TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Apex Expansion Project 

Final Environmental Impact Statement 

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................... i 

LIST OF APPENDICES .............................................................................................................vii 

LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................viii 

LIST OF FIGURES ....................................................................................................................xiii 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS................................................................................... xiv 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................................ES-1

PROPOSED ACTION.................................................................................................. ES-1

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .......................................................................................... ES-2

PROJECT IMPACTS AND MITIGATION................................................................. ES-3

ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED .............................................................................. ES-7

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................ ES-8

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

1.1 PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED....................................................................1-2

1.1.1 Project Purpose .........................................................................................1-2

1.1.2 Project Need..............................................................................................1-2

1.2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE EIS ..............................................................1-4

1.2.1 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ..................................................1-4

1.2.2 U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management and 

Bureau of Reclamation; and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest 

Service.......................................................................................................1-4

1.3 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT...............................................................1-5

1.4 NON-JURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES..........................................................1-11

1.5 PERMITS, APPROVALS, AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS..........1-12

1.6 CONFORMANCE WITH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLANS ...............1-23

2.0 PROPOSED ACTION...................................................................................................2-1

2.1 PROPOSED FACILITIES..................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Pipeline Facilities......................................................................................2-1

2.1.2 Aboveground Facilities .............................................................................2-3

2.1.3 Cathodic Protection System ....................................................................2-10

2.1.4 PacifiCorp Electrical Distribution Line ..................................................2-10

2.2 LAND REQUIREMENTS ...............................................................................2-10

2.2.1 Pipeline Right-of-Way ............................................................................2-11

2.2.2 Aboveground Facilities ...........................................................................2-14

2.2.3 Pipe and Contractor Yards ......................................................................2-14

2.2.4 Access Roads ..........................................................................................2-15

2.3 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES.................................................................2-16

2.3.1 General Pipeline Construction Procedures..............................................2-18

2.3.1.1 Survey, Staking, and Fence Crossings .......................................2-19

2.3.1.2 Clearing and Grading.................................................................2-21

2.3.1.3 Trenching ...................................................................................2-21

2.3.1.4 Pipe Stringing, Bending, and Welding.......................................2-22

2.3.1.5 Lowering-In and Backfilling......................................................2-23

2.3.1.6 Hydrostatic Testing....................................................................2-23

2.3.1.7 Cleanup and Restoration ............................................................2-24

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

2.3.1.8 Commissioning ..........................................................................2-24

2.3.2 Special Pipeline Construction Procedures ..............................................2-24

2.3.2.1 Wetlands ....................................................................................2-25

2.3.2.2 Waterbodies ...............................................................................2-27

2.3.2.3 Agricultural Areas......................................................................2-36

2.3.2.4 Roads, Highways, and Railroads ...............................................2-36

2.3.2.5 Residences within 50 Feet of the Construction Rightof-Way ....................................................................................2-40

2.3.2.6 Commercial and Industrial Areas...............................................2-40

2.3.2.7 Areas of Steep Terrain ...............................................................2-40

2.3.2.8 Areas with Geologic Faults........................................................2-41

2.3.3 Construction Procedures for Aboveground Facilities .............................2-41

2.3.3.1 Compressor Stations ..................................................................2-44

2.3.3.2 Mainline Valves .........................................................................2-45

2.3.3.3 Pig Launchers and Pig Receivers...............................................2-45

2.4 CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE AND SCHEDULE ..................................2-46

2.5 ENVIRONMENTAL INSPECTION, COMPLIANCE MONITORING, 

AND POST-APPROVAL VARIANCES.........................................................2-46

2.5.1 Environmental Inspection .......................................................................2-46

2.5.2 Compliance Monitoring ..........................................................................2-47

2.5.3 Post-Approval Variance Process.............................................................2-48

2.6 OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE ...........2-48

2.6.1 Operation.................................................................................................2-49

2.6.1.1 Pipeline Surveys and Inspections...............................................2-49

2.6.1.2 Right-of-Way Maintenance........................................................2-49

2.6.1.3 Compressor Stations ..................................................................2-50

2.7 FUTURE PLANS AND ABANDONMENT ...................................................2-50

3.0 ALTERNATIVES..........................................................................................................3-1

