Appendix C 

Construction, Reclamation, and Revegetation Plan 
OVERLAND PASS PIPELINE PROJECT 

CONSTRUCTION, RECLAMATION, AND REVEGETATION PLAN 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1.0 STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION, RECLAMATION, AND REVEGETATION PLAN1 

2.0 PRECONSTRUCTION ............................................................................................................... C-1

2.1 Construction Right-of-Way Flagging and Project Signs ................................................ C-1

3.0 GENERAL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES...................................................... C-3

3.1 Clearing and Grading...................................................................................................... C-4

3.2 Topsoil Removal and Storage......................................................................................... C-4

3.3 Rutting ........................................................................................................................... C-5

3.4 Rocky Conditions ........................................................................................................... C-5

3.5 Temporary Erosion Control ............................................................................................ C-5

3.5.1 Temporary Slope Breakers ................................................................................ C-5

3.5.2 Sediment Barriers .............................................................................................. C-6

3.6 Trenching........................................................................................................................ C-6

3.6.1 Open Trench Wildlife Mitigation ...................................................................... C-7

3.7 Pipe Stringing, Bending, and Welding ........................................................................... C-7

3.8 Lowering-in, Trench Dewatering, and Backfilling......................................................... C-7

3.9 Hydrostatic Testing......................................................................................................... C-8

3.10 Tie-Ins, Commissioning, and Markers............................................................................ C-8

3.11 Decompaction ................................................................................................................. C-9

3.12 Cleanup ........................................................................................................................... C-9

3.13 Permanent Erosion Control............................................................................................. C-9

3.13.1 Trench Breakers................................................................................................. C-9

3.13.2 Permanent Slope Breakers ............................................................................... C-10

3.14 Seedbed Preparation ..................................................................................................... C-10

3.14.1 Mulching.......................................................................................................... C-10

3.14.2 Seeding Methods.............................................................................................. C-11

3.14.3 Tree Replanting Methods................................................................................. C-12

4.0 SPECIAL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES ...................................................... C-12

4.1 Road, Highway, Railroad, Foreign Utility Crossings ................................................... C-12

4.2 Side Slope Cutting and Steep Terrain........................................................................... C-13

4.2.1 Stockpiling....................................................................................................... C-13

4.2.2 Temporary Slope Breakers .............................................................................. C-13

4.2.3 Trench Breakers............................................................................................... C-18

4.2.4 Permanent Slope Breakers ............................................................................... C-18

4.2.5 Rock Mulch ..................................................................................................... C-18

4.2.6 Pocking ............................................................................................................ C-19

4.3 Soils Mitigation and Seed Mixes .................................................................................. C-19

4.3.1 Shallow Soils ................................................................................................... C-19

4.3.2 Salinity/Sodicity .............................................................................................. C-20

4.3.3 Droughty Soils ................................................................................................. C-20

4.3.4 Flooding Soils.................................................................................................. C-20

4.3.5 Highly Erodible Soils....................................................................................... C-20

4.4 Waterbody Crossings.................................................................................................... C-20

4.4.1 Notification ...................................................................................................... C-20

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4.4.2 Installation ....................................................................................................... C-20

4.4.3 Bridges............................................................................................................. C-21

4.4.4 Open Cut Crossing Method ............................................................................. C-21

4.4.5 Flume Crossing Method................................................................................... C-22

4.4.6 Dam and Pump Crossing Method.................................................................... C-23

4.4.7 Horizontal Directional Drill Method ............................................................... C-23

4.5 Wetland Crossings ........................................................................................................ C-25

4.6 Riparian Vegetation ...................................................................................................... C-26

4.7 Blasting ......................................................................................................................... C-26

4.8 Residential Construction............................................................................................... C-27

4.9 Rangeland Construction................................................................................................ C-27

4.10 Grazing Mitigation........................................................................................................ C-28

4.10.1 Fencing ............................................................................................................ C-28

4.11 Waterlines ..................................................................................................................... C-29

4.12 Winter Construction...................................................................................................... C-29

4.13 Dust Control.................................................................................................................. C-29

5.0 ABOVE GROUND FACILITY CONSTRUCTION................................................................. C-29

5.1 Pump Stations ............................................................................................................... C-29

5.1.1 Clearing and Grading....................................................................................... C-30

5.1.2 Foundations...................................................................................................... C-30

5.1.3 Underground Facilities .................................................................................... C-30

5.1.4 Building Design and Construction................................................................... C-30

5.1.5 High Pressure Piping ....................................................................................... C-30

5.1.6 Pressure Testing............................................................................................... C-30

5.1.7 Commissioning ................................................................................................ C-31

5.1.8 Final Grading and Landscaping....................................................................... C-31

5.1.9 Infrastructure Facilities .................................................................................... C-31

5.1.10 Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Procedures......................... C-31

5.2 Meter Stations............................................................................................................... C-31

5.3 Mainline Valves and Launcher/Receivers .................................................................... C-31

6.0 RECLAMATION MONITORING PLAN ................................................................................ C-32

6.1 Goals of Reclamation Monitoring Plan ........................................................................ C-32

6.2 Reclamation Monitoring Criteria.................................................................................. C-32

6.3 Monitoring Techniques and Procedures ....................................................................... C-32

6.3.1 Vegetation Monitoring..................................................................................... C-32

6.3.2 Erosion and Runoff Control............................................................................. C-33

6.3.3 Waterbody Stabilization .................................................................................. C-33

6.4 Monitoring Methods and Procedures............................................................................ C-33

6.4.1 Vegetation Quadrats ........................................................................................ C-33

6.4.2 Erosion and Runoff Control............................................................................. C-34

6.4.3 Waterbody Stabilization .................................................................................. C-35

6.5 Reclamation Monitoring Reports.................................................................................. C-35

6.6 Remedial Action ........................................................................................................... C-36

7.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE FACILITIES................................................ C-36

8.0 ABANDONMENT .................................................................................................................... C-37

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LIST OF APPENDICES

NOTE: With the exception of Seed Mixes (Appendix E), the appendices to this document are 

intentionally not included. All available plans and attachments to this document can be found 

as part to the Draft Plan of Development found at 

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

Appendix A BLM Stipulations-Record of Decision 

Appendix B Environmental Alignment Sheets (Filed Under Separate Cover) 

Appendix C Typical Construction Drawings 

Pipe and Contractor Yards 

Pump Station, Meter Station, and Valve Drawings 

Appendix D Site-Specific Waterbody Crossing Plans 

Waterbody and Wetland Location Tables 

Appendix E Seed Mixes 

Appendix F Traffic and Transportation Management Plan 

Appendix G Hydrostatic Testing Plan 

Appendix H Emergency Response Plan 

Appendix I Fire Prevention and Suppression Plan 

Appendix J Conservation Measure Plan (Mitigation Section) 

Appendix K Spill Prevention, Containment, and Countermeasure Plan 

Appendix L Blasting Plan 

Appendix M Horizontal Directional Drilling Inadvertent Release Plan 

Appendix N Weed Management Plan 

Appendix O Incised Bank Stabilization Plan 

Appendix P Winter Construction Plan 

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1.0 STRUCTURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION, RECLAMATION, AND 

REVEGETATION PLAN 

The Construction, Reclamation, and Revegetation Plan (CMR Plan) is structured to address site-specific 

construction mitigation, reclamation, and revegetation plans for each federal land management unit 

crossed by the pipeline route within Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service (FS) lands. 

This document combines Overland Pass’ project-wide Best Management Practices (BMPs) and sitespecific mitigation which has been developed utilizing federal land management documents and 

consultation with agency resource specialists. Mitigation contained in this document may apply projectwide, or only to site-specific areas or conditions. In instances where mitigation is site-specific, the text 

has been bolded. Where appropriate, provisions that pertain to a specific management unit are discussed 

in greater detail. 

2.0 PRECONSTRUCTION 

2.1 Construction Right-of-Way Flagging and Project Signs 

Overland Pass will complete a final civil survey and stake/flag the right-of-way to locate the pipeline 

centerline and the construction right-of-way boundaries. Overland Pass will stake the Additional 

Temporary Workspace (ATWS) boundaries, staging areas, sensitive environmental areas, reclamation 

treatment areas, access roads, and along the right-of-way every 200 feet, as appropriate, to maintain lineof-sight from one stake to the next. Overland Pass’ contractor will be responsible for locating and 

marking underground crossings (e.g., gas and water pipelines, fiber optic cable, telephone lines, etc.), will 

be identified and flagged to prevent accidental damage during construction. Staking on the right-of-way 

and all ATWS will be inspected and maintained for the duration of construction and reclamation. 

Overland Pass will preserve all existing General Land Office, BLM, FS, or other recognizable civil 

survey monuments, cadastral corner markers, witness points, triangulation stations, military control 

monuments, or other recognizable physical markers (public and private). If markers are disturbed are 

destroyed, Overland Pass will notify the installing authority and the BLM’s Authorized Officer in writing 

of the incident. Overland Pass will be responsible for repairing markers using surveying procedures 

found in the Manual of Surveying Instructions for the Survey of the Public Lands in the United States. 

Table 2.1-1 describes the color-coded flagging system proposed to delineate resource areas throughout the 

project: 

TABLE 2..1-1 

Overland Pass Color-Coded Flagging System 

Flagging Color(s) Resource Code 

Orange 

Orange and Blue 

Pink 

White 

White and Red 

Yellow

Blue 

Pipeline centerline 

Point of intersect 

Survey control point 

Limit of ATWS 

Limit of additional temporary workspace 

 Foreign pipeline crossing 

Waterbodies and wetlands 

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TABLE 2..1-1 

Overland Pass Color-Coded Flagging System 

Flagging Color(s) Resource Code 

Green 

TBD 

TBD 

Sensitive environmental / habitat area 

Noxious weed area 

Wash station 

Signs will be posted along the construction right-of-way to identify sensitive areas and to alert 

construction personnel of restrictions that apply (table 2.1-2). The limits of these areas will be delineated 

at the edge of the right-of-way. Fencing may also be required in some areas to further protect sitespecific resources. Routine equipment maintenance will be restricted to contractor yards and commercial 

sites off the right-of-way. 

TABLE 2.1-2 

Overland Pass Project Signs 

Sign Description 

No Refueling or Equipment Maintenance 

Approved Access Road 

No Project Access 

Sensitive Resource Area 

Noxious Weed Area/ 

Wash Stations (TBD) 

Regulated Waterbody 

Regulated Wetland 

Monitor Required 

Equipment Maintenance Area 

Restrictive signs for place near wetlands, streams, wells, and environmentally 

sensitive areas. Signs will be placed at the boundary of the restricted work 

area. 

Project-related right-of-way access roads will be identified by road number or 

name and posted speed limit. 

Roads that lead to the right-of-way and could be confused with approved 

access roads but are not approved for use will be identified. 

Exclusion areas where equipment and personnel are not permitted to enter 

without approval will be identified with signs posted on the right-of-way 

boundary. 

Signs identifying populations of noxious weeds detected during preconstruction surveys will be placed to caution operators that special sitespecific protocols apply in this area. 

COE-regulated waterbodies will be identified; Overland Pass’ waterbody 

procedures or site-specific plans apply at these waterbodies. 

COE-regulated wetlands will be identified; Overland Pass’ wetland 

procedures apply at these wetlands. 

Areas where a resource specialist is required for ground disturbing activities 

will be identified. 

Limited to contractor yards. 

Overland Pass will require its construction contractor(s) post caution signs on roads, where appropriate, to 

alert motorists of pipeline construction and warn them of slow traffic. In addition, trucks transporting 

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pipe and heavy equipment will comply with all applicable state, county and federal laws, rules and 

permits for these loads. 

Overland Pass has identified all landowner-specific issues of concern that may be affected by construction 

activities. In coordination with these landowners, Overland Pass will implement mitigative measures 

that: 

• Avoid drain tiles and other types of irrigation systems. 

• Locate and mark above and below ground water lines. 

• Locate and mark all above and below ground utilities. 

• Coordinate with landowners which utilize pivot irrigation systems. 

• Develop grazing deferment plans with landowners, tenants, or other grazing permit holders that 

address construction timing, fence cutting and bracing, cattle guard locations, and water 

requirements for livestock. 

• Conduct baseline compaction surveys of the existing soil conditions, as requested by the 

landowner. 

Any component of irrigation systems, waterlines, utilities, or other physical impediments encountered 

during construction will be repaired to at least pre-construction condition. 

3.0 GENERAL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES 

Construction of the main pipeline is planned for five simultaneous construction areas, or “spreads”, 

averaging about 150 miles each. The pump stations will each be constructed by separate construction 

crews. Currently, construction is planned to start in the fourth quarter of 2007, and be completed by the 

end of February (2008). 

TABLE 1.5-1 

Construction Spreads for the Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Spread Name Mileposts State 

Spread 1 

Spread 2 

Spread 3 

Spread 4 

Spread 5 

0.0 to 146.5 

146.5 to 281.0 

281.0 to 438.0 

438.0 to 591.0 

591.0 to 749.4 

Wyoming 

Wyoming 

Wyoming/Colorado 

Colorado/Kansas 

Kansas 

Overland Pass proposes to use a 75-foot-wide construction right-of-way in most locations. Standard 

pipeline construction is composed of specific activities that make up the linear construction sequence. 

These operations collectively include survey and staking of the right-of-way; clearing and grading; 

trenching; pipe stringing, bending, and welding; lowering the pipeline into the trench; backfilling the 

trench; hydrostatic testing; final tie-ins; commissioning; and right-of-way cleanup and restoration. 

Construction personnel will be limited to the areas required to conduct these activities and will not be 

allowed onto off-right-of-way areas unless necessary. Figure 1 shows the typical steps of cross-country 

pipeline construction. 

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3.1 Clearing and Grading 

Before clearing and grading are conducted, landowner fences will be braced and cut to landowner or land 

management agency specifications (see Figures 2a – 2c), and temporary gates and fences will be installed 

to contain livestock if present. A clearing crew will clear the work area of vegetation and obstacles (e.g., 

trees, logs, brush, rocks). The clearing crew will follow the fence crew and skim surface vegetation in 

areas of high fire danger to minimize the potential for wildfires. Where trees are felled, timber will be cut 

to uniform length and stacked along the edge of the right-of-way until disposal or use during reclamation. 

Stumps will be cut as close to the ground as possible and left in place except over the trenchline or as 

necessary to create a safe and level work surface. 

Grading will be conducted where necessary to provide a reasonably level work surface. More extensive 

grading will be required in steep side slope or vertical areas to prevent excessive bending of the pipeline. 

Overland Pass intends to use several topsoil stripping methods during construction. Where the ground is 

relatively flat and does not require grading, rootstock will be left in the ground. 

3.2 Topsoil Removal and Storage 

Overland Pass proposes to use three topsoil removal techniques: trenchline only, trenchline plus spoil 

side, or full right-of-way stripping (see figures 3, 4, and 5). 

The ‘trenchline only’ technique removes topsoil from the trenchline area only. Overland Pass will utilize 

a method of trenchline stripping called double-ditching (see figure 6). The double-ditching method 

requires two passes to be made by a wheel ditcher. On the first pass, the machine removes topsoil from 

the trenchline and places it on the non-working side of the pipeline trench. On the second pass, the wheel 

trencher will excavate subsoil and place it on the working side of the pipeline trench, where equipment is 

allowed to work on top of the spoil pile. Rooted vegetation on either side of the trench will remain in 

place under the spoil piles. This is intended to minimize the post-construction area of bare soil and to 

keep most of the topsoil, with its stock of seeds and roots and microbes, in place during construction, 

which will help in restoring shrub steppe habitat and agricultural land after construction is completed. 

In other locations, the trenchline and spoil side and/or the full right-of-way practices will be used. These 

techniques require a backhoe or bulldozer to remove the topsoil. It is currently anticipated that in arid 

areas with limited topsoil, topsoil will be removed from the full right-of-way in most areas to avoid 

pulverization or rutting during wet periods, and in some instances, to mitigate heavy weed infestations. 

