VALLEY LATERAL PROJECT
RESOURCE REPORT 2
Water Use and Quality
FERC Docket No. CP16-__-000
November 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
2.1 2.2 2.3 Page
WATER USE AND QUALITY ................................................................................................... 2-1 GROUNDWATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................... 2-2 2.1.1 Regional Aquifers ............................................................................................................ 2-2 2.1.1.1 Pipeline Facilities ........................................................................................ 2-2 2.1.1.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities ...................................... 2-5 2.1.1.3 Pipeyards...................................................................................................... 2-5 2.1.2 Sensitive Groundwater Resources ................................................................................... 2-5 2.1.2.1 Pipeline Facilities ........................................................................................ 2-5 2.1.2.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities ...................................... 2-7 2.1.2.3 Pipeyards...................................................................................................... 2-7 2.1.3 Groundwater Impacts and Mitigation .............................................................................. 2-7 SURFACE WATER RESOURCES ............................................................................................. 2-9 2.2.1 Watersheds Crossed by the Project .................................................................................. 2-9 2.2.1.1 Pipeline Facilities ........................................................................................ 2-9 2.2.1.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities .................................... 2-10 2.2.1.3 Pipeyards.................................................................................................... 2-10 2.2.2 Waterbodies Crossed by the Project .............................................................................. 2-10 2.2.2.1 Pipeline Facilities ...................................................................................... 2-10 2.2.2.2 Aboveground Facilities and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities .................... 2-11 2.2.2.3 Pipeyards.................................................................................................... 2-12 2.2.2.4 Access Roads .............................................................................................. 2-12 2.2.3 Major Waterbody Crossings .......................................................................................... 2-12 2.2.4 Water Quality Classification .......................................................................................... 2-12 2.2.4.1 Pipeline Facilities ...................................................................................... 2-12 2.2.4.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities .................................... 2-13 2.2.4.3 Pipeyards.................................................................................................... 2-13 2.2.4.4 Access Roads .............................................................................................. 2-13 2.2.5 Sensitive Surface Waters ............................................................................................... 2-13 2.2.5.1 Pipeline Facilities ...................................................................................... 2-14 2.2.5.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities .................................... 2-15 2.2.5.3 Pipeyards.................................................................................................... 2-16 2.2.6 Waterbody Crossing Methods........................................................................................ 2-16 2.2.7 Waterbody Construction Impacts, Mitigation, and Restoration .................................... 2-17 2.2.8 Hydrostatic Test Water Withdrawal and Discharge ...................................................... 2-19 2.2.8.1 Pipeline Facilities ...................................................................................... 2-19 2.2.8.2 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities .................................... 2-20 2.2.9 Construction Permits...................................................................................................... 2-20 WETLANDS .............................................................................................................................. 2-20 2.3.1 Pipeline Facilities ........................................................................................................... 2-21 2.3.1.1 Wetland Classifications .............................................................................. 2-21 Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
i
Valley Lateral Project
2.3.1.2 Wetland Crossings...................................................................................... 2-27 Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities ........................................................ 2-28 Pipeyards........................................................................................................................ 2-28 Access Roads ................................................................................................................. 2-28 Wetland Construction Methods ..................................................................................... 2-28 Wetland Impacts and Mitigation .................................................................................... 2-29 2.3.6.1 Wetland Impacts ......................................................................................... 2-29 2.3.6.2 Wetland Mitigation ..................................................................................... 2-30 REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................... 2-31 2.3.2 2.3.3 2.3.4 2.3.5 2.3.6 2.4 LIST OF TABLES
TABLE 2.1-1 Aquifers Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project............................................................... 2-3 TABLE 2.2-1 Summary of Waterbodies to be Crossed by the Valley Lateral by FERC Classification
and Flow Type ............................................................................................................... 2-11 TABLE 2.2-2 Sensitive Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project ....................................... 2-14 TABLE 2.3-1 Summary of Wetlands Affected (Acres) by Construction and Operation of the Valley
Lateral Project ................................................................................................................ 2-24 TABLE 2.3-2 Wetlands and Waterbodies Potentially Located in Areas of Shallow Depth to Bedrock
Crossed by the Valley Lateral ........................................................................................ 2-29 LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX 2A
Supplemental Tables
TABLE 2A-1
TABLE 2A-2
APPENDIX 2B
Figures
FIGURE 2B-1
FIGURE 2B-2
FIGURE 2B-3
FIGURE 2B-4
FIGURE 2B-5
APPENDIX 2C
Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Wetlands Associated with the Valley Lateral Project
Regional Aquifers Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Environmental Sites in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
USEPA Sole Source Aquifers in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
SWAP Assessment Areas in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
FEMA Flood Zones Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Wetland Delineation Report
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
ii
Valley Lateral Project
RESOURCE REPORT 2 -- WATER USE AND QUALITY
Location in Environmental
Report
Filing Requirement
 Identify and describe by milepost perennial waterbodies and municipal water
supply or watershed areas, specially designated surface water protection areas
and sensitive waterbodies, and wetlands that would be crossed. For each
waterbody crossing, identify the approximate width, state water quality
classifications, any known potential pollutants present in the water or
sediments, and any potable water intake sources within 3 miles downstream. (§
380.12 (d) (1))
Sections 2.1 and 2.2
and Tables 2.1-1, 2.2-2, and
Figures 2B-1 and 2B-2 in
Appendix 2B
 Compare proposed mitigation measures with the staff’s current “Wetland and
Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures,” which are available from
the Commission Internet home page or the Commission staff, describe what
proposed alternative mitigation would provide equivalent or greater protection
to the environment, and provide a description of site-specific construction
techniques that would be used at each major waterbody crossing. (§ 380.12 (d)
(2))
Table 1A-4 in Resource
Report 1
 Describe typical staging area requirements at waterbody and wetland crossings.
