SECTION 15. GROUNDWATER [15-1](#groundwater)

15.A Narrative [15-1](#narrative)

15.B Location and Maps [15-1](#location-and-maps)

15.B.1 Quantity [15-6](#quantity)

15.B.2 Sources [15-6](#sources)

15.B.3 Measures to Prevent Degradation
[15-8](#measures-to-prevent-degradation)

15.C Groundwater Protection Plan [15-9](#groundwater-protection-plan)

15.D References [15-9](#references)

FIGURES

15-1. LOCATIONS OF SIGNIFICANT SAND AND GRAVEL AQUIFERS,

BEDROCK SOURCE WATER PROTECTION AREAS, AND PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WELLS
[15-2](#__RefHeading___Toc102350264)

15-2. MAINE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BEDROCK GEOLOGY MAP
[15-4](#__RefHeading___Toc102350265)

15-3. SURFICIAL GEOLOGY MAP [15-5](#__RefHeading___Toc102350266)

**APPENDICES**

APPENDIX 15-1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS AND CONTINGENCY PLAN

#  GROUNDWATER

## Narrative

This section provides information regarding the occurrence of
significant quantities of groundwater in the area of Bangor
Hydro-Electric Company's (BHE) proposed Northeast Reliability
Interconnect (NRI), including modifications to the Orrington Substation;
potential threats to existing groundwater resources; and measures
proposed to prevent adverse impacts.

## Location and Maps

The existing hydrogeologic conditions in the project area have been
assessed by review of digital geographic data provided by the Maine
Office of GIS (MEOGIS). Digital datasets were utilized to create
site-specific maps to facilitate the review of hydrogeologic conditions
within the proposed project area.

[]{.mark}

A digital dataset containing locations of significant sand and gravel
aquifers in the proposed project area were derived from aquifer
boundaries delineated and digitized by the Maine Geological Survey (MGS)
from data compiled on United States Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute
quadrangle base maps. According to these data, the project crosses over
significant sand and gravel aquifers in eight locations within the
project area (Figure 15-1). These aquifers are characterized as having
yields between 10 and 50 gallons per minute. There are no mapped
significant sand and gravel aquifers within the Orrington Substation
construction area. Another dataset provided by MEOGIS containing
surficial geology map units was developed by MGS from their Regional
Surficial Geology Maps published in 1987. According to this dataset, one
significant source of sand and gravel was identified in the area of
Sawtelle Heath in Baileyville (Figure 15-1). MGS has also developed a
dataset containing information on bedrock source water protection and
sand/gravel aquifer locations. Data provided indicate the presence of
one bedrock source water protection and sand/gravel aquifer location in
the area of Sawtelle Heath in Baileyville (Figure 15-1).

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc102350264 .anchor}FIGURE 15-1 LOCATIONS OF
SIGNIFICANT SAND AND GRAVEL AQUIFERS, BEDROCK SOURCE WATER PROTECTION
AREAS, AND PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY WELLS

In addition, locations of public water supply wells and the surrounding
source water protection buffers are identified on Figure 15-1. This data
was provided by the Maine Drinking Water Program, based on records as
current as June 2004. The radius of water protection buffers is
proportional to the population served and/or the type of water supply
system. These buffers can range from 300 to 2,500 feet in radius. The
proposed project right-of-way (ROW) does not cross any public water
supply wells or associated protection areas.

The existing hydrogeologic conditions in the project area have been
assessed by review of the applicable MGS Bedrock Geology Maps. A copy of
the MGS Bedrock Geologic Map with the proposed project shown is included
as Figure 15-2.

A digital dataset containing surficial geology map units provided by
MEOGIS was utilized to create a site-specific map depicting surficial
geology within the proposed project area (Figure 15-3). This dataset was
developed by MGS and contains information obtained by digitizing MGS
Regional Surficial Geology Maps produced in 1987 (MEOGIS 2004).

There are no United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)
designated sole source aquifers located in the project area (USEPA 2004)
and no private water wells are known to be located along the entire
length of the proposed ROW.

Three areas have been identified as having private septic systems (leach
fields) along the proposed ROW. Although these septic systems are
encroachments on the existing Maine Electric Power Company (MEPCO)
utility corridor and/or BHE land, they will not be disturbed during
construction. Structures were sited to avoid these areas and mats will
be used for equipment crossings. These areas are identified on the
project Plan and Profile drawings, Sheets 2 and 6.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc102350265 .anchor}FIGURE 15-2 MAINE GEOLOGICAL
SURVEY BEDROCK GEOLOGY MAP

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc102350266 .anchor}FIGURE 15-3 SURFICIAL GEOLOGY
MAP

### Quantity

Construction and maintenance of the NRI, including modifications to the
Orrington Substation will not require the use of groundwater. Temporary
dewatering of shallow excavations for the substation foundations may
occur in high groundwater table areas. However, this will have only
negligible, short-term impacts on the groundwater table, and will be
limited to within a few feet of the excavation itself.

