Appendix E 

Weed Management Plan 
OVERLAND PASS PIPELINE PROJECT 

WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN 

PRELIMINARY 

Subject to Approval by BLM 

Prepared by: 

Natural Resource Group, Inc. for Overland Pass Pipeline 
OVERLAND PASS PIPELINE PROJECT 

WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page 

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... E-1

2.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES...................................................................................................... E-2

3.0 NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE SPECIES INVENTORY................................................. E-2

3.1 Wyoming ........................................................................................................................ E-2

3.2 Colorado.......................................................................................................................... E-3

3.3 Kansas ........................................................................................................................... E-3

3.4 Consultations .................................................................................................................. E-3

3.5 Weed Management Areas............................................................................................... E-6

4.0 NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT ........................................... E-6

4.1 Identification of Problem Areas...................................................................................... E-7

4.2 Preventive Measures ....................................................................................................... E-7

4.3 Treatment Methods ......................................................................................................... E-8

4.4 BLM-Specific Requirements .......................................................................................... E-9

4.5 Specific Requirements on the Pawnee National Grassland ............................................ E-9

5.0 MONITORING............................................................................................................................ E-9

6.0 HERBICIDE APPLICATION, HANDLING, SPILLS, AND CLEANUP ............................... E-10

6.1 Herbicide Application and Handling ............................................................................ E-10

6.2 Herbicide Spills and Cleanup........................................................................................ E-11

6.3 Worker Safety and Spill Reporting............................................................................... E-12

7.0 REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... E-12

List of Tables 

3.4-1 Overland Pass Pipeline Project Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project 

Area in Wyoming ........................................................................................................................ E-3 

3.4-2 Overland Pass Pipeline Project Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project 

Area in Colorado ......................................................................................................................... E-5 

3.4-3 Overland Pass Pipeline Project Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project 

Area in Kansas ............................................................................................................................ E-6 

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Attachment List 

Appendices to this document are intentionally not included. All available plans and attachments 

to this document can be found as part of the Draft Plan of Development found at 

www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/info/NEPA/rfodocs/overland_pipeline.html 

A. State Laws Regarding Noxious Weeds 

B. Agency Correspondence 

C. Weed Survey Maps 

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 

Noxious weed control practices for the Overland Pass Pipeline Project described in the Weed 

Management Plan (Plan) plan have been developed in consultation with the following federal land 

management agencies: 

• Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Kemmerer Field Office, Wyoming; 

• BLM, Rock Springs Field Office, Wyoming; 

• BLM, Rawlins Field Office, Wyoming; 

• U.S. Forest Service (FS), Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area, Wyoming; and 

• FS, Pawnee National Grassland, Colorado. 

Additionally, Overland Pass consulted with the County Weed and Pest Districts and Weed Control 

Supervisors for the following counties: 

• Lincoln, Wyoming 

• Sweetwater, Wyoming 

• Carbon, Wyoming 

• Albany, Wyoming 

• Laramie, Wyoming 

• Larimer, Colorado 

• Weld, Colorado 

• Morgan, Colorado 

• Logan, Colorado 

• Washington, Colorado 

• Yuma, Colorado 

• Cheyenne, Kansas 

• Rawlins, Kansas 

• Thomas, Kansas 

• Sheridan, Kansas 

• Gove, Kansas 

• Trego, Kansas 

• Ellis, Kansas 

• Russell, Kansas 

• Barton, Kansas 

• Ellsworth, Kansas 

• Rice, Kansas 

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• McPherson, Kansas 

2.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 

This Plan is intended to describe a weed management project that prescribes methods to prevent and 

control the spread of noxious weeds and other invasive species during and following construction of the 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project. Overland Pass and its Contractors will be responsible for implementing 

the methods described in this Plan. 

This Plan is applicable to the construction and operation of the proposed pipeline facilities, including the 

pipeline right-of-way, the proposed aboveground facilities, areas of extra temporary workspaces, and any 

other areas disturbed during the construction and operation of the proposed facilities. 

3.0 NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE SPECIES INVENTORY 

Legally, a noxious weed is any plant officially designated by a federal, state, or county government as 

injurious to public health, agriculture, recreation, wildlife, or property (Sheley, Petroff, and Borman, 

1999). A noxious weed is also commonly defined as a plant that grows out of place (e.g., a rose can be a 

weed in a wheat field) and is "competitive, persistent, and pernicious" (James et al, 1991). Noxious 

weeds are officially designated as unwanted or undesirable. Noxious weeds are opportunistic plant 

species that readily flourish in disturbed areas, thereby preventing native plant species from establishing 

successive communities. 

