WIND RIDGE PIPELINE AND SPIRITWOOD COMPRESSOR STATION PROJECTS

Transcription

1 WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Energy Projects DATE Docket Nos. CP15-XX and CP15-XX WIND RIDGE PIPELINE AND SPIRITWOOD COMPRESSOR STATION PROJECTS [Insert photograph] Environmental Assessment Washington, DC 20426

2 FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C OFFICE OF ENERGY PROJECTS TO THE PARTY ADDRESSED: In Reply Refer To: OEP/DG2E/Gas 2 WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. Docket Nos. CP15-XX and CP15-XX The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) has prepared this Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project and Spiritwood Compressor Station Project (collectively referred to as the Projects) as proposed by WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC and WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. (collectively referred to as the Applicants) in the above-referenced dockets. The Applicants requests authorization to construct, operate, and maintain a new natural gas pipeline, compressor station, and associated facilities in McIntosh, Logan, LaMoure, and Stutsman Counties, North Dakota. The EA assesses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the Projects in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The FERC staff concludes that approval of the proposed Project, with appropriate mitigating measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. The EA addresses the potential environmental effects of the construction and operation of the following facilities in McIntosh, Logan, LaMoure, and Stutsman Counties, North Dakota: about 96.2 miles of 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline; a new 1,000 horsepower compressor station (Spiritwood Compressor Station) with 8-inch-diameter suction and discharge pipelines; two new meter stations; eight block valve settings; and three pig launcher and receiver facilities. The FERC staff mailed copies of the EA to federal, state, and local government representatives and agencies; elected officials; environmental and public interest groups; Native American tribes; potentially affected landowners and other interested individuals - 1 -

3 and groups; newspapers and libraries in the Project area; and parties to this proceeding. In addition, the EA is available for public viewing on the FERC s website ( using the elibrary link. A limited number of copies of the EA are also available for distribution and public inspection at: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Public Reference Room 888 First Street, NE, Room 2A Washington, DC (202) Any person wishing to comment on the EA may do so. Your comments should focus on the potential environmental effects, reasonable alternatives, and measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts. The more specific your comments, the more useful they will be. To ensure that your comments are properly recorded and considered prior to a Commission decision on the proposal, it is important that the FERC receives your comments in Washington, DC on or before [DATE]. For your convenience, there are three methods you can use to submit your comments to the Commission. In all instances, please reference the project docket numbers (CP15-XX and CP15-XX) with your submission. The Commission encourages electronic filing of comments and has dedicated efiling expert staff available to assist you at or efiling@ferc.gov. (1) You may file your comments electronically by using the ecomment feature, which is located on the Commission's website at under the link to Documents and Filings. An ecomment is an easy method for interested persons to submit text-only comments on a project; (2) You may file your comments electronically by using the efiling feature, which is located on the Commission's website at under the link to Documents and Filings. With efiling you can provide comments in a variety of formats by attaching them as a file with your submission. New efiling users must first create an account by clicking on eregister. You will be asked to select the type of filing you are making. A comment on a particular project is considered a Comment on a Filing ; or - 2 -

4 (3) You may file a paper copy of your comments at the following address: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 888 First Street, NE, Room 1A Washington, DC Although your comments will be considered by the Commission, simply filing comments will not serve to make the commentor a party to the proceeding. Any person seeking to become a party to the proceeding must file a motion to intervene pursuant to Rule 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedures (Title 18 Code of Federal Regulations Part ). 1 Only intervenors have the right to seek rehearing of the Commission's decision. Affected landowners and parties with environmental concerns may be granted intervenor status upon showing good cause by stating that they have a clear and direct interest in this proceeding that would not be adequately represented by any other parties. You do not need intervenor status to have your comments considered. Additional information about the project is available from the Commission's Office of External Affairs, at FERC (3372) or on the FERC website ( using the elibrary link. Click on the elibrary link, click on General Search, and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., XX). Be sure you have selected an appropriate date range. For assistance, please contact FERC Online Support at FercOnlineSupport@ferc.gov or toll free at , or for TTY, contact The elibrary link also provides access to the texts of formal documents issued by the Commission, such as orders, notices, and rulemakings In addition, the Commission offers a free service called esubscription, which allows you to keep track of all formal issuances and submittals in specific dockets. This can reduce the amount of time you spend researching proceedings by automatically providing you with notification of these filings, document summaries, and direct links to the documents. Go to 1 Interventions may also be filed electronically via the Internet in lieu of paper. See the previous discussion on filing comments electronically

5 WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. Wind Ridge Pipeline and Spiritwood Compressor Station Projects TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 PROPOSED ACTION Introduction Project Purpose and Need Scope of this Environmental Assessment Public Review and Comment Proposed Facilities and location Pipeline Facilities Aboveground Facilities Nonjurisdictional Facilities Land Requirements Pipeline Right-of-Way Additional Temporary Workspace Staging Areas Temporary and Permanent Access Roads Aboveground Facilities Construction Schedule and Workforce Construction Procedures General Pipeline Construction Procedures Specialized Pipeline Construction Procedures Aboveground Facilities Construction Procedures Construction Environmental Compliance Operation, Maintenance, and Safety Controls Permits, Approvals, and Consultations ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Geology, Soils, and Paleontology Geology Soils Paleontology Water Resources and Wetlands Groundwater Surface Water Wetlands Vegetation, Wildlife, and Fisheries Vegetation Wildlife Fisheries Special Status Species Land Use, Recreation, and Visual Resources Land Use Existing Residences and Planned Developments Public Land, Conservation Easements, Recreation, and Other Designated Areas Landfills and Hazardous Waste Sites Visual Resources i

