSION 17
spoil within the construction right-of-way and
prevent sediment flow into the waterbody, and
c. use temporary trench plugs at all waterbody crossings,
as necessary, to prevent diversion of water into
upland portions of the pipeline trench and to keep
any accuinulaied trench water out of the waterbody.
11. Trench Devvatering
Dewater the trench (either on or off the construction
right -of way) in a manner that does not cause erosion
and does not result in silt -laden water flowing into any
waterbody. Remove. the dewatering structures as soon as
practicable after the conipletion of dewatering activities.
I . Use clean gravel or native cobbles for the upper I foot of
trench backfill in all waterbodies that contain coldwater
fi.sheries.
2. For open -cut crossings, Stabilize waterbody banks and
install temporary sediment barriers within 24 hours
01C01-11pleLinginSLream construction activities. For
dry -ditch crossings, complete strearnbed and bank
stabilization before returning flow to the waterbody
channel.
3. Return all waterbody banks to preconstruction contours
or to a stable angle of repose as approved by the
Environmental Inspector.
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONSTRUMON AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
4. Install erosion control I , abric or a functional equivalent
on waterbody banks at the time of final ban](
recomouring. Do not use synthetic monofilament
mesh/netted erosion control materials in areas
designated as sensitive wildlife habitat uriless the
product is specifically designed to minimize harm to
wildlife. Anchor erosion control fabric with staples or
other appropriate devices.
5, Application Of Fiprap for bank stabilization niust comply
with COE, or its delegated agency, permit terms and
conditions.
6. Unless otherwise specified by state pernalt, limit the
use of riprap to areas where flow conditions preclude
effective vegetative stabilization techniques such as
seeding and erosion control fabric.
7 Revegetate disturbed riparian areas with native, species
ofconsen,ation grasses, legumes, and woody species,
similar in density to adjacent undisturbed lands.
8. Install a Permanent slope breaker across the
construction right -of way at the base of slopes greater
than 5 percent that are less than 50 feet From the
waterbody, or as needed to prevent sediment transport
into the waterbody. In addition, install sediment
barriers as outlined in the Plan.
In some areas, With the approval of the Environmental
Inspector, an earthen berin may be suitable as a
sediment barrier adjacent to the waterbody.
18 P.VIAY 20 1 13 1 VERS I I I ON 19
9. Sections V.C.3 through VC.7 above also apply to those
perennial or interritittentstreams not flowing at the finte
of construction.
D. POST-CONSTRUGI'ION MAINTENANCE
1. Limit routine vegetation mowing or clearing adjacent
to waterbodies to allow a ripariari Strip at least 25 fect
wide, as measured fronr the waterbody's mean high
water mark, to per rnariently revegetate with native plant
species, across the entire construction right -of way,
I lowever, to facilitate periodic COFrosion/leak surveys, a
corridor centered on the pipeline and Lip to 10 feet wide
may be cleared at a frequency necessary to maintain the
1046ot corridor in an herbaceous state. In addition,
trees that are located within 15 feet of the pipeline that
have YOOtS that could compromise the integrity of the
pipeline coating may be cut and rernovedfrom the
permanent right-ofway Do not conduct any routine
vegetation mowing or clearing in riparian areas that are
between FIDD entry arid exit points.
2. Do not use herbicides or pesticides in or within 100 feet
of a waterbody except as allowed by the appropriate land
managerrient or state agency.
3. Time of year restrictions specified in section VILA.5
of the Plan (April 15 - August I of anyyear) apply to
routine mowing and clearing of riparian areas,
NE
WETLAND AND WATERBODY
CONsrRuCTION AND MITIGATION PROCFmIkES (PROCEDURES)
V1. WETLAND CROSSINGS
A. GENERAL
1. The project sponsor shall concluct a wetland delineation
using the current federal methodology and file a
wetland delineation report with the Secretary before
construction. The requirement to file a wetland
delineation report does not apply to projects constructed
under the automatic authorization provisions in the
FERC's regulations.
This report shall identify:
a� by milepost all wetlands that would be affected;
b, the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) classification
for each wed and;
c. the crossing length of each wetland in f"t, and
d. the area of permanent and temporary disturbance
that would occur in each wetland by NW]
classification type.
The requirenients outlined in this section do not apply
to wetlands in actively cultivated or rotated cropland.
Standard upland protective measures, including
workspace and topsoiling requirements, apply to these
agricultural wetlands,
2. Route the pipeline to avoid wetland areas to the
maximum extent possible. If a wetland cannot be
NtAY 20u VERSION 21
avoided or crossed by following an existing righl-of-
way, route The new pipeline in a manner that rninbruzes
disturbance to Wedands� When, loopingan existing
pipeline, overlap the existing pipeline right-of-way
with the new construction right-of-way. In addition,
locate the loop line 110 more than 25 feel away from the
existing pipeline unless site-specific constraints WoLdd
adversely affect the stability of the existing pipeline.