Also, identify and describe waterbodies and wetlands where staging areas are
likely to be more extensive. (§ 380.12 (d) (3))
Sections 2.3.5 and 2.3.6 and
Table 1A-2 and 1A-4 in
Resource Report 1
 Include National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps. If NWI maps are not
available, provide the appropriate state wetland maps. Identify for each
crossing, the milepost, the wetland classification specified by the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, and the length of the crossing. Include two copies of the NWI
maps (or the substitutes, if NWI maps are not available) clearly showing the
proposed route and mileposts directed to the environmental staff. Describe by
milepost, wetland crossings as determined by field delineations using the
current Federal methodology. (§ 380.12 (d) (4))
Appendix 1C in Resource
Report 1
 Identify aquifers within excavation depth in the project area, including the depth
of the aquifer, current and projected use, water quality and average yield, and
known or suspected contamination problems. (§ 380.12 (d) (5))
Section 2.1. and Table 2.1-1
 Describe specific locations, the quantity required, and the method and rate of
withdrawal and discharge of hydrostatic test water. Describe suspended or
dissolved material likely to be present in the water as a result of contact with
the pipeline, particularly if an existing pipeline is being retested. Describe
chemical or physical treatment of the pipeline or hydrostatic test water.
Discuss waste products generated and disposal methods. (§ 380.12 (d) (6))
 If underground storage of natural gas is proposed: (§ 380.12 (d) (7))
(i) Identify how water produced from the storage field will be disposed of, and
(ii) For salt caverns, identify the source locations, the quantity required, and the
method and rate of withdrawal of water for creating salt cavern(s), as well
as the means of disposal of brine resulting from cavern leaching.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
iii
Table 2A-2
Section 2.2.8
Section 1.6.1.1 in Resource
Report 1
Not Applicable
No underground storage
proposed
Valley Lateral Project
RESOURCE REPORT 2 -- WATER USE AND QUALITY
Location in Environmental
Report
Filing Requirement
 Discuss proposed mitigation measures to reduce the potential for adverse
impacts to surface water, wetlands, or groundwater quality to the extent they
are not described in response to paragraph (d)(2) of this section. Discuss the
potential for blasting to affect water wells, springs, and wetlands, and measures
to be taken to detect and remedy such effects.
(§ 380.12 (d) (8))
Section 2.1.3, 2.2.7, and
Section 2.3.6
 Identify the location of known public and private groundwater supply wells or
springs within 150 feet of proposed construction areas. Identify locations of
EPA or state-designated sole-source aquifers and wellhead protection areas
crossed by the proposed pipeline facilities. (§ 380.12 (d) (9))
Section 2.1.2;
Table 2.1-1 and Figure 2B-1
and 2B-3 in Appendix 2B
FERC COMMENTS ON
DRAFT RESOURCE REPORT 2
LOCATION OR
RESPONSE TO COMMENT
OCTOBER 1, 2015 COMMENTS
Resource Report 2 – General Project Description
12. In section 2.1.1.1:
a. identify the aquifers utilized by the Town of Wawayanda, Resource Report 2, Section 2.1.2.
and the Village of Uniondale for public water supply, the
location to these aquifers in relation to the Project
construction workspace and planned aboveground
facilities, and the location, depth to water, and water-level
elevation for the public water supply wells; and
b. provide figures in Resource Report 2 which clearly show Resource Report 2, Appendix 2B, Figure 2B-4.
the five New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)
Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) areas crossed
by the Project.
13. In section 2.1.2.2:
a. identify the distance to the nearest NYSDOH SWAP area Resource Report 2, Section 2.1.2.2.
to each aboveground facility; and
b. discuss the potential for collection and storage of pipeline There will be no condensate in the Valley
condensate at the planned aboveground facilities, the Lateral pipeline. The Millennium system is
anticipated volumes of condensate, and how storage and tariff quality, processed gas that has the C5 and
disposal of this material would be managed.