6 2.5 Cultural Resources Consultation Cultural Resources Investigation Native American Consultations Unanticipated Discovery Plan General Impact and Mitigation Socioeconomics Population and Employment Housing Public Services Tax Revenues Transportation and Traffic Agriculture Environmental Justice Air Quality and Noise Air Quality Noise Reliability and Safety Safety Standards Pipeline Accident Data Impact on Public Safety Cumulative Impacts ALTERNATIVES No Action Alternative Energy Conservation Alternative Energy Sources System Alternatives Route Alternatives ROUTE VARIATIONS Aboveground Facility Alternatives CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCES LIST OF PREPARERS ii

7 LIST OF TABLES Table Issues Identified During the Public Scoping Process... 3 Table Proposed Pipeline Facilities... 4 Table Adjacent Existing Facilities... 4 Table Proposed Aboveground Facilities... 5 Table Summary of Land Requirements... 8 Table WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission Plans for the Project Table Major Environmental Permits, Approvals, and Consultations Table Shallow Bedrock Along the Proposed Pipeline Route Table Acres of Soil Characteristics Affected by the Proposed Pipeline Table Acres of Soil Characteristics Affected by the Spiritwood Compressor Station Table Areas of the Pipeline Route Underlain by Alluvial and Glacial Aquifers Table Locations of Additional Temporary Workspace Within 50 Feet of a Waterbody Table U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wetland Easements Crossed by the Pipeline Route. 37 Table Locations Where the Construction Right-of-Way is Greater Than 75 Feet in a Wetland Table Locations of Additional Temporary Workspace Within 50 Feet of a Wetland Table Vegetation Types Affected by the Projects Table U.S. Fish and Wildlife Waterfowl Production Areas Within 1.0 Mile of the Proposed Pipeline Table Federally Listed, Proposed, and Candidate Species Potentially Occurring within the Vicinity of the Projects Table Land Uses Affected by the Projects Table Class III Survey Results for the Wind Ridge Pipeline and Spiritwood Compressor Station Projects Table Existing Socioeconomic Conditions in the Project Area Table Estimated Annual Property Taxes Paid Through Direct Investment by County Table Project-Related Construction Emissions Table Operational Emissions Table Noise Quality Analysis for Horizontal Directional Drill Crossing Table Operational Noise Quality Analysis for the Spiritwood Compressor Station Table Operational Noise Quality Analysis for the Meter Station at MP Table Operational Noise Impacts for Block Valves Table Noise Quality Analysis for Blowdown Events Table Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline Serious Incidents by Cause ( ) Table Outside Forces Incidents by Cause ( ) Table Injuries and Fatalities Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines Table Nationwide Accidental Deaths Table Comparison of Major Route Alternatives Table Select Pre-Filing Route Variations Incorporated into the Proposed Route iii

8 LIST OF FIGURES Figure Project Overview Map... 4 Figure Compressor Station Site Plot Plan... 5 Figure Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence Figure Grassland and Wetland Conservation Easements Crossed by the Projects Figure Noise-sensitive Areas Associated with the HDD Crossing Figure Noise-sensitive Areas Associated with the Compressor Station Figure Existing Natural Gas Pipelines in North Dakota Figure Major Route Alternatives Figure Compressor Station Site Alternative Figure Alternative Locations Evaluated for Launcher/Receiver LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Facility Location Maps and Typical Pipeline Construction Right-of-Way Cross Sections Additional Temporary Workspace and Access Road Tables Waterbody and Wetland Crossing Tables James River and Seven Mile Coulee HDD Site-specific Plan Consultations with Indian Tribes iv

9 TECHNICAL ACRONYMS ACHP Advisory Council on Historic Preservation APE Area of Potential Effect Applicants WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC and WBI Energy Transmission, Inc., collectively ATWS additional temporary workspace Certificate Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity CFR Code of Federal Regulations CH 4 methane CO carbon monoxide CO 2 carbon dioxide CO 2 e carbon dioxide equivalents Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission CRP Conservation Reserve Program CWA Clean Water Act Dth/d dekatherms per day E. coli Escherichia coli EA environmental assessment EFH essential fish habitat EI Environmental Inspector EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA Endangered Species Act FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission FR Federal Register FSA Farm Service Agency FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service GIS geographic information systems HCA high-consequence area HDD horizontal directional drill hp horsepower IPAC System Information, Planning and Conservation System MAOP maximum allowable operating pressure MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act MP Milepost NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards NBPL Northern Border Pipeline NDDC North Dakota Century Code NDDH North Dakota Department of Health NDGFD North Dakota Game and Fish Department NDOT North Dakota Department of Transportation NDSWC North Dakota State Water Commission NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NESHAP National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants NGA Natural Gas Act NHPA National Historic Preservation Act NNSR Nonattainment New Source Review NOI Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Planned Wind Ridge Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting v