Unlike “noxious species”, “invasive species" are defined as species that are non-native (or alien) to the 

ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or 

environmental harm or harm to human health. Invasive plants include not only noxious weeds, but also 

other plants that are not native to this country. The BLM considers plants invasive if they have been 

introduced into an environment where they did not evolve. As a result, they usually have no natural 

enemies to limit their reproduction and spread (Westbrooks, 1998). 

The BLM maintains a National List of Invasive Weed Species of Concern for western states that includes 

132 plant species. The BLM inventories for Colorado can be accessed at: 

http://www.co.blm.gov/botany/weedhome.htm. The BLM inventories for Wyoming can be accessed at: 

http://www.wy.blm.gov/weeds/whatis.htm. The noxious weed list for the State of Kansas can be 

accessed at: http://www.ksda.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=329. 

Not all invasive species are legally designated as noxious species. Colorado and Wyoming also maintain 

official state lists of weed species that are designated noxious species. Information on the State of 

Colorado Weed Management Program and species lists can be obtained at: 

http://www.ag.state.co.us/DPI/weeds/Weed.html. Information on the State of Wyoming Weed and Pest 

Districts and species lists can be obtained at: http://www.wyoweed.org/wp_dist.html. 

3.1 WYOMING 

Under the authority of the Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Act of 1973 (Act) (Wyoming Statute 115-

119), Wyoming has officially designated 24 plant species as noxious. Per the Act, weed control is the 

responsibility of the landowner or the owner of rights-of-way or easement. Noxious weed control is 

required at the county level. 

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3.2 COLORADO 

Under its Colorado Weed Management Act, §§ 35-5.5-101 through 119, C.R.S. (2000), Colorado has 

officially designated 82 plant species as noxious, which are divided into three lists. Colorado State List A 

species are noxious weeds that are not common to the state and require eradication. Upon identification 

of a list A species, the State Weed Coordinator/County Weed Control Supervisor is to be notified to 

coordinate control efforts. Eighteen weed species were identified in the project area from list A. List B 

species are noxious weeds for which the state is currently developing management plans but does not 

require treatment for at this time. List C species are weed species commonly found throughout the state. 

While the state does not require treatment for species included on its Lists B and C, control of these 

species may be required at the county level. 

3.3 KANSAS 

Under the Kansas Department of Agriculture Administrative Code and Statutes, Chapter 2.--

AGRICULTURE Article 13.--WEEDS 2-1314, the treatment of noxious weeds are defined as: 

“It shall be the duty of persons, associations of persons, the secretary of transportation, the boards 

of county commissioners, the township boards, school boards, drainage boards, the governing 

body of incorporated cities, railroad companies and other transportation companies or 

corporations or their authorized agents and those supervising state-owned lands to control the 

spread of and to eradicate all weeds declared by legislative action to be noxious on all lands 

owned or supervised by them and to use such methods for that purpose and at such times as are 

approved and adopted by the Kansas department of agriculture.” 

Kansas has officially designated 17 plant species as noxious. 

3.4 CONSULTATIONS 

Through consultations with BLM and FS, the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas Departments of 

Agriculture, and the individual counties affected by the project, a list of noxious weeds of concern within 

the project area was developed and is presented in tables 3.4-1, 3.4-2, and 3.4-3. Copies of consultation 

letters, e-mail, and phone logs of conversation with the agencies are included as Attachment B of this 

Plan. 

TABLE 3.4-1 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project Area in Wyoming 

Weed Species 

BLM Districts Wyoming Counties 

State List KFO RSFO RFO Lincoln 

Sweetwater Carbon Albany Laramie 

Black henbane 

Canada thistle 

Common burdock 

Common mullein 

Common Tansy 

Dalmation toadflax 

Diffuse knapweed 

Dyer's woad 

Field bindweed 

Foxtail barley 

X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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TABLE 3.4-1 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project Area in Wyoming 

Weed Species 

BLM Districts Wyoming Counties 

State List KFO RSFO RFO Lincoln 

Sweetwater Carbon Albany Laramie 

Gum weed 

Hairy goldenaster 

Halogeton 

Hoary cress (whitetop) 

Houndstongue 

Kochia 

Lady's bedstraw 

Leafy spurge 

Locoweed 

Mountain thermopsis 

Musk thistle 

Oxeye daisy 

Perennial pepperweed 

Perennial sowthistle 

Plains larkspur 

Plains pricklypear 

Plumeless thistle 

Puncturevine 

Purple loosestrife 

Quackgrass 

Russian knapweed 

Russian thistle 

Sandbur 

Salt cedar (tamarisk) 