3� Lintit the width of tire construction iight-of-way to
75f�celorless. Prior wriuen approval of the Director
is required where topographic condkioas or soil
limitations require that the construction righl-of,way
width within the boundaries (if a federally delineated
wedand be expanded beyond 75 feet. Early in the
planning process the project sponsor is encouraged
to identify site-specific areas w1wre excessively wide
trenches COUld occurand/or where spoil piles could be
difficult to maintain because existing soils lack adequate
unconfined compressive strength,
4. Wedand boundaries and buffers must be clearly marked
in the field with signs and/or highly visible flaggifig until
CODStrUction-related ground disturbing activities are
5
Implement the ineasures of sections V and V1 it) the
event a waterbody crossing is located within or adjacent
to a wedand crossing. Ifall rneaAirc.s ofsections V a ' nd
VI cannot be ittet,the project sponsor must file with
the Secretary a site-specific crossingplan for review and
WETLAN 1) A N 1) WATER 13 0 DY
CONSMLYMON AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDURES)
written approval by the Director before construction
at a min]MLHIT
a. spoil control;
b, equipritern bridges;
c. restoration of waterhody batiks and wetland
hydrology;
d- timing of the waterbody crossing;
e. method of crossjng� and
f. size air(] location ofall extra work areas.
6. Do not locate aboveground facilities in any wetland,
except where the location of such faciliLies outside
Of WeLlands would prohibit compliance with US
Department offransportation regulations.
�. �k
1. Fxtra Work)kreas and Access Roads
a� Locate all extra workareas (such asstaging areas and
additional spoil storage areas) at least 50 feet away
front WeLknict boundaries, except where the adjacent
upland consists of cultivated or rotated cropland or
other disturbed land.
b. 'The project sponsor shall file with tire Secretary for
revie�,N! and Written approval by the Director, site-
specific justification for each extra work area with a
less than 50 -foot setback froin wetland bOUndaries,
22 MAY 2013 VERSiON 23
exrepi where adjacent upland COIISiStS r)fCUltivated
or rotated cropland or other disturbed land. lhe
justification rnust, specil� the site-specific conditions
that will not permit a _50 -foot setback and measures
to ensure (lie wetland is adequately protected.
c� ' Fhe construction right of way may be used for
access when the wetland soil is firm enough to avoid.
runing or the construction right-of-way has been
Lipp ropria rely stabilized to avoid rutting (e.g., with
timber riprap, prefabricated equipment mats, or terra
mws),
in wetlands that cannoL be appropriately stabilized,
311 COTIStrUCliOn equipment Other than that nef-cled
to install the wpdand ciossing shall use access roads
located in upland areas. Where access roads in
upland areas do not provide reason.able access, limit
all other construction equipment to one pass through
the wetland using the construction right-of-way.
d. The only access roads, other than the construction
right-of-way, that can be used in wetlands are those
existing roads that can be used with no modifications
or improvements, other than routine repair, and no
impact oil the wetiand.
2. Crossing Procedures
a C'omply with COEI or its delegated agency, permit
terms and conditions.
h. Assemble the pipeline in an upland area unless the
WE'TLAND AND 1AW[Y'RRODY
CONSTRUCTION AND NIFFIGArION PROCEDURES (PROCtMIR1,S)
welland is dry enOUgh to adequately support skids
and pipe,
c, Use "push-pull' or 'float' techniques to place
the pipe in the tretich where water and other site
conditions allow.
d. Minimize the length oftirrie that topsoil is segregated
and the trench is open. Do not trench the wedand
until the pipeline is assembled and ready for lowering
ill.
c. Limit construction equipirient operating in wetland
,areas to that needed to clear the construction right -of
way, dig the trench, fabricate and install the pipeline,
backfill the trench, and restore. the construction right-
of-way�
f. Cut vegetation just above gFOUnd level, leaving
existing root systems in place, and remove it frorn the
wetland for disposal.
The project sponsor call burn woody debris in
wetlands, if approved by the COE and in accordance
with state and local regulations, ensuring that all
remaining woody debris is removed lot clisposal,
g� Limu pulling of tree stumps and grading activities
to (I ifeCtly 0VCr I lie trench line Donotgradeor
remove StUnips or root systems from the rest of
tile construction right-of-way in wetlands unless
the Chief I rispector and Environmental Inspector
deiernune that saf�cty-rclated construCLiOn constraints
24 MAY 2013 VERSION � 1 25
require grading or the iernowal oftree sturrips front
Under the working side of I lie construcdon right-of-
way.
11. sq'regate [he top I f - out of topsoil front the area
disturbed by trenching, except in area,,, where
standing water is present or sons arc SMUTMCCL
Immediately after backfilling is complete, restore tire
segregated topsoil to its ofiginal location.