10 NRCS NRHP NSPS NSR NWI OEP PHMSA Plan PM 10 PM 2.5 Procedures Project or Projects PSD Secretary SHPO SPCC Plan SSURGO TCP THPO TMDL USACE USC USDA USDOT USGS WBI Transmission WBI Wind Ridge WHPA WPA WRP Natural Resources Conservation Service National Register of Historic Places New Source Performance Standards New Source Review National Wetlands Inventory Office of Energy Projects Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Upland Erosion Control and Revegetation Plan particulate matter less than 10 microns in aerodynamic diameter particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures Wind Ridge Pipeline Project and Spiritwood Compressor Station Project Prevention of Significant Deterioration Secretary of the Commission State Historic Preservation Office Spill Prevention, Containment and Countermeasures Plan Soil Survey Geographic Database traditional cultural property Historic Preservation Officer Total Maximum Daily Load U.S. Army Corps of Engineers United States Code U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Geological Survey WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC wellhead protection areas Waterfowl Production Areas Wetland Reserve Program vi

11 1.0 PROPOSED ACTION 1.1 INTRODUCTION The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Commission or FERC) has prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to assess the environmental impacts of the natural gas facilities proposed by WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC (WBI Wind Ridge) and WBI Energy Transmission, Inc. (WBI Transmission) (also collectively referred to as the Applicants). We 2 prepared this EA in compliance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations [CFR], Parts ) and the Commission s implementing regulations under 18 CFR 380. On March XX, 2015, WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission filed applications in Docket Nos. CP15-XXX-000 and CP15-XXX-000, respectively, under section 7 of the Natural Gas Act (NGA) and the certificate procedures of Part 157, Subpart F of the Commission regulations for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (Certificate) authorizing construction and operation of natural gas pipeline facilities in McIntosh, Logan, LaMoure, and Stutsman Counties, North Dakota and a compressor station in Stutsman County, North Dakota. These proposed facilities are referred to as the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project and Spiritwood Compressor Station Project (also collectively referred to as the Project or Projects) and are described in section 1.5. Prior to filing its applications, WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission participated in the Commission s pre-filing review process under Docket No. PF Our principal purposes in preparing this EA are to: identify and assess potential impacts on the natural and human environment that would result from the implementation of the proposed action; assess reasonable alternatives to the proposed action that would avoid or minimize adverse effects to the environment; and identify and recommend specific mitigation measures, as necessary, to minimize environmental impacts. The FERC is the federal agency responsible for authorizing interstate natural gas transmission facilities under the NGA, and is the lead federal agency for the preparation of this EA in compliance with the requirements of NEPA. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are federal cooperating agencies that elected to assist us in preparing this EA because they have jurisdiction by law or special expertise with respect to environmental impacts associated with WBI Wind Ridge s and WBI Transmission s proposals. The roles of the USACE and FWS are described in section 1.3. The major federal, state, and local permits, approvals, and consultations for the Project are presented in section PROJECT PURPOSE AND NEED WBI Wind Ridge s stated purpose of the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project is to provide for the transportation of natural gas from a new interconnection with Northern Border Pipeline Company (NBPL) in McIntosh County, North Dakota to a proposed nitrogen fertilizer plant near Spiritwood, North Dakota. The Project also would provide additional new firm transportation capacity to a new interconnect 2 We, us, and our refer to the environmental staff of the Office of Energy Projects. 1