Scotch thistle 

Skeletonleaf bursage 

Spotted knapweed 

St. Johnswort 

Viper's bugloss 

Wild licorice 

Wild oats 

Wyeth's lupine 

Yellow taodflax 

X 

X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X 

X 

X X X X X X X X 

X 

X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X 

X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X X 

X X X X X X X 

X 

X 

X X X X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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TABLE 3.4-2 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project Area in Colorado 

Weed Species 

Colorado Counties 

State "A" 

List 

Pawnee 

National 

Grasslands Larimer Weld Morgan Logan Washington Yuma 

Absinth wormwood 

African rue 

Camelthorne 

Canada thistle 

Chinese clematis 

Common crupina 

Cypress spurge 

Dalmation toadflax 

Diffuse knapweed 

Dyer's woad 

Field bindweed 

Giant salvinia 

Hydrilla 

Hoary cress (whitetop) 

Jointed goatgrass 

Leafy spurge 

Meadow knapweed 

Mediterranean sage 

Medusahead 

Musk thistle 

Myrtle spurge 

Orange hawkweed 

Perennial pepperweed 

Plumeless thistle 

Purple loosestrife 

Rush skeletonweed 

Russian knapweed 

Salt cedar (tamarisk) 

Scotch thistle 

Sericea lespedeza 

Showy milkweed 

Silverleaf bursage 

Skeletonleaf bursage 

Spotted knapweed 

Squarrose knapweed 

Tansy ragwort 

Volunteer rye 

Woollyleaf bursage 

Yellow starthistle 

Yellow toadflax 

X X 

X 

X 

X X X X X 

X X 

X 

X 

X X X 

X X X X X 

X 

X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X X 

X X 

X 

X X X X X 

X X X 

X X 

X 

X 

X 

X X X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X X X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

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TABLE 3.4-3 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Noxious Weed Species of Concern within the Project Area in Kansas 

Weed Species 

Kansas Counties 

State List Ellis Ellsworth 

Cheyenne, Rawlins, Thomas, Sheridan, Gove, 

Trego, Russell, Barton, Rice, McPherson 

Bull thistle 

Bur ragweed 

Canada thistle 

Common teasel 

Dalmation toadflax 

Field bindweed 

Hoary cress (whitetop) 

Johnsongrass 

Kudzu 

Leafy spurge 

Multiflora rose 

Musk thistle 

Phragmites 

Pignut 

Quackgrass 

Russian knapweed 

Salt cedar (tamarisk) 

Sericea lespedeza 

X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X 

X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X X X X 

X 

X 

3.5 WEED MANAGEMENT AREAS 

Weed Management Areas (WMAs) are typically determined by multiple partners (e.g., federal, state, and 

local agencies, organizations, private landowners) who collectively identify the boundaries of a 

management area and work with landowners in that area to contribute to the management of a designated 

weed species. WMAs that Overland Pass consulted for the Overland Pass Pipeline Project include the 

Southeast Carbon County (Wyoming) Weed Management Area and Medicine Bow Conservation District 

Weed Management Group. WMAs are based on the location of a weed infestation or an area that is 

deemed a high priority to detect and control weeds. The parties work together to plan and budget weed 

management efforts for both long-term and seasonal needs. The Wyoming Weed and Pest Management 

Districts are currently updating their lists of noxious species and known locations; these will be compared 

with the proposed pipeline route when available. Overland Pass will consult with additional weed 

management groups, if identified. 

4.0 NOXIOUS WEED AND INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT 

The Overland Pass Pipeline Project’s weed management program is designed to: 

• identify areas supporting weeds prior to construction; 

• prevent the introduction and spread of weeds from construction equipment during 

construction; and 

• contain weed seeds and propagules by preventing segregated topsoil from being spread to 

adjacent areas or along the construction right-of-way. 

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4.1 IDENTIFICATION OF PROBLEM AREAS 

Overland Pass will conduct surveys for weed species of concern within the project area concurrent with 

biological and botanical surveys in 2006. Maps depicting locations of the weed populations and a 

summary table identifying the weed locations by milepost will be included in Attachment C. These 

surveys will be conducted by qualified specialists. Overland Pass also identified known locations of 

weed infestations in the project area by contacting county and local weed control districts and BLM and 

FS field offices (see table 2.4-1). In addition to the areas supporting known infestations, all areas 

supporting noxious species will be delineated by the Environmental Inspectors (EI) by using color-coded 

flagging on the construction right-of-way prior to construction. The construction alignment sheets will 

identify the location of known weed infestations. Identification of existing noxious weed locations will 

alert environmental inspection and construction personnel to implement weed control measures during 

construction. 

4.2 PREVENTIVE MEASURES 

The following measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of noxious weeds. 

• Overland Pass is not planning to conduct pretreatment of noxious weeds prior to 

construction, but rather focus its efforts on containing existing weed populations (see 

Overland Pass’ agency consultation records located in Attachment B) and developing a 

long-term control plan. 

