Appendix B2 Noxious Weed Management Plan

Transcription

1 Appendix B2 Noxious Weed Management Plan

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS B2.1 Introduction... B2-1 B2.2 Regulatory Framework... B2-2 B2.3 Noxious Weed Inventory... B2-4 B2.4 Noxious Weed Management... B2-11 B2.5 Monitoring... B2-21 B2.6 Pesticide Application, Handling, Spills, and Cleanup... B2-22 B2.7 Literature Cited... B2-25 Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences Attachment B Agency-approved Pesticides Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-i Plan of Development

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5 LIST OF ACRONYMS APHIS BLM CIC Company NERC NW POD Project RMP SPCC U.S.C. USDA USFS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Bureau of Land Management Compliance Inspection Contractor PacifiCorp North American Electric Reliability Cooperation Noxious weeds stipulations and methods Plan of Development Energy Gateway South Transmission Project Resouce Management Plan Spill Prevention, Containment, and Countermeasures United States Code U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-iii Plan of Development

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7 B2.1 Introduction B2.1.1 APPENDIX B2 NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT PLAN Background Maintaining ecosystem health is a principal objective of land management planning and the expansion of noxious weeds is a central obstruction to fulfilling this objective. The Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 United States Code [U.S.C.] 7701 et seq.) defines a noxious weed as any plant or plant product that can directly or indirectly injure or cause damage to crops (including nursery stock or plant products), livestock, poultry, or other interests of agriculture, irrigation, navigation, the natural resources of the United States, the public health, or the environment. The highly competitive and opportunistic nature of noxious weeds often prevents native plant species from re-establishing advantageous communities in disturbed areas. The intent of this Noxious Weed Management Plan is to provide a framework of principals and procedures to be used to prevent the introduction and spread of noxious weeds associated with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the Energy Gateway South Transmission Project (Project). The format and content of this Noxious Weed Management Plan is based on the principles and procedures outlined in the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Integrated Weed Management Manual 9015 and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Noxious Weed Management Manual This plan includes a discussion on (1) the plan purpose and objectives, (2) the noxious weed inventory to be completed, (3) management practices, (4) monitoring, and (5) the use of pesticides/herbicides. B2.1.2 Plan Purpose The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Colorado Department of Agriculture, and Utah Department of Agriculture and Food have each identified noxious weed species that occur in their respective jurisdictions. A number of listed noxious weed species have the potential to be introduced or spread along the Project right-of-way as a result of actions associated with the Project. This Noxious Weed Management Plan provides methods to control the potential establishment and/or spread of noxious weeds during and following construction of the Project. It is the responsibility of PacifiCorp (Company), and the Construction Contractor(s) working in coordination with both the Compliance Inspection Contractor (CIC) and the respective federal land-management agencies Authorized Officers or their designated representatives to ensure noxious weeds are identified and controlled during construction, operation, and maintenance of Project facilities and that all federal, state, county, and other local requirements are satisfied. The control of invasive species (not classified as noxious weeds) is addressed in Appendix C1 Reclamation, Revegetation, and Monitoring Plan Framework. B2.1.3 Goals and Objectives The goal of this plan is to implement early detection measures, containment techniques, and control methods associated with listed noxious weed species during Project construction, operation, and maintenance. Information assembled by the Company during preconstruction surveys and provided by the land-management agencies will be used to monitor and control the spread of noxious weeds during the construction and operation of the Project. The prevention and treatment measures are described in Section B2.4 Noxious Weed Management. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the prescribed control measures described in Section B2.4 also will be implemented during the operational phase of the Project. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-1 Plan of Development

8 B2.2 Regulatory Framework The following overview provides a brief account of federal legislation, state legislation, and related regulatory compliance requirements applicable to noxious weed species and approved noxious weed management techniques as applied to the Project area. B2.2.1 Plant Protection Act of 2000 The Plant Protection Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C et seq.) counteracts importation, exportation, and proliferation of noxious plant species by merging and modifying previous statutes (the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, the Plant Quarantine Act, and the Federal Plant Pest Act) associated with plant protection and quarantine. The act authorizes the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to direct noxious weed matters. B2.2.2 Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act The Federal Environmental Pesticide Control Act (7 U.S.C. 136 et seq.) entirely amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The act bestows federal oversight of pesticide distribution, transaction, and manipulation to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and establishes strict administrative registration of all pesticides. B2.2.3 Carlson-Foley Act The Carlson-Foley Act (43 U.S.C. 1241) directs federal land-management agencies to destroy noxious weeds growing on land under their jurisdiction and provides a legal framework for reimbursement of expenses to state or local agencies for weed control on federal land. B2.2.4 Executive Order Executive Order requires federal agencies to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, detect and respond rapidly to control such species, monitor invasive species populations, and restore native species and habitat conditions in ecosystems that have been invaded. In addition, the order requires that a federal agency not authorize, fund, or carry out actions that it believes are likely to cause or promote the introduction or spread of invasive species. B2.2.5 Bureau of Land Management Resource Management Plans and Management Framework Plans BLM Resource Management Plans (RMP) and Management Framework Plans for Wyoming, including Rawlins Field Office (2008); for Colorado, including White River (1997, as amended) and Little Snake Field Offices (2011); for Utah, including Richfield (2008), Fillmore (1987), Price (2008), Vernal (2008), and Salt Lake District Field Offices (1990), specify regulations and goals for management of BLMadministered lands and set restrictions to protect fish and wildlife and the habitats on which they depend. Many of these documents also describe the locations and approximate quantities of known noxious weed species in the jurisdictional boundaries of the field offices. B2.2.6 U.S. Forest Service Land and Resource Management Plans USFS Land and Resource Management Plan for Manti-La Sal (1986, as amended) and Uinta (2003, as amended) National Forests identify goals for forest health and constraints on resource uses to meet these goals. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-2 Plan of Development