C6 components removed so no "heavy
hydrocarbons" are present to condense.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
iv
Valley Lateral Project
FERC COMMENTS ON
DRAFT RESOURCE REPORT 2
LOCATION OR
RESPONSE TO COMMENT
OCTOBER 1, 2015 COMMENTS
14. In the event that private wells are identified in the construction
right-of-way, describe the procedures Millennium would
implement to minimize impacts, including pre- and postconstruction testing wells for water quality and quantity and
avoiding refueling and storage of hazardous materials within
200 feet of all private wells, and 400 feet of all municipal or
community water supply wells. If construction adversely
affects a groundwater supply, describe how Millennium would
ensure that a temporary source of water is provided and that the
damaged supply well or system is restored to its former
capacity.
15. In section 2.2.9, clarify the statement that the volume of water
needed for Project hydrostatic testing and for HDD activities
would be exempt from permits for surface water withdrawals.
16. Summarize any necessary mitigation for permanent impacts on
the 0.38 acre of forested wetland, as determined in consultation
with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation.
17. Revise table 2A-1 to include the following:
a. a footnote describing those features which were identified
via a review of desktop data; and
b. detail regarding which dry ditch crossing method (dam and
pump or flume) would be used at each open cut waterbody
crossing.
18. Regarding table 2A-2:
a. clarify the apparent discrepancy in temporary wetland
acreage for palustrine shrub/scrub (PSS) and palustrine
emergent (PEM) wetlands with section 2.3.6.1 and table
2.3-1;
b. update the table to include the acreage of PSS and PEM
wetlands that would be within the permanent right-of-way,
and confirm consistency with table 8A-2;
c.
verify the crossing length and milepost for wetland W-H,
which is depicted with multiple crossings on the alignment
sheets;
d. verify that wetlands W-U and W-AE would be avoided;
and
e. include a footnote describing those features which were
identified via a review of desktop data.
19. Verify that all environmental sites identified in figure 2B-2
are included in table 8A-3, including the site identified southsoutheast of milepost 6.0; verify the distance and direction of
each site.
Resource Report 2, Section 2.1.3.
Resource Report 2, Section 2.2.9.
Resource Report 2, Section 2.3.6.2
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-1.
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-1.
Resource Report 2, Section 2.3.6.1 and Table
2.3-1
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-2.
Resource Report 8, Appendix 8A, Table 8A-2.
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-2.
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-2.
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2A, Table 2A-2.
Resource Report 2, Appendix 2B, Figure 2B-2
and Resource Report 8, Appendix 8A, Table
8A-3
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
v
Valley Lateral Project
LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ATWS
BMP
CPV
CWA
ECS
EDR
FEMA
FERC or Commission
FERC Plan
FERC Procedures
FIRM
GIS
gpd
gpm
HDD
Millennium
MP
NYCRR
NYSDEC
NYSDOH
OCWA
PEM
PFO
PSS
Project
SFHA
SPRP
SSA
SWAP
U.S.
USACE
USEPA
USGS
Additional Temporary Workspace
Best Management Practice
CPV Valley, LLC
Clean Water Act
Millennium’s Environmental Construction Standards
Environmental Data Resources, Inc.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FERC (2013) Upland Erosion Control and Maintenance Plan
FERC (2013) Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation
Procedures
Flood Insurance Rate Map
geographic information system
gallons per day
gallons per minute
horizontal directional drill
Millennium Pipeline Company, L.L.C.
milepost
New York Codes, Rules and Regulations
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
New York State Department of Health
Orange County Water Authority
Palustrine Emergent
Palustrine Forested
Palustrine Scrub-Shrub
Valley Lateral Project
Special Flood Hazard Areas
Spill Prevention and Response Procedures
Sole Source Aquifer
Source Water Assessment Program
United States
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Geological Survey
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
vi
Valley Lateral Project
WATER USE AND QUALITY
Millennium Pipeline Company, L.L.C. (Millennium) is seeking authorization from the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Natural Gas Act1 to
construct, install, own, operate, and maintain the Valley Lateral Project (Project). The Project will provide
firm transportation of natural gas to the new 650 megawatt gas-powered CPV Valley Energy Center being
constructed by CPV Valley, LLC (CPV) in the town of Wawayanda, New York. The Project, as proposed,
includes approximately 7.8 miles of new natural gas pipeline that will extend from Millennium’s existing
main line pipeline north to the CPV Valley Energy Center, as well as ancillary aboveground facilities. The
target in-service date for the Project is April 2017.
The Project consists of the following components and facilities:




approximately 7.8 miles of new 16-inch diameter pipeline in Orange County, New York;
one delivery meter station and associated piping at the CPV Valley Energy Center, approximate
milepost (MP) 7.8;
one launcher facility (MP 0.0); and
one receiver facility at the CPV Valley Energy Center (MP 7.8).
Resource Report 2 addresses water use and quality, which includes, but is not limited to, existing “waters
of the United States (U.S.), including wetlands” pursuant to Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA),
drinking water supplies, and groundwater resources that may be affected by the construction and operation
associated with the Project. Resource Report 2 also describes the expected impact of the Project on water
quality and use, and the mitigative and protective measures proposed to minimize impacts on those
resources. Copies of relevant correspondence are provided in Resource Report 1, Appendix 1D.