Aside from the substation, the only structures associated with the
project are the poles themselves and these will not impact groundwater
or surface water in any way. A potential impact to groundwater quantity
or surface waters could only occur if clearing activities were to
materially increase the amount of runoff, thereby decreasing the amount
of precipitation available for recharge of groundwater or surface water
sources. However, the necessary removal of vegetation is specifically
designed to avoid material changes to the runoff characteristics of the
project area. By removing the overstory vegetation and leaving the shrub
and brush layer intact, the runoff characteristics will not be
diminished significantly. In fact, leaving the non-harvestable
vegetation including some branches, undergrowth and small (2-inch
diameter at breast height \[dbh\] and less) trees either standing or on
the ground will provide some cover thereby deterring the formation of
new drainage channels. In addition, by opening the forest floor to
sunlight, new, denser grass and shrub growth will be encouraged and
maintained over time. This will also aid in the retarding of runoff.

### Sources

During the construction phase, the potential sources of groundwater
contamination will be fuel, and hydraulic and lubricating oils used in
the operation of vehicles and construction equipment. Any spills of
these materials from the vehicles or equipment are typically small and
of very short duration. Spills that are properly cleaned-up would not
pose any risk to groundwater quality. Procedures for handling these
materials and preventing spills are discussed in BHE's oil and hazardous
material spill contingency plans and BHE's environmental control
requirements for contractors and subcontractors provided in Appendix
15-1. The basic elements of these respective plans provide descriptive
procedures for safe storage and handling of materials in order to
prevent spills and, in the event of a spill, spill reporting procedures,
emergency contact telephone numbers (including state and federal
environmental agencies), and oil spill cleanup guidelines. In the event
of a spill of oil or hazardous material, employees are trained to
promptly contain, report, and clean up the spill in accordance with
these procedures. In addition, as a standard operating procedure, all
operational vehicles carry an oil spill kit that contains material for
conducting initial containment and clean-up of spills. Based on normal
operations and the characteristic of a routine spill clean-up, there is
no need for any ongoing groundwater monitoring.

Routine operation and maintenance of a transmission line substation
involves the use of common lubricants, petroleum products, or other
chemical products. These products are typically integral to the
equipment used on site, such as in oil-filled transformers, capacitors,
batteries, or other apparatus. For substations that exceed the oil Spill
Prevention Control and Countermeasure Plan (SPCC) planning threshold of
660 gallons in one container or 1,320 gallons in aggregate, an SPCC plan
is developed in accordance with 40 CFR, Part 112. The Orrington
Substation has an SPCC plan for current operations at the existing
facility (see Appendix 13-1). However, this plan will be modified to
reflect changes in oil storage activities as a result of proposed
modifications to the substation. As required by 40 CFR, Part 112.3(b),
modifications to the existing SPCC plan will be made within six months
of completion of proposed changes to current oil storage activities at
the site. []{.mark}

Storage of containerized chemical products used for maintenance on any
substation site is limited, incidental, and confined to the control
house building. Bulk quantities of petroleum products, pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizer, or other products are not stored on site. The
Orrington Substation will utilize essentially the same products,
amounts, spill prevention and clean-up procedures as were used
previously. Examples of these products include lubricating oils, aerosol
lubricants, non-chlorinated dielectric solvents, and hornet or wasp
spray.

BHE will maintain the proposed ROW and substation in the same manner as
its other ROWs and substations. In addition to hand or mechanical
cutting of vegetation that poses a safety or reliability hazard to the
lines, low volume, foliar application of herbicides using a backpack
with a directional, hand-held sprayer will be conducted as necessary. In
addition, herbicides may be applied to cut stumps and surfaces of larger
trees. All herbicides used are low toxicity products registered with the
USEPA and approved by the Maine Board of Pesticide Control for the
control of woody plants on ROWs. Application of any herbicide will be
carried out in accordance with approved guidelines, as described in
BHE's NRI Post-Construction Vegetation Maintenance Plan (the Vegetation
Maintenance Plan). The Vegetation Maintenance Plan is provided in
Section 10, Buffers, Appendix 10-1. Application of approved herbicides
in accordance with their label specifications and guidelines is designed
to prevent adverse impact on groundwater quality.