I. Do rim use r�)ck, soil imported front outside tile
wetLind, Iree SILIMIRS, Or brUSh ril)rap to SLIPPOrt
equipment on tile COTISO-LICtion right-of-way.
I, 11'standing water or &iturated soils are present, rn-
ifconstruction eqUiPITICtik Causes ruts Or mixing of
the topsoil and subsoil in wetlands, use low -ground -
weight construction equipment, or operate normal
equipirtent on firriber riprap, prefabricated equipment
mats, or ten a n iats.
k. Remove all project-relatcd material used to suppoi I
equipment on tire construction right-of-way upon
COMPIeLion of constrUCtiOn.
3. 'Icniporary Sediment Control
Instal.] sedirrient barriers (as defined in section IV -F -3-a
of the Plan) in-innediaiely after initial disturbance ofitic:
werland or adjacent upland. Sediment barriers roust
be properly maintained fln-OLIghOUt consIrticijon arid
reinstalled as necessary (such as after bachfilling of
WFTLAND AND %,,twr�',RBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MT11CMION PROCEDURES (PROCI-DURES)
the Irench). Except as noted below in section VI,B,3,c,
maintain sechn-rent barriers until replaced by Per manent
erosion controls or restoration of "AdJaCel'It Upland areas
is complete. Temporary crosion and sediment control
measure,, arc addressed in moic detail in the I'lart.
a. I nsmil sediment ban iers across tire entire
construction righ�-ol-way irrunedia(Cly LIPSIOPC Of -
the wetland Innindary at all werland crossings wherc
necessary to prevent sediment flow intc) (lie welland,
b. Where wetlands are adjacent to the C0nSIrnCLiOn
right -of way arid the right-�)f-way slopes toward the
wettarid, install sedinlCrit barriers along the edge of
the construction right of way as necessary to contain
spoil within the constrUCticn-1 right-of-way arid
prevent sedirnent flow into tire wetland.
c. Install sediment barriers along the edge of the
CODSIYUCLiOn right-ol-way as necessafy to contain
spoil and sediment within the construction right-
of-way, throng]-) wetlands. Rentove thew sediment
barriers dricing right-of-way cleanup,
4, Trench Dewatering
Dewater the trench (either On or off the construction
right-of-way) in a manner that does riot cause erosion
and does [,Of result in sill -laden water flowing into any
weiland. Remove the dewatering structLIWS as soon as
Practicable aftez [lie completion of dewatering activities.
26 MAY 2013 VERSION 27
C. RESTORATION
L Where the pipeline Irench may drain a "Vedand,
construct trench breakers at the wetland boundaries
and/or seal the trench bottom as necessary to maintain
the ofiginal wetland hydrology.
2. Restore pre -construction wetland contours to maintain
the original wetland hydrology.
3. For each wetland crossed, install a trench breaker at the
base of slopes near the boundary between the welland
arid adjaCCUL Upland areas. Install a permanent slope
breaker across the construction right -of way at the
base of slopes greater than 5 percent where tire base
of the slope is less than 50 feet from the. wedand, or as
needed to prevent sediment transport into the wetland.
In addition, install sediment barriers as outhned in
the Plan. I it some areas, with the approval of the
Environments] Inspector, an earthen berm may be
Suitable as a sediment barrier adjacent to the wetland.
4, Do not use fertilizer, firne, or mulch unless required in
writing by the appropriate federal or state agency.
5. Consult with the appropriate federal oi state agencies
to develop a project -specific wetland restoration
plan- The restoration plan shall include measures
for fe-establishing herbaceoUs and/orwoodys-pecics,
controlling the invasion and spread of invasive
species and noxious weeds (e,g,, puiple loosestrife
and phragmite�), arid monitoring the success of the
W
WE'FLAND AND VVATERBO DY
CONSTRUM ION AND MITICATION PROCEDURES (PROCEDUREs)
revegetation arid weed control efforts. provide this plan
to the FERC staff upon request
6. Unfif a project -specific wetland restoration plan is
developed and/or implemented, temporarily revegetate
the construction right-of-way with annual ryegrass
at a rate of40 pounds/acre (unless standing water is
present).
7. Ensure that all disturbed areas successfully revcgetate
with WeLland herbaceous and/or woody plant species.