To minimize impacts during construction and operation of the Project on water and wetland resources,
Millennium will implement its Project Compliance and Mitigation Plans (see Appendix 1B in Resource
Report 1) including the Project Environmental Construction Standards (ECS) to address site-specific
conditions encountered along the pipeline). The Project ECS incorporates the FERC (2013) Upland
Erosion Control and Maintenance Plan (FERC Plan) and the FERC (2013) Wetland and Waterbody
Construction and Mitigation Procedures (FERC Procedures). Proposed deviations from the FERC Plan
and FERC Procedures are included in Resource Report 1. In addition, Millennium will implement the
measures contained in its Spill Prevention and Response Procedures (SPRP) to minimize the risk of spills
of hazardous materials during construction (see Appendix 1B in Resource Report 1). A Horizontal
Directional Drill (HDD) Contingency Plan is included in Appendix 1B in Resource Report 1.
The Wetland Delineation Report for surveys completed through October 31, 205 is included in Appendix
2C. An application for a joint permit for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) (Nationwide Permit
1
15 U.S.C. § 717f(c) (2012).
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-1
Valley Lateral Project
12) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) (Article 15 / 24) is being
submitted concurrent with the filing of this final Environmental Report.
2.1
GROUNDWATER RESOURCES
This section describes the existing groundwater resources including groundwater use and quality in the
Project area. This section also discusses the potential impacts on groundwater resources from construction
and operation of the Project and methods to avoid, minimize and mitigate those potential impacts.
2.1.1
2.1.1.1
Regional Aquifers
Pipeline Facilities
The Project area is underlain by Ordovician-aged sedimentary rock including sandstones and shale (see
Resource Report 6). Sandstone and shale aquifers are not considered principal aquifers (defined by the
United States Geological Survey (USGS) as regionally extensive aquifers or aquifer systems that have the
potential to be used as a source of potable water), as yields from wells are low compared to yields from
sand and gravel aquifers (Olcott, 1995). The Ground Water Atlas of the United States (Olcott, 1995)
identifies bedrock aquifers underlying the Project area as carbonate-rock and sandstone aquifers. These
aquifers generally yield only small volumes of water and are of local extent (Olcott, 1995).
Portions of the region are overlain by ground moraine deposits of loamy till deposited by continental
glaciers. These unsorted, unstratified deposits are not aquifers. Till yields little water, because it generally
is unsorted and unstratified and contains a large amount of fine-grained material. Before the development
of deep well-drilling equipment, till was developed for domestic water supplies by constructing largediameter dug wells that penetrated only a few feet below the water table. Yields from wells completed in
till generally range from less than 1 to only a few gallons per minute (gpm); rarely, yields might be as much
as 20 gpm (Olcott, 1995).
In some areas, surficial aquifer systems underlie the Project area consisting of glacial deposits of sand and
gravel. Coarse-grained outwash, ice-contact, and alluvial deposits form the productive valley-fill glacial
aquifers of the surficial aquifer system in the Project area. NYSDEC has mapped significant unconsolidated
aquifers in the Project area; those that consist of sand and gravel and yield large supplies of water to wells.
Table 2.1-1 identifies NYSDEC mapped unconsolidated aquifers underlying the Project area and average
yield of those aquifers (NYSDEC, 2008). Figure 2B-1 in Appendix 2B depicts the aquifers crossed by the
proposed Project.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-2
Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2.1-1
Aquifers Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Aquifer Type
Start
MPa
End
MPa
Approximate
Depth to
Groundwater
(feet)
Average Yield
(gpm)c
New York
Principal
Aquifer
Valley Lateral Pipeline
Carbonate Rock and
Sandstone
Kame, Kame Terrace,
Kame Moraine, Outwash
or Alluvium
Carbonate Rock and
Sandstone
0.0
4.2
10-340
0.12 – 0.15
No
4.2
4.5
0-10
10 – 100
Yes
4.5
5.5
10-340
0.12 – 0.15
No
Unconfined, Mid Yieldb
5.5
6.5
0-10
10-100
Yes
Carbonate Rock and
Sandstone
6.5
7.5
10-340
0.12 – 0.15
No
Unconfined, Mid Yieldb
7.5
7.8
0-10
10-100
Yes
N/A
N/A
0-10
10-100
Yes
Meter Station Piping
Unconfined, Mid Yieldb
Source
NYSDEC, 2008 http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1141. Olcott, 1995
http://pubs.usgs.gov/ha/ha730/ch_m/M-text4.html. Frimpter, 1985.
a: Approximate milepost (MP) along the proposed pipeline rounded to the nearest tenth.
b: For Unconfined aquifers, depth to groundwater is presented as thickness of the aquifer (the depth the
surficial deposits extend below ground surface). In these locations, sand and gravel with a saturated
zone are generally less than 10 feet thick, thicker deposits with less permeable silty sand and gravel
may also be included.
c: Yields in areas adjacent to streams may exceed 100 gal/min through pumping-induced infiltration.