9 B2.2.7 Bureau of Land Management Manual 9015 Integrated Weed Management Manual 9015 directs the BLM to manage noxious weeds and undesirable plants on BLM lands by preventing establishment and spread of new infestations, reducing existing population levels, and managing and controlling existing stands. Required management for grounddisturbing actions includes determining the risk of spreading noxious weeds associated with the Project and ensuring contracts contain provisions that hold contractors responsible for the prevention and control of noxious weeds caused by their operations if the activity is determined to be moderate to high risk. B2.2.8 Bureau of Land Management Manuals and BLM Manual Integrated Vegetation Management (2008) and BLM Manual Renewable Resource Improvement and Treatment Guidelines and Procedures (1987) outline policies, objectives, and standards focused primarily on planning, analyzing, constructing, maintaining, replacing, or modifying renewable resource improvements and treatments, such as for forestry, invasive species, and range management. B2.2.9 U.S. Forest Service Manual 2080 U.S. Forest Service Noxious Weed Management Manual 2080 directs each Forest Supervisor to manage noxious weeds on national forest system lands to achieve goals and objectives identified in forest land and resource management plans. Per the manual, the USFS will determine the risk of spreading noxious weeds associated with proposed ground-disturbing activities and must identify and implement control measures for moderate to high risk activities in the Project decision document. USFS Manual 2080 also authorizes contract and permit clauses to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds by contractors or permittees. B U.S. Forest Service Manual 2900 USFS Manual 2900, Invasive Species Management, sets forth National Forest System policy, responsibilities, and direction for the prevention, detection, control, and restoration of effects from aquatic and terrestrial invasive species (including vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and pathogens). B Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Act Wyoming Weed and Pest Control Act (Title 11, Chapter 5, Article 1) officially designates the authority of the State of Wyoming to require the control of designated pests and weeds. B Wyoming Environmental Pesticide Control Act Wyoming Environmental Pesticide Control Act (Title 35, Chapter 7, Section to ) regulates the labeling, distribution, storage, transportation, disposal, use, and application of pesticides used to control pests and weeds. B Colorado Noxious Weed Act Colorado Noxious Weed Act (Title 35, Article 5.5) officially designates the authority of the State of Colorado to require the control of designated pests and weeds. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-3 Plan of Development

10 B Colorado Pesticide Act Colorado Pesticide Act (Title 35, Article 9) regulates the labeling, distribution, storage, transportation, disposal, use, and application of pesticides used to control pests and weeds. B Utah Noxious Weed Act Utah Noxious Weed Act (Rule R68-9) officially designates the list of weeds as noxious for the State of Utah, equipment capable of disseminating those weeds, and treatments considered to prevent dissemination of weed seeds or parts of noxious weed plants that could cause new growth by contaminated equipment, as per the authority vested in the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food under Section B Utah Pesticide Control Act Utah Pesticide Control Act (Rule R68-7) regulates the labeling, distribution, storage, transportation, disposal, use, and application of pesticides used to control pests and weeds. B2.3 Noxious Weed Inventory Information regarding the presence and distribution of noxious weeds was collected incidental to biological resource surveys. Target species during this inventory included weed species designated noxious by the USDA as well as the states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah, as well as county weed management agencies in counties crossed by the Project. In addition, information regarding known noxious weed occurrences in the Project area has been provided to the extent of available records. The noxious weed information contained in the plan should not be considered to be comprehensive and additional monitoring and inventories will be required during construction to comply with the goals and objectives in this Plan. Further information regarding survey, coordination, and reporting requirements regarding noxious weeds are located in Section B2.4.1 Identification of Problem Areas and Education and Section B2.5.2 Ongoing Monitoring and Control. B2.3.1 Federally Listed Noxious Weeds The Plant Protection Act of 2000 authorizes APHIS to designate national-priority noxious weed species through compilation of a federal noxious weed list. The act also requires that federal land-management agencies control designated federal noxious weeds in addition to developing and implementing cooperative noxious weed control agreements with state agencies. Four federally designated noxious weed species are reported to occur in states crossed by the Project (Table B2-1 Federally Listed Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern - State Occurrence) (USDA 2014). TABLE B2-1 FEDERALLY LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN - STATE OCCURRENCE Common Name Scientific Name Wyoming Colorado Utah Broomrape Orobanche spp. Dodder Cuscuta spp. Exotic bur-reed Sparganium erectum Goatsrue Galega officinalis SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture 2014 NOTES: = Indicates State(s) with records of species occurrence = Indicates State(s) with no records of species occurrence Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-4 Plan of Development