3.1 NO ACTION OR POSTPONED ACTION ALTERNATIVES .........................3-1

3.2 ENERGY ALTERNATIVES .............................................................................3-2

3.2.1 Energy Conservation and Increased Efficiency ........................................3-2

3.2.2 Renewable Energy ....................................................................................3-3

3.2.3 Nuclear Energy .........................................................................................3-5

3.2.4 Fossil Fuels ...............................................................................................3-5

3.3 SYSTEM ALTERNATIVES..............................................................................3-5

3.4 MAJOR ROUTE ALTERNATIVES..................................................................3-9

3.4.1 Kern River Right-of-Way Route Alternative..........................................3-11

3.4.2 Legacy Highway Route Alternative........................................................3-13

3.4.3 Pages Lane/Porter Road Route Alternative.............................................3-16

3.4.4 Bountiful Boulevard Route Alternative ..................................................3-18

3.4.5 Wasatch Mountains Route Alternative ...................................................3-21

3.5 ROUTE VARIATIONS....................................................................................3-23

3.5.1 East Canyon Route Variation..................................................................3-25

3.5.2 Hogsback Route Variation ......................................................................3-27

3.5.3 Holbrook Canyon Route Variation .........................................................3-30

3.5.4 Sitka Holdings Route Variation ..............................................................3-32

3.5.5 Bonneville Shoreline Preserve Route Variation......................................3-34

3.5.6 North Salt Lake I Route Variation ..........................................................3-36

3.5.7 North Salt Lake II Route Variation.........................................................3-36

3.6 ABOVEGROUND FACILITY ALTERNATIVES..........................................3-36

ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

3.6.1 Milford Compressor Station Site Alternative .........................................3-37

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS................................................................................4-1

4.1 GEOLOGY .........................................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Geology and Physiography .......................................................................4-1

4.1.2 Mineral Resources.....................................................................................4-2

4.1.2.1 Mining..........................................................................................4-4

4.1.2.2 Oil and Gas Production................................................................4-5

4.1.3 Geologic Hazards......................................................................................4-5

4.1.3.1 Seismicity and Faulting................................................................4-5

4.1.3.2 Landslide Incidence and Susceptibility........................................4-7

4.1.3.3 Subsidence ...................................................................................4-9

4.1.3.4 Shallow Bedrock..........................................................................4-9

4.1.3.5 Flash Flood, Stream Scour and Debris Flows............................4-11

4.1.3.6 Volcanoes, Liquefaction, and Karst Topography ......................4-11

4.1.4 Paleontological Resources ......................................................................4-12

4.1.5 Summary of Potential Impacts................................................................4-14

4.2 SOILS ...............................................................................................................4-15

4.2.1 Standard Soil Limitations........................................................................4-15

4.2.1.1 Erosion Potential........................................................................4-15

4.2.1.2 Prime Farmland..........................................................................4-16

4.2.1.3 Compaction Potential.................................................................4-17

4.2.1.4 Stony-Rocky Soils......................................................................4-17

4.2.1.5 Hydric Soils ...............................................................................4-17

4.2.1.6 Shallow Bedrock........................................................................4-18

4.2.2 Spill/Contamination Prevention..............................................................4-18

4.2.3 Topsoil Segregation ................................................................................4-18

4.2.4 PacifiCorp Electrical Distribution Line ..................................................4-19

4.2.5 Operation Impacts...................................................................................4-19

4.3 WATER RESOURCES ....................................................................................4-20

4.3.1 Groundwater Resources ..........................................................................4-20

4.3.1.1 Sole-Source Aquifers .................................................................4-21

4.3.1.2 Water Supply Wells ...................................................................4-21

4.3.1.3 Wellhead Protection Areas.........................................................4-22

4.3.1.4 Contaminated Groundwater .......................................................4-23

4.3.1.5 Groundwater Impacts and Mitigation Procedures......................4-24

4.3.2 Surface Water Resources ........................................................................4-27

4.3.2.1 Water Classifications .................................................................4-29

4.3.2.2 Sensitive Waterbodies................................................................4-32

4.3.2.3 Surface Water Protection Areas.................................................4-33

4.3.2.4 PacifiCorp Electrical Distribution Line Crossings.....................4-34

4.3.2.5 Potential Surface Water Impacts................................................4-34

4.3.2.6 Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures.................4-36