12 with WBI Transmission s existing system. CHS, Inc. (CHS) plans to construct a nitrogen fertilizer plant at the end of the proposed pipeline in Stutsman County. Natural gas sourced from the proposed pipeline would be used as feedstock at the plant. Construction of the fertilizer plant is not subject to FERC jurisdiction (see section 1.6). WBI Transmission s stated purpose of the Spiritwood Compressor Station Project is to meet additional demands of existing customers by providing approximately 35,000 equivalent dekatherms per day (Dth/d) of new firm transportation capacity to delivery locations in WBI Transmission s existing system. 1.3 SCOPE OF THIS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The topics addressed in this EA include alternatives; geology; soils; groundwater; surface waters; wetlands; vegetation; wildlife and aquatic resources; special status species; land use, recreation, special interest areas, and visual resources; socioeconomics; cultural resources; air quality and noise; reliability and safety; and cumulative impacts. The EA describes the affected environment as it currently exists, discusses the environmental consequences of both Projects, and compares their potential impact with that of various alternatives. The EA also presents our recommended mitigation measures. The environmental consequences of constructing and operating the Projects would vary in duration and significance. Four levels of impact duration were considered: temporary, short-term, longterm, and permanent. Temporary impact generally occurs during construction with the resource returning to preconstruction condition immediately after restoration or within a few months. Short-term impact could continue for up to 3 years following construction. Long-term impacts would last more than 3 years, but the affected resource would recover to preconstruction conditions. A permanent impact could occur as a result of any activity that modifies a resource to the extent that it would not return to preconstruction conditions during the life of the Projects, such as the construction of aboveground facilities. An impact would be considered significant if it would result in a substantial adverse change in the physical environment. Wetlands within the Project area are regulated at the federal and state levels. The Omaha District of the USACE elected to cooperate in preparing this EA because it has jurisdictional authority pursuant to section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA) (33 United States Code [USC] 1344), which governs the discharge of dredged material or placement of fill into waters of the United States, and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act (33 USC 403), which regulates any work or structures that potentially affect the navigable capacity of designated waterbodies. As the lead federal agency for the Project, the FERC consulted with the FWS pursuant to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to determine whether federally listed endangered or threatened species or designated critical habitat are found in the vicinity of the Projects, and to evaluate the proposed actions potential effects on those species or critical habitats. In addition, the proposed pipeline route would cross several private parcels subject to grassland and wetland conservation easements held by the FWS. The FWS elected to cooperate in preparing this EA because it has special expertise with respect to environmental impacts associated with the Applicant s proposals. 1.4 PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT On July 24, 2014, the Applicants requested approval to initiate our pre-filing review process for the Projects. The Commission approved the Applicants request on July 28, 2014, in Docket No. PF We participated in three open houses, sponsored by the Applicants, during the week of September 8, 2014, to explain our environmental review process to interested stakeholders. The open houses were held in Wishek, Gackle, and Jamestown, North Dakota. On October 23, 2014, the 2

13 Commission issued a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Planned Wind Ridge Pipeline Project, Request for Comments on Environmental Issues, and Notice of Public Scoping Meeting (NOI). The NOI was published in the Federal Register 3 and was mailed to approximately 411 interested parties, including federal, state, and local officials; agency representatives; affected landowners; environmental and public interest groups; potentially interested Native American tribes; and local libraries and newspapers. FERC environmental staff conducted public scoping meetings to provide an opportunity for agencies and the general public to learn more about the Projects and to participate in the environmental analysis by identifying issues to be addressed in the EA. The meetings were held in Jamestown, North Dakota on November 19, 2014 and Wishek, North Dakota on November 20, The transcripts of the public scoping meetings and all written scoping comments are part of the public record for the Projects and are available for viewing on the FERC Internet website ( 4 The relative and substantive environmental issues raised during the public scoping process are addressed in the relevant sections of this EA as indicated in table TABLE Issues Identified During the Public Scoping Process Issue EA Section(s) Water quality impacts and mitigation 2.2 Impacts on wetlands, riparian areas, and floodplains 2.2 and 2.3 Contamination of natural springs 2.2 Impacts on fish and wildlife 2.3.2, 2.3.3, and Impacts on historic, scenic, and recreational values 2.4 and 2.5 Grassland and wetland conservation easements Environmental justice 2.6 Air quality impacts Greenhouse gas emissions and climate change and 2.9 In addition, we participated in interagency meetings, conference calls, and site visits for the Projects to identify issues to be addressed in the EA. The meetings, conference calls, and site visits provided a forum for the exchange of information and supported the FERC s responsibility to coordinate federal authorizations and associated environmental review of the Projects. Summaries of the meetings and calls were entered into the public record for the Projects, and are also available for viewing on the FERC s elibrary website ( 1.5 PROPOSED FACILITIES AND LOCATION The Applicants propose to construct the following facilities in McIntosh, Logan, LaMoure, and Stutsman Counties, North Dakota: about 96.2 miles of 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline; a new 1000 horsepower (hp) compressor station (Spiritwood Compressor Station) with 8- inch-diameter suction and discharge pipelines; two new meter stations; 3 See Federal Register Volume 79, Number 211, dated Friday, October 31, 2014, pages Using the elibrary link, select General Search from the elibrary menu and enter the docket number excluding the last three digits in the Docket Number field (i.e., PF14-20 and CP15-XX). Select an appropriate date range. 3

14 eight block valve settings; and three pig 5 launcher and receiver facilities. The maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP) for the pipeline would be [TBD] pounds per square inch gauge. The Wind Ridge Pipeline Project would provide approximately [TBD] million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity. Figure shows the general location of the Projects facilities. Detailed maps showing the pipeline route and aboveground facilities are provided in appendix A. Insert Figure Project Overview Map Pipeline Facilities WBI Wind Ridge proposes to construct about 96.2 miles of natural gas pipeline between the existing NBPL mainline near Zeeland, North Dakota, and a proposed meter station at the proposed nitrogen fertilizer plant near Spiritwood, North Dakota (see table ). TABLE Proposed Pipeline Facilities Approximate Mileposts County Begin End Length (miles) McIntosh County Logan County LaMoure County Stutsman County Total 96.2 From its southern initiating point about 6.5 miles northeast of Zeeland in McIntosh County, the proposed pipeline would extend to the northeast for 22 miles where it crosses State Highway 13 about 5 miles east of Wishek. After crossing State Highway 13, the pipeline would extend northeast for another 40 miles crossing Logan and LaMoure Counties. The route crosses State Highway 46 about 11 miles east of Gackle in LaMoure County. Continuing to the northeast, the pipeline enters Stutsman County for 34 miles, crossing the James River and Interstate 94 just before reaching the pipeline terminus at the proposed nitrogen fertilizer plant southeast of Spiritwood in Stutsman County. About 5.8 miles (6 percent) of the route would parallel existing electric transmission and pipeline facilities (see table ). TABLE Adjacent Existing Facilities Approximate Mileposts County Begin End Length (miles) 115 kv Electric Transmission Line NuStar Pipeline Existing WBI Pipeline Total A pipeline pig is a device to clean or inspect the pipeline. A pig launcher/receiver is an aboveground facility where pigs are inserted or retrieved from the pipeline. 4