Topsoil and sub-soil piles will be stored separately until reclamation occurs. 

In the event that additional workspace is needed to accommodate steep slopes (25 feet) or truck 

turnarounds (100 feet), Overland Pass EIs will work with the CMs to determine placement and approval 

on a site-specific basis. 

On lands managed by the BLM and Ashley National Forest (ANF), full right-of-way topsoil 

stripping will occur to a depth of 6-inches. On lands managed by the Pawnee National Grassland 

(PNG), ‘trenchline only’ topsoil stripping will occur to a depth of 6-inches. 

Topsoil and subsoil storage piles will be stored separately. In some instances, separation between piles 

will require the installation of barriers such as straw bales. In other instances, topsoil will be placed on the 

working side, and trench spoil will be stored on the non-working side. Gaps will be left between the soil 

piles to prevent stormwater runoff from backing up or flooding adjacent areas. In areas that are prone to 

wind erosion, Overland Pass will wet down topsoil piles. Wetting down topsoil piles will create a crust 

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across exposed soils and prevent soil loss by wind. EIs will inspect watered soils regularly and rewatering will occur as needed. Water requirements for topsoiling activities are discussed in the “Water 

Withdrawal Requirements” section of Overland Pass’ Hydrostatic Testing Plan (appendix G). On the 

PNG, soils may be watered. However, since open trench sections will be limited to one mile at a 

time, backfilling will occur immediately following pipe installation. Therefore, the potential for 

topsoil loss will be minimal. Tackifiers are not proposed for use during the project. 

3.3 Rutting 

In areas where topsoil has not been removed, rutting from construction equipment will be 

considered excessive if greater than 4-inches on BLM and ANF lands, or greater than 3-inches on 

PNG lands. In consultation with Overland Pass’ Environmental Inspectors (EIs) and agency monitors, 

topsoil removal techniques may be modified to remedy topsoil rutting. Rutting stipulations will not apply 

in areas where topsoil removal has occurred. 

3.4 Rocky Conditions 

When rocky conditions are encountered, tractor-mounted mechanical rippers will be used to fracture rock 

prior to excavation. Rock will be stockpiled along the edge of the construction right-of-way and either 

used during reclamation or disposed of at an off-site facility. Rock will not be permanently windrowed 

along the edge of the construction work area. 

3.5 Temporary Erosion Control 

The installation of temporary erosion controls will begin immediately following topsoil removal. 

Temporary erosion controls will be properly maintained throughout construction (on a daily basis) and 

reinstalled as necessary until replaced by permanent erosion controls. Temporary erosion controls that 

will be used during construction include the following: 

3.5.1 Temporary Slope Breakers 

Temporary slope breakers are intended to reduce runoff velocity and divert water off the construction 

right-of-way (see figure 7). Temporary slope breakers may be constructed of materials such as soil, 

staked straw bales or sand bags. 

Overland Pass will install temporary slope breakers to avoid excessive erosion. Temporary slope 

breakers must be installed on slopes greater than 5 percent where the base of the slope is less than 50 feet 

from waterbody, wetland, and road crossings at the following spacing: 

Federally Managed Lands 

Slope (percent) Spacing (feet) 

2 to 5 percent 300 feet 

5 to 10 percent 200 feet 

10 to 15 percent 150 feet 

15 to 25 percent 100 feet 

>25 percent 100 feet or EI Recommendation 

> 30 percent 25 to 50 feet (PNG Lands only) 

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Non-Federally Managed Lands 

Slope (percent) Spacing (feet) 

2 to 5 percent 300 feet 

5 to 15 percent 200 feet 

15 to 25 percent 100 feet 

>30 percent 100 feet or EI Recommendation 

On slopes less than five percent that are located in areas not prone to soil movement or erosion (e.g. rocky 

soil conditions) slope breakers may be eliminated at the discretion of the EIs and agency monitors. Slope 

breaker spacing may also be modified to correspond with slope breakers from adjacent facilities. 

The outfall of each temporary slope breaker will be directed to a stable, well vegetated area or into an 

energy-dissipating device at the end of the slope breaker and off the construction right-of-way. The 

outfall of each temporary slope breaker will be positioned so as to prevent sediment discharge into 

wetlands, waterbodies, or other sensitive resources. The requirements stated in section 3.5.1 also apply to 

permanent slope breakers. 

3.5.2 Sediment Barriers 

Sediment barriers are intended to stop the flow of sediments and to prevent the deposition of sediments 

into sensitive resources. As shown in figures 8, 9, and 10, they may be constructed of materials such as 

silt fence, staked straw bales, compacted earth (e.g., drivable berms across travelways), sand bags, or 

other appropriate materials. Where silt fence is used, J-hooks will be installed at outlets. 

At a minimum, Overland Pass will install and maintain temporary sediment barriers across the entire 

construction right-of-way at the base of slopes greater than 5 percent where the base of the slope is less 

than 50 feet from a waterbody, wetlands, or road crossing until construction is complete. Adequate room 

will be left between the base of the slope and the sediment barrier to accommodate ponding of water and 

sediment deposition. 

Where wetlands or waterbodies are adjacent to and downslope of construction work areas, Overland Pass 

will install sediment barriers along the edge of these areas, to prevent sediment flow into the wetland or 

waterbody. 

In travel lanes, Overland Pass may install drivable berms rather than removable sediment barriers such as 

straw bales. The EI may specify one technique or the other. 

3.6 Trenching 

The trench will be excavated by rotary trenching machines, track-mounted backhoes, or other similar 

equipment to a depth that provides sufficient cover over the pipeline after backfilling. Typically, the 

trench will be about 4.5 to 5 feet deep (to allow for about 3 feet of cover) and about 3.5 to 4 feet wide in 

stable soils. Additional cover will be provided at road and waterbody crossings. Less cover is required in 

rocky areas (18 inches) in open areas; additional cover (30 inches) will be required in rocky areas in 

commercial and residential areas, roads, and residential ditches. In sandy, unstable soils, the trench could 

be considerably wider because the walls could cave or slough during trenching. Typically, it will take 

approximately four to six weeks from the time the excavator opens the trench until the trench is 

backfilled. In the Kemmerer Field Office, open trench sections will be limited to a 10 day period. It 

is reasonable to assume that in most areas, up to 10 or 12 miles of trench will be open at a time. On the 

PNG, open trench will be limited to one mile at a time. 

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3.6.1 Open Trench Wildlife Mitigation 

Trench plugs will be installed at a maximum of 0.5-mile intervals and at visible wildlife game trails and 

livestock watering trails that intersect the trench line. In the Kemmerer Field Office, trench plugs and 

gaps will be spaced at 0.25 mile intervals. Twenty-foot gaps will be left in spoil and topsoil stockpiles 

at all trench plugs. Suitable ramps will be installed from the bottom of trench to the top with a 5-footwide open path across the trench plug. A corresponding gap in the welded pipe string will be left at each 

trench plug. 

3.7 Pipe Stringing, Bending, and Welding 

Following trenching, sections of externally coated pipe up to 80 feet long (also referred to as joints) will 

be transported over public road networks and authorized private access roads to the right-of-way by truck 

and placed or “strung” along the trench line. 

After the pipe sections are strung along the trench and before they are joined together, individual sections 

of the pipe will be bent where necessary to allow for uniform fit of the pipeline with the varying contours 

of the bottom of the trench. Typically, a track-mounted, hydraulic pipe-bending machine will tailor the 

shape of the pipe to conform to the contours of the terrain. Where direction changes require bends greater 

than what can be properly bent in the field, a factory made “induction bend” will be used. After the pipe 

sections are bent, they will be welded together into long sections and placed on wooden support skids. 

Each weld must exhibit the same structural integrity with respect to strength and ductility as the pipe. 

Welds will be inspected by quality control personnel utilizing either X-ray techniques or other DOTapproved non-destructive examination to determine the quality of the weld, required in Title 49 CFR Part 

195. Welds that do not meet established specifications will be repaired or removed. Once the welds are 

approved, a protective FBE coating will be applied to the welded joints. The pipeline will then be 

electronically inspected or “jeeped” for faults or voids in the epoxy coating, and visually inspected for 

any faults, scratches, or other coating defects. Damage to the coating will be repaired before the pipeline 

is lowered in. 

3.8 Lowering-in, Trench Dewatering, and Backfilling 

Before the pipeline is lowered in, the trench will be inspected to be sure it is free of wildlife that may be 

trapped in the trench as well as rocks and other debris that could damage the pipe or protective coating. 

In rocky areas, padding material such as finer grain sand, soil, or gravel will be placed in the bottom of 

the trench to protect the pipeline. No topsoil will be used as padding material. The pipeline may also be 

wrapped in a rock shield, which is typically made of fabric or screen. Excess rock will be removed from 

at least the top 12 inches of soil in all actively cultivated or rotated cropland and pastures, hayfields, 

residential areas, and on the PNG. 

During construction, open trench sections may fill with water due to weather events. In these instances, 

trench sections will be dewatered by pumping water out and disposing of it in an upland area, or into 

sediment filtration/energy dissipation device, within the approved workspace. Dewatering devices will 

typically be located on the edge of the 75-foot construction right-of-way. See Overland Pass’ Storm 

Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). 

Backfilling with occur within 10 days in residential areas. Trench breakers may be installed (see section 

3.13.1), where needed. Soils will be replaced from the horizon in which they occur. First, subsoil will be 

returned to the trenched area. Topsoil will be replaced last at the ground level. On the PNG, excavated 

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bedrock will be broken up and returned to the original bedrock stratum. Soil will be mounded over 

the trench only to allow for normal soil settling. No crown will be installed over the trench line. 

NOTE: In order to comply with the PNG’s requirement of one mile of open trench at any one time, 

Overland Pass may implement the above construction sequencing activities that focus on PNG 

lands in Colorado first, whereby each of the above steps is performed in a shorter than normal time 

by a single construction crew. Consequently, since the trench will be backfilled immediately upon 

pipe lowering-in, Overland Pass does not propose to utilize tackifiers, as requested by PNG. Spoil 

and topsoil storage would typically be limited to only 2 or 3 days using this approach. 

3.9 Hydrostatic Testing 

After backfilling, the pipeline will be hydrostatically tested with pressurized water to ensure the system is 

capable of withstanding the operating pressure for which it is designed. The pipeline will be broken into 

‘test segments’. These test segments have been determined by water availability, water permitting 

requirements, and terrain. Water for hydrostatic testing will be obtained from a combination of 

groundwater and surface water sources through specific agreements with landowners and permit 

stipulations. Internal test pressures and durations will be tested at a pressure 25 percent greater than the 

maximum operating pressure, in accordance with Title 49 CFR Part 195. If leaks are found, the leaks will 

be repaired and the section of pipe retested until specifications are met. 

Following testing, the hydrostatic test water will be discharged to stable, upland areas along the 

construction right-of-way. If well vegetated areas are not available, water may be discharged through 

filtration bags or other energy dissipating devices. In some cases, water may be sprayed on agricultural 

fields as irrigation in coordination with the landowners. On the PNG, sediment filtration bags will be 

used in all instances during water discharge. 

After completion of hydrostatic testing, the pipeline will be cleaned and dried using mechanical tools 

(pigs) that are moved through the pipeline with pressurized, dry air. Details related to hydrostatic testing, 

including water requirements, withdrawal and discharge locations, aquatic mitigation techniques used 

during withdrawal, and discharge mitigation techniques, are located in the Hydrostatic Testing Plan in 

Appendix G. 

3.10 Tie-Ins, Commissioning, and Markers 

Following successful hydrostatic testing, test manifolds will be removed and the final pipeline tie-ins will 

be made. 

After final tie-ins are complete, the tie-in welds have been inspected, and the line is sufficiently dried, 

pipeline commissioning will commence. Commissioning involves activities to verify that equipment is 

properly installed and working, the controls and communications systems are functional, and that the 

pipeline is ready for service. Finally, the pipeline will be cleaned and dried using mechanical tools (pigs) 

and prepared for service by purging the line of air and loading the line with NGL. 

Markers showing the location of the pipeline will be installed at fence and road crossings in order to 

identify the owner of the pipeline and convey emergency information in accordance with applicable 

governmental regulations, including DOT safety requirements. Special markers providing information 

and guidance to aerial patrol pilots will also be installed. 

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3.11 Decompaction 

Once backfilling has been completed decompaction will occur. Both top- and subsoils may be 

decompacted. Soil will be tested at regular intervals in disturbed areas using penetrometers or other 

appropriate devices. Similar soil types under similar moisture conditions will be examined in disturbed 

areas and in undisturbed, off-right-of-way areas to approximate preconstruction conditions. 

In compacted soils, Overland Pass will scarify or rip the area to a depth of 6 to 12 inches using a chisel or 

para-plow, or other similar tillage equipment until the soil density is comparable to areas off the 

construction right-of-way. If ripped, the ripper shanks will be set apart 12 to 18 inches. Topsoil will be 

replaced after decompaction is completed. Sandy soils will not be scarified. 

If severely compacted agricultural areas are encountered, they will be plowed with a paraplow or other 

deep tillage implement. Decompaction testing will occur at approximately 0.25 mile intervals on the 

working side of the right-of-way. Topsoil will be tested for bulk density of 15 percent or greater and will 

be decompacted with a harrow plow or other deep tillage equipment prior to seeding and mulching, as 

needed. On the PNG, the entire length of the right-of-way will be ripped to a depth of at least 12 

inches using the required compaction reduction tool which is equipped with winged shanks. 

3.12 Cleanup 

Cleanup will begin after backfilling as soon as weather and site conditions permit. During cleanup, 

construction debris on the right-of-way will be disposed of at off-site facilities. All work areas will be 

graded and restored to preconstruction contours as closely as possible. 

During cleanup, a travel lane may be temporarily left open to allow access by construction traffic. 

Interim erosion control structures will be inspected and maintained during this period. When access is no 

longer required, the travel lane will be removed and the right-of-way restored. 

Where requested by the landowner or agency monitor, Overland Pass may restrict access to the newly 

created right-of-way by unauthorized vehicles at public access points by installing gates, boulders, or 

other barriers. 

3.13 Permanent Erosion Control 

Permanent erosion controls will be installed immediately following clean up and backfilling, usually 

within 20 days of backfilling in most areas, or 10 days within residential areas. Permanent erosion 

controls will provide long-term stability to the right-of-way and prevent excessive soil erosion and divert 

water to stable areas adjacent to the pipeline. 

3.13.1 Trench Breakers 

Trench breakers are intended to slow the flow of subsurface water along the closed trench. Trench 

breakers may be constructed of materials such as sand bags or polyurethane foam; topsoil will not be used 

to serve as a trench breaker. Figure 11 shows trench breaker installation. 

Trench breaker locations will coincide with slope breakers, unless the EIs or agency monitors recommend 

modified spacing. Spacing intervals for trench breakers will be the same as those described for temporary 

and permanent slope breakers in section 3.5.1. 

C-9
At a minimum, Overland Pass will install a trench breaker at the base of slopes greater than 5 percent 

where the base of the slope is less than 50 feet from a waterbody or wetland and where needed to avoid 

draining a waterbody or wetland. 

3.13.2 Permanent Slope Breakers 

Permanent slope breakers are intended to reduce runoff velocity, divert water off the construction rightof-way, and prevent sediment deposition into sensitive resources. Permanent slope breakers may be 

constructed of materials such as soil, sand bags, or some functional equivalent. In the absence of stable, 

adjacent areas, energy-dissipating devices will be constructed at the end of the breaker. Slope breaker 

spacing may also be modified to correspond with slope breakers from adjacent facilities. 

Slope breakers may extend slightly (about 4 feet) beyond the edge of the construction right-of-way to 

effectively drain water off the disturbed area. Where slope breakers extend beyond the edge of the 

construction right-of-way, they will be subject to compliance with all applicable survey requirements. 