4.3.2.7 Alternative Measures to the FERC’s Procedures.......................4-38

4.3.2.8 Hydrostatic Testing and Dust Control........................................4-40

4.3.3 Wetlands..................................................................................................4-42

4.3.3.1 Existing Environment ................................................................4-43

4.3.3.2 Potential Wetland Impacts .........................................................4-45

4.3.3.3 Wetland Construction and Mitigation Procedures .....................4-46

4.3.3.4 Wetland Restoration...................................................................4-48

4.3.3.5 Wetlands of Special Concern or Value ......................................4-49

iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

4.4 VEGETATION.................................................................................................4-49

4.4.1 Vegetation Resources..............................................................................4-50

4.4.2 Vegetation Communities of Special Concern .........................................4-52

4.4.3 Noxious Weeds .......................................................................................4-52

4.4.4 Vegetation Pathogens..............................................................................4-52

4.4.5 Vegetation Impacts and Mitigation.........................................................4-53

4.4.5.1 Impacts on Vegetation Communities of Special Concern .........4-55

4.4.5.2 Noxious and Invasive Weeds.....................................................4-55

4.4.6 Operation Impacts...................................................................................4-56

4.5 WILDLIFE........................................................................................................4-56

4.5.1 Wildlife Resources..................................................................................4-56

4.5.2 Wildlife Construction Impacts and Mitigation........................................4-58

4.5.2.1 Habitat Fragmentation and Edge Effect.....................................4-60

4.5.2.2 Riparian Habitats .......................................................................4-61

4.5.3 Big Game ................................................................................................4-61

4.5.4 Raptors and Other Migratory Birds.........................................................4-66

4.5.5 Operation Impacts...................................................................................4-70

4.6 FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES ..................................................4-71

4.6.1 General Fisheries and Aquatic Resources...............................................4-71

4.6.1.1 Sediment Loads and Turbidity...................................................4-73

4.6.1.2 Timing of Construction..............................................................4-73

4.6.1.3 Vegetation Removal and Streambank Erosion ..........................4-74

4.6.1.4 Contaminated Sediment Resuspension ......................................4-75

4.6.1.5 Entrainment and Entrapment .....................................................4-75

4.6.1.6 Water Temperature ....................................................................4-75

4.6.1.7 Blasting ......................................................................................4-75

4.6.1.8 Hydrostatic Testing and Water Withdrawals .............................4-76

4.6.1.9 Fuel and Chemical Spills ...........................................................4-76

4.6.2 Invasive Aquatic Species ........................................................................4-76

4.6.3 Fisheries of Special Concern...................................................................4-77

4.6.4 Operation Impacts...................................................................................4-77

4.6.4.1 PacifiCorp Electrical Distribution Line Impacts........................4-78

4.7 THREATENED, ENDANGERED, AND OTHER SPECIAL STATUS 

SPECIES...........................................................................................................4-78

4.7.1 Federally Listed Threatened, Endangered, Candidate, and Petitioned 

Species ....................................................................................................4-80

4.7.1.1 Greater Sage-grouse...................................................................4-80

4.7.1.2 Yellow-billed Cuckoo................................................................4-82

4.7.1.3 Pygmy Rabbit.............................................................................4-83

4.7.1.4 Utah Prairie Dog ........................................................................4-84

4.7.1.5 Northern Leopard Frog ..............................................................4-84

4.7.1.6 Ute Ladies’-tresses.....................................................................4-85

4.7.2 Other Special Status Species...................................................................4-85

4.8 LAND USE AND VISUAL RESOURCES .....................................................4-98

4.8.1 General Impacts and Mitigation..............................................................4-99

4.8.1.1 Open Land................................................................................4-103

4.8.1.2 Forest Land ..............................................................................4-103

4.8.1.3 Agricultural Land.....................................................................4-104

4.8.1.4 Developed Land .......................................................................4-104

4.8.1.5 Open Water ..............................................................................4-105

4.8.1.6 Recreation Land .......................................................................4-105

iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

4.8.2 Land Ownership....................................................................................4-105

4.8.2.1 Federal Lands...........................................................................4-106

4.8.2.2 State Lands...............................................................................4-108

4.8.2.3 Residential Lands.....................................................................4-109

4.8.3 Recreation and Special Use Areas ........................................................4-111

4.8.3.1 Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest.....................................4-111

4.8.3.2 Roadless Areas.........................................................................4-116

4.8.3.3 Recreational and Historic Trails ..............................................4-117

4.8.3.4 Parks and Recreation Areas .....................................................4-118

4.8.3.5 Wildlife Management Areas and Cooperative Wildlife 

Management Units................................................................4-119