15 The proposed pipeline would cross about 94.7 miles (98.7 percent) of private lands. The remaining 1.3 miles (1.3 percent) would cross land managed by the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDOT) or county townships. Of the private lands crossed, about 25.5 miles (27 percent) are subject to conservation easements held by the FWS Aboveground Facilities In addition to the new pipeline, the Projects would require construction of a new compressor station, meter stations at the southern and northern termini of the pipeline in McIntosh and Stutsman counties, block valves along the pipeline spaced at regular intervals, pig launcher and receiver facilities, and associated appurtenances. The aboveground facilities associated with the Projects are provided in table TABLE Proposed Aboveground Facilities Facility Name Approximate Milepost County Spiritwood Compressor Station 94.3 Stutsman Meter Stations Tie-in with NBPL 0.0 McIntosh Nitrogen Fertilizer Plant 96.2 Stutsman Block Valves Block Valve McIntosh Block Valve McIntosh Block Valve Logan Block Valve Logan Block Valve LaMoure Block Valve Stutsman Block Valve Stutsman Block Valve Stutsman Launcher/Receiver Site 0.0 McIntosh Launcher/Receiver Site TBD Logan Launcher/Receiver Site 96.2 Stutsman WBI Transmission would construct a 1000 hp compressor station on a 10.0-acre parcel at milepost (MP) 94.3 of the pipeline route in Stutsman County, North Dakota. This 10-acre parcel is crossed by an existing pipeline owned and operated by WBI Transmission and would also be crossed by WBI Wind Ridge s proposed pipeline. The location of the compressor station is depicted on figure Figure provides a site plot plan of the proposed facility. The Spiritwood Compressor Station would include one electric-driven compressor unit that would be housed within a new building. Appurtenant facilities would include an office/shop and transfer grid building. The compressor building will be approximately 40 feet wide by 50 feet long, with a roof peak to grade height of approximately 26.5 feet. The office/shop will be approximately 32 feet wide by 45 feet long, with sidewalls approximately 12 feet in height. The transfer building will be approximately 30 feet wide by 40 feet long, with sidewalls approximately 15 feet in height. Insert Figure Compressor Station Site Plot Plan 5

16 WBI Transmission proposes to access the compressor station via 35 th Street S.E. by constructing a new permanent graveled access driveway that is 330 feet long by 20 feet wide. New electric lines would be installed by Ottertail Power Company (see section 1.6). In addition, WBI Transmission would install a domestic use water well within the fenceline of the facility near [insert location]. WBI Transmission would also install a septic system on site that is of comparable size to that required for a single-family home. The well and septic system would be used to supply water to and dispose of wastewater from the restroom facility in the auxiliary building. NBPL proposes to construct and operate a meter station and valve at MP 0.0 of the pipeline route in McIntosh County. The meter station would measure about 416 by 208 feet (about 2 acres). WBI Wind Ridge would construct a pig launcher/receiver within the fenced site and would assume ownership of this meter station. WBI Wind Ridge also proposes to construct a meter station and pig launcher/receiver on a 100- by 80-foot site at the nitrogen fertilizer plant in Stutsman County. Both meter stations would contain control and utility buildings; a separator; a meter skid; a pipe rack; and a chain-link fence around the perimeter of each site. In addition to the pig launchers/receivers that would be installed within the fenced meter station facilities, a third launcher/receiver facility would be located at MP [XX.X] in Logan County. This launcher/receiver would be located within the permanent pipeline right-of-way and would occupy a 30- by 60-foot fenced area. WBI Wind Ridge also proposes to construct eight block valves along the pipeline at locations identified in table The block valves at each location would be installed above ground with aboveground valve operators, risers, blowdown valves, and crossover piping connected on each side of the block valve. Construction of the block valves would be conducted within the temporary construction right-of-way. Following construction, the valve sites would be fenced and will occupy a 10- by 20-foot area within the permanent easement. 1.6 NONJURISDICTIONAL FACILITIES Under section 7 of the NGA, the Commission is required to consider, as part of its decision whether to approve facilities under Commission jurisdiction, all factors bearing on the public convenience and necessity. Occasionally, proposed projects have associated facilities that do not come under the jurisdiction of the FERC. These nonjurisdictional facilities may be integral to the need for the proposed project (e.g., a new or expanded power plant at the end of a pipeline that is not under the jurisdiction of the FERC) or they may be merely associated as a minor, non-integral component of the jurisdictional facilities that would be constructed and operated as part of the project. The jurisdictional facilities for the Projects include the proposed pipeline and aboveground facilities described in section 1.5. CHS plans to construct a nitrogen fertilizer plant at MP 96.2 within a 646-acre site in Stutsman County. Natural gas sourced from the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project would be used as feedstock at the plant. Construction of the fertilizer plant is not subject to FERC jurisdiction. The nitrogen fertilizer plant is part of a private construction project under state and local jurisdiction. No federal lands would be required for construction of the nitrogen fertilizer plant. Therefore, no cumulative federal control or responsibility is associated with the non-jurisdictional facility. Given the proximity of CHS proposed nitrogen fertilizer plant to WBI Wind Ridge s proposed meter station and pig launcher/receiver, environmental impacts associated with construction and operation of the nonjurisdictional facility are addressed in this EA. 6