11 B2.3.2 State-listed Listed Noxious Weeds The states of Wyoming, Colorado, and Utah each maintain official lists of plant species designated as noxious weeds. While state management priorities are outlined below, all noxious weeds in the Project area will be treated as outlined in this plan. B2.3.3 Wyoming State-listed Listed Noxious Weeds The State of Wyoming has officially designated 25 weed species as noxious (Table B2-2 Wyoming State-listed Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern). Collectively, Wyoming counties crossed by the Project have 11 additional county declared noxious weeds. TABLE B2-2 WYOMING STATE-LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name Designation Canada thistle Cirsium arvense Statewide Common burdock Arctium minus Statewide Common St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum Statewide Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare Statewide Dalmatian toadflax Linaria dalmatica Statewide Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa Statewide Dyers woad Isatis tinctoria Statewide Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis Statewide Hoary cress Cardaria draba and Cardaria pubescens Statewide Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale Statewide Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula Statewide Musk thistle Carduus nutans Statewide Ox-eye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum Statewide Perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium Statewide Perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis Statewide Plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides Statewide Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria Statewide Quackgrass Agropyron repens Statewide Russian knapweed Centaurea repens Statewide Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia Statewide Saltcedar Tamarix spp. Statewide Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium Statewide Skeletonleaf bursage Franseria discolor Statewide Spotted knapweed Centaurea maculosa Statewide Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris Statewide County Declared Noxious Weeds 1 Black henbane Hyoscyamus niger Carbon, Sweetwater Counties Common cocklebur Xanthium strumarium Carbon County Common Reed Phragmites australis Sweetwater County Foxtail barley Hordeum jubatum Sweetwater County Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus Carbon County Lady s bedstraw Galium verum Sweetwater County Mountain thermopsis Thermopis montana Sweetwater County Plains larkspur/geyer larkspur Delphinium geyeri Carbon County Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-5 Plan of Development

12 TABLE B2-2 WYOMING STATE-LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name Designation Plains pricklypear Opuntia polyacantha Carbon County Wild licorice Glycyrrhiza lepidota Sweetwater County Wyeth lupine Lupinus wyethii Carbon County SOURCE: Wyoming Department of Agriculture 2014a, b NOTE: 1 Bureau of Land Management Rawlins Field Office does not require control of county declared species, as many are native species. B2.3.4 Colorado State Listed Noxious Weeds The State of Colorado has categorically designated 75 weed species as noxious (Table B2-3 Colorado State-listed Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern). In addition, Colorado also maintains a series of 26 Watch List species that have been identified to present a potential risk to agricultural and environmental resources. The Watch List is intended to operate solely as an informative and consultative instrument to facilitate the collection of data used in determining future noxious weed designations. Watch List species are not considered in this noxious weed management plan because the species do not hold official designation as noxious weeds. Watch List species may be considered invasive species and control measures regarding invasive species (not classified as noxious weeds) are addressed in Appendix C1 Reclamation, Revegetation, and Monitoring Plan Framework. Categorical designations of noxious weed species list groups of species in order of prioritization as follows: List A Eradication Declared noxious weeds that pose a serious threat to the state and are identified as highest priority for eradication List B Containment and Control Declared noxious weeds that pose a threat to the state. Actions are designed to stop the continued spread of listed species. List C Local Planning and Support Develop and implement state noxious weed management plans to support locally integrated weed management actions on both public and private jurisdictions. The objective of local planning will not be focused on discontinuing the spread of List C species but is intended to afford educational, research, and biological control assets to jurisdictions that may require management of List C species. TABLE B2-3 COLORADO STATE-LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name State Category African rue Peganum harmala A Camelthorn Alhagi maurorum A Common crupina Crupina vulgaris A Cypress spurge Euphorbia cyparissias A Dyer s woad Isatis tinctoria A Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-6 Plan of Development