Overland Pass will construct permanent slope breakers in all areas with slopes greater than 5 percent. 

Spacing for permanent slope breakers will be the same as temporary slope breakers described in section 

3.5.1. 

3.14 Seedbed Preparation 

In upland soils not compacted during construction, Overland Pass will disk or harrow the disturbed 

construction right-of-way approximately 2 to 6 inches deep to roughen the surface to enhance water and 

root penetration. Drag chains pulled by a tractor or tracked equipment may also be used to rough grade 

certain portions of the construction work areas. 

3.14.1 Mulching 

Overland Pass will apply 1.5 tons per acre of clean, weed-free straw mulch to dry, sandy areas and areas 

with slopes exceeding 10 percent, or at the request of the landowner. On the PNG, mulch will be 

uniformly crimped at a rate of 2.5 tons per acre. In actively cultivated cropland and in areas where 

surface rock is greater than 4 inches in diameter and exceeds at least 20 percent surface coverage after 

rough grading, mulch will not be applied unless otherwise requested by the landowner. Mulch will be 

applied concurrent with or immediately after seeding, where necessary to stabilize the soil surface and to 

reduce wind and water erosion. Mulch will be uniformly spread over at least 75 percent of the ground 

surface in disturbed areas to minimize the effects of water and wind erosion and to preserve moisture in 

areas requiring vegetation. Mulch will be mechanically anchored by disking or punching so that straw 

strands are compressed into the soil at three to four inches deep, depending the percent slope. 

Woody vegetation cleared from the right-of-way may be stored for use as mulch to be spread over the 

right-of-way following seeding and mulching, if required. A backhoe with a hydraulic thumb or 

equivalent apparatus operating on the edge of the right-of-way will randomly distribute woody vegetation 

across the restored right-of-way to create a visual barrier. 

If final grading and installation of permanent erosion control measures are delayed and cannot be 

completed before the following spring, Overland Pass will apply mulch on slopes greater than 5 percent 

that contain less than 20 percent surface rock greater than 4 inches in diameter. Mulch will provide 

temporary erosion control until permanent erosion control measures can be installed. On federal land, 

steep slopes over 20 percent that are prone to erosion will be stabilized with erosion control fabric 

C-10
or pocking. On PNG land, erosion control fabric may be installed on slopes greater than 10 

percent. 

Trees which were not completely removed from the trenchline will be cut off at ground level and 

stockpiled for use during reclamation. During reclamation, trees will be moved back across the right-ofway and walked over with construction equipment. 

Excess rock will be stockpiled along the side of the construction right-of-way for use during reclamation. 

During reclamation, rock will be spread back across the right-of-way to blend it with adjacent areas. 

Excess rock which cannot be utilized will be collected and hauled to an off-site disposal facility. Rock 

will not be windrowed along the edge of the right-of-way. 

3.14.2 Seeding Methods 

Overland Pass will generally use one of four seeding methods, including seed drill, mechanized broadcast 

(cyclone) seeder on a tractor, and hand cyclone seeder. 

A seed drill will be used to distribute seed on the right-of-way where slopes and soil conditions allow. 

The seed drill will be calibrated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations prior to use and a 

known amount of seed will be used over a known area to monitor the calibration of the equipment. The 

average drilled seed depth will be 0.25 to 0.50 inch, not to exceed one inch in depth. Care will be taken to 

ensure light seed (e.g., winter fat) is evenly applied with heavier seed. In Wyoming and Colorado, 

sagebrush seed distribution may be increased in areas where sagebrush naturally occurs in denser clusters. 

A hand-operated or mechanically powered cyclone seeder will be used when a seed drill is not suitable. 

The seeding rate will be doubled where a broadcast seeder is used. This method distributes the seeds on 

the surface and the seeds are subsequently covered by use of a cultipacker, rake, or dragging a chain 

behind the seeding equipment. Hand-operated cyclone seeders will be used on slopes too steep for 

equipment to be operated safely. If rock is not present in these areas, hand dragging or raking will be 

used to incorporate the seed. 

Hydroseeding and hydromulching are not expected to be used except in areas where conventional seeding 

and mulching techniques cannot be applied (i.e., slopes exceeding 25 percent), or when requested by the 

landowner. The seeding rate during hydroseeding will be broadcast application rate (i.e., twice the drilled 

rate). Mulch will be applied at a rate of 1.5 tons per acre and will be anchored with a tackifier on slopes 

exceeding 25 percent. On the PNG, mulch will be uniformly applied at the rate of 2.5 tons per acre. 

General seeding of disturbed areas will occur in accordance with written recommendations for 

preparation, rates, methods, and dates obtained from the local soil conservation authority or as requested 

by the landowner. Appendix E contains Overland Pass’ index of site-specific seeding recommendations. 

Seeding will typically occur immediately following restoration. In some areas seeding may be delayed by 

weather. In these instances, seeding will occur in the following spring. On federal lands, seeding will 

take place immediately after re-grading, but no later than 20 days after regrading is completed, 

regardless of the time of year, unless severe weather precludes these activities. In areas where 

sagebrush seed is a component of the seed mix, sage may be separately spread in winter of the same year, 

during a second pass, to facilitate growth. Sagebrush seed mixes may be applied even if snow cover is 

present. 

If seeding cannot be done within the recommended seeding dates, the appropriate interim erosion control 

measures discussed in section 3.5 will be installed and seeding of permanent vegetation will be performed 

at the beginning of the next season. Lawns may be seeded on a schedule established with the landowner. 

C-11
3.14.3 Tree Replanting Methods 

Where required by the landowner or permit conditions, tree cuttings, containerized plants, or transplants, 

will be used to restore woody plant communities, stabilize riparian areas, and provide a visual screens to 

conceal the right-of-way. Species include willow, cottonwood, and aspen. Willow species will be 

planted as non-rooted cuttings; and cottonwood as rooted cuttings. Tree cuttings will be obtained from 

adjacent areas within the surveyed corridor that were identified and approved by the landowner. Locally 

obtained tree cuttings will be used to ensure that plants are adaptable to the environment. 

Tree cuttings will be between 16 and 24 inches long and obtained during the dormant season (February to 

May) and planted within two weeks of cutting, or stored under refrigeration, until needed. 

Willow and aspen cuttings will be spaced with an average of 10 feet/center (for example: an area 50-feet 

by 100-feet will require 50 trees set at 10-foot spacings). Cottonwoods will be spaced at 15 feet/center. 

Plantings will be randomly placed to promote a natural distribution, but the recommended average plant 

density will be maintained. Species will not be planted within 15 feet either side of the pipeline. 

Tree cuttings will be inserted into the ground approximately 6 inches and will be covered with a fine 

plastic netting to deter browsing. 

In areas where access along the right-of-way is required for vehicular travel to hydrostatic test section tieins, pipeline drying, or valve sites, the travel lane may not be restored or seeded concurrently with rightof-way restoration. A separate crew will restore the travel lane when contractor access along the right-ofway becomes unnecessary. 

4.0 SPECIAL PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES 

In addition to standard pipeline construction methods, Overland Pass will use special construction 

techniques where warranted by site-specific conditions. These special techniques will be used when 

constructing across paved and unpaved roads, railroads, utility crossovers, steep terrain, unstable soils, 

waterbodies, wetlands, when blasting through rock, or avoiding sensitive resources. 

4.1 Road, Highway, Railroad, Foreign Utility Crossings 

Construction across paved roads, highways, and railroads will be in accordance with the requirements of 

Overland Pass’ road and railroad crossing permits and approvals. Major paved roads, highways, and 

railroads generally will be crossed by boring beneath the road or railroad (see figure 12). Boring requires 

the excavation of a pit on each side of the feature, the placement of boring equipment in the pit, then 

boring a hole under the road at least equal to the diameter of the pipe. Once the hole is bored, a 

prefabricated pipe section will be pulled through the borehole. For long crossings, sections may be 

welded onto the pipe string just before being pushed through the borehole. There will be little or no 

disruption to traffic at road, highway, or railroad crossings that are bored. These boring techniques may 

also be used to avoid specified eligible archaeological sites. 

Most smaller, unpaved roads and driveways may be crossed using the open-cut method where permitted 

by local authorities or private owners (see figure 13). The open-cut method will require temporary 

closure of the road to traffic and establishment of detours. If no reasonable detour is feasible, at least one 

lane of the road being crossed will be kept open to traffic, except during brief periods when it is essential 

to close the road to install the pipeline. Most open-cut road crossings will be completed and the road 

resurfaced in a few days. Overland Pass will take measures such as posting signs at open-cut road 

crossings and utilizing flagmen to ensure safety and minimize traffic disruptions. 

C-12
Additionally, Overland Pass is developing a Traffic and Transportation Management Plan (see Appendix 

F). The Traffic and Transportation Management Plan is intended to mitigate potential impacts of 

project-related road use and construction activity, and to maintain and/or moderately upgrade existing 

access roads, consistent with project needs relating to the useful management of resources. Overland Pass 

is currently working with the counties crossed by the pipeline route to obtain permits and develop road 

mitigation that might be necessary for construction and post-construction of the project. No new roads 

will be built as part of the Proposed Action. Driveway installation to permanent, aboveground facilities 

are depicted on the aboveground facility plot plans located in Appendix C. These roads will be wholly 

contained within the right-of-way, or constructed within parcels that Overland Pass has identified for the 

construction of aboveground facilities. 

Foreign pipeline crossing designs will conform to good engineering practices and to the requirements of 

the regulatory authority (e.g., DOT, County Department of Public Works). Crossings of railroads and 

roads, where required by the regulatory authorities, will be installed using boring techniques and will 

possess a heavier wall pipe thickness for additional structural protection. 

4.2 Side Slope Cutting and Steep Terrain 

Side slope cutting will occur in rough, steep terrain, and in areas where rerouting the pipeline is not 

feasible due to mitigating factors such as sensitive resource avoidance, paralleling road ways, existing 

utilities, etc. Where the pipeline crosses laterally along the side of a slope, cut and fill grading may be 

required to obtain a safe, flat work terrace. Generally, on steep side slopes, soil from the high side of the 

right-of-way will be excavated and moved to the low side of the right-of-way to create a safe and level 

work terrace. After the pipeline is installed, the soil from the low side of the right-of-way will be returned 

to the high side, and the slope’s original contours will be restored (see figure 14 for workspace 

requirements and layout). Mulch will be applied at a rate of 1.5 tons per acre on slopes exceeding 20 

percent. 

Steep terrain areas in excess of 10 percent are common in portions of Wyoming. When disturbed by 

construction through vegetation removal, these areas may be susceptible to erosion if water from 

snowpack runoff and intense rainfall events are not controlled. In some instances, pipe sections required 

in these areas will be factory bent to facilitate installation. 

Based on site-specific conditions, Overland Pass has identified measures that will be implemented to 

prevent slope failure. The EIs and agency monitors may modify these mitigation measures on a case-bycase basis. Table 4.3-1 lists the locations of steep slope areas by milepost and the soil/seed mix 

combination that will be used to stabilize these areas. 

4.2.1 Stockpiling 

On steep slopes where topsoil, woody debris, and rock cannot be conventionally stockpiled at the edge of 

the construction right-of-way, the contractor will push the material to ATWS for use during restoration. 

4.2.2 Temporary Slope Breakers 

Temporary slope breakers will be installed after the right-of-way is graded. In most cases, temporary 

slope breakers will be spaced at intervals determined by the EI. A temporary breaker will be installed 10 

to 30 feet from the crest of a slope to act as a reference point for spacing the remaining breakers. Slope 

breakers will be inspected on a daily basis in areas of active construction; on a weekly basis in areas with 

no active construction; within 24 hours of each 0.5-inch or greater rainfall. 

C-13
Table 4.3-1 Soil Types and Proposed Seed Mixes 

Upstream 

Milepost 

Downstream 

Milepost Percent Slope Geomorphology Soil Limitations GAP Vegetation Seed Mix 

Kemmerer Field Office 

0.90 1.30 0-5 Floodplain Flooding Shrub dominated riparian C 

1.90 2.20 8-30 Escarpment Steep slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity, 

bedrock 

Desert Shrub B 

3.10 3.20 8-15 Escarpment Steep slope, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

5.10 5.60 0-8 Interfluve Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

6.10 6.20 0-5 Alluvial fan Unstable, droughty Desert Shrub A 

7.20 7.40 0-5 Alluvial fan, terrace Droughty, salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

8.50 8.70 5-8, 30-80 Terrace Escarpment Slope, unstable, salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

8.70 9.10 0-5 Terrace (pediment) Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

10.30 10.40 5-15 Interfluve Slope, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

11.40 11.80 0-5 5-15 Dissected terrace Salinity/sodicity, erosion Desert Shrub B 

11.80 12.00 0-5 Alluvial flat Droughty Desert Shrub, Wyoming A 

Big Sagebrush 

12.50 12.90 0-5 Alluvial flat Droughty Desert Shrub A 

12.90 13.50 0-5 Alluvium mantled backslope Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

13.90 14.10 0-5 5-8 Bedrock outlier Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sage B 

17.10 17.20 8-30 Steep backslope Erosion Wyoming Big Sage A 

19.20 19.30 0-15 Alluvial fan Droughty, unstable Wyoming Big Sage A 

19.90 20.20 0-5 sandy alluvial flat Droughty, unstable Wyoming Big sage A 

21.10 21.15 8-15 Alluvial/residuum plain many Steep slope, erosion, droughty Desert Shrub A 

sandy areas 

21.20 21.70 0-5 Sandy alluvial flat, evidence of Droughty, salinity sodicity. Wyoming Big Sage B 

wind erosion, deposition 

21.60 21.65 0-5 5-8 Drainageway. Erosion, unstable Wyoming Big Sage A 

21.90 22.80 0-5 Sandy alluvial flat, evidence of Unstable, droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

wind erosion, deposition 

23.20 23.50 8-15 0-5 Hummocky residuum, slopewash Steep slopes, erosion, unstable Wyoming Big Sage A 

alluvium 

24.40 24.45 0-5 Terrace above drainage Droughty salinity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

25.45 26.75 0-5 Alluvial/residuum plain many 

sandy areas 

Droughty salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

28.30 30.40 0-5 Alluvial/residuum plain many Droughty salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

sandy areas 

32.40 32.50 8-15 Dissected backslope probable Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

shale 

32.40 32.50 8-15 Dissected backslope probable 

shale 

Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

33.70 33.90 5-8 Alluvial/residuum plain Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

35.05 36.00 0-5 Alluvial/residuum plain Coarse alluvium, droughty Desert Shrub A 

37.20 37.30 0-5 Alluvial/residuum plain Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

37.50 37.55 0-5 Alluvial/residuum plain Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

40.30 40.40 8-15 Valley wall escarpment Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

40.60 41.05 0-5 Elevated Terrace Droughty Desert Shrub A 

41.05 41.35 0-5 Active floodplain Flooding Riparian shrub C 

41.35 41.60 8-15 15-30 Valley wall escarpment Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

Rock Springs Field Office 

43.60 43.65 0-5 Alluvial fan. Coarse alluvium 

Colluvium 

Droughty, unstable, deposition Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

43.75 43.80 0-5 Alluvial fan. Coarse alluvium 

Colluvium 

Droughty, unstable, deposition Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

44.00 44.40 0-5 Alluvial fan. Coarse alluvium 

Colluvium 

Droughty, unstable, deposition Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

44.90 45.00 0-5 Drainage terrace, coarse 

alluvium 

Droughty, unstable, saline Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

46.50 46.75 0-5 Alluvial/residuum Plain Saline/sodic, shallow Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

46.95 47.05 5-15 Alluvial/residuum Plain Saline/sodic, shallow Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

C-14
Table 4.3-1 Soil Types and Proposed Seed Mixes 

Upstream 

Milepost 

Downstream 

Milepost Percent Slope Geomorphology Soil Limitations GAP Vegetation Seed Mix 

47.40 47.70 0-5 Alluvial/residuum Plain Saline/sodic, shallow Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