Based on mapping provided by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) residents in the
Project area depend on private wells as a primary source of drinking water (Rysedorph, 2015). Millennium
has reviewed the New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Title 10 to identify applicable
watershed rules and regulations in the Project area. New York also has a Wellhead Protection Program
Plan, which is consistent with New York policy on wellhead protection areas, but is not a regulation.
Watershed rules and regulations in the Project area primarily concentrate on agricultural activities and
identifying nutrients and various other pollutants associated with this activity. Regulations that may be
applicable to the proposed Project include some restrictions on the use of herbicides and pesticides, the use
of chloride salt, and disposal of “other wastes” in the vicinity of a well. Additional information on
protection of groundwater resources is provided in Section 2.1.3.
Groundwater Availability
Nearly all the groundwater in Orange County, New York is derived from precipitation. The part of the rain
that falls on the ground and does not evaporate will either seep into the soil or run into streams and lakes
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-3
Valley Lateral Project
(Frimpton, 1985). Most of the precipitation runs directly off the land surface to streams or reaches streams
after temporary storage in lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, soils, and aquifers. Water that leaves the area on its
way to the ocean as streamflow is called surface runoff. Much of the remainder is returned to the
atmosphere by evapotranspiration (evaporation from lakes, marshes, and other surface-water bodies,
coupled with transpiration from plants). A small part of the precipitation infiltrates the land surface and
percolates downward to recharge aquifers (Olcott, 1995). Average annual precipitation in the Project area
is 48.34 inches (World Media Group, LLC, 2015).
In 2009, the population in Orange County was 383,532. Fresh groundwater withdrawals for private
community water supplies in the Town of Wawayanda were estimated at 121,000 gallons per day (gpd) in
1994 (Orange County Water Authority [OCWA], 1994a). The Village of Unionville, in the town of
Minisink, had an estimated average daily demand of 14,800 gpd in 1994 (OCWA, 1994b). Additional
groundwater withdrawals in these towns include withdrawals from private wells for residential use,
industrial purposes, and irrigation (crops, golf courses, and livestock) (OCWA, 1994b).
Groundwater Quality
Almost all of the public groundwater supplies in Orange County currently meet water quality standards
promulgated by the NYSDOH sanitary code (10 NYCRR 1 Subpart 5-1.50). The groundwater beneath 90
percent of the land in Orange County is considered suitable for drinking without significant treatment and
the quality of groundwater in each major aquifer in Orange County is generally good to excellent and
suitable for most uses (OCWA, 1994c). The mineral contents of groundwater is influenced by the rock
through which it flows, and the mineral concentrations in water from some aquifers in Orange County has
been elevated by the contact of the groundwater with the aquifer unit. Concentrations of iron and
manganese are considered the most troublesome elements in the Orange County groundwater supply. When
the iron and manganese content of water is naturally high, treatment for removal is the ultimate solution.
Practices common in Orange County are use of sequestering agents for low to moderate concentrations of
iron and flocculation-filtration treatment for high concentrations of iron (OCWA, 1994c).
Groundwater Hazards
Millennium commissioned field and database research by Environmental Data Resources, Inc. (EDR) to
identify, to the extent feasible, properties within 0.25 mile of the proposed pipeline lateral route having the
potential to impact the proposed workspace with oil and hazardous material (EDR, 2015). Millennium
obtained a federal and state database search report from EDR for the area within 0.25 mile of the corridor
boundaries. The database search performed by EDR identified several sites with the potential for soil and/or
groundwater contamination but no releases or violations have been documented. Table 8A-3 in Resource
Report 8 provides a list of sites identified, related to potential contamination issues, and comments
regarding impacts on soil and/or groundwater contamination (EDR, 2015).
Millennium will contact affected landowners regarding the presence of private septic systems along the
proposed alignment. Septic systems located adjacent to the construction workspace will be identified on
construction drawings to alert construction crews to the presence of the system and to avoid inadvertent
damage to the system that could lead to groundwater contamination. No residences or septic systems have
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-4
Valley Lateral Project
been identified within 50 feet of the construction workspace during civil surveys conducted through
October 31, 2015. Millennium will implement its ECS (Appendix 1B) to minimize or avoid any potential
disturbances to contaminated materials encountered during construction and will dispose of or mitigate for
any hazardous materials uncovered, in accordance with applicable regulatory permit and approval
conditions. Figure 2B-2 depicts locations of environmental sites in relation to the proposed Project route.
2.1.1.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
Millennium proposes to construct one delivery meter station, one pig launcher and one pig receiver as part
of the Project. Additional information on the proposed meter station and pig launcher/receiver facilities is
provided in Resource Report 1. The meter station is proposed to be located at MP 7.8 in the town of
Wawayanda, Orange County, New York. The pig receiver facility is also proposed near MP 7.8. The meter
station property and pig receiver site are underlain by an unconfined, mid-yield aquifer, described in Section
2.1 and Table 2.1-1, above.