13 TABLE B2-3 COLORADO STATE-LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name State Category Elongated mustard Brassica elongata A Giant reed Arundo donax A Giant salvinia Salvinia molesta A Hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata A Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum A Giant knotweed Polygonum sachalinense A Bohemian knotweed Polygonum x bohemicum A Meadow knapweed Centaurea nigrescens A Mediterranean sage Salvia aethiopis A Medusahead Taeniatherum caput-medusae A Myrtle spurge Euphorbia myrsinites A Orange hawkweed Hieracium aurantiacum A Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria A Rush skeletonweed Chondrilla juncea A Squarrose knapweed Centaurea virgata A Tansy ragwort Senecio jacobaea A Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis A Absinth wormwood Artemisia absinthium B Black henbane Hyoscyamus niger B Bouncingbet Saponaria officinalis B Bull thistle Cirsium vulgare B Canada thistle Cirsium arvense B Chinese clematis Clematis orientalis B Common tansy Tanacetum vulgare B Common teasel Dipsacus fullonum B Corn chamomile Anthemis arvensis B Cutleaf teasel Dipsacus laciniatus B Dalmatian toadflax, broad-leaved Linaria dalmatica B Dalmatian toadflax, narrow-leaved Linaria genistifolia B Dame s rocket Hesperis matronalis B Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa B Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum B Hoary cress Cardaria draba B Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale B Jointed goatgrass Aegilops cylindrica B Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula B Mayweed chamomile Anthemis cotula B Moth mullein Verbascum blattaria B Musk thistle Carduus nutans B Oxeye daisy Leucanthemum vulgare B Perennial pepperweed Lepidium latifolium B Plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides B Quackgrass Elymus repens B Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens B Russian-olive Elaeagnus angustifolia B Salt cedar Tamarix chinensis, T. parviflora, and T. ramosissima B Scentless chamomile Tripleurospermum perforata B Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium, O. tauricum B Spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe B Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-7 Plan of Development

14 TABLE B2-3 COLORADO STATE-LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name State Category Spurred anoda Anoda cristata B Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta B Venice mallow Hibiscus trionum B Wild caraway Carum carvi B Yellow nutsedge Cyperus esculentus B Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris B Bulbous bluegrass Poa bulbosa C Chicory Cichorium intybus C Common burdock Arctium minus C Common mullein Verbascum thapsus C Common St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum C Downy brome Bromus tectorum C Field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis C Halogeton Halogeton glomeratus C Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense C Perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis C Poison hemlock Conium maculatum C Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris C Redstem filaree Erodium cicutarium C Velvetleaf Abutilon theophrasti C Wild proso millet Panicum miliaceum C SOURCE: Colorado Department of Agriculture 2014 B2.3.5 Utah State Listed Noxious Weeds The State of Utah has categorically designated 29 weed species as noxious (Table B2-4 Utah State Listed Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern). Collectively, Utah counties crossed by the Project have designated 6 additional county declared noxious weeds. The State of Utah categorical designation of noxious weed species lists groups of species in order of prioritization as follows: Class A Early Detection Rapid Response Highest Priority Declared noxious weeds with relatively small populations that pose a serious threat to the state and are identified as highest priority for eradication. Class B Control High Priority Declared noxious weeds with moderate-sized populations that pose a threat to the state and are believed to be controllable in most areas. Class C Containment Secondary Priority Declared noxious weeds that pose a threat and are located extensively across the state. Efforts focus on containment of populations. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-8 Plan of Development

15 TABLE B2-4 UTAH STATE LISTED NOXIOUS WEED SPECIES OF POTENTIAL CONCERN Common Name Scientific Name State Category State of Utah Black henbane Hyoscyamus niger A Diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa A Leafy spurge Euphorbia esula A Medusahead Taeniatherum caput-medusae A Ox-eye daisy Chrysanthemum leucanthemum A Johnson grass Sorghum halepense A Sorghum alum Sorghum almum, Parodi A Purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria A Spotted knapweed Centaurea masculosa A Squarrose knapweed Centaurea squarrosa A St. Johnswort Hypericum perforatum A Sulfur cinquefoil Potentilla recta A Yellow starthistle Centaurea solstiltialis A Yellow toadflax Linaria vulgaris A Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon B Broad-leaved peppergrass Lepidium latifolium B Dalmation toadflax Linaria dalmatica B Dyer s woad Isatis tinctoria B Hoary cress Cardaria draba B Musk thistle Carduus nutans B Poison hemlock Conium maculatum B Russian knapweed Acroptilon repens B Squarrose Knapweed Centaurea virgata B Scotch thistle Onopordum acanthium B Canada thistle Cirsium arvense C Field bindweed Convolvulus spp. C Houndstongue Cynoglossum officinale C Quackgrass Agropyron repens C Saltcedar (tamarisk) Tamarix spp C County Declaration Common Name Scientific Name County Blue flowering lettuce Lactuca pulchella Juab Common teasel Dipsacus fullonum Uintah Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris Uintah Phragmites Phragmites australis Utah Russian olive Elaeagnus angustifolia Carbon, Duchesne, Uintah Water hemlock Cicuta spp. Duchesne SOURCE: Utah Department of Agriculture and Food 2009, 2010 B2.3.6 Bureau of Land Management Noxious Weed Occurrences Distribution information available from BLM field office management documents, where available, was used to determine the presence of noxious weeds in the Project area. Noxious weed information regarding BLM-administered lands for each state is summarized in the following subsections. Wyoming BLM Rawlins Field Office. The BLM Rawlins Field Office RMP EIS confirms the presence of 18 of the 25 Wyoming state-listed noxious weeds in the field office (BLM 2008a) (Table 1 Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-9 Plan of Development