17 [Note: This section will be revised and expanded pending receipt of a data request from WBI Wind Ridge to CHS, Inc. regarding their facility. Other nonjurisdictional facilities that will be discussed include the electric power sources for the compressor and meter stations when available. ] 1.7 LAND REQUIREMENTS Table identifies the estimated land requirements for the Projects. Construction of the Projects would affect a total of about [TBD] acres of land, including the pipeline facilities, additional temporary workspace (ATWS), staging areas, access roads, and aboveground facilities. Of the [TBD] acres, [TBD] acres would be retained for operation of the facilities. The remaining [TBD] acres would revert to prior uses Pipeline Right-of-Way Construction of the proposed pipeline would require a 100-foot-wide construction right-of-way. Following construction, a 50-foot wide permanent easement would be retained for pipeline operations; the remainder of the construction right-of-way would be restored to pre-existing conditions. In total, construction of the pipeline would require about 1,139.0 acres, of which about acres would be retained as permanent easement. Appendix A provides typical pipeline construction right-of-way cross sections Additional Temporary Workspace ATWS outside of the 100-foot-wide construction right-of-way would be required for certain road and railroad crossings; points of inflection along the route; areas where special construction methods would be implemented (e.g., the horizontal directional drill (HDD) method); and areas where additional space is needed for storage of stripped topsoil. In total, use of ATWS during construction would affect approximately acres, all of which would be restored to preconstruction condition. A list of ATWS areas is provided in table B-1 in appendix B Staging Areas WBI Wind Ridge would require six staging areas for office trailers, parking, vehicle maintenance, and storage of pipe and equipment during construction of the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project (see table 1.7-1). Locations of the staging areas are depicted on the Project route maps provided in appendix A. As shown in table 1.7-1, use of the staging areas would affect approximately 92.3 acres. Preparation of the staging areas would consist of topsoil segregation and minor grading and leveling. Once construction is complete, the land within the staging areas would be restored to preconstruction conditions. There would be no permanent impacts in these areas. 7

18 Facility PIPELINE FACILITIES TABLE Summary of Land Requirements a County Land Affected During Construction (acres) Land Affected During Operation (acres) Pipeline right-of-way b McIntosh Logan LaMoure Stutsman Subtotal 1, Additional temporary workspace areas McIntosh Logan LaMoure Stutsman Subtotal Staging areas Staging Area 1, MP 0.0 McIntosh Staging Area 2, MP 11.7 McIntosh Staging Area 3, MP 29.4 Logan Staging Area 4, MP 51.8 Logan Staging Area 5, MP 74.3 Stutsman Staging Area 6, MP 92.9 Stutsman Subtotal Other work areas Temporary access roads Multiple Permanent access roads Multiple TBD TBD Subtotal PIPELINE FACILITIES TOTAL TBD TBD ABOVEGROUND FACILITIES Spiritwood Compressor Station Stutsman Meter stations Tie-in with NBPL McIntosh Nitrogen fertilizer plant c Stutsman TBD 0.2 Block valves d Block Valve 1 McIntosh Block Valve 2 McIntosh Block Valve 3 Logan Block Valve 4 Logan Block Valve 5 LaMoure Block Valve 6 Stutsman Block Valve 7 Stutsman Block Valve 8 Stutsman