48.90 50.25 5-30 Backslope breaks to river, shale 

outcrop 

Steep slope, droughty, erosion, 

salinity/sodicity 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

49.90 50.10 15-30 Backslope breaks to river Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

50.15 50.20 30-80 Backslope breaks to river Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

50.60 50.70 15-30 Backslope breaks to river Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

50.75 50.80 15-30 Backslope breaks to river Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

51.00 51.10 15-30 Footslope near terrace. steep 

scarp upslope 

Unstable, deposition. Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

51.30 51.80 15-30 Breaks to river, two interfluves 

represented 

Steep slope, erosion, droughty, 

salinity/sodicity 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

52.00 52.10 8-15 15-30 Backslope breaks to river Salinity sodicity erosion droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

53.75 53.80 15-30 8-15 Backslopes headward erosion Steep slopes, droughty sodic Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

55.00 55.10 8-15 15-30 Backslope Steep slopes, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

55.30 55.40 8-15 15-30 Backslope breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion, possible 

salinity/sodicity 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

56.60 56.15 15-30 Breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (Rock Springs Field Office Mixes) 

57.00 57.10 15-30 Breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

58.20 58.30 15-30 Breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

59.50 59.60 30-80 River escarpment Steep slopes, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

Rock Springs Field Office 

60.50 60.60 8-15 Interfluve shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush C 

60.80 61.00 8-15 Interfluve shale outcrop Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

61.60 61.70 15-30 Interfluve shale outcrop Steep slopes, erosion salinity/sodicity Juniper Woodland C 

62.10 62.20 15-30 30-80 Escarpment Very steep slopes, erosion, shallow 

soil 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

62.90 63.10 15-30 Escarpment Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

63.90 64.00 15-30 Escarpment Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

67.00 67.20 8-30 Outcrop Shallow soil Juniper woodland D 

68.30 68.40 0-5 Alluvial fan Coarse textured, droughty Riparian shrub C 

69.60 69.80 0-8 Terrace Elevated terrace, droughty Riparian shrub C 

69.80 69.90 15-30 Breaks to drain Steep slope, erosion, shallow Juniper woodland D 

72.90 73.00 15-30 Dissected Backslope Steep slopes, erosion, marine shale 

(saline/sodic) 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

73.50 73.60 8-15 Dissected Backslope Steep slopes, erosion, marine shale 

(saline/sodic) 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

74.50 74.60 8-30 Backslope steep slopes, erosion, sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

75.90 78.50 0-5 5-15 residuum/alluvium low relief 

dissected plain 

Salinity/sodicity WY Big Sage, D Shrub B 

78.60 78.70 8-30 Backslope Steep slopes, erosion, sodic shale Desert Shrub B 

79.00 79.10 8-30 Backslope Steep slopes, erosion, sodic shale Wyoming Big Sage B 

79.10 79.50 0-5 low relief residuum, alluvium Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sage B 

79.50 79.90 5-15 Dissected breaks to drain Salinity sodicity, droughty, erosion Desert Shrub B 

79.90 81.90 0-5 5-8 low relief residuum, alluvium Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

82.80 82.90 8-30 Breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion Desert Shrub A 

83.50 84.20 0-15 Sandy Terrace Droughty Riparian shrub B 

85.70 86.00 15-30 Dissected BR Upland Steep slopes, erosion Desert Shrub A 

89.70 90.30 0-5 Sandy Terrace Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

90.50 90.70 0-5 Sandy Terrace Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

91.20 91.30 15-50 Backslope residuum Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

92.80 92.90 0-5 Saline alkali flat Salinity/sodicity None B 

C-15
Table 4.3-1 Soil Types and Proposed Seed Mixes 

Upstream 

Milepost 

Downstream 

Milepost Percent Slope Geomorphology Soil Limitations GAP Vegetation Seed Mix 

94.10 94.20 15-30 Backslope Steep slope, erosion Wyoming Big Sage A 

94.30 94.40 15-30 Backslope Steep slope, erosion Wyoming Big Sage A 

96.30 96.40 8-15 Backslope Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

97.00 97.10 0-5 sandy alluvial fan Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

100.00 100.20 0-15 Backslope to drainage Droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

101.20 101.40 8-15 Backslope, south aspect Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sage A 

102.10 102.20 0-5 Terrace above drainage Droughty, salinity Greasewood B 

107.10 107.30 0-5 Terrace above river with small 

floodplain 

Droughty, salinity Riparian Shrub B 

107.50 107.60 5-15 Backslope scarp to Mesa Steep slope, erosion, possible 

salinity/sodicity 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

110.00 110.30 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

Rawlins Field Office 

111.50 111.60 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

111.70 111.75 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

113.80 114.75 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

115.10 115.30 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

116.30 116.40 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

118.00 118.40 0-5 Dissected alluvial residuum flat, 

coarse textured 

Sandy, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

124.10 124.20 15-30 Backslope escarpment Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

124.20 125.20 0-5 5-15 alluvium colluvium residuum 

plain 

Sandy, droughty, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

125.20 125.30 8-15 Backslope escarpment Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

125.60 125.80 5-8 probable shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

126.20 126.25 0-5 probable shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

126.50 126.55 0-5 probable shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

130.10 131.70 0-5 coarse textured elevated terrace Unstable, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

131.90 132.10 8-15 alluvium colluvium Unstable, erosion/deposition Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

132.50 132.70 8-15 alluvium colluvium Unstable, erosion/deposition Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

134.90 138.20 0-5 Greasewood fans and flats Salinity/sodicity, high water table Greasewood fans and 

flats 

B 

147.40 148.20 5-15 Dissected Shale Outcrop Salinity/sodicity, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

152.30 152.40 15-30 Breaks backslope to drainage 

steep dissected. 

Salinity/sodicity, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

153.10 153.30 15-30 Breaks backslope to drainage 

steep dissected. 

Salinity/sodicity, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

155.00 156.20 8-15 Dissected backslope to playa Slope, erosion, wide cut Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

159.90 160.00 0-5 alluvial fan Droughty, unstable, flooding Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

160.10 160.20 8-15 backslope Slope erosion, large cut Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

160.50 160.70 8-15 Backslope Slope erosion, large cut Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

160.75 160.80 15-30 Backslope Steep slope, erosion, Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

C-16
Table 4.3-1 Soil Types and Proposed Seed Mixes 

Upstream 

Milepost 

Downstream 

Milepost Percent Slope Geomorphology Soil Limitations GAP Vegetation Seed Mix 

161.60 162.30 0-5 5-8 alluvial/residuum plain Droughty, salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

165.00 164.20 0-5 alluvial/residuum plain Droughty, salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

165.20 165.60 0-5 alluvial/residuum plain Droughty, salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

167.60 167.90 0-5 Alluvium/colluvium/ dunes sand Droughty, unstable, salinity Greasewood fan flat B 

168.90 170.90 0-5 5-8 Shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity, erosion Greasewood fan flat B 

170.70 170.90 8-15 15-20 Shale outcrop Steep slopes, erosion, 

droughty,salinity/sodicity 

Desert Shrub B 

171.50 171.60 8-30 short escarpment backslope Steep slopes, erosion Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

172.75 173.70 0-5 erosional plain, shallow bedrock Shallow rock, droughty Desert Shrub 

174.20 175.20 0-5 erosional plain, shallow bedrock Shallow rock, droughty Desert Shrub 

179.50 180.30 8-15 15-30 Backslope Steep slope, wide cut Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

180.90 181.20 0-5 Alkali flat Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

182.50 182.60 0-5 Alkali flat along drain Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub B 

184.40 184.90 0-5 alluvium along shallow channel Salinity/sodicity, droughty Desert Shrub B 

186.40 186.70 0-5 alluvial fans Salinity/sodicity, droughty Desert Shrub B 

187.70 188.20 0-5 alluvial fans Salinity/sodicity, droughty Desert Shrub B 

189.00 189.25 0-5 alluvial fans Salinity/sodicity, droughty Desert Shrub B 

189.80 190.90 0-5 Playa lake and slight rise. Salinity/sodicity wetness. Unvegetated Playa B 

190.90 190.40 0-5 saline periphery playa lake Salinity/sodicity Desert Shrub/unveget B 

193.50 195.50 5-8 8-30 coarse, rocky colluvium/alluvium Droughty, shallow bedrock, coarse 

frag. 

unvegetated A 

195.60 195.70 8-15 15-30 valley wall, breaks to river Steep slopes, erosion, shallow 

bedrock 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

199.80 200.00 8-15 ridge top Steep either side of ridge, unstable. Unvegetated A 

202.30 202.50 8-15 Backslope breaks to drainage Steep slopes, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

204.20 204.40 8-15 Backslope to escarpment Steep slopes, erosion, sodic possible Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

205.50 205.60 15-30 Backslope escarpment Steep slopes, erosion, droughty unvegetated A 

205.80 205.90 15-30 Backslope escarpment Steep slopes, erosion, droughty unvegetated A 

206.50 206.80 8-15 Backslope breaks to river Steep upslope area, wide cut Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

207.40 207.50 15-30 Backslope escarpment Steep slope, erosion, droughty Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

208.45 208.50 5-15 Probable shale outcrop Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

209.20 209.30 8-15 15-30 Backslope breaks Probable 

shale outcrop 

Steep Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

209.50 209.55 15-30 Backslope breaks Probable 

shale outcrop 

Steep Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

209.60 209.80 8-15 15-30 Backslope breaks Probable 

shale outcrop 

Steep Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

210.90 211.00 8-15 Backslope breaks Probable 

shale outcrop 

Steep Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

211.70 211.75 0-5 Alluvial flat Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

212.20 212.30 0-5 alluvial flat adjacent to drainage Salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

213.40 213.45 8-15 Backslope breaks Probable 

shale outcrop 

Steep Slope, erosion, salinity/sodicity Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

215.30 215.60 0-5 Alluvial flat adjacent to drain Alluvial flat adjacent to drainage Irrigated crops 

215.90 216.15 5-8 8-15 backslope to drainage, shale 

exposure 

Steep slope, erosion, possible 

salinity/sodicity. 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

216.80 216.95 8-15 15-30 Ridge break between two rock 

units - backslope 

Steep slope, erosion, possible 

salinity/sodicity. 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

216.95 217.75 0-5 5-15 Dissected bedrock exposure 

(SS?) 

Shallow soils, bedrock outcrops. Wyoming Big Sagebrush A 

219.50 219.75 5-8 8-15 Escarpment backslope Shallow soils, salinity/sodicity, 

droughty 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

220.75 221.25 8-15 15-30 Escarpment backslope Shallow soils, salinity/sodicity, wide 

cut 

Wyoming Big Sagebrush B 

252.10 252.50 0-5 Upper river terrace High watertable, possible salinity Mixed Grass Prairie 

254.25 254.30 15-30 River valley escarpment Steep erosion Mixed Grass Prairie 

254.50 254.60 15-30 River valley escarpment Steep slopes, erosion, droughty Mixed Grass Prairie 

C-17
Temporary slope breakers may be omitted where the surface is predominately rock and the potential for 

erosion is minimal. 

4.2.3 Trench Breakers 

Trench breakers will be constructed at intervals determined by the EI where surface drainages parallel the 

trenchline. In addition, trench breakers will be installed at the base of steep slopes adjacent to 

waterbodies. 

Recontouring and Slope Reduction 

Special attention will be given to shaping the construction right-of-way to direct runoff into existing 

drainages off the right-of-way. Cut and fill slopes will have the slope reduced to 3:1 or 4:1 ratio or to 

match the adjacent utility right-of-way to aid in reclamation and stabilization. If necessary, energy 

dissipation devices may be installed at the bases of cut and fill slopes to prevent scour in adjacent steep 

banks not located in the construction right-of-way. 

4.2.4 Permanent Slope Breakers 

Permanent slope breakers will be installed near the top of a slope, typically within 10 to 30 feet of the 

crest of a slope, to act as a reference point for spacing the remaining breakers. Spacing of the remaining 

breakers will be determined by the EI. When deciding on the placement interval of permanent slope 

breakers, the EI will attempt to match then to breakers located on adjacent rights-of-way. 

Where the ground surface is naturally rocky and resistant to erosion, permanent breakers may be omitted 

or the spacing increased at the discretion of the EI. 

Mulch Crimping and Punching 

If mulch is applied, it will be crimped or “punched” into the topsoil. Crimping and punching involves a 

two pass application of 1.5 tons per acre of weed-free straw to an area. After the first application of 

mulch and seed is applied, the material will be crimped into the soil by hand, or with a disk, or “punched” 

into the surface with a footed roller pulled by a tractor. Following the first mulch application and 

seeding/fertilizing, a second layer of mulch will be applied and anchored. 

Use of a nondirectional footed roller is the preferred method to anchor mulch. This device creates 

depressions in the soil surface, increases soil contact with the seed, and holds the soil in place. Punching 

reduces the potential for wind erosion and provides an environment conducive for moisture retention and 

germination. Punching will not be used in rocky areas. 

If mulch is crimped into the surface by a disk, the crimping pattern will be cross hatched to prevent the 

creation of down slope furrows that could channelize runoff. Mulch will not be crimped in rocky areas. 

Erosion control fabrics (i.e., jute matting, straw blankets with plastic netting, or curlex) may be 

substituted for straw mulch on steep, unstable slopes where mulch cannot be applied by mechanical 

means because of safety concerns. Fabric should overlap by 4 to 6 inches and be stapled or staked into 

the soil. 

4.2.5 Rock Mulch 

Rock mulch will be used to control erosion in areas that have a native gravel, cobble, boulder, or bedrock 

surface. Rock salvaged and stockpiled from these areas during construction will be distributed over the 

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construction right-of-way during restoration and seeded with broadcast seeder. The gaps in the rocks will 

provide a micro environment beneficial to seed germination by allowing moisture to collect and provide 

protection from wind. A rock cover will also blend the construction right-of-way into undisturbed areas. 

4.2.6 Pocking 

In some instances, mulch and erosion control fabrics may not be used. In many areas where slope is 10 

percent or greater, Overland Pass will utilize a technique called “pocking”. Pocking creates a seedbed 

which is conducive to the establishment of permanent vegetative cover that will stabilize steep areas, 

provide forage for wildlife, and create an aesthetically compatible reclaimed right-of-way to that of 

adjacent areas. Pocking will involve creating a series of regularly spaced depressions, or mini terraces, 

using a backhoe. The depressions are the width of a standard backhoe bucket and are approximately 8­

inches to 12-inches in depth. The following schematic outlines generally how the pocking technique 

occurs. 

The small depressions retain water runoff, creating a more mesic site to facilitate seed germination and 

subsequent seedling establishment. They will also minimize the potential for rill and gullies to form by 

diverting runoff and retaining a large portion of collecting precipitation. The depressions are offset from 

one another in order to minimize the potential that lower terraces would fail should a terrace above it fail. 

Where pocking is used, permanent slope breakers will not be used. Pocking will not be used on PNG 

lands. 

4.3 Soils Mitigation and Seed Mixes 

To promote the optimum regrowth potential for areas with difficult soils, Overland Pass has conducted a 

detailed analysis of soils along the pipeline route which assessed areas which contain shallow soils, 

saline/sodic soils, droughty soils, highly erodible soils, and those with a high potential for flooding. 

Slope, geomorphologic features, and vegetative cover were also factored into the analysis. The results of 

the analysis combined all factors, along with Overland Pass field personnel’s knowledge of problem areas 

based on adjacent project rights-of-way or other factors, to produce recommendations for site-specific 

mitigation and seed mixes which are best suited to these areas. The resulting mitigation will produce a 

stable right-of-way and maximize regrowth potential for the reclaimed areas. The following soil types are 

discussed in table 4.3-1 along with proposed seed mixes. 