4.8.3.6 Gravel Pits................................................................................4-121

4.8.4 Visual Resources...................................................................................4-121

4.8.4.1 Visual Resource Federal Land Classifications.........................4-121

4.8.4.2 Impacts and Mitigation ............................................................4-123

4.9 SOCIOECONOMICS.....................................................................................4-124

4.9.1 Population and Employment.................................................................4-124

4.9.2 Housing .................................................................................................4-127

4.9.3 Public Services......................................................................................4-129

4.9.4 Transportation .......................................................................................4-130

4.9.5 Property Values.....................................................................................4-130

4.9.6 Economy and Tax Revenues.................................................................4-131

4.9.7 Environmental Justice ...........................................................................4-132

4.10 CULTURAL RESOURCES ...........................................................................4-135

4.10.1 Cultural Resources Surveys ..................................................................4-135

4.10.2 Unanticipated Discovery Plan...............................................................4-140

4.10.3 Native American Consultation..............................................................4-140

4.10.4 Compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act .....................4-141

4.11 AIR QUALITY AND NOISE ........................................................................4-142

4.11.1 Air Quality ............................................................................................4-142

4.11.1.1 Existing Air Quality.................................................................4-142

4.11.1.2 Regulatory Requirements.........................................................4-148

4.11.1.3 Construction Impacts ...............................................................4-154

4.11.1.4 Operational Impacts .................................................................4-156

4.11.2 Noise .....................................................................................................4-164

4.11.2.1 Noise Regulatory Requirements ..............................................4-165

4.11.2.2 Existing Noise Environment ....................................................4-165

4.11.2.3 Construction Noise Impacts.....................................................4-166

4.11.2.4 Operational Noise Impacts.......................................................4-169

4.12 RELIABILITY AND SAFETY......................................................................4-170

4.12.1 Safety Standards....................................................................................4-171

4.12.2 Pipeline Accident Data..........................................................................4-174

4.12.3 Impact on Public Safety ........................................................................4-176

4.12.4 Additional Security and Safety Issues...................................................4-179

4.13 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS............................................................................4-180

4.13.1 Geology.................................................................................................4-187

4.13.1.1 Mineral Resources....................................................................4-187

4.13.1.2 Paleontological Resources .......................................................4-188

4.13.2 Soils.......................................................................................................4-188

4.13.3 Water Resources ...................................................................................4-189

4.13.3.1 Groundwater ............................................................................4-189

v
TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONTINUED) 

vi

4.13.3.2 Surface Water...........................................................................4-189

4.13.3.3 Wetlands ..................................................................................4-190

4.13.4 Vegetation .............................................................................................4-191

4.13.5 Wildlife .................................................................................................4-192

4.13.5.1 Wildlife Habitat........................................................................4-192

4.13.6 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ..........................................................4-193

4.13.7 Special Status Species...........................................................................4-194

4.13.8 Land Use and Visual Resources............................................................4-194

4.13.8.1 Land Use ..................................................................................4-194

4.13.8.2 Visual Resources......................................................................4-196

4.13.9 Socioeconomics ....................................................................................4-196

4.13.10 Cultural Resources ................................................................................4-197

4.13.11 Air Quality and Noise ...........................................................................4-197

4.13.11.1 Air Quality ...............................................................................4-197

4.13.11.2 Noise ........................................................................................4-198

4.13.12 Reliability and Safety............................................................................4-198

4.13.13 Climate Change.....................................................................................4-198

4.13.14 Conclusion ............................................................................................4-199

5.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .........................................................5-1

5.1 CONCLUSIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS .........................5-1

5.1.1 Geology.....................................................................................................5-1

5.1.2 Soils...........................................................................................................5-2

5.1.3 Water Resources .......................................................................................5-2

5.1.4 Vegetation .................................................................................................5-3

5.1.5 Wildlife .....................................................................................................5-4

5.1.6 Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ..............................................................5-5

5.1.7 Special Status Species...............................................................................5-5

5.1.8 Land Use and Visual Resources................................................................5-6

5.1.9 Socioeconomics ........................................................................................5-7

5.1.10 Cultural Resources ....................................................................................5-8

5.1.11 Air Quality and Noise ...............................................................................5-9

5.1.12 Reliability and Safety................................................................................5-9

5.1.13 Cumulative Effects....................................................................................5-9

5.1.14 Alternatives Considered..........................................................................5-10

5.2 FERC STAFF’S RECOMMENDED MITIGATION.......................................5-11
LIST OF APPENDICES 

APPENDIX A Distribution List 

APPENDIX B Pipeline and Facility Maps 

APPENDIX C Listing of Extra Workspaces by Milepost 

APPENDIX D Kern River’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance 

Plan (Kern River’s Plan) 

APPENDIX E Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Kern 

River’s Procedures) 

APPENDIX F Kern River Reclamation Plan 

APPENDIX G Kern River Noxious Weed Control Plan 

APPENDIX H Kern River Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan 

APPENDIX I Kern River Blasting Plan 

APPENDIX J Kern River Winter Construction Plan 

APPENDIX K Final Wetland Remedial Revegetation Plan 

APPENDIX L Residence Proximity Maps 

APPENDIX M Biological Resources Mitigation Plan 

APPENDIX N Proposed All-Terrain Vehicle and Off-Highway Vehicle Barrier Plan 

APPENDIX O Roadless Area Worksheets 

APPENDIX P Visual Assessment 

APPENDIX Q Response to Comments 

APPENDIX R References 

APPENDIX S List of Preparers 

APPENDIX T Keyword Index 

vii
LIST OF TABLES 

Number Title Page

1.3-1 Key Environmental Concerns Identified during the Scoping 

Process for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project ...............................1-8 