A new pig launcher will be installed at the receipt point of the Project (MP 0.0), at the tie-in location with
the existing Millennium main line pipeline. Additional information on proposed pig launcher facility is
provided in Resource Report 1. Aquifers in the vicinity of the proposed site for the pig launcher are
described in Section 2.1, above. The pig launcher is not underlain by any primary or principle aquifer.
2.1.1.3
Pipeyards
Two pipeyards have been identified for use during construction of the Project. In general, the pipeyards
will require minimal improvements, primarily in the form of a graded gravel base to stabilize the ground
surface and allow for motor vehicle traffic, delivery and storage of pipe and associated equipment and
materials, and placement of storage trailers and on-site office trailers. The location of proposed pipeyards
are included on the USGS quadrangle excerpts in Appendix 1C. The proposed locations are not underlain
by any primary or principle aquifer.
2.1.2
2.1.2.1
Sensitive Groundwater Resources
Pipeline Facilities
Sole Source Aquifers
An aquifer that is the sole or principal source providing 50 percent or more of the drinking water for a given
area, and for which there are no other reasonable alternative sources if that specific aquifer becomes
contaminated, is designated as a Sole Source Aquifer (SSA) by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA), pursuant to Section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974. No sole source
aquifers will be crossed by the proposed Project. Consultation with the USEPA (Knutson, 2015) identified
that the nearest SSA to the Project is the Northwest NJ 15 Basin SSA, located approximately 0.58 mile
southeast of MP 0.0 (see Figure 2B-3).
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-5
Valley Lateral Project
New York Primary and Principle Aquifers
About one quarter of New York residents rely on groundwater as a source of potable water. To enhance
regulatory protection in areas where groundwater resources are most productive and most vulnerable, the
NYSDOH identified 18 Primary Water Supply Aquifers (Primary Aquifers) across the state. These aquifers
are identified as “highly productive aquifers presently utilized as sources of water supply by major
municipal water supply systems”. In addition, many Principal Aquifers have been identified that are
defined as “highly productive, but which are not intensively used as sources of water supply by major
municipal systems at this time”. No Primary Aquifers will be crossed by the proposed Project. The
unconsolidated aquifers identified in Table 2.1-1, above, are considered principal aquifers by NYSDEC
(NYSDEC, 2015a).
Public and Private Water Supply Wells and Springs
The NYSDOH, in cooperation with its partners and the county health departments, regulates the operation,
design, and quality of public water supplies and commercial bottled water suppliers in New York
(NYSDOH, 2004). Town, village, and city governments are responsible for local land use control, local
ordinances, and other local-level aspects of wellhead protection (NYSDOH, 2002).
In New York, any system with at least five service connections or that regularly serves an average of at
least 25 people daily for at least 60 days out of the year is considered a public water system. Public water
systems are categorized as either community or non-community (including non-transient non-community
and transient non-community) (NYSDOH, 2007). Water wells that serve public water systems are subject
to special requirements under New York Public Health Law (Subdivision 206(18) and Section 225, Part 5,
Subpart 5-1, Appendix 5D). Under the special requirements, wells serving public water systems must be
located such that the owner of the water system possesses legal title to lands within 100 feet of the well,
and the owner controls by ownership, lease, easement or other legally enforceable arrangement the land use
activities within 200 feet of the well. Hydrogeologic evaluations and source water assessments are to be
used to determine appropriate separation from potential contaminant sources. Where no evaluations are
available, minimum separation distances are provided under the regulations.
Where these
ownership/control distances or separation distances cannot be achieved, use of the well locations may be
allowed by NYSDOH or the local health department having jurisdiction, with additional measures, as
needed, to prevent contamination of the water wells and/or to otherwise provide potable water (NYSDOH,
2010).
Information on public water supply wells in the Project area was requested from NYSDOH in May 2015.
NYSDOH responded in June 2015 providing mapping and data identifying Source Water Assessment
Program (SWAP) Assessment Areas in the vicinity of the Project. No Public Water Supply Service Areas
or Surface Water Source Areas were identified on the mapping provided by NYSDOH within 0.25 mile of
the Project (Rysedorph, 2015). On October 9, 2015, electronic files for the SWAP Assessment Areas were
provided to Millennium by NYSDOH (Thapa, 2015). A figure of SWAP Assessment Areas located within
0.25 mile of the Project is included in Appendix 2B (Figure 2B-4).
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Valley Lateral Project
Public wells for Unionville are located closest to the proposed pipeline at approximately 3.26 miles
southeast of MP 0.0 (Town of Unionville personnel, telephone conversation, October 8, 2015) (see
Appendix 1D). The wells are located in sandstone and carbonate rock aquifers. As noted in Table 2.1-1,
the average depth to groundwater in the sandstone and carbonate rock aquifer is approximately 10 - 340
feet.