4.3.1 Shallow Soils 

On steep slopes, shallow soils are extremely erosive. Rooting depth is limited and the soils have limited 

water storage capacity. These areas are discussed as shallow, shallow rock, bedrock, and bedrock outcrop 

areas. 

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4.3.2 Salinity/Sodicity 

Saline soils are the result of accumulated soluble salts in concentrations that can prevent plants from 

taking water and therefore severely limit germination potential. Sodic soils are the result of accumulated 

sodium which crusts at the ground surface. Plant germination is reduced the potential for root penetration 

is greatly reduced. In many areas, these soils are found together and are therefore discussed together in 

this plan. These areas are discussed as saline or salinity/sodicity, high water table areas, sodic shales, or 

marine shales. 

4.3.3 Droughty Soils 

Droughty soils occur as a result of soil texture, landscape position, aspect and slope. There are several 

areas along the pipeline route which contain these soils. They typically occur in south and west aspects, 

sandy flat areas, and steep slope areas with limited water holding capacity where run off is a problem. 

These areas are discussed as sandy, droughty, elevated terrace, steep slope, or coarse alluvium, fragment, 

or textured areas. 

4.3.4 Flooding Soils 

These areas include waterbody “low bottoms” that are prone to flooding. These areas are discussed as 

flooding or unstable areas. 

4.3.5 Highly Erodible Soils 

Highly erodible soils are typically found in association with steep slopes and are often dictated by 

substrate. Erosion and deposition are issues that affect the potential for successful revegetation. These 

areas are discussed as steep slope or unstable areas. 

4.4 Waterbody Crossings 

4.4.1 Notification 

Overland Pass will provide written notification to the authorities responsible for potable surface water 

supply intakes located within 3 miles downstream of the crossing at least 1 week before beginning work 

in a waterbody, or as otherwise specified by that authority. Additionally, Overland Pass will notify the 

appropriate state authorities at least 48 hours before beginning trenching or blasting within the waterbody, 

or as specified in state permits. 

4.4.2 Installation 

A total of 94 perennial waterbodies will be crossed by the pipeline (some waterbodies are crossed 

multiple times; see Appendix 3A of EIR 3). Of these perennial waterbody crossings, 67 are in Wyoming, 

10 are in Colorado, and 17 in Kansas. Of the total, six perennial waterbody crossings are located on 

federally-managed lands. Overland Pass proposes to cross the majority of the perennial waterbodies 

using the open-cut, flume, or dam and pump methods depending on whether or not they are flowing at the 

time of construction. The horizontal directional drill (HDD) method will be used to cross the South Platte 

River. In crossing waterbodies, Overland Pass will adhere to the requirements of its waterbody crossing 

permits. Site-specific crossing plans are located in Appendix D. 

The project will also cross 806 intermittent waterbodies (some waterbodies are crossed multiple times; 

see Appendix 3A of EIR 3). Many of these waterbodies are dry washes. If these waterbodies are dry 

when crossed, Overland Pass will use conventional upland cross-country construction techniques. If the 

waterbodies are flowing when crossed, Overland Pass will use the open-cut, flume, or dam and pump 

C-20
methods, described below. At ditches lined with concrete and aqueducts made out of pipe, Overland Pass 

will use the bore crossing method depicted in figure 18.

Additional temporary workspace areas will be required on both sides of all waterbody crossings to stage 

construction, fabricate pipe, and store materials. On non-federally managed land, these additional 

temporary workspace areas will generally be located at least 10 feet away from the water’s edge. On 

federally managed land, these additional temporary workspace areas will be located at least 50 feet 

away from the water’s edge. However, should water not be flowing at the time of construction, upland 

construction techniques will be used. The typical dimensions and locations of additional temporary 

workspace areas are listed in table 1.4.1-1 and Appendix 9D of EIR 9. 

4.4.3 Bridges 

Before construction, temporary bridges may be installed across all perennial waterbodies greater than 30 

feet across which are flowing, or contain standing water, at the time of construction to allow construction 

equipment to cross. Bridges will be designed to withstand the highest flow of a given waterbody. 

Construction equipment will be required to use the bridges, except for clearing crews which will be 

allowed one pass through a waterbody before the bridges can be installed. Bridges will be removed as 

soon as possible after reclamation. 

Equipment bridges will consist of one of the following: clean rock placed over flume pipes; prefabricated 

construction mats; rail flat cars placed over the waterbody with or without a culvert; or flexi-float or other 

temporary bridging, such as Bailey bridges (see figures 19 and 20 for bridge layouts). Bridge locations, 

types, and widths are depicted in site-specific plans. 

4.4.4 Open Cut Crossing Method 

For open-cut crossings, clearing adjacent to waterbodies will involve the removal of trees and brush from 

the construction right-of-way and additional temporary workspace areas. Woody vegetation within the 

construction right-of-way will be cut at ground level and cleared to the edge of the waterbody. Sediment 

barriers may be installed at the top of the streambank if no herbaceous strip exists. Initial grading of the 

herbaceous strip will be limited to the extent needed to create a safe approach to the waterbody and to 

install a bridge. 

During clearing, sediment barriers will be installed and maintained across the right-of-way adjacent to a 

waterbody and within additional temporary workspace areas to minimize the potential for sediment 

runoff. Silt fence and/or straw bales located across the working side of the right-of-way will be removed 

during the day when vehicle traffic is present and will be replaced each night. Alternatively, drivable 

berms may be installed and maintained across the right-of-way in lieu of silt fence and/or straw bales. 

Once the trench is excavated, the prefabricated segment of pipe will be installed in the trench. Most pipe 

installed under a waterbody will be coated with concrete or equipped with set-on weights to provide 

negative buoyancy. The trench will then be backfilled with native streambed spoil. Overland Pass will 

complete all in-stream work within 24 hours for all minor waterbodies crossings and within 48 hours for 

intermediate waterbody crossings. 

Sediment Control 

Silt fence, or equivalent, will be installed and anchored along the banks of waterbodies. Sediment 

control devices will be maintained until revegetation of adjacent areas is considered successful or the area 

is stabilized. Permanent diversion berms will be constructed at the base of slopes near waterbodies, 

unless otherwise specified by the land-managing agency or the EI. 

C-21
Trench Plugs 

Earthen trench plugs will be left in place on both banks of the waterbody until immediately before pipe 

installation. This will separate the waterbody trench from the upland trench to prevent water from being 

diverted into the upland portions of the pipeline trench and to keep muddy water that accumulates in the 

upland trench from flowing into the waterbody. 

Pipeline Burial Depth 

The pipeline will be installed at a depth below the bed of washes and wetlands that is consistent with 

DOT pipeline design and operating code as set forth in 49 CFR, PART 195-TRANSPORTATION OF 

HAZARDOUS LIQUIDS BY PIPELINE, to prevent exposure of the pipeline and maintain the integrity of 

the system in event of a flash flood. 

Backfill Material 

Excavated material will be used for trench backfill in perennial streams and dry washes, unless expressly 

permitted otherwise by the BLM, the COE, or state regulatory agency. Backfilling will begin as soon as 

practical after installation of the pipe and reestablishment of the streambanks. In coldwater fisheries, the 

top one foot of the trench will be filled with clean gravel or native cobble. 

If blasting is required for installation in a waterbody, the trench will be backfilled with native rock that 

was removed during blasting activities. 

Streambed and Bank Stabilization 

Original channel configurations will be reestablished, and the banks replaced, compacted, and restored to 

the original condition. Banks may be graded to a more stable configuration if eroding or unstable 

conditions were present prior to construction. 

To provide additional erosion control, Overland Pass will use erosion control fabrics (e.g., jute matting, 

straw blankets with plastic netting, or curlex) on the banks of washes and waterbodies where steep slopes 

and a minimum of natural rock are present. A permanent slope breaker will be installed at the base of any 

slope leading to a waterbody. 

If required, Overland Pass will install temporary fences at the edges of waterbodies to prevent grazing 

cattle from disturbing the area before a mature vegetative cover is established. 

The banks of perennial streams will be seeded with mixes listed in Appendix E. Dry wash bottoms will 

not be seeded. 

Incised Banks

Areas where incised banks are crossed will be constructed and restored as outlined in Overland Pass’

Incised Bank Stabilization Plan (see Appendix O). 

4.4.5 Flume Crossing Method 

The flume crossing method will involve diverting the flow of water across the trenching area through one 

or more flume pipes placed in the waterbody (see figure 22). The first step in the flume crossing method 

will involve placing a sufficient number of adequately sized flume pipes in the waterbody to 

accommodate the highest anticipated flow during construction. After placing the pipes in the waterbody, 

sand or pea gravel bags, water bladders, or metal wing deflectors will be placed in the waterbody 

upstream and downstream of the proposed trench. These devices will serve to dam the stream and divert 

the water flow through the flume pipes, thereby isolating the water flow from the construction area 

between the dams. Leakage from the dams, or subsurface flow from below the waterbody bed, may cause 

C-22
water to accumulate in the isolated area. As water accumulates in this area, it may be periodically 

pumped out and discharged into energy dissipation/sediment filtration devices, such as a geotextile filter 

bag or straw bale structure, or into well-vegetated areas away from the water’s edge. Trackhoes located 

on both banks of the waterbody will excavate a trench under the flume pipe in the dewatered streambed. 

On non-federally managed land, spoil excavated from the waterbody trench will be placed or stored a 

minimum of 10 feet from the edge of the waterbody. On federally managed land, spoil excavated from 

the waterbody trench will be placed or stored a minimum of 50 feet from the edge of the waterbody. 

However, should water not be flowing at the time of construction, upland construction techniques will be 

used. Once the trench is excavated, a prefabricated segment of pipe will be installed beneath the flume 

pipes. The trench will then be backfilled with native spoil from the waterbody bed. The banks will be 

stabilized before removing the dams and flume pipes and returning flow to the waterbody channel. 

4.4.6 Dam and Pump Crossing Method 

Overland Pass may use the dam and pump crossing method as an alternative to the flume crossing 

method. The dam and pump method is similar to the flume method except that pumps and hoses will be 

used instead of flumes to move water around the construction work area (see figure 23). The technique 

involves damming the waterbody with sandbags and/or steel plates upstream and downstream of the 

trench area. Pumps will be set up at the upstream dam with the discharge line routed through the 

construction area, discharging water immediately downstream of the downstream dam. Water flow will 

be maintained through all but a short reach of the waterbody at the actual crossing. The pipeline will be 

installed in the isolated area between the dams at least 5 feet below the streambed. After backfilling, the 

dams will be removed and the banks restored and stabilized. 

On the PNG, construction across waterbodies that are flowing at the time of construction may be 

delayed for two days. Overland Pass will use open cut crossing methods if the construction delay 

results in the waterbody drying up due to a weather event. If delaying construction does not 

achieve this objective, intermittent waterbodies that are flowing at the time construction will be 

crossed using either the flume or dam and pump crossing method. 

4.4.7 Horizontal Directional Drill Method 

The HDD method will only be used for the South Platte River crossings (see site-specific crossing plans 

in Appendix D). 

The first step of HDD will be to drill a small-diameter pilot hole from one side of the crossing (entry side) 

to the other (exit side). Drilling will be achieved using a powered drill bit. The drilling fluid, commonly 

referred to as mud, will be a mixture of water and bentonite (a naturally occurring clay mineral), which 

will be pumped into the drill hole through the drill pipe during the drilling process. The pressure of the 

drilling mud will transmit hydraulic power through the drill bit, transport cuttings to the surface, lubricate 

the drill bit and stabilize the drill hole. Water, the main ingredient of drilling mud, will be obtained from 

the waterbody during drilling or will be trucked in from another source. Small pits will be dug at or near 

the entry and exit holes to temporarily store the mud and cuttings. The mud and cuttings will be pumped 

from the temporary storage pits to an on-site recycling unit where the bentonite clay will be processed for 

reuse. 

As drilling the pilot hole progresses, segments of drill pipe will be inserted into the pilot hole to extend 

the length of the drill across and under the waterbody. The drill bit will be steered and monitored 

throughout the process to maintain the designated path of the pilot hole. To assist in steering, a sensor 

grid may be established on the surface on both the entry and exit sides of the horizontal directional drill. 

The sensor grid will be fabricated by installing several stakes along and above the drill path and wrapping 

C-23
them with an insulated coil wire. The coil wire will be then energized with a portable generator, which 

creates a magnetic field to help track the drill bit path. 

Once the pilot hole is complete, the sensor grid will be removed and the hole will be enlarged to accept 

the pipeline. To enlarge the pilot hole, a larger reaming tool will be attached to the end of the drill pipe 

on the exit side of the hole. The reamer will then be drawn back through the pilot hole to the drill rig 

(entry side). Drill pipe sections will be added to the rear of the reamer as it progresses toward the rig, 

thereby allowing a string of drill pipe to remain in the hole at all times. Typically, several passes of 

consecutively larger reaming tools are required before the hole will be of sufficient size. The final hole 

will be approximately 11⁄2 times larger than the pipeline to be installed (or approximately 24 inches in 

diameter). 

The pipeline segment to be installed beneath the waterbody will be fabricated into one section on the 

right-of-way on the exit side of the crossing. The pipe segment will be radiographically inspected and/or 

hydrostatically tested prior to installation. After the hole is completed, the pipeline segment will be 

attached to the drill pipe on the exit side of the hole and pulled back through the drill hole toward the drill 

rig. 

Once the pipeline is installed, excess drilling mud will be collected and incorporated into the soil in an 

upland area or disposed of at an appropriate facility. If water will be left over from the drilling process, it 

will be discharged into a well-vegetated upland area or into an energy dissipation/sediment filtration 

device, such as a geotextile filter bag or straw bale dewatering structure at the site. 

Ideally, horizontal directional drilling involves no disturbance to the bed or bank of the waterbody being 

crossed. However, if a natural fracture or void in the ground is encountered, an unexpected release of 

drilling mud to the environment could occur. Unconsolidated gravel, coarse sand, and fractured bedrock 

all present circumstances that increase the likelihood of drilling mud releases. These areas present paths 

that can run laterally or vertically. If drilling mud moves laterally, the release may not be evident on the 

ground. For a release to be evident, there must be a flow path extending vertically from the drill hole to 

the surface. The volume of mud released will be dependent on a number of factors, including the size of 

the fault, the permeability of the geologic material, the viscosity of the drilling mud, and the pressure of 

the hydraulic drilling system. 

Releases to surface generally occur above or near the drill path. If a wetland or waterbody is present, 

drilling mud could be released into the wetland or waterbody. In the event drilling mud is released on 

surface, including within a wetland it will be immediately contained with straw bales, silt fence, or berms. 

A small pit may be immediately dug at the release site to contain its spread, and a pump will be used to 

transfer the drilling mud from the pit and into a containment vessel. 

A drilling mud release to a waterbody will be more difficult to contain because mud is quickly dispersed 

into the water and carried downstream. In the event of a release to a waterbody, an attempt may be made 

to plug the fault by lowering the drilling pressure and thickening to the drilling mud, with additional 

bentonite, or other non-hazardous materials that are compatible with the drill equipment being used. 

The Horizontal Directional Drilling Inadvertent Release Control Plan describes the prevention, 

detection, monitoring, notification, and corrective action procedures in the event of an inadvertent release 

of drilling fluid should the HDD method be used (see section 1.5.3.14). 

In most cases, horizontal directional drilling can be completed in spite of an inadvertent drilling mud 

release. However, in rare situations, horizontal directional drilling may entirely fail and the waterbody 

may not be able to be crossed using this method. The presence of outwash interspersed with boulders and 

C-24
cobbles, fractured bedrock, or non-cohesive coarse sands and gravels increase the likelihood drilling may 

fail due to refusal of the drill bit or collapse of the bore hole in non-cohesive, unstable substrate. In the 

event that an HDD fails prior to completion, Overland Pass will utilize the Site-Specific Open-Cut 

Contingency Plans prepared for each crossing. 