• Prior to the beginning of construction of the project, and prior to initiation of activity on 

all federal lands, all Contractor vehicles and equipment will be cleaned of soil and debris 

capable of transporting weed propagules. All contractor vehicles and equipment will be 

inspected by the EIs and may require additional cleaning if necessary prior to 

mobilization to the right-of-way. Cleaning will be conducted using methods approved by 

federal Compliance Monitors (CMs) after consultation with local environmental staff. 

• Overland Pass will install wash stations at state lines (see Figure 1). Stations would be 

sited at least 0.25 mile from perennial waterbodies. Station design and post-construction 

removal would be subject to agency approval. Stations would not be used in areas where 

full right-of-way topsoil stripping is utilized. During winter construction conditions, 

stations would utilize compressed air for weed cleaning. 

• Overland Pass may install intermediate wash stations at specified locations based on 

weed survey results, agency requirements, or other mitigating factors. 

• Areas of the right-of-way where weed infestations are identified will be clearly marked 

prior to construction. In these areas, the Contractor will conduct full right-of-way topsoil 

stripping and will stockpile cleared vegetation and segregated topsoil (see the Soil 

Stabilization and Restoration Plan for topsoil segregation requirements) along the rightof-way. The stockpiles will be maintained adjacent to the areas from which they were 

obtained to eliminate the transport of soil-borne noxious weed propagules to other areas 

along the right-of-way. During reclamation, the Contractor will return topsoil and 

vegetative material to the areas from which they were obtained. 

• The Contractor will ensure that straw bales used to construct sediment control devices or 

used as mulch applications will be certified weed free and obtained from approved 

certified sources as recommended by the County Weed and Pest Districts, Weed Control 

Supervisors, and the States of Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas. 

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• The Contractor will ensure that seed mixes and mulching materials utilized for 

revegetation will be certified weed free and obtained from approved certified sources as 

recommended by the States of Colorado, Wyoming, and Kansas 

4.3 TREATMENT METHODS 

Overland Pass’ objective is to assist local, county, and state noxious weed control efforts, comply with 

the requirements to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and treat areas of the right-of-way where weed 

species form a significant portion of the vegetation community in comparison to adjacent undisturbed 

areas. Overland Pass will utilize established reclamation practices to prevent the establishment of 

noxious weeds in reclaimed construction areas and pipeline right-of-way. In the event noxious weed 

species become established in the right-of-way, Overland Pass will make good faith efforts to control 

weeds in the right-of-way and to work with adjacent landowners to prevent spread of the species to 

adjacent lands. 

Overland Pass will implement weed control measures in accordance with existing regulations and 

jurisdictional land management agency or landowner agreements and in accordance with Overland Pass’ 

construction mitigation procedures. Overland Pass intends to utilize state-certified weed control 

contractor services as recommended by the local regulatory entities. Post-construction weed control 

measures may include the application of herbicide or mechanical, and/or alternative methods. The weed 

control measure chosen will be the best method available for the time, place, and species of weed as 

mutually agreed upon by Overland Pass and the appropriate regulatory agencies. 

The Contractor will implement reclamation procedures of disturbed lands immediately following 

construction as described in the Soil Stabilization and Restoration Plan. Continuing revegetation efforts 

will ensure adequate vegetative cover to discourage the invasion of noxious weeds. In areas of severe 

weed infestation, as determined by Overland Pass’ EI(s), Overland Pass may elect to delay reclamation 

efforts and conduct intensive weed control efforts prior to implementing reclamation procedures., 

The Contractor will limit the use of fertilizer in reclaimed areas. Fertilizer will only be applied where 

specified by the jurisdictional land management agency or the property owner. 

Herbicide application is an effective means of reducing the size of weed populations. Herbicide 

applications will be conducted prior to seed maturation where possible. Applications will be controlled, 

as described in section 5.1, to minimize the impacts on the surrounding vegetation. Herbicide treatment 

methods will be based on species-specific and area-specific conditions (e.g., proximity to water, riparian 

areas, or agricultural areas, and time of year) and will be coordinated with the local counties and 

regulatory agencies. Spot herbicide applications will be the preferred option. In areas of dense 

infestation, a broader application will be used and a follow-up seeding program implemented. The timing 

of subsequent revegetation efforts will be based on the persistence of the selected herbicide. 

Mechanical methods entail the use of equipment to mow or disc weed populations. Mechanical 

treatments will be conducted prior to seed maturation where required. If such a method is used, 

subsequent seeding will be conducted to re-establish a desirable vegetative cover that will stabilize the 

soils and slow the potential re-invasion of weeds. 