Public wells for the Town of Wawayanda are located closest to the proposed pipeline at approximately 2.54
and 2.16 miles northwest of the pig receiver; 1.25 miles and 1.29 miles northeast of MP 7.2; and 0.61 and
0.83 miles southeast of MP 5.8. The well for the town hall is approximately 0.80 mile northwest of MP 5.6
(Town of Wawayanda personnel, email correspondence, October 21, 2015) (see Appendix 1D). The wells
are located in sandstone and carbonate rock, and unconfined aquifers. Both wells located northeast of the
pipeline are in sandstone and carbonate rock aquifers. The remaining wells, two located southeast of the
pipeline and the one for the town hall located northwest of the pipeline, are in an unconfined, mid yield
aquifer. As noted in Table 2.1-1, the average depth to groundwater in the sandstone and carbonate rock
aquifer is 10 - 340 feet and the unconfined aquifer is 0 – 10 feet.
Civil surveys for the Project completed through October 31, 2015 did not identify any drinking water wells
within 150 feet of the proposed construction work area. No known public water supply wells or springs
have been identified within 150 feet of proposed construction work areas associated with the Project.
2.1.2.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
Based on civil surveys conducted through October 31, 2015 and consultation conducted to date with
NYSDOH (Rysedorph, 2015), there are no public or private wells, aquifer protection, or SWAP Assessment
Areas mapped within any of the proposed aboveground facility sites; therefore, Millennium does not
anticipate any adverse impacts on these resources as a result of the construction or operation of these
facilities. The nearest NYSDOH SWAP Assessment Area boundary to the proposed pig launcher at MP
0.0 is 181 feet south. The center of this SWAP Assessment Area, and presumably the associated well
location, is approximately 1,630 feet south from the proposed pig launcher. The nearest NYSDOH SWAP
Assessment Area boundary to the proposed pig receiver is 2,026 feet east and the nearest NYSDOH SWAP
Assessment Area boundary to the proposed meter station is 1,419 feet east.
2.1.2.3
Pipeyards
Millennium is proposing to site the Project pipeyards outside of areas containing sensitive groundwater
resources. Civil surveys conducted through October 31, 2015 and consultation with NYSDOH (Ryesdorph,
2016) did not identify any wells located within 300 feet of the proposed pipeyard sites.
2.1.3
Groundwater Impacts and Mitigation
Potential impacts on groundwater resources from construction activities will be avoided or minimized by
the use of both standard and specialized construction techniques. Shallow aquifers could sustain temporary
minor impacts from changes in overland water flow and recharge caused by clearing and grading of the
construction work areas. In forested areas, water infiltration may be enhanced by the presence of dense
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Valley Lateral Project
vegetation that retards runoff and promotes retention in the root zone. It is possible, therefore, that surface
runoff will increase and infiltration of rainfall will be commensurately reduced, at least temporarily, until
the original extent and density of vegetative cover is fully reestablished. In addition, near‐surface soil
compaction caused by heavy construction vehicles could reduce the soil’s ability to transmit water to the
shallow aquifer. These minor impacts will be temporary and will not significantly affect groundwater
resources.
Groundwater will likely be encountered during trenching associated with the pipeline in wetlands, where
groundwater occurs at or near the surface during most of the growing season, and in shallow water table
areas. If required, Millennium will conduct trench dewatering in accordance with its ECS and applicable
permit requirements, and any site‐specific field conditions that are identified during wetland delineations
that may warrant special impact avoidance, minimization, or mitigation procedures.
No significant impacts are expected to occur on groundwater resources from construction and operation of
the Project. Potential impacts on groundwater resources will be avoided or minimized by the use of both
standard and specialized pipeline construction techniques. Dewatering of the pipeline trench, the only
activity requiring pumping of groundwater, may be necessary in areas where there is a high water table.
However, pipeline construction activities within a particular location are typically completed within several
days, and any lowering of localized groundwater is expected to be temporary. To recharge the aquifer and
prevent silt‐laden waters from flowing into streams and wetlands, Millennium proposes to discharge all
water from dewatering activities into well‐vegetated upland areas, or into settling or filtering structures if
vegetation is insufficient. Millennium will apply for a Section 401 Water Quality Certification from
NYSDEC for the Project. Temporary water withdrawals for the purposes of construction, dewatering,
hydrostatic testing, or aquifer testing, where the volume withdrawn is less than an average of 100,000
gallons per day in any consecutive thirty-day period (3 million gallons during a 30 day period) is exempt
from a permit from NYSDEC (6 NYCRR Part 601.9(o)). Implementation of these procedures and use of
dewatering structures at stream crossings should minimize potential groundwater impacts during
dewatering operations. Millennium will conduct construction activities in accordance with its ECS to
minimize potential impacts on groundwater in the vicinity of the Project.
Construction of the pipeline will require trenching and backfilling to a depth of approximately 5 to 15 feet
below ground surface. Trenching and backfilling could potentially cause minor localized fluctuations in
groundwater levels, and/or increase turbidity within the zone of shallow groundwater adjacent to the trench.