### Measures to Prevent Degradation

The multiple methods, plans, and procedures to prevent groundwater
degradation during construction of the proposed transmission line and
modifications to the Orrington Substation are incorporated in BHE's
environmental control requirements for contractors and subcontractors,
and BHE's oil and hazardous material contingency plan. These procedures
establish a set of minimum requirements for spill prevention and
response. The procedures incorporate measures developed and fine-tuned
from experience during other transmission line construction projects,
including input from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection
and other review agencies. The procedures incorporated into the plan
have proven successful for preventing spills and for addressing spills
if they occur. Both the contractors' and BHE's environmental inspectors
will ensure that all personnel working on the ROW or at the substation
follow these procedures.

The multiple methods, plans, and procedures to prevent groundwater
degradation during the operation of the modified substation will be
incorporated in the operations SPCC Plan as appropriate. As discussed
above and required by 40 CFR, Part 112.3(b), modifications to the
existing SPCC plan will be made within six months of completion of the
proposed changes to current oil storage activities at the site. The
existing SPCC Plan with containment plans and calculations, standard
operating procedures, and spill prevention inspection plans is located
in Appendix 13-1. These procedures have proven successful for preventing
spills and for addressing spills if they occur.

## Groundwater Protection Plan

The project, including modifications to the Orrington Substation, will
not significantly alter existing surface water drainage characteristics,
as provided by the stormwater management plan developed for the
facilities (see Section 12). Groundwater recharge characteristics will
not be permanently affected by operation of the substation. Temporary
impacts to surface water drainage may occur during construction. The use
of herbicides, petroleum and other hydrocarbon products during
construction and operation represent a potential threat to groundwater
quality. Measures to be utilized to address potential impacts are
included in the procedures found in Appendix 15-1, the SPCC Plan for
existing operations (see Appendix 13-1), and the Vegetation Maintenance
Plan (Appendix 10-1). These documents and adherence to the design and
procedural requirements they contain represent the groundwater
protection and monitoring plans for the project. Accordingly, the
construction or operation of the project is not expected to adversely
affect groundwater resources.

## References

USEPA, Office of Water. 2004. Designated Sole Source Aquifers in EPA
Region 1. \[Online\] URL:
<http://www.epa.gov/safewater/swp/ssa/reg1.html>. (Accessed December 28,
2004.)

MEOGIS. 2004. Maine GIS Data Catalog. \[Online\] URL:
<http://apollo.ogis.state.me.us/catalog/catalog.asp>. (Accessed December
28, 2004.)

**APPENDIX 15-1**

**CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS AND**

**CONTINGENCY PLAN**

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.4895833333333333in"
height="1.0104166666666667in"}

**ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL REQUIREMENTS**

**FOR CONTRACTORS AND SUBCONTRACTORS**

**OF BANGOR HYDRO-ELECTRIC COMPANY**

[OIL, HAZARDOUS MATERIAL, AND EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION
CONTROL]{.underline}

The criteria listed in Section I below are the requirements for oil and
hazardous material use compliance by contractors and subcontractors of
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company. All contractors and subcontractors are
required to comply with these requirements while working for or on
behalf of Bangor Hydro-Electric Company.

The criteria listed below in Section II are the requirements for erosion
and sediment control by contractors and subcontractors of Bangor
Hydro-Electric Company. All contractors and subcontractors are required
to comply with these requirements while working for or on behalf of
Bangor Hydro-Electric Company.

[Penalties]{.underline}:

Failure to abide by these requirements will constitute grounds for
termination of contractor/subcontractor services.

**[Section I]{.underline}**

[General Requirements]{.underline}:

-   Contractors/subcontractors will store, transport, and use oil,
    hazardous materials, and wastes in accordance with all applicable
    local, state, and federal regulations and these requirements.

-   At a minimum, contractors/subcontractors will follow best management
    practices when storing, transporting or using oil, hazardous
    materials, and wastes.

-   All vehicles and equipment containing petroleum that are in use on
    the right-of-way will be inspected daily for leaks or signs of
    deterioration that could cause a leak or spill. Repair all leaking
    or deteriorated conditions prior to use.

-   Contractors/subcontractors, at all times, will take care not to
    cause an uncontrolled spill or release of oil or hazardous materials
    to the environment.

-   Contractors/subcontractors will provide and maintain on‑site
    sufficient spill cleanup and containment supplies (absorbent pads,
    containment booms, protective clothing, debris containers, etc.) to
    control releases of oil, hazardous materials, or wastes. In
    addition, all operational vehicles carry an oil spill kit that
    contains material for conducting initial containment and clean-up of
    spills.