Local regulatory advice will be sought for biological and alternate noxious weed control methods, which 

Overland Pass may implement through agreements with the WMAs or private landowners. 

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4.4 BLM-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 

The BLM has developed specific requirements for herbicide use on BLM-managed lands. The Final 

Environmental Impact Statement on Vegetation Treatment on BLM Lands in Thirteen Western States 

(U.S. Department of the Interior, 1991) lists 19 herbicides acceptable for use on BLM lands. Guidelines 

for the use of chemical control of vegetation on BLM lands are presented in the BLM’s Chemical Pest 

Control Manual. These guidelines require submittal of a Pesticide Use Proposal (PUP) and Pesticide 

Application Records (PARs) for the use of herbicides on BLM lands. 

The occurrence of weeds within the pipeline right-of-way will be reported to the BLM field office where 

the weeds occur. The appropriate weed control procedures, including target species, timing of control, 

method of control, and obtaining the appropriate authorizations will be determined in consultation with 

BLM personnel. Overland Pass will be responsible for providing the necessary personnel or hiring a 

Contractor to implement the weed control procedures. Overland Pass may be able to utilize cooperative 

agreements that may exist between the BLM and counties by providing the funds required for county 

personnel to implement the necessary weed control procedures. 

4.5 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ON THE PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLAND 

Noxious weed management on PNG lands is conducted per the Noxious Weed Management Plan on the 

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland (USDA Forest Service, 2003). 

This plan is an integrated approach to weed management and includes five components: awareness, 

prevention, inventory, treatment, and monitoring. 

The occurrence of weeds within the pipeline right-of-way on PNG lands will be reported to the PNG 

District Weed Coordinator. The appropriate weed control procedures, including target species, timing of 

control, method of control, and obtaining the appropriate authorizations will be determined in 

consultation with FS personnel. Acceptable herbicides must be listed and analyzed in a USDA Risk 

Assessment, and use of pesticides will require the submittal of a Pesticide Use Proposal Report and a 

Pesticide Use Report after application. Overland Pass will be responsible for providing the necessary 

personnel or hiring a contractor to implement the weed control procedures. 

5.0 MONITORING 

Following construction, Overland Pass will monitor the pipeline right-of-way and proposed facilities for 

weeds. In addition, Overland Pass will conduct revegetation monitoring as required by the Soil 

Stabilization and Restoration Plan. Following the end of Overland Pass’ revegetation monitoring 

program, weed infestations will be monitored as part of its operations and maintenance surveys. 

Overland Pass’ effort to reclaim areas disturbed during construction will be evaluated over a period of 5 

years. Successful reclamation performance will be based on revegetation success (e.g., cover, diversity), 

the absence of weeds or invasive plants, and the erosional stability of the construction right-of-way. 

Additionally, BLM and FS will conduct monitoring of the project area that will continue until they have 

determined revegetation is successful. 

To evaluate the success of revegetation, Overland Pass will monitor quadrants (i.e., rectangular analytical 

plots identified in the field and retrievable by GIS equipment) located in the right-of-way, and control 

quadrants located outside the right-of-way. Revegetation monitoring will occur in July during the first, 

third, and fifth years following reclamation. Plant diversity, percent cover, and other data obtained from 

the reclaimed right-of-way will be compared to vegetative data obtained from the undisturbed, naturallyE-9
occurring vegetative populations adjacent to the right-of-way. Variation between plots will provide a 

quantitative indication of the relative success of reclamation. 

Initially, Overland Pass will conduct weed management surveys and control measures for 5 years 

following construction. In areas where weed infestations still require management, surveys and control 

measures will be implemented where problem areas still exist. The Rawlins BLM Office has recently 

revised its RMP to state that the goal of post-construction weed control is to maintain a 0 percent 

threshold for weed occurrences along new rights-of-way. Overland Pass is committed to make a good 

faith effort in meeting this objective. 

To conduct weed monitoring, Overland Pass will use a team composed of a vegetative specialist and a 

weed expert to survey annually in July. Overland Pass will consult with the appropriate regulatory 

agencies prior to initiating the surveys, to determine appropriate locations. Overland Pass will obtain 

landowner permission prior to conducting surveys. Landowners will be consulted regarding weed control 

status and implementation measures, and will be encouraged to report concerns to Overland Pass. 

Landowners can contact Overland Pass by talking with their specified land agent, calling Overland Pass, 

or by submitting an electronic comment on Overland Pass’ website. 

Overland Pass will prepare annual reclamation monitoring reports. These reports may include 

information such as: 

• a summary of the general vegetative cover and diversity between the right-of-way and the 

comparison with off right-of-way vegetation quadrants; 

• an assessment of the condition of transplants in riparian areas; 

• photographs; 

• identification of areas that require remedial action; 

• recommendations and schedule for remedial action(s); or 

• monitoring forms. 