1.5-1 Major Permits, Approvals, and Consultations for the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project.......................................................................1-15 

2.1.2-1 Aboveground Facilities for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......2-4 

2.2.3-1 Potential Pipe Yards, Staging Areas, and Contractor Yards for the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......................................................2-15 

2.3.2-1 Proposed Horizontal Bore Locations for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ................................................................................2-37 

2.4-1 Construction Workforce and Schedule for Compressor Station 

Construction and Modifications for the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ..................................................................................................2-46 

3.3-1 Proposed or Recently Certificated Interstate Pipeline Projects 

Proposed to Transport Rocky Mountain Natural Gas............................3-8 

3.4-1 Deviations from Kern River’s Existing Right-of-Way Incorporated 

into the Proposed Apex Expansion Project Route ..............................3-10 

3.4.1-1 Comparison of Kern River Right-of-Way Route Alternative and 

the Proposed Apex Expansion Project Route .....................................3-13 

3.4.2-1 Comparison of Legacy Highway Route Alternative and the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project Route ............................................3-15 

3.4.3-1 Comparison of Pages Lane/Porter Road Route Alternative and the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project Route ............................................3-18 

3.4.4-1 Comparison of Bountiful Boulevard Route Alternative and the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project Route ............................................3-20 

3.4.5-1 Comparison of Wasatch Mountains Alternative and the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project Route ............................................................3-23 

3.5-1 Summary of Route Variations Identified for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ................................................................................3-25 

3.5.1-1 Comparison of Features of the Proposed Project Route and the 

East Canyon Route Variation ..............................................................3-27 

3.5.2-1 Comparison of Features of the Proposed Project Route and the 

Hogsback Route Variation...................................................................3-29 

3.5.3-1 Comparison of Features of the Proposed Project Route and the 

Holbrook Canyon Route Variation ......................................................3-30 

3.5.4-1 Comparison of Features of the Proposed Project Route and the 

Sitka Holdings Route Variation...........................................................3-32 

3.5.5-1 Comparison of Features of the Proposed Project Route and the 

Bonneville Shoreline Preserve Route Variation ..................................3-34 

viii
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED) 

Number Title Page

3.6.1-1 Comparison of Milford Compressor Station Site Alternative and 

the Proposed Apex Expansion Project................................................3-38 

4.1.1-1 Geologic Conditions Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ....................................................................................................4-3 

4.1.2-1 Mineral Resources Traversed by and along the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..................................................................................4-4 

4.1.3-1 Historical Earthquakes within 100 Miles of the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..................................................................................4-5 

4.1.3-2 Peak Horizontal Acceleration for Pipelines and Buildings along the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.........................................................4-6 

4.1.3-3 Quaternary and Holocene Faults Crossed by the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..................................................................................4-7 

4.1.3-4 Landslide Risks Identified along the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ....................................................................................................4-8 

4.1.3-5 Blasting Potential for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project..............4-10 

4.1.4-1 Areas Recommended for Paleontological Resource Monitoring for 

the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.................................................4-13 

4.2.1-1 Soil Limitations Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion Project 

(acres) ..................................................................................................4-15 

4.3.1-1 Water Supply Well Protection Zones Crossed by the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project Construction Workspaces ............................4-22 

4.3.1-2 Wellhead Protection Zones Identified within the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project Construction Workspacesa ....................................4-23 

4.3.2-1 Watershed Basins Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ..................................................................................................4-28 

4.3.2-2 Waterbodies Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.........4-30 

4.3.2-3 Sensitive Waterbodies Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ..................................................................................................4-33 

4.3.2-4 Surface Water Protection Areas Crossed by the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project Construction Workspaces ......................................4-35 

4.3.2-5 Summary of Proposed Variations to the FERC Procedures for the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......................................................4-39 

4.3.2-6 Water Withdrawal Volumes for the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project ..................................................................................................4-41 

4.3.3-1 Wetlands Affected by the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.............4-44 

4.3.3-2 Summary of Proposed Alternative Construction Measures for the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......................................................4-47 

ix
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED) 

Number Title Page

4.4.1-1 Acreages of Vegetation Types Impacted by Construction Activities 

for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project ...........................................4-51 

4.5.3-1 Big Game Crucial Habitat in the Proposed Apex Expansion Project 

Area......................................................................................................4-62 

4.5.4-1 Migratory Bird Species of Concern in the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project Area .......................................................................4-66 

4.6-1 Stream RHCAs Within USFS Lands ...................................................4-72 