4.5 Wetland Crossings 

The pipeline route will cross 209 wetlands. Of the total, 12 are located on or partially within federally 

managed lands. Section 3.3 in EIR 3 discusses further the wetland types crossed and affected by the 

proposed project. Pipeline construction across wetlands will be similar to typical conventional upland 

cross-country construction procedures, with several modifications and limitations to reduce the potential 

for pipeline construction to affect wetland hydrology and soil structure. 

Overland Pass will use a 75-foot-wide construction right-of-way through wetlands. Additional temporary 

workspace areas will be required on both sides of wetlands to stage construction, fabricate the pipeline, 

and store materials. On non-federally managed land, additional temporary workspace areas will be 

located in upland areas a minimum of 10 feet from the wetland edge. On federally managed land, 

additional temporary workspace areas will be located in upland areas a minimum of 50 feet from 

the wetland edge. The typical dimensions and locations of additional temporary workspace areas for 

each wetland crossed are listed in Appendix 9D of EIR 9. 

Construction equipment working in wetlands will be limited to that essential for right-of-way clearing, 

excavating the trench, fabricating and installing the pipeline, backfilling the trench, and restoring the 

right-of-way. In areas where there is no reasonable access to the right-of-way except through wetlands, 

non-essential equipment will be allowed to travel through wetlands only if the ground is firm enough or 

has been stabilized to avoid rutting. Otherwise, non-essential equipment will be allowed to travel through 

wetlands only once. 

Clearing of vegetation in wetlands will be limited to trees and shrubs, which will be cut flush with the 

surface of the ground and removed from the wetland. To avoid excessive disruption of wetland soils and 

the native seed and rootstock within the wetland soils, stump removal, grading, topsoil segregation, and 

excavation will be limited to the area immediately over the trenchline. A limited amount of stump 

removal and grading may be conducted in other areas if dictated by safety-related concerns. Topsoil 

segregation over the trenchline will only occur if the wetland soils are not saturated at the time of 

construction. 

During clearing, sediment barriers, such as silt fence and staked straw bales, will be installed and 

maintained adjacent to wetlands and within additional temporary workspace areas as necessary to 

minimize the potential for sediment runoff. Sediment barriers will be installed across the full width of the 

construction right-of-way at the base of slopes adjacent to wetland boundaries. Silt fence and/or straw 

bales installed across the working side of the right-of-way will be removed during the day when vehicle 

traffic is present and will be replaced each night. Alternatively, drivable berms may be installed and 

maintained across the right-of-way in lieu of silt fence or straw bales. Sediment barriers will also be 

installed within wetlands along the edge of the right-of-way, where necessary, to minimize the potential 

for sediment to run off the construction right-of-way and into wetland areas outside the work area. If 

trench dewatering is necessary in wetlands, silt-laden trench water will be discharged into an energy 

dissipation/sediment filtration device, such as a geotextile filter bag or straw bale structure, to minimize 

the potential for erosion and sedimentation. 

The method of pipeline construction used in wetlands will depend largely on the stability of the soils at 

the time of construction. If wetland soils are not excessively saturated at the time of construction and can 

C-25
support construction equipment on equipment mats, timber riprap, or straw mats, construction will occur 

in a manner similar to conventional upland cross-country construction techniques. In unsaturated 

wetlands, topsoil from the trenchline will be stripped and stored separately from subsoil. Topsoil 

segregation generally will not be possible in saturated soils. 

Where wetland soils are saturated and/or inundated, the pipeline may be installed using the push-pull 

technique. The push-pull technique will involve stringing and welding the pipeline outside of the wetland 

and excavating and backfilling the trench using a backhoe supported by equipment mats or timber riprap. 

The prefabricated pipeline will be installed in the wetland by equipping it with buoys and pushing or 

pulling it across the water-filled trench. After the pipeline is floated into place, the floats will be removed 

and the pipeline will sink into place. Most pipe installed in saturated wetlands will be coated with 

concrete or equipped with set-on weights to provide negative buoyancy. 

Because little or no grading will occur in wetlands, restoration of contours will be accomplished during 

backfilling. Prior to backfilling, trench breakers will be installed where necessary to prevent the 

subsurface drainage of water from wetlands. Where topsoil has been segregated from subsoil, the subsoil 

will be backfilled first, followed by the topsoil. Topsoil will be replaced to the original ground level 

leaving no crown over the trenchline. In some areas where wetlands overlie rocky soils, the pipe will be 

padded with rock-free soil or sand before backfilling with native bedrock and soil. Equipment mats, 

timber riprap, gravel fill, geotextile fabric, and/or straw mats will be removed from wetlands following 

backfilling. 

Where wetlands are located at the base of slopes, permanent slope breakers will be constructed across the 

right-of-way in upland areas adjacent to the wetland boundary. Temporary sediment barriers will be 

installed where necessary until revegetation of adjacent upland areas is successful. Once revegetation is 

successful, sediment barriers will be removed from the right-of-way and disposed of properly. 

In wetlands where no standing water is present, the construction right-of-way will be seeded utilizing the 

seed mixes located in Appendix E. In cultivated cropland, annual rye grass will be planted at a rate of 40 

pounds per acre to provide temporary cover while allowing native herbaceous and woody vegetation to 

become re-established without excessive competition. Lime, mulch, and fertilizer will not be used in 

wetlands. 

4.6 Riparian Vegetation 

On federal lands, construction methods for riparian vegetation areas will be conducted utilizing 

construction techniques which are similar to the proposed methods for wetland crossings in section 

4.5. On private lands, Overland Pass proposed to use standard upland construction methods, as discussed 

above, unless the EI determines that wetland crossing procedures are needed. 

4.7 Blasting 

Overland Pass anticipates that limited blasting may be necessary as a last resort in areas where competent 

shallow bedrock or boulders are encountered that cannot be removed by conventional excavation with a 

trackhoe trencher, ripping with a bulldozer followed by trackhoe excavation, or hammering with a 

trackhoe-attached device (hoe-ram) followed by excavation. Table 8.2-1 in EIR 8 identifies those areas 

along the proposed pipeline route where shallow bedrock is anticipated, however blasting may not be 

necessary at all of these locations. See Appendix L for Overland Pass’ Blasting Plan. 

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4.8 Residential Construction 

Based on aerial alignment sheets, no residences are located within 50 feet of the proposed project area, 

however multiple structures have been identified within 50 feet of the proposed construction work area 

(see table 9.1.3-5 of EIR 9). None of the structures identified are occupied residences. Overland Pass 

will adhere to its BMPs and permit conditions when working within 50 feet of structures. 

4.9 Rangeland Construction 

Overland Pass has identified grazing lease holders on federal lands. See table 4.9-1 for lease holders by 

milepost. The grazing lessee/permittee will be contacted by a representative of the right-of-way holder 

and/or contractor prior to commencing construction on their respective allotment. Each fence crossed by 

construction crews will be braced and secured to prevent slacking of the wire (see figure 2a for fence 

cutting methods to be utilized). The opening created will be closed when construction crews leave the 

project area to prevent passage of livestock. Any gaps in natural barriers used for livestock control 

created by construction activity will be fenced according to landowner or lease holder. 

TABLE 4.9-1 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project - Grazing Leases Located on BLM Lands1 

BLM Field Office Lease Holder 

Allotment Number 

(if known) 

Kemmerer Carl Larson 

Kemmerer Arnold Larson 

Kemmerer Uinta Development 

Kemmerer Broadbent 

Rock Springs Aimone Martin 

Rock Springs Bar X Sheep Company 

Rock Springs Big Sandy & Green River Livestock 

Rock Springs Cedar Creek Ranch 

Rock Springs Clark & Theresa Weber 

Rock Springs Crosson Ranches Inc. 

Rock Springs Don & Peggy Vercimak 

Rock Springs Don Mines ("Chilton LSE") 

Rock Springs Donald & Wanda Moon 

Rock Springs Douglas & Carolyne Hamel 

Rock Springs Elza Eversole 

Rock Springs Jon C. Wilde 

Rock Springs Matthew G. Henry 

Rock Springs Mud Springs Livestock Company 

Rock Springs Quarter Circle 3 Bar Ranch 

Rock Springs Richard P. Thoman 

Rock Springs Robert Gamble 

Rock Springs Rock Springs Grazing Association 

Rock Springs Tripp Living Trust - William H. and Dora L. 

Rock Springs W&M Thoman Ranches LLC 

Rock Springs William Bonomo, Jolene Jensen, et al. 

Rawlins Adams & Adams 10607 

Rawlins Audrey Brokaw 00855 

1 Lease holder information trends in a general ‘west to east’ direction. Some lease holders hold multiple leases which are not contiguous 

allotments. 

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TABLE 4.9-1 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project - Grazing Leases Located on BLM Lands1 

Allotment Number 

BLM Field Office Lease Holder (if known) 

Rawlins Berthel Land & Livestock 09175 

Rawlins Blake Sheep Company 10616 

Rawlins Booth Brothers Land & Livestock 09025 

Rawlins Lonesome Fox Corporation 00879 

Rawlins Medicine Bow Ranch 00854 

Rawlins P. H. Livestock 00716 

Rawlins Peterson Livestock 00708 

Rawlins Q Creek Grazing Association 00819 

Rawlins Rocky Mountain Sheep Grazing Association 00816 

Rawlins Rodewald Grazing 10615 

Rawlins Roland Bower - Percy Grazing Association - G. 

A. Larson 

00829 

Rawlins Tall Grass LLC 00718 

Rawlins Unknown 20603 

Rawlins Wallis Livestock - Peterson Livestock LLC 00827 

Rawlins Wyoming Game & Fish Department 00605 

4.10 Grazing Mitigation 

To protect livestock on rangeland, Overland Pass will install trench plugs across the pipeline trench where 

it crosses livestock trails, and ramps will be installed to allow for the escape of livestock should they fall 

into the trench. Overland Pass will leave gaps between strung sections of pipe about every 0.5 mile or 

wherever there is a feature crossing (e.g., waterbody, road, utility), or where identified by the EI to allow 

livestock to pass between long, continuous sections prior to pipe lowering in. It is anticipated that most 

segments will be open for 4 to 6 weeks. Within the PNG, the open trench segments will be limited to 

short periods from the time the excavator opens the trench until the trench is backfilled due to the 

limitation of one mile of open trench at any one time. 

Following construction, temporary fences will be removed and livestock will be allowed to graze and 

roam freely over the permanent right-of-way. 

4.10.1 Fencing 

Overland Pass is responsible for contacting grazing lessees prior to crossing any fence on public lands, or 

any fence between public and private land, and for offering the lessees an opportunity to be present when 

the fence cut(s) is/are made so the lessees can be satisfied that the fence is adequately braced and secured 

per BLM requirements (see fence bracing typicals in Appendix C). The grazing lessee will be contacted 

by a representative of the right-of-way holder and/or contractor prior to commencing pipeline 

construction and reclamation on their respective allotment. Before cutting the wires for pipeline 

construction, each fence crossed by the right-of-way will be braced and secured to prevent slacking of the 

wire. The opening created will be temporarily closed when construction crews leave the project area to 

prevent passage of livestock. Any gaps in natural barriers used for livestock control created by 

construction activity will be fenced according to BLM requirements or landowner’s instructions. 

All existing improvements, such as fences, gates, irrigation ditches, cattle guards and reservoirs will be 

maintained during construction and repaired to pre-construction conditions or better. 

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4.11 Waterlines 

Several water pipelines will be crossed by, or are parallel to, the construction right-of-way. A minimum 

of 10 feet of undisturbed area will be maintained between fence lines and the parallel pipeline, if possible. 

If construction damage to water pipelines occurs, repairs will be made according to landowner’s or lease 

holder’s specifications. If needed, an emergency source of potable water for livestock will be provided by 

Overland Pass. 

On the PNG, several waterlines are located within the construction right-of-way. It is anticipated 

that construction will occur on PNG land after the peak grazing season of May 15 through October 

15. In the event that Overland Pass severs a waterline, the line will be repaired to at least equal or better 

quality compared to its pre-construction condition. In most cases, Overland Pass will be able to place 

pipe underneath the waterline. In instances where the line requires cutting or is accidentally severed, the 

line will be braced on both sides of the affected area near the edges of Overland Pass’ pipe trench to cut 

off water flow. Once the pipe is laid in the trench, a new section of waterline will be placed in the gap. 

The waterline will be installed back to its original burial depth with at least 6-inches of clearance between 

the waterline and the newly installed pipeline. Alternate water sources will be provided for livestock 

during this period in consultation with the leaseholder or waterline owner. 

4.12 Winter Construction 

See Appendix P for Overland Pass’ Winter Construction Plan. Winter construction planning will be 

subject to big game winter range restrictions, as defined in table 3.8-1, EIR 3. 

4.13 Dust Control 

Dust control activities will occur throughout the project area, as needed. These activities will be 

performed using primarily water spraying trucks in construction work areas and on access roads. Water 

volumes required for dust control are included in the Hydrostatic Testing Plan (Appendix G) and methods 

are discussed in the Traffic and Transportation Management Plan (Appendix F). Water requirements for 

dust control are located in EIR 3, table 3.2.7-1. 

5.0 ABOVE GROUND FACILITY CONSTRUCTION 

EIR 1 (Project Description) contains detailed information on aboveground facility locations, dimensions, 

and land requirements. Pump stations will not be located on federally-managed lands. 

5.1 Pump Stations 

Construction activities at each of the two pump stations (1 future pump station) will be similar and will 

include a standard sequence of activities. These include clearing and grading, installing foundations, 

undergrounds, and control buildings and associated facilities. Figure 24 shows the layout of a typical 

pump station. 

Temporary portable sanitary facilities will be installed during construction. Solid wastes generated during 

construction will be disposed of in an approved manner, as will all cleaning fluids and other waste 

materials. Construction activities and the storage of building materials will be confined to the pump 

station construction sites to the extent practical. Additional storage, if required, will be located in suitable 

areas off site. 

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Typical construction activities that will be involved in the development of pump stations are summarized 

below. 

5.1.1 Clearing and Grading 

The sites for the pump stations will be cleared of vegetation and graded as necessary to create a level 

surface for the movement of construction vehicles and to prepare the area for the building and pump 

foundations. After the completion of clearing and grading, silt fence or straw bales will be installed, as 

appropriate to the site, to minimize the potential for erosion. Erosion and sediment controls, if required, 

will be installed. 

5.1.2 Foundations 

Foundations will be constructed for the buildings, and soil will be stripped from the area of the building 

foundations. This soil may be used onsite for landscaping. 

5.1.3 Underground Facilities 

Underground facilities will consist of buried station piping, buried electrical conduits and cable, and a 

close drain system, with a below ground sump tank. 

5.1.4 Building Design and Construction 

Each pump station will include one prefabricated control building. The typical construction sequence will 

be to construct the building foundation and then set the prefabricated building on the foundation. 

The pump stations will operate on locally-purchased power, and will be fully automated for unmanned 

operation. Overland Pass will purchase the power utilizing nearby high voltage transmission lines and 

install a transformer to reduce the voltage to provide 4,160V power. This 4,160V power will be for the 

motors that drive the pumps. Overland Pass will install a second transformer to reduce the transmission 

line voltage to provide 480V power for other pump station equipment. 

To the extent compatible with Good Engineering Practice, the station buildings will be architecturally 

designed (form) and painted (color) to be compatible with landscapes in the areas in which they are 

located. Additionally, Overland Pass will consult with the BLM and other appropriate agencies to 

determine which additional aboveground facilities will require painting to enhance visual quality. The 

paint color will be determined after consultation with these agencies. 

5.1.5 High Pressure Piping 

High pressure piping in the pump station will have a design factor of 0.50 and will be buried to the extent 

possible. Grade and wall thickness of the pipe will be selected to ensure the pipe is capable of 

withstanding the operating pressures for which it is designed. 

5.1.6 Pressure Testing 

High pressure piping in the pump station will be hydrostatically tested with pressurized water in the 

piping to ensure the piping is capable of withstanding the operating pressure for which it is designed. 