S. Remove temporary sediment barriers located at the
boundary between wetland and adjacent upland areas
after revegeiation and stabilization of adjacent Upland
areas are fudged to be successful as specified in section
VIIA.4 of the Plan,
D, POST -CONSTRUCTION MAINTENALNCE AND
REPORTING
1. Do not conduct routine vegetation mowing or clearing
over the full width of the permanent right-of-way in
wetlands. However, to facilitate periodic corrosion/leak
surveys, a corridor centered on the pipeline and up to
10 feet wide may be cleared at a frequency necessary to
maintain the 10 -foot corridor in an herbaceous state. In
addition., trees within 15 feet of the pipeline with roots
I hat could compromise the integrity of pipeline coating
may be selectively cut arid removed from the permanent
right-of-way. Do not conduct -,my rOUtinevegetation
I I. I. - MAY 2013 VERSION 29
inowing or clearing in wetlands that are between FIDD
entry and exit points,
2, Do not use herbicides or pesticides in Or within 100
feet of a wetland, exceptas allowed by the appropriate
federal or state agency.
I Time of year restrictions specified in, Section VILA.5
ofthe Plan (April 15 - August I of any year) apply to
routine mowing and clearing of'wetland areas.
4. Monitor and record the success of'wetland revegeLation
annually until Welland revegetationis successful.
5. Wetland revegetationshall be considered successful if all
ofthe following crireria are satisfied:
a. the affected wetland satisfies the current federal
definition for a wc1land (i.e., soils, hydrology, and
vegetation),
b. vegetation is at least 80 percent of either the cover
documented for the wetland prior to construction, or
at least 80 percent ofthe cover it) adjacent wetland
areas that were not disturbed by constrUCLjon;
c- if nautral rather than active revegetation was used,
th�f plant species composition is consistent will,
early successional wetland plant communities in the
affected ecoregion; and
d. Jinvasive species and noxious weeds are absent, unless
they are abundant in adjacent areas that were, not
disturbed by construction.
91
WETLAND AND \VATERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGATION PROCEDURES (PROCEMIRES)
6. Within 3 years after construction, file a report with
theSecretaTyidernif ingflicstanisofthewedand
y
rcvegetadon efforts and docuinenting success as clefined
in section VI.D.5, above. The reqUirvillent to file wetland
restoration reports with the Secretary does not apply to
projects constructed uncler the automatic authorization,
prior notice, or advance notice provisions in the FERC's
regulations.
Foi any wetland where revegeration is DOI SUCCC.SSful
-it d ic. end of -3 years after construction, develop and
implement (in consultation with a professional werland
ecologist) a temedial revegetation plan to actively
revegetate wetlands. Continue revegetation efforts and
file a report annually documenting progress in these
wetlands until welland revegetation is successful.
V11. HYDROS FXFIC TFSTINC
...... . . . .
A. NOTIFICNFION PRO C1, DU RES AND PERMITS
1, Apply for State-rSSUed water willuirawal permits, as
requir(cf,
2. Apply I , or National p(AlUrant Discharge Flinnnation
System (NI'DES) or state -issued dischargc permits, as
required,
3. Notify appropriate state agencies Of intent to rise specific
sources at least 48 hours before testing activities unless
MAY 2CD3 VERSION 31
They waive this I-e(lUirernent in writing.
B. GENERAL
1. Perforn-) 100 percent radiographic inspection of all
pipeline section welds or hydrotest the pipeline sec6ons,
before installation under waterbodies or wetlands,
2, If pumps used for hydrostatic testing are within 100
feet of any waterbody orwedand, address secondary
containment and refueling of these pumps in the
profect's Spill Prevention and Response ProcedUreS.
3� The project sponsor shall file with the Secretary before
construction a list identifying the location of all
waterbodies proposed for use as a hydrostatic test water
s
source or discharge location. This filing requirement
does not apply to projects constructed under the
automatic authorization provisions of the FEIZC'%
fe-,Ldai,ions.
C. INTAKE SOURCE AND RATE
I , Screen the intake hose to minimize the potential toi
entrainmem of fish.
2. Do nor use state -designated exceptional value waters,
waterbodies which provide habitat for federally listed
threatened or endangered species, or waterbodies
designated as public water Supplies, Unle." appropriate
federal, state, and/or local permitting agencies grant
WETLAND AND WNFERBODY
CONSTRUCTION AND MITIGAI PON PROCEMUREs (PROCEDLIRES)
written permission.
3. k4aintain adequate flow rates to protect aquatic
life, provide for all waterbody uses, and provide for
downstream withdrawals of water by existing users.
4� Locate hydrostatic test manifolds oulside wetlands and
riparian areas to the ntaximurn extent practicable.
1.). DISCHARGE LOCATION, mErHOD, AND RATE
I. Regulate discharge rate, use energy dissipation device(s),
and install �edirnent barrieni, as necessary, to prevent
erosion, strearnbed scour, suspension of sediments, or
excessive strearnflow.
2� Do not discharge into state -designated exceptional value
waters, waterbodieswhich provide habitat for federally
listed threatened or endangered species, or waterbodies
designated as public water supplies, unless appropriate
federal, state, and local permitting agencies grant written
permission.
32 MAY 20l't VERSION 33