16 Colorado Utah State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Wyoming for Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). These species on public lands in Wyoming are managed under the Rawlins Field Office Noxious Weed Prevention Plan (BLM 2008a). The current, untreated, weed-infested area is estimated at 20,000 acres, but most of the Rawlins Field Office has not been inventoried for noxious and invasive species (BLM 2008a). BLM Little Snake Field Office. In the field office area, especially in the last 10 years, there has been an increase in noxious and invasive weeds, including salt cedar, halogeton, Canada thistle, and cheatgrass. These problems are most evident in the oil and gas production fields and other locations where native vegetation has been disturbed (BLM 2011). Specific information about the presence of noxious weed species in this field office is not currently available. The State of Colorado has categorically designated 75 noxious weed species (Table B2-3 Colorado Statelisted Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern) that may be present in the Project area. BLM White River Field Office. A key element of management on the White River Field Office is the preventive measure of designating weed-free zones where few or no noxious weeds presently occur. The weed-free zones are estimated to comprise approximately 19 percent of the White River Field Office and are located in the north-central and northeast portions of the White River Field Office (BLM 1997). Specific information about the presence of noxious weed species in this field office is not currently available. The State of Colorado has categorically designated 75 noxious weed species (Table B2-3 Colorado State-listed Noxious Weed Species of Potential Concern) that may be present in the Project area. BLM Vernal Field Office. There are more than 23,000 acres of noxious and undesirable weeds in the Vernal Field Office (BLM 2008d). The Vernal Field Office ROD and Approved RMP confirms the presence of 17 of the 29 state-listed noxious weed species and 1 county-listed species (BLM 2008d) (Table 2 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Utah for Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). Cheatgrass, though not a state-listed noxious weed, is a major concern in the field office; approximately 55,700 acres of land in the field office have more than 60 percent cheatgrass cover (BLM 2008d). BLM Richfield Field Office. Eleven species from the state list are present in the Richfield Field Office (BLM 2008b) (Table 2 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Utah for Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). This field office also monitors for county-listed noxious weeds and BLM-designated new and invading weeds and other species deemed to have the potential to invade field office ecosystems. Other nonlisted species, such as cheatgrass, are likewise given consideration when making management decisions. BLM Price Field Office. The Price ROD and Approved RMP (BLM 2008c) includes management prescriptions for 14 noxious weeds identified as occurring in the field office during the planning process. Twelve of these species are Utah state-listed noxious weeds, one is a county-listed noxious weed for counties in the Project area, and one is a county-listed noxious weed for counties outside the Project area (Table 2 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Utah for Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). BLM Fillmore Field Office. The Fillmore Field Office has documented the presence of 10 weeds on the Utah state noxious weed list (Table 2 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-10 Plan of Development

17 Utah for Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). Noxious weed inventories have been completed in both Millard and Juab counties; however, no inventories of noxious weeds have occurred in the particular BLM Fillmore Field Office lands crossed by the Project. There are approximately 2,000 acres treated for noxious and invasive weeds in the Fillmore Field Office annually. During 1996 and 1997, Squarrose knapweed was estimated to be present on 200,000 acres in Juab, Utah, and Tooele counties (Probert 2013). BLM Salt Lake Field Office. The Project crosses only very small areas of public land in the extreme southeast corner of the Salt Lake Field Office. No specific information on noxious weed occurrence in this area is currently available, as no inventories of noxious weeds have occurred in the particular BLM lands crossed by the Project in this field office. However, 17 state-listed noxious weed species are known to occur in the Salt Lake Field Office jurisdiction (Table 2 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Utah for Bureau of Land Management Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). B2.3.7 U.S. Forest Service Noxious Weed Occurrences Distribution information available from USFS management documents, where available, was used to determine the presence of noxious weeds in the Project area. Several Utah state-listed noxious weeds are known to occur within USFS boundaries in the Project area. Noxious weed information regarding the Manti-La Sal and Uinta National Forests, both located in Utah, is summarized in the following subsections: Manti-La Sal National Forest. The Project crosses only very small areas of public land in the extreme north end of the forest. Several noxious weed species are known to occur across all elevations of Manti-La Sal National Forest-administered lands (Table 3 State- and Countylisted Noxious Weeds in Utah for U.S. Forest Service Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). Musk thistle, Whitetop, and Canada thistle are state-listed noxious weed species prioritized for control efforts (USFS 1986) Uinta National Forest. The Project crosses portions of the Nephi, Thistle, and Upper Spanish Fork management areas. The Nephi and Thistle management areas both contain documented infestations of tamarisk. The Upper Spanish Fork Management Area contains documented infestations of tamarisk, whitetop, musk thistle and Canada thistle (USFS 2003). Several noxious weed species are known to occur across all elevations of Uinta National Forest-administered lands (Table 3 State- and County-listed Noxious Weeds in Utah for U.S. Forest Service Lands in the Project Area of Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences). B2.4 Noxious Weed Management Regulatory agencies managing lands along the Project alignment have varying requirements for weed management. A preconstruction survey for noxious weeds using the protocol established by the BLM Integrated Weed Management Manual 9015 will be conducted by qualified personnel retained by the Company/Construction Contractor(s) and in consultation with the Project CIC before Project operations begin. The management of noxious weeds will be considered throughout all stages of the Project, including: Educating all construction personnel regarding identified problem areas, the importance of preventive measures, and treatment methods. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-11 Plan of Development