19 Facility TABLE (cont d) Summary of Land Requirements a County Land Affected During Construction (acres) Land Affected During Operation (acres) Pig launcher/receiver e McIntosh Pig launcher/receiver e Logan Pig launcher/receiver e Stutsman ABOVEGROUND FACILITIES TOTAL TBD TBD PROJECT TOTAL TBD TBD a The numbers in this table have been rounded for presentation purposes. As a result, the totals may not reflect the sum of the addends. b Based on a 100-foot-wide construction right-of-way. Operation acreage is based on a 50-foot-wide permanently maintained right-of-way in all areas. c The meter station would be constructed and operated within the area associated with the temporary and permanent pipeline right-of-way or company acquired property. d Each block valve would be constructed within the 100-foot-wide construction right-of-way and operated within the 50-footwide permanent easement. No additional land would be required for construction or operation of these facilities. e The pig launcher and pig receiver sites would be constructed and operated within the meter station sites at MPs 0.0 and 96.2 and within the permanent easement at MP [TBD] Temporary and Permanent Access Roads WBI Wind Ridge would use existing public and private access roads on a temporary basis to transport personnel, equipment, vehicles, and materials to the proposed Project work areas during construction. Standard-maintenance public roads would be used for access without modification or improvement. Some minimum maintenance public roads and private roads, however, would require improvement (such as grading, placement of gravel for stability, replacing or installing culverts, minor widening, and clearing of overhead vegetation, if present) to safely accommodate Project equipment and vehicles. A list of these roads is provided in table B-2 in appendix B and the locations of access roads are depicted on the Project route maps provided in appendix A. No new temporary access roads would need to be constructed for the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project. Use of the temporary access roads would affect approximately 51.8 acres. If any of the temporary access roads are damaged by the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project, WBI Wind Ridge would restore the roads to pre-existing condition or better. WBI Wind Ridge would construct 11 new permanent roads to provide access to the meter station at MP 96.2, the launcher/receiver at MP [TBD], and the block valves. Construction and use of the permanent access roads to the meter stations would affect approximately [TBD] acres. Construction and use of the permanent access roads to the launcher/receiver would affect approximately acre. Construction and use of permanent access roads to the block valve sites collectively would affect about 0.28 acre of land Aboveground Facilities The Spiritwood Compressor Station Project would impact 10.0 acres of land during construction and operation of the facility. Construction and operation of the meter station at the tie-in with NBPL and pig launcher/receiver at MP 0.0 would affect about 2.0 acres. This consists of a 416- by 208-foot area that would be fenced and maintained for operation of the facilities. In addition, a XX- by XX-foot area would be used to construct a permanent access road to the facility. Construction and operation of the meter station and pig launcher/receiver at MP 96.2 would affect about [TBD] acres within the proposed nitrogen fertilizer plant site. This includes a 100- by 80-foot 9

20 (0.2 acre) area that would be fenced and maintained for operation of the meter station and pig launcher/receiver facility. The remainder consists of temporary workspace that would be [TBD] (with the exception of the permanent access road indicated above). The third pig launcher/receiver would be constructed within the 100-foot-wide construction rightof-way for the pipeline and operated within the 50-foot-wide permanent easement. A 30- by 60-foot area (less than 0.1 acre) within the permanent pipeline easement would be fenced and maintained for this launcher/receiver. No additional land would be affected by construction or operation of this facility. The block valves would be constructed within the 100-foot-wide construction right-of-way for the pipeline and operated within the 50-foot-wide permanent easement; therefore, no additional land would be affected by construction or operation of these facilities. A 10- by 20-foot (less than 0.1 acre) area within the permanent pipeline easement would be fenced and maintained for each of the block valves. 1.8 CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE AND WORKFORCE WBI Wind Ridge plans to start construction of the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project in July 2016 subject to the receipt of necessary permits and regulatory approvals and complete construction by December WBI Wind Ridge currently anticipates that construction of the proposed pipeline would be accomplished using two construction spreads with a peak temporary work force of about 400 people in total, including inspection crews. Once construction of the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project is complete, WBI Wind Ridge anticipates hiring one new employee to assist in operation and maintenance of the new facilities. WBI Transmission plans to start construction of the Spiritwood Compressor Station in April 2016 subject to the receipt of necessary permits and regulatory approvals. Construction of the compressor station would be completed by December WBI Transmission currently anticipates that construction of the proposed compressor station would require 18 workers. Local workers would be hired when practicable. Once construction of the Spiritwood Compressor Station Project is complete, WBI Transmission does not anticipate hiring any new employees to assist in operation and maintenance of the new facilities WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission propose to place the Projects in-service by January 1.9 CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES The proposed facilities would be designed, constructed, tested, operated, and maintained in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, including the U.S. Department of Transportation s (USDOT) Minimum Safety Standards in Title 49 CFR Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards and 18 CFR Part 380, FERC s Regulations Implementing NEPA (including section , Siting and Maintenance Requirements). This section describes the construction procedures proposed by WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission for construction and operation of the proposed facilities. The Applicants would construct, restore, and maintain the Projects in accordance with the FERC s Upland Erosion Control and Revegetation Plan (Plan) and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures). The Applicants have identified several alternative measures to the FERC Plan and Procedures (see section 2.X.X). WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission would implement provisions filed in Project-specific construction, restoration, and mitigation plans prepared for the Projects. These include the plans listed in 10