4.6-2 Wetland RHCAs Within USFS Lands.................................................4-72 

4.7.1-1 Federally Listed, Candidate, and Petitioned Species Potentially 

Occurring in the Proposed Apex Expansion Project Area..................4-79 

4.7.2-1 State of Utah and USFS Sensitive Species Potentially Occurring 

within the Proposed Apex Expansion Project Area.............................4-87 

4.8.1-1 Land Use Types and Acres Impacted by Construction and 

Operation of the Proposed Apex Expansion Project..........................4-100 

4.8.1-2 Collocated and Adjacent Rights-of-Way for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..............................................................................4-102 

4.8.2-1 Existing Residences and Buildings within 50 Feet of the 

Construction Workspace for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.4-109 

4.8.3-1 Public Land, Recreational Areas, and Other Designated or Special 

Use Areas Crossed by the Proposed Apex Expansion Project...........4-112 

4.9.1-1 Existing Socioeconomic Conditions for States and Counties in the 

Region of Influence of the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.........4-125 

4.9.1-2 Estimated Construction Workforce for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..............................................................................4-127 

4.9.2-1 Vacant Accommodation Housing Units for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..............................................................................4-128 

4.9.3-1 Existing Public Service Facilities in the Region of Influence for the 

Apex Expansion Project.....................................................................4-129 

4.9.6-1 Estimated Annual Property (Ad Valorem) Tax for the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project.....................................................................4-132 

4.9.7-1 Racial/Ethnic Comparison for Counties Crossed by the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project (in percent) ................................................4-133 

4.9.7-2 Economic Statistics for Counties Crossed by the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..............................................................................4-134 

4.10.1-1 Historic and Archaeological Sites within the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project Area of Potential Effect .......................................4-136 

x
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED) 

Number Title Page

4.11.1-1 Compressor Station Additions/Modifications for the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project.....................................................................4-142 

4.11.1-2 Representative Annual Average Weather Conditions for the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project Area............................................4-143 

4.11.1-3 Ambient Air Quality Standards for the Proposed Apex Expansion 

Project Area .......................................................................................4-144 

4.11.1-4 Attainment Designations of Counties Affected by the Proposed 

Apex Expansion Project.....................................................................4-146 

4.11.1-5 Regional Background Criteria Pollutant Concentrations and 

Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Regions of the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.....................................................4-147 

4.11.1-6 Comparison of Emissions to General Conformity Thresholds for 

the Proposed Apex Expansion Project..............................................4-152 

4.11.1-7 Estimated Construction Emissions for the Proposed Apex 

Expansion Project ..............................................................................4-155 

4.11.1-8 Annual Air Pollutant Emissions from Compressor Station 

Equipment for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project......................4-157 

4.11.1-9 Formaldehyde Analysis Modeling Results – Proposed New 

Turbine at the Elberta Compressor Station........................................4-158 

4.11.1-10 Summary of Significant Impact Analysis for Proposed New 

Turbine for Elberta Compressor Station...........................................4-159 

4.11.1-11 Comparison of Modeled Results for the Milford Compressor 

Station................................................................................................4-160 

4.11.1-12 Comparison of Modeled Results to WAAQS and PSD Increment 

for the Coyote Creek Compressor Station ........................................4-161 

4.11.1-13 Comparison of Formaldehyde Results to the Cancer Risk 

Screening Level for the Coyote Creek Compressor Station ..............4-162 

4.11.1-14 Comparison of Modeled Results to PSD Increment for the Dry 

Lake Compressor Station...................................................................4-162 

4.11.1-15 Summary of Significant Impact Analysis for Proposed New 

Turbine for Dry Lake Compressor Station .......................................4-163 

4.11.2-1 Typical Sound Pressure Levels from Pipeline Construction 

Equipment for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......................4-167 

4.11.2-2 Sound Pressure Levels from Compressor Station Construction 

Equipment for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project.......................4-168 

4.11.2-3 Compressor Stations Predicted Noise Impacts at the Nearest NSAs 

for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project .........................................4-169 

xi
LIST OF TABLES (CONTINUED) 

xii

Number Title Page

4.12.1-1 U.S. Department of Transportation Classifications and Mainline 

Valve Locations for the Proposed Wasatch Loop.............................4-172 

4.12.2-1 Significant Incidents by Cause for Onshore Natural Gas 

Transmission Systems (1989 through 2008)......................................4-175 

4.12.2-2 Incidents Caused by External Corrosion and Level of Protection 

(1970 through June 1984)..................................................................4-176 

4.12.3-1 Average Annual Fatalities for Onshore Natural Gas Transmission 

Systems in the United States..............................................................4-177 