Copies of these monitoring reports will be kept on file with Overland Pass and will be provided annually 

to appropriate agency personnel. 

6.0 HERBICIDE APPLICATION, HANDLING, SPILLS, AND CLEANUP 

6.1 HERBICIDE APPLICATION AND HANDLING 

Herbicide application will be based on information gathered from the local Weed Districts and federal 

agencies. Before application, Overland Pass or its Contractor will obtain any required permits from the 

local Weed Districts and/or the federal agencies. A licensed Contractor will perform the application in 

accordance with applicable laws and regulations. 

All herbicide applications will follow United States Environmental Protection Agency label instructions. 

Application of herbicides will be suspended when any of the following conditions exists: 

E-10 -
• wind velocity exceeds 6 miles per hour (mph) during application of liquid or granular 

herbicides; 

• snow or ice covers the foliage of noxious weeds; or 

• precipitation is occurring or is imminent. 

Vehicle-mounted sprayers (e.g., handgun, boom, injector) will be used mainly in open areas that are 

readily accessible by vehicle. Hand application methods (e.g., backpack spraying) that target individual 

plants will be used to treat small or scattered weed populations in rough terrain. Calibration checks of 

equipment will be conducted at the beginning of spraying and periodically to ensure that proper 

application rates are achieved. 

Herbicides will be transported to the project site daily with the following provisions: 

• on-site herbicide quantities will be limited where practical; 

• concentrate will be transported in approved containers only and in a manner that will 

prevent tipping or spilling, and in a compartment that is isolated from food, clothing, and 

safety equipment; 

• mixing will be conducted in an upland area and at a distance greater than 100 feet from 

open or flowing water, wetlands, greater than 200 feet from private wells and greater than 

400 feet from public wells; and 

• all herbicide equipment and containers will be inspected for leaks daily. 

6.2 HERBICIDE SPILLS AND CLEANUP 

Overland Pass is developing a Spill Preservation, Containment, and Control (SPCC) Plan that 

incorporates all reasonable precautions to be taken to avoid herbicide spills. In the event of a spill, 

cleanup will be immediate. Contractors will keep spill kits in their vehicles and in herbicide storage areas 

to allow for quick and effective response to spills. Items to be included in the spill kit are: 

• protective clothing and gloves; 

• a minimum of 20 pounds of suitable commercial adsorbent and barrier materials; 

• plastic bags and bucket; 

• shovel; 

• fiber brush and screw-in handle; 

• dust pan; 

• caution tape; and 

• detergent. 

Response to an herbicide spill will vary depending on the material spilled, and the size and location of the 

spill. The order of priorities after discovering a spill are to protect the safety of personnel and the public, 

minimize damage to the environment, and conduct cleanup and remediation activities. 

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6.3 WORKER SAFETY AND SPILL REPORTING 

All herbicide Contractors will obtain and have readily available copies of the appropriate material safety 

data sheets and the herbicide labels for the herbicides used. All herbicide spills will be reported in 

accordance with applicable laws and requirements. Further information regarding spill response and 

reporting can be found in the SPCC Plan. 

7.0 REFERENCES 

Bauer, G. 2006. Email dated February 13, from G. Bauer (U.S. Department of Agriculture - Barton 

County, KS) to S. Donovan (Natural Resource Group, Inc.). 

Beaver, L. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and L. Beaver (Rice County Weed Department). 

Beesley, M. 2005. Telephone communication on December 22, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and M. Beesley (Gove County Noxious Weed Department). 

Bliss, T. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and T. Bliss (Rawlins County Weed Department). 

Booten, T. 2006. Telephone communication on January 26, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and T. Booten (Weld County Weed Division). 

Bosley, D. 2006. Telephone communication on January 25, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and D. Bosley (Morgan County Coop Extension). 

Buhler, R. 2006. Telephone communication on January 25, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and R. Buhler (Logan County Coop Extension). 

Bureau of Land Management - Noxious Weed Inventory for Colorado (12/2004): 

http://www.co.blm.gov/botany/weedhome.htm. 

Bureau of Land Management - Noxious Weed Inventory for Wyoming (12/2004): 

http://www.wy.blm.gov/weeds/whatis.htm. 

Cawthra, L. 2006. Telephone communication on February 6, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and L. Cawthra (Albany County Weed and Pest Control District). 

Chegwidden, P. 2006. Email dated February 7, from P. Chegwidden (U.S. Department of Agriculture – 

Ellsworth County, KS) to S. Donovan (Natural Resource Group, Inc.). 