18 Specific preventive measures to counteract the spread of noxious weeds during construction, operation, and maintenance activities. Preconstruction and postconstruction treatment methods to be applied to areas where noxious weeds are present. The following is a description of the measures that may be required for noxious weed management as directed by the BLM, USFS, or State Quarantine Officer. Applicable measures will be agreed upon prior to the onset of any ground-disturbing activities and this Noxious Weed Management Plan will be modified accordingly. B2.4.1 Identification of Problem Areas and Education Prior to the initiation of construction activities, the Company/Construction Contractor(s) will provide construction personnel with training and information on the importance of controlling/managing noxious weeds (refer to Appendix A4 Environmental and Safety Training Plan). The importance of preventing the spread of noxious weeds in areas not infested and controlling the proliferation of weeds already present will be emphasized. Prior to construction, areas of concern previously identified during the weed survey will be flagged by the Construction Contractor(s) and reviewed by the CIC. This flagging will alert construction personnel to the presence of noxious weeds and prevent area access until noxious weed management control measures, as described below, have been implemented. Attachment A Noxious Weed Occurrences identifies general portions of the greater Project area where weed infestations have been recorded. Noxious weed surveys conducted prior to initiation of ground-disturbing activities will supplement the information contained in this attachment. B Weed Management Personnel Requirements Weed management actions shall be carried out by a weed-management specialist with the following qualifications: Training and experience in native plant taxonomy/identification Training and experience in field ecology and plant community mapping Possession of a Commercial Applicator s License for pesticides from the appropriate State Department(s) of Agriculture (if chemical control is used) Training in weed management or integrated pest management with an emphasis in weeds Experience in coordination with agency and private landowners Attendance at an agency-approved noxious weed training course B2.4.2 Mitigation Measures The mitigation measures described in this section are applicable to Project construction, reclamation, operation, and maintenance. Several measures may be required to mitigate both particular impacts and/or potential impacts associated with construction activities. The following noxious weed mitigation measures include design features of the Project for environmental protection and selective mitigation measures derived from the EIS and other specific stipulations and methods. B Design Features of the Project for Environmental Protection Applied Project-wide, Project design features for environmental protection have been developed in accordance with BLM and USFS standards and will address many of the concerns associated with noxious weed management. Following is a description of design features that addresses construction and operation of Project facilities regarding noxious weed management. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-12 Plan of Development

19 Design Feature 1. In construction areas where recontouring is not required, vegetation will be left in place wherever possible, and original contour will be maintained to avoid excessive root damage and allow for resprouting in accordance with the reclamation plan. Vegetation not consistent with minimum clearance distances between trees and transmission lines must be removed to ensure line safety and reliability (required by North American Electric Reliability Council Transmission Vegetation Management Program [2006, 2008, 2009]). Design Feature 2. In construction areas where there is ground disturbance or where recontouring is required, surface reclamation will occur as required by the landowner or land-management agency. The method of reclamation normally will consist of, but will not be limited to, returning disturbed areas to their natural contour, reseeding, installing cross drains for erosion control, placing water bars in the road, and filling ditches. All areas on lands administered by federal agencies disturbed as a part of the construction and/or maintenance of the Project will be seeded with a seed mixture appropriate for those areas. The federal land-management agency will approve a seed mixture that fits each range type. Seeding methods typically will include drill seeding, where practicable; however, the federal landmanagement agency may recommend broadcast seeding as an alternative method in some cases. A Reclamation, Revegetation, and Monitoring Plan Framework identifying reclamation stipulations will be developed and incorporated into the Plan of Development (POD), which will be approved by the affected federal land-management agency prior to the issuance of a right-ofway grant (BLM), special-use authorization (USFS), encroachment permit and grant of easement (Bureau of Indian Affairs), etc. Design Feature 5. To prevent the spread of noxious weeds, a Noxious Weed Management Plan will be developed and incorporated into the POD, which will be approved by the affected federal land-management agencies prior to the issuance of the BLM and USFS Records of Decision; BLM right-of-way grant, USFS special-use authorization, BIA encroachment permit and grant of easement, etc. This plan will be based on the principles and procedures outlined in the BLM Integrated Weed Management Manual 9015 and Forest Service Noxious Weed Management Manual On private land, the Plan will be approved by a county weed-management officer. Design Feature 9. Based on preconstruction surveys and results of Section 7 consultation, state and federally designated sensitive plants, habitat, wetlands, riparian areas, springs, wells, water courses, or rare/slow regenerating vegetation communities will be flagged and structures will be placed to allow spanning of these features, where feasible, within the limits of standard structure design. Design Feature 17. In disturbed temporary work areas, the topsoil will be salvaged/segregated and distributed and contoured evenly over the surface of the disturbed area after construction completion. The soil surface will be seeded with an agency-recommended seed mix and left rough to help reduce the potential for weeds and erosion. Design Feature 18. Grading will be minimized by driving overland in areas approved in advance by the land-management agency in predesignated work areas whenever possible. Design Feature 26. All vehicle movement outside the right-of-way will be restricted to predesignated access, contractor-acquired access, public roads, or overland travel approved in advance by the applicable land-management agency, unless authorized by the CIC (during construction). Design Feature 27. The spatial limits of construction activities, including vehicle movement, will be predetermined with activity restricted to and confined within those limits. No paint or permanent discoloring agents indicating survey or construction limits will be applied to rocks, vegetation, structures, fences, etc. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-13 Plan of Development