-   Contractors/subcontractors will remove all oils, hazardous
    materials, wastes and unused materials from the work site at the
    completion of the job. This includes full and partially full
    containers of waste material such as, but not limited to, rags,
    gloves, trash, scrap material, and empty containers.

> NOTE: If large quantities of oil or hazardous materials are involved,
> written agreements with emergency response contractors may be
> required.

[Storage and Handling Requirements]{.underline}:

-   Contractors/subcontractors will store only the minimal amount of
    material (at each work site) necessary to complete the work.

-   Handling and application of pesticides and herbicides shall only be
    in accordance with regulations under the Maine Pesticide Control Act
    of 1975, as amended, Title 7 M.R.S.A., Section 601.

-   Petroleum products and other hazardous materials will not be stored
    or transferred, including fueling of vehicles and equipment, within
    100 feet of waterbodies, wetlands, rare plant or unique natural
    community locations, and within at least 200 feet from water supply
    wells.

-   Overnight parking of equipment will not occur within 100 feet of
    waterbodies, wetlands, rare plant or unique natural community
    locations, and within at least 200 feet from water supply wells.

-   Materials will be stored in D.O.T. approved containers or approved
    tanks in areas not considered to be environmentally sensitive.

-   Containers will be kept closed unless material is being transferred.

-   Contractors/subcontractors will ensure that all transferring
    operations are monitored and not left unattended.

-   Containers will not be stored on the ground, but will be stored in
    cabinets or on a firm working surface such as a portable trailer bed
    or other secure decking.

-   If at any time a contractor/subcontractor needs to store oil
    including, but not limited to, fuel oil, petroleum products, sludge,
    and oil refuse in excess of an aggregate amount of 1,320 gallons
    (excluding 55-gallon or less containers) that is located near a
    pathway to navigable waters, the Federal requirements for oil
    pollution prevention (40 CFR Part 112) must be met.
    Contractor/Subcontractor Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure
    (SPCC) plans must be approved by a licensed, professional engineer
    and a copy must be sent to the BHE Environmental Services and
    Compliance group no later than one week prior to the commencement of
    the oil storage activities.

-   Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids including
    gasoline and diesel fuel will be in accordance with rules developed
    under Title 25 M.R.S.A., Section 2441 (Fire Prevention and Fire
    Protection), as amended (See also Code of Maine Rules 16-219 Chapter
    317). These regulations include, but are not limited to, bonding and
    grounding during transfer operations, fire protection requirements,
    storage quantity limitations, and spacing and location requirements.

-   All gasoline and fuel storage tanks with greater than a 25 gallon
    capacity must have secondary containment constructed of an
    impervious material and be capable of holding 110% of tank capacity.

-   Handling and disposal of hazardous wastes will be in accordance with
    Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Hazardous Waste
    Management rules (06-096 Chapters 850 through 857) developed
    pursuant to Title 38 M.R.S.A., Section 1301 [et. seq.]{.underline},
    and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR 260
    through 272). Handling and disposal of waste oil will be in
    accordance with Maine Department of Environmental Protection Waste
    Oil Management Rules (06-096 Chapter 860) and U.S. Environmental
    Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR 279).

[Spill Reporting Requirements]{.underline}:

All spill reporting requirements are the responsibility of the
contractor/subcontractor. As required by Title 38 M.R.S.A., Section 543
and Department of Environmental Protection regulations (06-096 Chapters
600 4.B and 800 4.1), spills of oil or hazardous materials in any amount
and under any circumstances must be reported to the Department within
two hours from the time the spill was discovered at **1‑800‑482‑0777**.

As required by the Federal Clean Water Act (40 CFR Part 110.4), a
discharge of oil \"which causes a sheen upon the surface of the water or
adjoining shore line or oily sludge deposits beneath the surface of the
water\" must be reported within 24 hours to the National Response Center
at **1‑800‑424‑8802**.

The need to report spills to the National Response Center of hazardous
materials other than oil will be determined by the
contractor/subcontractor by consulting the CERCLA list of hazardous
substances and reportable quantities (40 CFR Table 302.4). Any spills
that involve a reportable quantity of any hazardous substance must be
reported to the National Response Center by the
contractor/subcontractor.

The contractor/subcontractor must also report all spills immediately to
the Bangor Hydro-Electric Company Project and/or Construction Manager
and the Bangor Hydro-Electric Environmental Services and Compliance
group. Contact information is provided at the end of this document.