4.12.3-2 Fatalities by Sector for Onshore Natural Gas Transmission 

Systems in the United States (2003-2008).........................................4-177 

4.12.3-3 Nationwide Accidental Deaths ..........................................................4-178 

4.13-1 Existing or Proposed Projects which Could Cumulatively Impact 

Environmental Resources in the Region of Influence for the 

Proposed Apex Expansion Project.....................................................4-181 
LIST OF FIGURES 

Number Title Page

1-1 General Project Location .......................................................................1-3 

2.1.1-1 Proposed Wasatch Loop ........................................................................2-2 

2.1.2-1 Plot Plan for the Proposed Milford Compressor Station .......................2-5 

2.1.2-2 Plot Plan for the Existing Coyote Creek Compressor Station ...............2-6 

2.1.2-3 Plot Plan for the Existing Elberta Compressor Station..........................2-7 

2.1.2-4 Plot Plan for the Existing Dry Lake Compressor Station ......................2-8 

2.1.2-5 Plot Plan for the Mainline Valve, Pig Launcher, and Pig Receiver 

at Milepost 0.0 .......................................................................................2-9 

2.2.1-1 Cross-section of a Typical Right-of-Way............................................2-12 

2.3.1-1 Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence .............................................2-20 

2.3.2-1 Typical Wetland Crossing Adjacent to an Existing Pipeline...............2-26 

2.3.2-2 Typical Non-flowing Waterbody Crossing..........................................2-28 

2.3.2-3 Conventional Bore Crossing Method...................................................2-31 

2.3.2-4 Flume Crossing Method.......................................................................2-32 

2.3.2-5 Dam-and-Pump Crossing Method .......................................................2-34 

2.3.2-6 Conventional Horizontal Boring for Roadway Crossing.....................2-38 

2.3.2-7 Conventional Horizontal Boring for Railroad Crossing ......................2-39 

2.3.2-8 Cross-section of Typical Side Slope Construction Method.................2-42 

2.3.2-9 Typical Side Slope Construction Method Right-of-Way.....................2-43 

3.3-1 System Alternatives ...............................................................................3-7 

3.4.1-1 Kern River Right-of-Way Route Alternative.......................................3-12 

3.4.2-1 Legacy Highway Route Alternative.....................................................3-14 

3.4.3-1 Pages Lane/Porter Road Route Alternative .........................................3-17 

3.4.4-1 Bountiful Boulevard Route Alternative...............................................3-19 

3.4.5-1 Wasatch Mountains Route Alternative ................................................3-22 

3.5.1-1 East Canyon Route Variation ..............................................................3-26 

3.5.2-1 Hogsback Route Variation...................................................................3-28 

3.5.3-1 Holbrook Canyon Route Variation ......................................................3-31 

3.5.4-1 Sitka Holdings Route Variation...........................................................3-33 

3.5.5-1 Bonneville Shoreline Preserve Route Variation ..................................3-35 

3.6.1-1 Milford Compressor Station Site Alternatives.....................................3-39 

4.8.3-1 Recreation and Special Interest Areas ...............................................4-115 

xiii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation 

API American Petroleum Institute 

AQCR air quality control region 

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers 

ATV all-terrain vehicle 

ATWS additional temporary workspace 

BA Biological Assessment 

BACT best available control technology 

Bcf/d billion cubic feet per day 

BGEPA Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act 

bgs below ground surface 

BLM U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management 

BLM-CCFO BLM-Cedar City Field Office 

BLM-LVFO BLM-Las Vegas Field Office 

BLM-SLFO BLM-Salt Lake City Office 

BMP best management practice 

BO Biological Opinion 

CAA Clean Air Act 

CAAA 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments 

CC DAQEM Clark County Department of Air Quality and Environmental 

Management 

CCC Civilian Conservation Corps 

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality 

Certificate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity 

cf/d cubic feet per day 

CFR Code of Federal Regulations 

cfs cubic feet per second 

CH4 methane 

cm2 square centimeters 

CO carbon monoxide 

CO2 carbon dioxide 

CO2-eq carbon dioxide equivalents 

COE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

xiv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED) 

COM Construction, Operation and Maintenance Plan 

Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

CRP Conservation Reserve Program 

CWA Clean Water Act 

CWMU Cooperative Wildlife Management Unit 

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 

dBA decibels on the A-weighted scale 

DEP Division of Environmental Protection 

DOE U.S. Department of Energy 

DWR Division of Wildlife Resources 

EFH essential fish habitat 

EIA U.S. Energy Information Administration 

EIS environmental impact statement 

EO Executive Order 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

EPAct 2005 Energy Policy Act of 2005 

ESA Endangered Species Act of 1973 

ESD emergency shut down 

F Fahrenheit 

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

FERC’s Plan FERC Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan 

FERC’s Procedures FERC Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation 

Procedures 

FWS U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service 

g gravity 

GHG greenhouse gas 

GIS geographic information system 

GWP global warming potential 

HAP hazardous air pollutant 

HCA high-consequence area 

HDD horizontal directional drilling 

HEL highly erodible land 

HFC hydrofluorocarbons 

HFE hydrofluorinated ethers 

hp horsepower 

xv
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED) 