Colorado County Weed Lists (01/2006)

 http://www.ag.state.co.us/csd/weeds/mapping/counties 

Cotterman, J. 2006. Telephone communication on February 6, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and J. Cotterman (Sweetwater County Weed and Pest Control District). 

Cronk, Q., and J. Fuller. 1995. Plant Invaders: The threat to natural ecosystems. Chapman & Hall. New 

York 

Fabritzius, C. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and C. Fabritzius (Trego County Noxious Weed Department). 

Glennon, J. 2005. Telephone communication on December 16, between K. Aarsby-Kail (Natural 

Resource Group, Inc.) and J. Glennon (Bureau of Land Management – Rock Springs Field Office). 

Hedberg, D. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and D. Hedberg (McPherson County Weed Department). 

E-12 -
Humphrey, B. 2006. Telephone communication on February 15, between K. Aarsby-Kail (Natural 

Resource Group, Inc.) and B. Humphrey (U.S. Forest Service, Pawnee National Grasslands). 

James, L., J. Evans, M. Ralphs, and R. Child, editors.1991. Noxious Range Weeds. Westview Press. 

Boulder, CO. 

Justeson, L. 2006. Telephone communication on February 6, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and L. Justeson (Carbon County Weed and Pest Control District). 

Kansas Department of Agriculture, Article 13, Weeds 

http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-statutes/getStatute.do?number=289 

Kansas Department of Agriculture Noxious Weed List (01/2006) 

http://www.ksda.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=329 

Korobka, G. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and G. Korobka (Ellis County Weed Department). 

Kraich, R. 2006. Telephone communication on January 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and R. Kraich (Washington County Weed Department). 

Larimer County Colorado, Regulated Weed List (8/2006) 

http://www.larimer.org/publicworks/weeds/weeds.htm 

Lewis, J. 2006. Email dated February 9, from J. Lewis (U.S. Department of Agriculture – Sweetwater 

County) to S. Donovan (Natural Resource Group, Inc.). 

MacNamee, S. 2006. Telephone communication on February 6, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and S. MacNamee (Laramie County Weed and Pest Control District). 

Nield, S. 2006. Telephone communication on February 6, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and S. Nield (Lincoln County Weed and Pest Control District). 

Noxious Weed List for Colorado (12/2004) http://www.ag.state.co.us/DPI/weeds/mapping/ 

CommonNameList.htm 

Ptacek, K. 2005. Telephone communication on December 22, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and K. Ptacek (Thomas County Weed Department). 

Purdy, L. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and L. Purdy (Russell County Weed Department). 

Raish, F. 2006. Telephone communication on January 25, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource Group, 

Inc.) and F. Raish (Yuma County Weed Department). 

Rules and Regulations Pertaining to the Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Weed 

Management Act http://www.ag.state.co.us/DPI/weeds/statutes/weedrules.pdf 

Schlittenhardt, D. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural 

Resource Group, Inc.) and D. Schlittenhardt (Cheyenne County Weed Department). 

Schwarz, B. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and B. Schwarz (Sheridan County Weed Department). 

Seeger, K. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and K. Seeger (Graham County Weed Department). 

Sheets, J. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and J. Sheets (Barton County Weed Department). 

E-13 -
Sheley, R.,J. Petroff, M.. Borman, 1999. Introduction to Biology and Management of Noxious Rangeland 

Weeds, Corvallis, OR. 

Shute, T. 2005. Telephone communication on December 27, between L. Hughes (Natural Resource 

Group, Inc.) and T. Shute (Ellsworth County Weed Department). 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 2003. Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant 

Impact on Noxious Weed Management Plan for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and 

Pawnee National Grassland. Colorado. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Plant Industry Division, 8 CCR 1203-19, Rules Pertaining to the 

Administration and Enforcement of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act 

http://www.ag.state.co.us/CSD/Weeds/statutes/weedrules.pdf 

U.S. Department of the Interior, 1991. Final Environmental Impact Statement on Vegetation Treatment 

on BLM Lands in Thirteen Western States. Washington, DC. 

Westbrooks, R. 1998. Invasive plants, changing the landscape of America: Fact book. Federal Interagency 

Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds. Washington, DC. 