21 table This table also provides a description and/or status of each plan. We have reviewed the Applicants construction, restoration, and mitigation plans, and find them [insert conclusion]. TABLE WBI Wind Ridge and WBI Transmission Plans for the Projects Plan Name General Description Location(s)/Status a Aerial Alignment Sheets Winter Stabilization Plan Spill Prevention, Containment and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan Blasting Plan Horizontal Directional Drill Drilling Fluid Monitoring and Operations Plan Fugitive Dust Plan Contaminated Soil Plan Noxious Weeds Management Plan Plan for Unanticipated Discovery of Historic Properties and Human Remains during Construction Plan for Unanticipated Discovery of Paleontological Resources during Construction Aerial photograph-based drawings depicting proposed construction and operational workspace for the proposed pipeline Measures to implement until final restoration can be completed Measures to address inadvertent chemical and fuel spills Measures to implement in the event that blasting is necessary during trench excavation Measures to contain the inadvertent releases of drilling mud for water bodies that are crossed using HDD techniques Measures to minimize and control the generation of fugitive dust during construction Measures to implement if contaminated soils or other undocumented hazardous materials are discovered during construction and/or maintenance of the pipeline and aboveground facilities Measures to avoid and control the establishment of invasive species in the construction right-of-way State-specific measures that the Applicants would implement should previously unidentified cultural resources be discovered during construction State-specific measures to be taken in the event that paleontological resources are discovered during Project-related activities Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. Filed on March XX, 2015 as part of WBI Wind Ridge s FERC application (Volume XX). Accession no. XX. a These plans are too voluminous to include in this EA but can be viewed on the FERC website at Using the elibrary link, select General Search from the elibrary menu and enter CP15-XX in the Docket Number field. Be sure to select an appropriate date range. Direct access can be obtained by entering the Accession Number into the Numbers field of the Advanced Search option from the elibrary menu General Pipeline Construction Procedures Construction of the proposed pipeline would follow industry-standard practices and procedures as described below. In a typical scenario, construction involves a series of discrete activities conducted in a linear sequence. These include survey and staking; clearing and grading; pipe stringing, bending, and welding; trenching; lowering-in and backfilling; hydrostatic testing; final tie-in; commissioning; and right-of-way cleanup and restoration. Figure illustrates each of the steps in a typical construction scenario. A description of each step in the process is provided below. Insert figure Typical Pipeline Construction Sequence 11

22 Survey and Staking Affected landowners would be notified before preconstruction survey and staking are conducted. After these notifications, WBI Wind Ridge s survey contractor would stake the pipeline centerline and the limits of the construction right-of-way and ATWS areas. Additionally, the survey contractor would flag the location of approved access roads. Wetland boundaries and other environmentally sensitive areas also would be marked at this time. The survey contractor additionally would cut and brace fences along the right-of-way if necessary for preconstruction survey. Clearing and Grading Prior to beginning ground-disturbing activities, WBI Wind Ridge s contractor would coordinate with the North Dakota One-Call system to have existing underground utilities (i.e., cables, conduits, and pipelines) identified and flagged. Once this process is complete, a clearing crew would clear the work area of vegetation and other obstacles, including trees (if necessary), stumps, logs, brush, and rocks. If tree removal is required, to the extent feasible, WBI Wind Ridge would minimize tree removal during construction. Cleared vegetation and stumps would be burned, chipped (except in wetlands), hauled offsite to a commercial disposal facility, or left in place at the request of the landowner. Burning would be conducted in accordance with state and local burning requirements or permits. Following clearing, the construction right-of-way and ATWS would be graded where necessary to provide a level work surface to allow safe passage of construction equipment and emergency vehicles. Topsoil would be segregated in accordance with the FERC Plan and Procedures. If the ground is relatively flat and does not require topsoil segregation or grading, rootstock would be left in the ground to facilitate restoration of the right-of-way. In areas disturbed by grading, and as required by the FERC Plan and Procedures, temporary erosion and sediment controls would be installed within the right-of-way to minimize erosion. These erosion and sediment controls would be inspected and maintained throughout the construction and restoration phases of the Project, as appropriate, and as required by the FERC Plan and Procedures. Pipe Stringing, Bending, and Welding Individual joints of pipe would be trucked to the construction right-of-way and strung along the trenchline in a single, continuous line. Individual sections of pipe would be bent, where necessary, to allow for a uniform fit with the contours at the bottom of the trench and horizontal points of inflection. Typically, a track-mounted, hydraulic pipe-bending machine would tailor the shape of the pipe to conform to the contours of the terrain. After the pipe sections are bent, they would be welded together into long sections and placed on temporary supports. Welding would be conducted in compliance with Title 49 CFR Part 192 and American Petroleum Institute Standard 1104 Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. Completed welds would be visually and radiographically inspected, and all pipe welds would be coated in accordance with required specifications. The coating would be inspected for defects, and repaired, if necessary, prior to lowering the pipe into the trench. Trenching Trenching, which involves excavating a ditch for the pipeline, would be conducted with rotary trenching machines, track-mounted backhoes, or other similar equipment. Trench spoil would be deposited adjacent to the trench within the construction right-of-way, and adjacent to the topsoil pile. The trench would be excavated to a depth that provides sufficient cover over the pipeline after backfilling. Typically, the trench would be excavated to a depth of about 6 feet to allow for a normal depth of cover of 4 feet over the pipeline, or any appurtenances, after construction. Additional cover would be provided at road crossings and railroad crossings for a minimum depth of cover of 5 feet, and at waterbody crossings 12