[Spill Cleanup Requirements]{.underline}:

It is the contractor\'s/subcontractor\'s responsibility to ensure and
oversee immediate and complete cleanup of all spills involving oil or
hazardous materials. The contractor/subcontractor is also responsible
for all health and safety issues related to the cleanup of oil or
hazardous materials. The contractor/subcontractor is also responsible
for expediting the disposal of spill debris waste and restoring the site
to its original condition.

If the spill cannot be safely handled by personnel on site, the
Contractor will arrange for a licensed spill response contractor to
contain, clean up, and perform required sampling and disposal of spilled
materials and debris and comply with applicable reporting requirements.

[Personnel Training Requirements:]{.underline}

Prior to construction, the contractor will instruct construction
personnel on the operation and maintenance of construction equipment to
prevent the accidental discharge or spill of fuel, oil and lubricants.
Personnel will also be made aware of the pollution control laws, rules
and regulations applicable to their work. During construction, spill
prevention refresher briefings with the construction crew will be
conducted monthly. These briefings will highlight the following:

-   Precautionary measures to prevent spills.

-   Potential sources of spills, such as equipment failure or
    malfunction.

-   Standard operating procedures in case of a spill, including
    applicable notification requirements.

-   Equipment, materials and supplies available for clean-up of a spill.

-   And, a list of known spill events

**[Section II]{.underline}**

[General Requirements for Erosion and Sediment Control]{.underline}:

For any project that involves soil disturbance, the
contractor/subcontractor will, in accordance with Maine's Erosion and
Sedimentation Control requirements (38 M.R.S.A. Section 420-C), take all
necessary precautions, prior to commencing construction activity, to
prevent unreasonable erosion of soil or sediment beyond the project site
or into a protected natural resource as defined by 38 M.R.S.A. Section
480-B, i.e., lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, intermittent streams,
brooks, and wetlands. Erosion and sediment control measures may include,
but are not limited to, the use of timber mats for access or working in
wet areas, the installation of silt fence and hay bale check dams, use
of seeding and hay mulching or application of erosion control mix, as
necessary. All erosion control mechanisms will be installed and
maintained in accordance with the Maine Erosion and Sedimentation
Control Handbook for Construction: Best Management Practices, 1991,
i.e., grass seed, hay mulch, silt fence, and rutting control and repair.

The contractor will also assure that no vehicles are driven through
wetlands or streams. Temporary stream and wetland crossings will be
installed in accordance with the Maine Erosion and Sedimentation Control
Handbook for Construction: Best Management Practices, 1991, and may
include installation of temporary timber mat bridges or temporary
culverts. Temporary crossing installations shall be used for the
shortest practical period of time and be removed as soon as their
function is completed.

[Compliance with Laws and Permits]{.underline}:

Certain projects may require local, state, and federal permits. Bangor
Hydro will determine whether any environmental or other permits are
required by local, state, or federal agencies and will obtain all
necessary permits. The contractor/subcontractor will be provided with a
copy of all approved permits, as necessary, and will abide by all permit
conditions. The contractor/subcontractor shall also comply with all
applicable local, state, and federal laws and ordinances together with
all applicable local, state, and federal environmental protection
statutes, regulations, and standards including, but not limited to:

-   State of Maine Natural Resources Protection Act (38 M.R.S.A. Section
    480-A to 480-Z)

-   State of Maine Erosion and Sediment Control Law (38 M.R.S.A. Section
    420-C)

-   State of Maine Site Location of Development Law (38 M.R.S.A. Section
    483-A)

-   Maine Protection and Improvement of Waters Act (38 M.R.S.A. Section
    413)

-   United States Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 ( Section 10)

-   United States Clean Water Act (Section 404)

-   "Maine Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook for Construction: Best
    Management Practices" dated March 1991.

Any questions concerning these requirements should be directed to Bangor
Hydro-Electric Company\'s Environmental Services and Compliance group at
207-973-2543 or 207-973-2542.

Effective date: 06/19/90

Revised: 06/18/03

FWL/mes\
ENVIRONMENTAL/ENVCTRLREQFORCONTRACTORS

Certification for Agreement with Bangor Hydro Electric Company\'s

\"Environmental Control Requirements

For Contractors and Subcontractors\"

I certify that I have read and understand Bangor Hydro Electric
Company\'s \"Environmental Control Requirements for Contractors and
Subcontractors\" dated 6/18/03. All work performed will be in compliance
with all applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations
and Bangor Hydro Electric Company requirements. I agree to and will
advise any on-site supervisor to enforce strict adherence to the above
stated regulations and requirements.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Company

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\
Executive/Owner/Manager -- Signature

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\
Date

**[PROJECT CONTACT LIST]{.underline}**