Internal test pressures and durations will be in accordance with Title 149 Part 195. 

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5.1.7 Commissioning 

Commissioning involves activities to verify that all pump station equipment is properly installed and 

working, the controls and communications systems are functional, and the pump station is ready for 

service. 

5.1.8 Final Grading and Landscaping 

After the completion of start up and testing, or as soon as weather permits thereafter, the pump station 

sites will be final graded and landscaped. Because the construction of the stations is scheduled for 

completion in the winter of 2007, landscaping (if any) may be postponed until the spring or early summer 

of 2008. 

A permanent security fence will be installed around the pump station site. The station access roads also 

will be final graded. Parking areas for vehicles will similarly be paved or graveled. Motion lights may 

be installed and exterior lights may be dimmed, particularly in areas of sensitive wildlife habitat. 

Because each of the pump station sites is located in remote, undeveloped areas and/or adjacent to existing 

commercial/industrial facilities, the station buildings will be designed to be consistent with the character 

of the surrounding land uses (to the extent possible) and an extensive landscaping program is not planned. 

Vegetation may be planted in front of the gate to each fenced site area and at the entrance to the access 

road. In addition, trees that are common in the surrounding region may be planted reflecting the pattern 

of vegetation in surrounding areas. 

5.1.9 Infrastructure Facilities 

Each pump station will require electricity and telephone facilities, which will be obtained from a local 

source. 

5.1.10 Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Procedures 

During the construction of the pump stations, Overland Pass will adhere to applicable state and local 

permits, as well as site-specific mitigation developed in consultation with land managing agencies and 

landowners. 

5.2 Meter Stations 

Many of the procedures used in meter station construction will be similar to those used in pump station 

construction described above as the meter stations will be constructed within proposed pump station sites 

or existing commercial/industrial facilities. Meter station construction will typically include clearing and 

grading, preparing foundations, installing underground piping, erecting and installing buildings, installing 

above ground piping and equipment, testing the piping, testing the control equipment, cleaning up the 

work area, paving or graveling access roads and parking areas, fencing the facilities, and final grading and 

landscaping. Figure 25 shows the layout of a typical meter station. 

5.3 Mainline Valves and Launcher/Receivers 

As part of construction of the pipeline, valves will be installed at spacings defined by the DOT’s Title 49 

CFR Part 195.260 and listed in table 1.3.2-1. Figures 26a through 26e show the layouts of the various 

valve sites. Section 11.2.7 of EIR 11 discusses further the placement requirements for valves. 

Launcher/receiver (scraper trap) sites will be constructed as depicted on figure 27a through 27c. 

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Valve and launcher and/or receiver construction will include clearing and grading, installing underground 

piping, testing the piping, testing the control equipment, cleaning up the work area, graveling the site, and 

fencing the facilities. Valve and launcher and/or receiver construction will generally be concurrent with 

the construction of the pipeline. Upon completion, the disturbed area will be stabilized with gravel within 

a fenced enclosure or by seeding with appropriate species outside the fence and the aboveground 

components of these facilities will be painted to blend the facilities in with surrounding vegetation and 

soils. The valves and launcher and/or receiver sites will be enclosed in a chain-link or barbed wire 

security fence. 

6.0 RECLAMATION MONITORING PLAN 

6.1 Goals of Reclamation Monitoring Plan 

To assess the effectiveness of the reclamation treatments and to evaluate the condition of right-of-way, 

Overland Pass will implement a monitoring program consisting of field inspections and vegetative 

analysis. A report of the condition of the right-of-way and the status of sensitive resources affected 

during construction will be submitted to the BLM. The monitoring program will also identify remedial 

measures that will be considered by Overland Pass to mitigate environmental degradation if the initial 

treatments were not effective in achieving the objectives of the reclamation program. 

6.2 Reclamation Monitoring Criteria 

Overland Pass’ effort to reclaim areas disturbed during construction will be evaluated for a minimum 

period of five years. Successful reclamation performance will be based on revegetation success (e.g., 

cover, frequency, and diversity), the absence of weeds or invasive plants, stability of the construction 

right-of-way, waterbody bed and bank stability; and visual aesthetics. Monitoring will continue after the 

five year period in areas where revegetation, weed, and stability problems continue. On the PNG, 

monitoring will occur on an annual basis for the first five years, and where problem areas exist 

thereafter, and will be subject to the same reporting standards as listed below. 

6.3 Monitoring Techniques and Procedures 

To evaluate the success of revegetation, Overland Pass will use a quantitative rapid diversity assessment. 

This is an effective and efficient technique to monitor the composition of vegetative cover and diversity 

over time and between sampling plots. The technique is useful to measure the response of vegetation to 

disturbance. 

In association with a vegetative monitoring program, Overland Pass will assess the success of reclamation 

efforts to stabilize soil and waterbodies. 

6.3.1 Vegetation Monitoring 

Overland Pass will monitor quadrats (i.e., rectangular analytical plots identified in the field and 

retrievable by GIS equipment) located in the right-of-way, and control quadrats located outside the rightof-way. Monitoring will occur in July during the first, third, and fifth years following reclamation. Plant 

diversity, frequency, and percent cover data will be collected. Data obtained from the reclaimed right-ofway will be compared to vegetative data obtained from the undisturbed, naturally-occurring vegetative 

populations adjacent to the right-of-way. Variation between plots will provide a quantitative indication of 

the relative success of reclamation. Section 6.4.1 describes the number and location of the plots that will 

be assessed. 

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In areas where plantings/transplanting occurred, reclamation success will be based on survivorship and 

vigor of the transplants. 

6.3.2 Erosion and Runoff Control 

Periodic ground and aerial inspections of the route by Overland Pass Pipeline Operations and 

Maintenance (O&M) personnel should detect areas of erosion (i.e., formation of gullies, deposition of 

sediment) and uncontrolled runoff (i.e., berm washouts) before significant impacts occur. In addition to 

O&M reconnaissance, reclamation specialists will conduct annual inspections during July of first, third, 

and fifth years following reclamation to assess the condition of the right-of-way and the effectiveness 

erosion control measures. This ground inspection will concentrate on steep slopes, erodible soils, and 

sensitive areas identified during construction by the EIs and agency representatives. 

6.3.3 Waterbody Stabilization 

In association with erosion control and runoff inspections, Overland Pass representatives will visually 

assess the condition of bed and bank stabilization measures installed during restoration at waterbodies that 

were constructed using site-specific crossing plans. This assessment will occur with the same frequency 

of the erosion and runoff control inspections. In addition, a limited number of dry washes that drain into 

high quality streams will also be assessed for bed and bank stability. 

6.4 Monitoring Methods and Procedures 

6.4.1 Vegetation Quadrats 

Overland Pass will survey plots to determine the vegetative diversity, density, frequency, and percent 

cover on the right-of-way and in off right-of-way areas following restoration. The monitoring program 

will meet the project’s post construction monitoring requirements listed in Section VIII.A.3 of the Soil 

Stabilization Plan, which reads “Revegetation shall be considered successful if upon visual survey the 

density and cover of non-nuisance vegetation (or crops in cultivated crop land) are similar in density and 

cover to adjacent undisturbed lands”. Overland Pass will consider long term revegetation to be successful 

if approximately 80 percent of the proposed vegetative communities are reestablished in disturbed areas. 

In addition, vegetative monitoring will determine if, or to what extent, noxious weeds have become 

established in the project areas. 

Overland Pass will use two teams for surveys following construction. The teams will consist of a 

vegetative specialist and a weed expert. Overland Pass will obtain landowner permission prior to 

conducting surveys. 

Overland Pass will assess the vegetative diversity, frequency, and percent cover in sampling quadrats to 

assess revegetation. Overland Pass will monitor quadrats, of which, several quadrats will be located in 

the right-of-way, and several in adjacent, undisturbed areas off the right-of-way. The number of quadrats 

per vegetative community will reflect the percentage of each community crossed by the pipeline route. 

Note: Overland Pass will consult with the BLM prior initiating the program, to determine appropriate 

location and number of quadrats to be assessed. 

The sampling quadrats will be paired: one quadrat will be located on the construction right-of-way and a 

second quadrat will be located off the right-of-way in an undisturbed area (i.e., control plot). The control 

quadrat will be located in proximity to right-of-way quadrat. Quadrant size will vary by vegetative 

community: 

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• In Sagebrush Shrub areas: quadrats (half in the right-of-way and half in undisturbed areas) 

measuring 3 meters square will be assessed; and, 

• In the Grassland areas: quadrats (half in the right-of-way and half in undisturbed areas) 

measuring 3 meters square will be assessed. 

Within the quadrats, the monitors will determine the diversity of the cover by recording the number of 

native and invasive species present. 

Diversity will be indicated by the number and species of plants counted in each quadrat. Foliar cover will 

be estimated. “Cover” is defined as the area of ground covered by vertical projection of the aerial 

portions of plants. Foliar cover will be recorded in 10 percent increments, (i.e., 10, 20, 30 percent, etc.). 

For example, foliar cover of 10 percent will mean that 90 percent of the quadrat consists of exposed litter, 

rock, and other surface debris, and 10 percent is covered with living, foliar vegetation. 

Comparing the data from sample year to sample year will provide Overland Pass with an indication if: 

cover is increasing, if the species composition and diversity of the vegetation is expanding or contracting 

from one area to another, and if noxious weeds have been established in the right-of-way. 

The geographic location of quadrats will be collected and stored using hand-held, sub-meter accuracy 

global positioning system (GPS) equipment. Location and size of the quadrants will be recorded using 

area polygons. These data can easily be transferred from the GPS equipment to either a CAD or GIS 

software application for use on project maps or alignment sheets. Overland Pass will also permanently 

identify the four corners of the quadrats with 1x2-inch wooded or metal stakes embedded into the ground 

so that a 4-inch section of the stake is visible for future reference. 

Overland Pass will also monitor the survival, vigor, and success of transplants in riparian areas. 

Vegetation quadrat spacing will be the same as in other areas. This assessment will include a count of 

living transplants and invasive species. These data will be compared to the number of trees transplanted 

during restoration. 

Overland Pass will monitor the presence of noxious weeds in the right-of-way during the same timeframe 

as outlined above. Measured values for native vegetation will be compared to the minimum success 

standards for each year in a summary report that will be submitted to the BLM. 

If required, Overland Pass will implement an additional revegetation and/or noxious weed control 

program in areas where monitoring has determined that additional measures would likely be successful. 

6.4.2 Erosion and Runoff Control 

Overland Pass will selectively survey areas that are susceptible to erosion (i.e., steep slopes and erodible 

soils) during the same timeframe as outlined above. The surveys will be conducted in July and will 

involve a visual inspection of steep slopes, erodible soils, and other erosion sensitive areas identified by 

EIs, and agency personnel during construction. This survey will assess the condition of the right-of-way, 

ATWS, and access roads, the effectiveness of the erosion control devices, and recommend repair or 

maintenance procedures that are necessary to meet reclamation objectives. Overland Pass will survey 

sites that will be prone to wash out, as defined in table 4.3-1, or sites identified during reconnaissance of 

reclaimed areas. Overland Pass will obtain landowner permission prior to conducting surveys. The 

inspection sites will range from 200 to 1,000 feet in length. 

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Overland Pass will use teams consisting of a soil scientist and a vegetation specialist for the survey. The 

teams will complete an Erosion and Runoff Control Inspection Form for each site visit. Photographic 

documentation will accompany the inspection report. 

Survey teams will notify Overland Pass O&M personnel if areas of the right-of-way require immediate 

stabilization and repair to meet the reclamation objectives. O&M personnel will attempt to respond to a 

repair request within 48 hours of notification. 

6.4.3 Waterbody Stabilization 

Overland Pass will survey high-quality waterbodies, and dry washes that drain into high-quality streams 

during the same timeframe as outlined above. This visual assessment will evaluate the stability of the 

waterbody, condition of permanent erosion and sediment control measures, and the condition of the 

streambed and banks. Surveys will be conducted in July, and will involve two teams, each consisting of 

reclamation specialists. Overland Pass will obtain landowner permission prior to conducting surveys. The 

teams will use a Waterbody Stabilization Inspection Report Form. Photographic documentation will 

accompany the inspection report. 

Overland Pass anticipates that inspection effort will require two weeks of field work to complete. During 

the surveys teams will notify O&M personnel if any stream or dry wash require stabilization and repair to 

meet the reclamation objectives. O&M personnel will attempt to respond to a repair request within 48 

hours of notification. 

6.5 Reclamation Monitoring Reports 

Overland Pass will prepare an annual Reclamation Monitoring Report and submit this report to the BLM 

on or before December 31 of the inspection year. These reports will include: 

Vegetation 

• A summary of the general vegetative diversity, frequency, and cover between the right-of-way 

and the comparison with off right-of-way vegetation quadrats; 

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

• Identification of areas that require remedial action; 

• Recommendations and schedule for remedial action(s); and, 

• Monitoring forms. 

Erosion and Water Control 

• Summary description of the condition of the right-of-way; 

• Identification and description of problem areas; 

• Recommendations and schedule for remedial action (s); and 

• Erosion and Runoff Control Inspection Forms. 

Waterbody Stabilization 

• Summary description of the condition and stability of high-quality waterbodies and associated 

washes; 

• Identification and description of problem areas; 

• Recommendations and schedule for remedial action (s); and 

• Waterbody Stabilization Inspection Report Forms. 

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6.6 Remedial Action 

Overland Pass will consult with the BLM Project Manager prior to initiating remedial actions. This 

consultation will establish a work schedule, prioritize the list of actions to be taken, identify the 

equipment required, and describe mitigative measures that will be implemented. 

7.0 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE FACILITIES 

Overland Pass will operate and maintain the pipeline in accordance with federal and state regulations. 

The pipeline system will be monitored and controlled 24 hours a day by a remote dispatch center. 

Aboveground facilities will be inspected annually to satisfy DOT requirements. Pipeline inspections will 

encompass testing equipment, recalibration, and repair, replacement, and reporting, as necessary. 

The pipeline system will be routinely inspected on the ground or in the air to detect and identify 

indications of leaks, evidence of pipeline damage, or environmental concerns (e.g., erosion hazards, 

gullies, sedimentation of waterbodies, all terrain vehicle rutting, etc.). Inspections will be conducted in 

accordance with minimum federal safety standards, Transportation of Hazardous Liquids by Pipeline, 

Title 49 CFR Part 195. Environmental concerns will be addressed as necessary to comply with 

conditions in this plan. 

The pipeline will be protected from external corrosion (pitting) by the protective coating applied to the 

pipe and by installation of a cathodic protection system. The external pipe coating is the primary 

corrosion protection method. Cathodic protection applies an electrical current to the pipeline from an 

external direct current power source (rectifier) to prevent corrosion where the coating is not 100 percent 

effective. Rectifiers will be located near existing power distribution lines and mounted on poles in or 

adjacent to the right-of-way and connected to carbon anode ground bed within the permanent 50-foot 

right-of-way. The condition of the pipe coating and effectiveness of the cathodic protection system will 

be monitored in accordance with federal standards and regulations. Repairs to the pipe, pipe coating, or 

the cathodic protection system will be made as appropriate. 

Locations of the cathodic protection rectifiers and ground beds associated with the pipeline cannot be 

identified until the pipeline is installed and tests are conducted. Test leads will be attached to the line at 

mile posts, roads, pipeline crossings and highways to monitor the cathodic protection system. Each set of 

test leads will be connected in a junction box installed on the ground surface along the right-of-way. The 

junction boxes will not interfere with existing land uses. 

Pipeline markers will be installed to mark the underground location of the pipeline and to identify the 

owner of the system and to display telephone numbers for emergencies or other inquiries. The pipeline 

markers will be located where the pipeline crosses fence lines, roadways, waterbodies, and other public 

access locations. 