HUC hydrolic unit code 

ISO International Organization for Standardization 

Kern River Kern River Gas Transmission Company 

Kern River's Plan Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation and Maintenance Plan 

Kern River's Procedures Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures 

KRMP Kern River milepost 

kV kilovolt 

Ldn day-night sound level 

Leq equivalent sound level 

LNP Legacy Nature Preserve 

LRMP Land and Resource Management Plan 

LWCF Land and Water Conservation Fund 

M magnitude 

m3 cubic meters 

MACT Maximum Achievable Control Technology 

Magnuson-Stevens Act Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 

MAOP maximum allowable operating pressure 

MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act 

Memorandum Memorandum of Understanding on Natural Gas Transportation 

Facilities 

MMcf/d million cubic feet per day 

mg milligrams 

MGD million gallons per day 

MIS management indicator species 

MLA Mineral Leasing Act 

MLV mainline valve 

MMBtu/hour million British thermal units per hour 

MP milepost 

MW megawatt 

mya million years ago 

N2O nitrous oxide 

NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards 

NDCNR Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

xvi
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED) 

NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants 

NF National Forest 

NFS National Forest system 

NF3 nitrogen trifluoride 

NGA Natural Gas Act 

NGPSA Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 

NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service 

NNSR Nonattainment New Source Review 

NO2 nitrogen oxide 

NOA notice of availability 

NOI Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the 

Apex Expansion Project, Request for Comments on Environmental 

Issues, and Notice of Joint Public Scoping Meetings 

Nox nitrogen oxides 

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

NRCS National Resources Conservation Service 

NRHP National Register of Historic Places 

NSA noise-sensitive area 

NSPO non-standard parallel offset 

NSPS New Source Performance Standards 

NSR New Source Review 

NWP nationwide permit 

NWI National Wetlands Inventory 

O3 ozone 

OEP Office of Energy Projects 

OHV off-highway vehicle 

OPS Office of Pipeline Safety 

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration 

PEM palustrine emergent wetlands 

PFC perfluorocarbons 

PFO palustrine forested 

PGA peak horizontal ground acceleration 

PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration 

PIF Partners in Flight 

xvii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED) 

PM10 particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 microns 

PM2.5 particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 microns 

POD Plan of Development 

ppm parts per million 

PRMP Paleontological Resource Management Plan 

Project Apex Expansion Project 

PSD Prevention of Significant Deterioration 

psi pounds per square inch 

psig pounds per square inch (gauge) 

PSS palustrine scrub-shrub 

Reclamation U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation 

Reclamation Plan Reclamation Plan for the Proposed Apex Expansion Project 

RICE Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine 

RHCA Riparian Habitat Conservation Area 

RMP BLM Resource Management Plan 

ROD Record of Decision 

RPS Renewable Portfolio Standards 

SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition 

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act 

SF6 sulfur hexafluoride 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office 

SI ICE spark-ignition internal-combustion engines 

SIL significant impact level 

SIO Scenic Integrity Objectives 

SMS Scenery Management System 

SO2 sulfur dioxide 

SO3 sulfur trioxide 

SPCC Plan Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plan 

SSURGO Soil Survey Geographic Database 

STATSGO State Soil Geographic Database 

SWPPP Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan 

tpy tons per year 

TWS temporary workspace 

UDAQ Utah Division of Air Quality 

xviii
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS (CONTINUED) 

xix

UDEQ Utah Department of Environmental Quality 

UDNR Utah Department of Natural Resources 

UDOT Utah Department of Transportation 

UDWR Utah Division of Wildlife 

UGS Utah Geological Survey 

UPARR Urban Park and Recreation Recovery 

UPDES Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

USC United States Code 

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture 

USDOT U.S. Department of Transportation 

USFS U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service 

USGCRP U.S. Global Change Research Program 

USGS United States Geological Survey 

UTA Utah Transit Authority 

UWCNF Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest 

VOC volitile organic compound 

VRM Visual Resource Management 

WDEQ Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality 

WFZ Wasatch Fault Zone 

WLMP Wasatch Loop Milepost 

WMA wildlife management area 

WPDES Wyoming Pollutant Discharge Elimination System 

μg micrograms