20 B2.4.3 Design Feature 33. Consistent with BLM Riparian Management Policy, surface-disturbing activities within 328 feet (100 meters) of riparian areas (defined as areas of land directly influenced by permanent surface or subsurface water having visible vegetation or physical characteristics reflective of permanent water influence, including wetlands, stream banks, and shores of ponds or lakes) in Utah and Colorado will be required to meet exception criteria defined by the BLM, such as acceptable measures to protect riparian resources and habitats by avoiding or minimizing stormwater runoff, sedimentation, and disturbance of riparian vegetation, habitats, and wildlife species. In Wyoming, surface-disturbing activities within 500 feet (153 meters) of all perennial waters and/or wetland and riparian areas and 100 feet (30 meters) of all ephemeral channels also will be required to meet exception criteria in association with the BLM Rawlins Field Office RMP (BLM 2008a). Mitigation measures will be developed on a site-specific basis, in consultation with the affected federal land-management agency, and incorporated into the final POD. If any disturbance is anticipated within 20 feet of the edge of a riparian area or other wetland habitat, a silt fence or certified weed-free wattle will be installed along the travel route on the wetland side unless the wetland is up-gradient. Selective Mitigation Measures The selective mitigation measures to be applied on a site-specific basis to minimize potential adverse effects related to noxious weeds during construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project are included below. In selective areas, and on a case-by-case basis, the selective mitigations measures will be implemented by the Company/Construction Contractor(s) (refer to Volume II Map Sets of the POD): Selective Mitigation Measure 1 (Minimize/Avoid Disturbance to Sensitive Soils and Vegetation). In areas where soils and vegetation are particularly sensitive to disturbance, existing roads/two-tracks to be used for construction and maintenance will not be widened or otherwise upgraded; to the extent practicable. To allow construction equipment access to work areas where the equipment will extend beyond the width of the existing roads, the construction equipment will straddle the road traveling on the road s shoulder only where terrain and soil conditions will allow for safe operation/transport of the equipment (cranes, cement trucks, etc.). Landmanagement agencies will work with the Company to determine the extent these existing roads can be modified versus fully upgraded to ensure the roads/two-tracks are passable and safe for the equipment and construction and maintenance personnel. Avoiding unnecessary access road upgrades will limit the amount of habitat disturbed or removed. Visual contrast introduced through the widening of roads will increase the visibility of landscape modifications. Avoiding road upgrades will not increase vehicular traffic significantly; reducing the potential for indirect effects, such as damage or loss of vegetation, spread of noxious weeds, harassment of wildlife, vandalism of cultural resources, and disturbance to sensitive land uses. Limiting ground disturbance will reduce exposure of soils highly or moderately susceptible to wind or water erosion and in proximity to specially designated waters. The potential for increased erosion and sedimentation as a result of soil compaction/ decompaction will be reduced as well as the loss of soil-stabilizing vegetation. Selective Mitigation Measure 2 (Environmental Resources Avoidance). No blading of new access roads will occur in proximity to certain environmental resources during Project construction or maintenance. Existing crossings and/or overland access routes will be used for construction and maintenance in these areas. Methods such as matting can be used to stabilize access to work areas in these sensitive areas. To minimize ground disturbance, overland routes must be flagged with easily seen markers, and the route must be approved in advance. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-14 Plan of Development