Wyoming Weed and Pest Council http://www.wyoweed.org/ 

E-14 -
K:\934\2005-139\EQUIPCLEAN.VSD 

DATE: 5/25/2007 

REVISED: 5/25/2007 

SCALE: NTS 

DRAWN BY: KEITH 

KENDALL 

For environmental review purposes only. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Figure 1 

Page 1 

DRAIN 

(SEE DETAIL B) 

PRESSURE 

WASHER 

(WASH 

STATION 

ONLY) 

STABLE 

SURFACE 

WATER 

TANK 

ENTRY 

CLEANING 

PAD 

EXIT 

SUBSOIL 

BERM 

Detail “B” 

(Not to Scale) 

FLOW ENERGY DISSIPATING DEVICE 

(STRAW BALES, SILT FENCE, STABLE 

VEGETATION, ROCK) 

FABRIC 

FILTER 

BERM 

DRAIN PIPE 

STRIPPED TOPSOIL 

AREA STRIPPED 

OF TOPSOIL 

Plan 

FILTER FABRIC 

TOPSOIL 

12" MIN. SKID BERM 

Elevation 

Detail “A” 

(Not to Scale) 

STAPLE 

FILTER 

FABRIC 

E-15

24" MIN. 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Figure 1 

Page 2 

EQUIPMENT CLEANING STATION NOTES: 

1. STATIONS MUST BE INSTALLED AT ALL STATE LINES. EQUIPMENT MOVED FROM A 

WEED INFESTED AREA MUST BE WASHED OR OTHERWISE CLEANED PRIOR TO 

MOBILIZATION. 

2. DURING NON-FROZEN SOIL CONDITIONS, CONSTRUCT CLEANING STATIONS FOR 

HIGH PRESSURE WATER CLEANING AT APPROVED LOCATIONS BY STRIPPING TOPSOIL 

AND CONSTRUCTION CONTAINMENT BERMS OUT OF SUBSOIL. 

3. CONTAINMENT BERMS WILL NOT BE REQUIRED WHEN CLEANING WILL BE DONE 

USING COMPRESSED AIR AND TRACK SHOVELS INSTEAD OF HIGH PRESSURE WATER. 

4. CLEANING SHALL BE CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SUPERVISION AND TO THE 

SATISFACTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTOR. 

5. STATION TO BE EQUPPED WITH TIMBER MATS, SKID PADS, OR RACKS TO ELEVATE 

EQIPMENT TRACKS/TIRES SO THAT SOIL AND WEEDS WILL BE CONTAINED IN THE 

SATION BASIN. 

6. FILTER FABRIC TO BE INSTALLED AS A CONTINUOUS PIECE AND PLACED OVER THE 

TOP AND TO THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE BERMS AND FIRMLY FASTENED IN PLACE. 

THE EDGES OF PARALLEL PIECES SHALL BE OVERLAPPED A MINIMUM OF 12 INCHES 

(SHINGLE SYLE), AND FOLDED OVER (SEE DETAIL A). STAPLE THROUGH THE 

OVERLAPPED AREA EVERY 12 INCHES. 

7. FILTER FABRIC SHALL BE NON-WOVEN POLYPROPYLENE, WITH AN APPARENT 

OPENING SIZE OF 70 TO 100 (U.S. SEIVE), 200-POUND GRAB STRENGTH, AND 8 OUNCES 

PER YARD UNIT WEIGHT, OR BETTER. IN AREAS THAT ARE NOT ROCKY, CONTRACTOR 

MAY CHOOSE TO USE NON-WOVEN POLYPROPYLENE, 160-POUND GRAB STRENGH, 

AND 6 OUNCES PER YARD UNIT WEIGHT. 

8. WATER USED FOR CLEANING SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO FLOW INTO ANY 

WATERBODY, WETLAND OR IRRIGATION CANAL/DITCH. 

9. SIZE OF STATION SHALL BE ADEQUATE TO ACCOMMODATE THE MAXIMUM SIZE OF 

EQUIPMENT EXPECTED. 

10. EQUIPMENT IS TO CONSISTENLY ENTER AT ONE END AND EXIT AT ANOTHER. 

11. SKIDS ARE TO BE CLEANED BETWEEN WASHING INDEPENDENT PIECES OF 

EQUIPMENT. 

12. FILTER FABRIC WILL BE REMOVED TO AN ACCEPTABLE LANDFILL WHEN THE WASH 

STATION IS DISMANTLED. 

13. THE DEPRESSION WILL BE BACKFILLED WITH BERMED MATERIAL. ANY SOILS 

CONTAMINATED BY PETROLEUM BASED OR OTHER UNDESIRABLE MATERIALS FROM 

CLEAN OFF STATIONS SHALL BE REMOVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE 

REQUIREMENTS. 

14. TOPSOIL WILL BE RETURNED AND THE AREA RECLAIMED. 

15. CLEANING SITES WILL BE MONITORED DURING THE POST CONSTRUCTION 

MONITORING PROGRAM AND WEEDS CONTROLLED AS REQUIRED. 

E-16
ATTACHMENTS 

Appendices to the Weed Management Plan Intentionally

not Included in the Overland Pass EIS