During operation of the pipeline, Overland Pass will periodically remove woody vegetation from scrubshrub wetlands to facilitate post-construction pedestrian and aerial inspections of the pipeline and rightof-way. In accordance with Overland Pass’ environmental plans, Overland Pass will maintain in a 10­

foot-wide herbaceous strip centered over the pipeline and will remove trees greater than 15 feet in height 

within a 30-foot-wide strip centered over the pipeline, typically every 3 years. Vegetation maintenance 

adjacent to waterbodies will not occur within 25 feet of the waters edge up to permanently revegetated 

areas where possible. On the PNG, clearing of trees will be limited to 25 feet centered on the pipeline 

every 3 years. 

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8.0 ABANDONMENT 

Overland Pass has no plan to abandon the pipeline facilities. If and when Overland Pass chooses to 

abandon part of all of the proposed facilities, Overland Pass will develop an abandonment plan. An 

Abandonment Plan would be submitted to the Authorized Officer for approval at least 60 days prior to 

abandonment of facilities on federal land and a pre-abandonment conference scheduled. 

If abandonment were to occur, the pipeline would be purged of liquid residues, cleaned, isolated from 

interconnections with other pipelines, and sealed without removing the pipe from the ground. Minimum 

industry standards require that pipe maintain its integrity for at least 50 years. With regular maintenance 

during operation, pipe will typically last much longer. Therefore, Overland Pass does not anticipate long 

term soil subsidence due to a lack of pipe integrity or excessive corrosion. 

Abandonment in place minimizes surface disturbance and other potential environmental affects from pipe 

removal. Aboveground pipeline facilities, including equipment and foundations, at pump and meter 

stations would be removed, and the station properties reclaimed to maintain consistency with federal land 

use plans. 

Upon abandonment of the pipeline in part or in whole, the right-of-way associated with the abandon 

facilities will typically be returned to the landowners or land managing agencies according to the 

easement agreements. 

C-37
Appendices 

With the Exception of Seed Mixes (Appendix E) 

Appendices to the Construction, Reclamation, and Revegetation Plan 

Intentionally not Included in the Overland Pass EIS 
ATTACHMENT E 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Proposed Seed Mixes for Wyoming, Colorado, and 

Kansas 

PRELIMINARY 

Subject to Approval by BLM 
Wyoming 
Kemmerer BLM District 

See Mix Assignment by Geographic Area within Kemmerer BLM District 

A- Upland Areas 

Species Variety Drilling Seeding Rate 

Western Wheatgrass Rosanna 6.0 

Thick Spike Wheatgrass Critana 6.0 

Indiana Ricegrass Nezpar 3.0 

Shadscale Saltbrush 3.0 

Globemallow 0.5 

Total 17.5 

Drill Seeding Rate= Lbs/acre Pure Live Seed (PLS) 

Substitution for shadscale, saltbrush: Gardner Saltbrush 

Substitutions for globemallow: other globemallow species, white yarrow or blue flax 

See Mix Assignment by Geographic Area within Kemmerer BLM District 

B- Saline Lowlands 

Species Variety Drilling Seeding Rate 

Western Wheatgrass Rosanna 6.0 

Bottle Brush Squirreltail 3.0 

Garnder Saltbrush 2.0 

Indian Ricegrass 4.0 

Total 15.5 

Drill Seeding Rate= Lbs/acre Pure Live Seed (PLS) 

See Mix Assignment by Geographic Area within Kemmerer BLM District 

C- Wet Meadows/Marsh 

Species Variety Drilling Seeding Rate 

Alkali Sacaton Rosanna 3.0 

Nebraska Sedge Saline Lowlands 1.0 

Tufted Hair Grass 2.0 

Alkali Grass 4.0 

Total 10.0 

Drill Seeding Rate= Lbs/acre Pure Live Seed (PLS) 

In some cases (as required) add 8-10 Lbs of sterile triticale hybrid to standard mix. 

Rock Springs BLM District 

Seed Mix Assignments by Geographic Area within Rock Springs BLM District 

Soil Type 

Mountain 

Geographic Area Sandy Clay Lowlands Shrub 
North Baxter/Hiawatha A 

Blue Forest A 

Nitchie Gulch/Pine Canyon B A C 

Rock Springs-S, Baxter-Table Rock A 

Aspen Mtn.-Pine Mtn.-Hickey Mtn. – Lower 

Elev. B A C 

Wind River Front-Pine Mtn.-Little Mtn. – 

Higher Elev. D 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Rock Springs BLM District – Seed Mix A 

Species Application Rate (lbs/acre) 

Grasses – all species will be used 

Thickspike wheatgrass 

Indian ricegrass 

Sandberg bluegrass or bluebunch wheatgrass 

Bottlebrush squirreltail 

Shrubs – two species will be used 

Basin or Wyoming big sagebrush (winter range) 

Shadscale 

Winterfat 

Gardner's saltbrush 

Forbs – two species will be used 

Scarlet globemallow 

Lupine 

Blue flax 

Rocky Mountain penstemon 

6 

2 

6 

2 

1 

1 

2 

2 

1/2 

1/2 

1/4 

1/4 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Rock Springs BLM District – Seed Mix B 

Species Application Rate (lbs/acre) 

Grasses – all species will be used 

Needle and thread grass 

Thickspike wheatgrass 

Indian ricegrass 

Bottlebrush squirreltail 

Bluebunch wheatgrass 

Shrubs – two species will be used 

Shadscale 

Spiny hopsage 

Forbs – two species will be used 

Northern sweetvetch 

Rocky Mountain beeplant 

Louisiana sagebrush 

6 

6 

3 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1/2 

1/2 

1/2 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Rock Springs BLM District - Seed Mix C 

Species Application Rate (lbs/acre) 

Grasses – all species will be used 

Thickspike wheatgrass 

Western wheatgrass 

Bottlebrush squirreltail 

Indian ricegrass 

Basin wildrye 

Sandberg's bluegrass 

Shrubs – two species will be used 

Black greasewood 

Gardner's saltbrush 

Winterfat (winter ranges) 

Shadscale 

Forbs – two species will be used 

Scarlet globemallow 

Blue flax 

6 

6 

4 

2-3 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

2 

1/2 

1/2 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Rock Springs BLM District - Seed Mix D 

Species Application Rate (lbs/acre) 

Grasses – all species will be used 

Bluebunch wheatgrass 

Letterman needlegrass 

Mountain brome 

Canby bluegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, Prairie junegrass, or Mutton 

bluegrass 

Shrubs – two species will be used 

Mountain big sagebrush 

Mountain mahogany 

Bitterbrush 

Forbs – two species will be used 

Arrowleaf balsamroot 

Silky or Mountain lupine 

Rocky Mountain penstemon 

6 

6 

6 

4 

1 

3 

3 

1 

1 

1 

Rawlins BLM Field Office 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

A-Seed Mix for Dry Loamy/Sandy Soils in Rawlins BLM District 

Seeding Rate in Lbs/acre/PLS a/ 

Species Drilled Broadcast 

Thickspike wheatgrass-Critana 4 8 

Indian ricegrass-Nezpar 2 4 

Western wheatgrass-Rosana 2 4 

Needleandthread 2 4 

Big sagebrush-Wyoming b/ 0.5 1 

Gardner’s saltbush 1 2 

a/ Seeding mix may be modified based on site-specific conditions, identification of additional species for rapid 

site stabilization, species success in other restoration efforts, and seed availability. An alterative seeding rate 

may be used if the mixture is modified, if the BLM modifies the rate, or a landowner requests an alternative 

seeding rate. 

b/ Big sagebrush seed will be spread independently of the rest of the seed mix to promote germination. 

______________ 

Alternative species that may be used in this mix include bottlebrush squirreltail, slender wheatgrass, 

shadscale, fourwing saltbush, scarlet globemallow, and Lewis’ flax. 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

B- Seed Mix for Dry Alkaline/Saline Soils in Rawlins BLM District 

Seeding Rate in Lbs/acre/PLS a/ 

Species Drilled Broadcast 

Western wheatgrass-Rosana 4 8 

Slender wheatgrass-Pryor 2 4 

Indian ricegrass-Nezpar 2 4 

Bottlebrush squirreltail 2 4 

Gardner’s saltbush 1 2 

Common winterfat 1 2 

a/ Seeding mix may be modified based on site-specific conditions, identification of additional species for rapid 

site stabilization, species success in other restoration efforts, and seed availability. An alterative seeding rate 

may be used if the mixture is modified, if the BLM modifies the rate, or a landowner requests an alternative 

seeding rate. 

_______________ 

Alternative species that may be used in this mix include bluebunch wheatgrass, thickspike wheatgrass, 

basin wildrye, shadscale, and fourwing saltbush. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

 C- Seed Mix for Deep Loamy Soils in Rawlins District 

Seeding Rate in Lbs/acre/PLS b/ 

Species a/ Drilled Broadcast 

Western wheatgrass 6 12 

Blue grama 1 2 

Side-oats grama 4.5 9 

Needleandthread 6 12 

Slender wheatgrass 6 12 

Prairie coneflower 1.2 2.4 

Lewis’ flax 0.5 1 

a/ The first four grasses make up 100 percent of this mix; slender wheatgrass is a carrier and will establish 

quickly for erosion control but will fade as other grasses come in; and the forbs are counted separately. 

b/ Seeding mix may be modified based on site-specific conditions, identification of additional species 

for rapid site stabilization, species success in other restoration efforts, and seed availability. An 

alterative seeding rate may be used if the mixture is modified, if the BLM modifies the rate, or a 

landowner requests an alternative seeding rate. 

_______________ 

Alternative species that may be used in this mix include Basin wildrye, Indian ricegrass, and scarlet 

globemallow. 
Colorado
Private Land 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Seed Mix for Range Land and Conservation Reserve Program Land in Weld County 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Western wheat grass Arriba Barton 4.8 30% 

Side-oats grama Niner El reno 2.7 30% 

Blue grama Hachita Lovington 0.6 15% 

Switchgrass Blackwell Nebraska 28 0.9 20% 

Alfalfa Ladak Ranger 0.4 5% 

Total 9.4 100% 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

_______________ 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Seed Mix for Range Land and Conservation Reserve Program Land in Morgan and Logan Counties 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Loamy and Clayey Soils 

Western wheat 

grass 

Arriba 3.2 20% 

Side-oats grama Vaughn 1.8 20% 

Blue grama Hachita 0.5 15% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 1.0 10% 

Green needlegrass Lodorm 1.0 10% 

Four-wing 

saltbush 

1.0 10% 

Alfalfa Ladak 0.8 10% 

Total 9.3 100% 

Sandy soils 

Switchgrass Blackwell 1.3 25% 

Side-oats grama El reno 1.8 20% 

Sand bluestern Woodward 2.4 15% 

Yellow 

indiangrass 

Cheyenne 1.5 15% 

Prairie sandreed Goshen 0.7 10% 

Alfalfa Ladak 0.8 10% 

Four-wing 

saltbush 

VNS 1.0 5% 

Total 9.5 100% 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

_______________ 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Seed Mix for Range Land and Conservation Reserve Program Land in Washington County 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Sandy soils 

Sand bluestern Elida 3.2 20% 

Prairie sandreed Goshen 1.4 20% 

Switchgrass NEB28 1.0 20% 

Side-oats grama Vaughn 0.9 10% 

Yellow 

indiangrass 

Llano 2.0 20% 

Purple prairie 

clover 

VNS 0.6 10% 

Total 9.1 100% 

Loamy soils 

Blue grama Lovington 0.6 20% 

Green needlegrass Lodorm 1.0 10% 

Western 

wheatgrass 

Arriba 3.2 20% 

Side-oats grama Vaughn 1.8 20% 

Switchgrass NEB28 1.0 20% 

Purple prairie 

clover 

VNS 0.6 10% 

Total 8.2 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Seed Mix for Range Land and Conservation Reserve Program Land in Yuma and Colorado Counties 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Western wheat grass Arriba Barton 1.6 10% 

Side-oats grama Niner El reno 0.9 10% 

Sand bluestern Woodward Elida 3.2 20% 

Prairie sandreed Goshen 0.7 10% 

Yellow indiangrass Cheyenne Llano 1.0 10% 

Blue grama Hachita Lovington 0.3 10% 

Switchgrass Blackwell NEB28 1.0 20% 

Little bluestern Pastura 0.7 10% 

Total 9.4 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 
Federal Land (Pawnee National Grassland) 

The following table identifies the seed mixes to be used within the PNG. Seed Mix A will be used on the 

majority of the PNG crossed by the project; Seed Mix B will be used on areas identified as mid to tall 

structural communities. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Seed Mixes to be Used within the Pawnee National Grasslands 

Application Rate (lbs/acre Pure Live Seed) 

Species Seed Mix A Seed Mix B 

Blue grama (Hachita) 3.00 1.50 

Needleandthread 2.00 2.00 

Sedges 2.00 2.00 

Western wheatgrass (Native) 1.50 3.00 

Buffalo grass (Cody – Treated) 2.00 1.00 

Scarlet Globemallow 0.25 0.25 

Rocky Mountain Beeplant 1.50 1.50 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

Areas Identified as Mid to Tall Structural Communities within the Pawnee National Grasslands 

PNG Section Begin Milepost End Milepost 

West 342.3 342.6 

West 351.7 351.9 

West 352.2 352.7 

West 353.1 353.8 

East 376.0 376.6 

East 380.2 382.9 
Kansas
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#1- Seed Mix for Cheyenne County 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 0.6 5% 

Little bluestern Aldous 1.6 20% 

Side-oats grama El reno 1.2 10% 

Blue grama Lovington Hachita 0.9 30% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 1.2 20% 

Buffalo grass Texoka Improved 1.2 15% 

Total 6.7 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#2- Seed Mix for Rawlins, Thomas and Sheridan Counties 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 0.6 10% 

Little bluestern Guanor 0.6 15% 

Side-oats grama El reno 1.5 25% 

Blue grama Lovington 0.4 20% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 0.45 15% 

Buffalo grass Texoka 0.75 15% 

Total 4.3 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#3- Seed Mix for Graham, Gove, and Trego Counties 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 0.6 10% 

Little bluestern Aldous 0.52 13% 

Indiangrass Cheyenne 0.6 10% 

Side-oats grama El reno 0.78 13% 

Blue grama Lovington 0.4 20% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 0.6 20% 

Western wheatgrass Barton 0.6 6% 

Alfalfa Grazer 0.2 5% 

Maximilian 

sunflower 

0.1 1% 

Illinois bundleflower 0.1 1% 

Purple prairie clover 0.1 1% 

Total 4.3 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 
Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#4- Seed Mix for Ellis County 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 1.2 20% 

Little bluestern Aldous 0.6 15% 

Indiangrass Cheyenne 1.2 20% 

Side-oats grama El reno 1.2 20% 

Blue grama Lovington 0.1 5% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 0.45 15% 

Total 4.3 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#5- Seed Mix for Russell and Barton Counties, Kansas 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 0.9 15% 

Little bluestern Aldous 0.8 20% 

Side-oats grama El reno 0.9 15% 

Indiangrass Cheyenne 0.6 10% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 0.3 10% 

Blue grama Lovington 0.3 15% 

Buffalo grass Improved 0.5 10% 

Crested wheatgrass Barton 0.5 5% 

Total 4.8 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval. 

Overland Pass Pipeline Project 

#6- Seed Mix for Ellsworth, Rice, and McPherson Counties, Kansas 

Species 

First Variety 

Option 

Second Variety 

Option 

Seeding rate 

(drilled PLS lbs/acre) % of Species in Mix 

Big bluestern KAW 1.2 30% 

Little bluestern Aldous 0.8 15% 

Side-oats grama El reno 1.2 30% 

Indiangrass Cheyenne 1.2 30% 

Switchgrass Blackwell 0.6 15% 

Total 5.0 100% 

_______________ 

NOTE: Proposed seed mixes developed during initial agency consultations and are subject to approval.