21 Selective Mitigation Measure 2 is effective for the same reasons as Selective Mitigation Measure 1. Minimizing ground-disturbing construction and clearing activities in areas of environmental resources will limit the amount of habitat disturbed, removed, or fragmented. This will reduce the risk of isolation affecting the viability of special status wildlife subpopulations in these habitat areas. Visual contrast will be reduced by locating and constructing access routes, including associated vegetation clearing in riparian vegetation communities, where they will be less visible from viewing locations. Minimizing ground-disturbing construction activities in the vicinity of specially designated waters will limit soil disturbance, thereby minimizing the potential for increased erosion and sedimentation. In addition, limiting crossing of trails and other linear land uses will decrease direct conflicts with their use and function. Selective Mitigation Measure 3 (Minimize Slope Cut and Fill). The alignment of any new access roads or cross-country routes in designated areas will follow the landform contours where practicable to minimize ground disturbance and/or reduce scarring (visual contrast) of the landscape, providing that such alignment does not impact other resource values. In addition to reducing ground disturbance associated with the construction of new access roads, modification to the size and/or configuration of the structure work areas facilitated by minor structure design adjustments will allow cut and fill slopes to be minimized and contoured to blend with existing topography to the extent practicable. Following the existing land contours and terrain minimizes the cutting and filling of slopes and ensures the form and line of the landscape is not visually interrupted. This results in reducing visual contrast between the exposed ground of the road or structure work areas and the surrounding environment. Minimizing slope cut and fill also reduces ground disturbance and potential habitat fragmentation. Water runoff is less likely to accelerate soil erosion, thus minimizing potential damage from rutting and drilling, which in turn protects adjacent vegetation. Selective Mitigation Measure 5 (Minimize New or Improved Accessibility). To limit new or improved access into the Project area, as well as earthwork associated with the construction of tower pads in extremely steep terrain, all new or improved access and structure work areas not required for maintenance will be closed or rehabilitated using the most effective and least environmentally damaging methods appropriate to that area and developed through consultation with the landowner or land-management agency. Methods for road closure or management include installing and locking gates, obstructing the path, revegetating and mulching the surface of the roadbed to make it less apparent, restoring the road to its natural contour and vegetation, or constructing waterbars to ensure proper drainage. Tower pads will be contoured to blend with existing grade and revegetated to the extent practicable to reduce their visual dominance in steep terrain. Closing access roads where they are not needed after construction protects the area resources from further disturbance for the reasons described in Selective Mitigation Measure 1. The closing of these access roads will restore existing natural features as well as limit public access to wildlife populations, anthropogenic disturbance, and traffic; consequently reducing erosive attributes. Additionally, visual contrast will be reduced through restoring existing features in naturally intact and highly visible areas. Selective Mitigation Measure 7 (Span and/or Avoid Sensitive Features). Within the limits of standard tower design and in conformance with engineering and the Company s requirements, structures will be located to allow conductors to clearly span identified sensitive features. Structures will be placed so as to avoid sensitive features, including wetlands, riparian areas, water courses, hazardous substance remediation, and cultural sites, to the extent possible. Avoidance measures may include selective tower placement, spanning sensitive features, or realigning access routes. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-15 Plan of Development

22 Flexibility in the placement of towers allows sensitive features to be avoided. Realigning the towers along the route or realigning the route, to the extent practicable, itself can result in avoiding or minimizing direct and indirect impacts on resources, as well as land uses. This mitigation measure will reduce potential loss, degradation, and fragmentation of wildlife habitat (including riparian areas); decreasing the risk of isolation between habitat areas and subpopulations. Additionally, the Project could be realigned, to the extent practicable, in areas with high concern viewsheds to locate structures for reduced visual contrast and visibility. Selective Mitigation Measure 11 (Minimize Right-of-way Clearing). Clearing of the right-ofway will be minimized to avoid environmental resources and reduce visual contrast. In select areas, the width of vegetation clearing in the right-of-way may be modified (within the limits of Appendix B4 Vegetation Management Plan and standard tower design), and/or current land uses will be allowed to continue unabated, provided the use meets applicable standards. Limiting the width of the area cleared in the right-of-way reduces the amount of vegetation removed at the edges of and in the right-of-way. This minimizes habitat loss and reduces visual contrast between the cleared areas and the surrounding environment. It also allows compatible land uses to continue. Selective Mitigation Measure 13 (Overland Access). The Construction Contractor will use overland access to the greatest extent possible in areas where no grading will be needed to access work areas. Overland access will consist of drive-and-crush and/or clear-and-cut travel (removal of all vegetation while leaving the root crown intact to improve or provide suitable access for equipment). Prior to commencement of work activities, overland access routes will be staked to a minimum width of 14 feet. Routes will be specified for construction. Use of overland access routes will be restricted based on dry or frozen soil conditions, seasonal weather conditions, and relatively flat terrain. Overland access will avoid or minimize the removal of surface soil and vegetation where soils are susceptible to wind and water erosion, reducing the potential for erosion and loss of habitat. Avoiding constructing a new road will reduce the potential for increased traffic and the associated indirect effects, including the introduction of invasive weeds and special status wildlife habitat fragmentation. Selective Mitigation 15 (Limit Accessibility in Sensitive Habitats). Where feasible, access roads that traverse sensitive habitats will be gated or otherwise blocked in cooperation with the appropriate land-management agencies to limit public access. Selective Mitigation 16 (Blend Road Cuts or Grading). Soil amendments, mineral emulsions, or asphalt emulsions will be applied, or grading techniques, such as slope rounding and slope scarification, will be used to blend road and structure work area cuts into the landscape in areas of steep terrain where grading is necessary, in rocky areas, or where soil color will create strong landscape contrasts. B This mitigation measure will limit public access, reducing stress and disturbance to wildlife and special status wildlife and their habitats during critical lifecycle periods. Preventive Measures Other Specific Stipulations and Methods The following noxious weed (NW) preventive measures will be implemented to prevent the spread of noxious weeds during construction activities, reclamation and rehabilitation efforts, and maintenance operations associated with the Project. Detailed information regarding reclamation, along with the control of invasive plant species, is provided in Appendix C1 Reclamation, Revegetation, and Monitoring Plan Framework. Energy Gateway South Transmission Project B2-16 Plan of Development