Any shallow groundwater disturbance would be localized and temporary to the immediate area of the
trenching and backfilling activity and will not affect the overall quality of groundwater in the Project area.
Construction of the aboveground facilities (launcher and receiver facilities, and meter station) will require
vegetation clearing, grading, and the installation of paved/graveled surfaces, buildings, and concrete pads.
Post-construction stormwater management measures will be installed to handle the difference in stormwater
runoff volume from pre- to post-construction conditions for the design storm event in accordance with
federal and state requirements. New facilities will result in a minor increase in impervious surfaces in the
Project area, and all stormwater generated will be infiltrated back to the ground such that there is no increase
in runoff rate or volume. A total of approximately 2.40 acres of land will be converted to impervious
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Valley Lateral Project
surface including concrete slab, gravel surfaces, and asphalt for the launcher facility, meter station, receiver
station, PAR-001 entrance, and PAR-002. Approximately 0.60 acre of this total is existing impervious
surface for access to the CPV Valley Energy Center (PAR-002). The Project is not anticipated to affect the
recharge of groundwater at the local level.
During construction of the facilities, Millennium will comply with its SPRP and its Bedrock Blasting Plan,
which contain provisions to ensure that potential impacts on groundwater resources are prevented and
minimized to the extent possible (see Appendix 1B). In addition, Millennium will adhere to applicable
water quality standards (e.g., CWA, Sections 401, 402, and 404, and the Safe Drinking Water Act) to ensure
that there will be no significant adverse effects on the quality of groundwater resources.
Spills or leaks of hazardous liquids have the potential for long-term impacts on groundwater resources,
especially in areas where there is a high susceptibility to surface contamination. Factors in determining
groundwater susceptibility to contamination are the type of underlying bedrock, depth to bedrock, depth to
the water table, and characteristics of soils and surficial deposits. Of these, soil and surficial deposit
characteristics are considered the most important factors in determining how susceptible an area is to
groundwater contamination. Areas with sand and gravel are considered more susceptible to groundwater
contamination than those areas consisting of silt and clay, mainly due to the permeability of the material.
Spill-related impacts from the construction of the Project would mainly be associated with fuel storage,
equipment refueling, and equipment maintenance. These potential impacts will be avoided or greatly
reduced by regulating fuel storage and refueling activities, and by requiring immediate cleanup if a spill or
leak occurs. Millennium’s SPRP describes the preventative measures to avoid spills and leaks, as well as
the mitigative measures utilized to minimize potential impacts if a spill or leak occurs. These measures
include restrictions on the locations for refueling areas; spill response procedures, spill response materials,
and training; mitigative measures/response; and hazardous liquids quantities, storage, and disposal.
Millennium will not conduct fuel storage, equipment refueling, and equipment maintenance activities
within 100 feet of wetland and waterbodies during construction unless approved by the appropriate
regulatory authority. By following the SPRP during construction, the potential impacts on soils,
groundwater, and water wells due to spills or leaks will be minimized. In the unlikely event that
construction of the Project temporarily impacts private or public well quality or yield, Millennium will
provide alternative water sources or other compensation to the well owner(s). In the event that it is
determined that permanent impacts have occurred to a well as a result of construction activities, Millennium
will repair, replace, or provide alternative sources of potable water.
2.2
SURFACE WATER RESOURCES
2.2.1
Watersheds Crossed by the Project
2.2.1.1
Pipeline Facilities
NYSDEC has defined 17 watersheds in New York, which are the basis for management, monitoring, and
assessment activities. The proposed alignment traverses one of these watersheds, the Lower Hudson River
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Valley Lateral Project
watershed (NYSDEC, 2015b). Within the Lower Hudson River watershed, the Project would traverse the
Rutgers Creek and the Masonic Creek-Wallkill drainages (hydrologic unit code 12). The pipeline will be
located within the Rutgers Creek drainage from MP 0.0 to MP 6.7. The remainder of the pipeline will be
located in the Masonic Creek-Wallkill River drainage.
In New York, the Lower Hudson River watershed encompasses 4,982 square miles. The watershed covers
most of Westchester, Putnam, Orange, Ulster, Columbia and Albany counties, portions of western and
central Dutchess, eastern Greene, and southern Rensselaer counties, and small parts of New York
(Manhattan), Bronx, Rockland, Sullivan, Schoharie and Schenectady counties. Rondout/Wallkill and
Croton Rivers are the major tributary streams in the Lower Hudson River watershed. Other noteworthy
waterbodies include the Catskill, Stockport/Kinderhook, and Esopus Creeks (NYSDEC, 2015b). Named
streams crossed by the proposed alignment in the Lower Hudson River watershed include Rutgers and
Catlin Creeks (see Table 2A-1).
2.2.1.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
The proposed aboveground facilities will be located in the Lower Hudson River Watershed. Within the
Lower Hudson River watershed, the proposed pig launcher at MP 0.0 will be located within the Rutgers
Creek drainage area and the proposed meter station and pig receiver at MP 7.8 will be located within the
Masonic Creek-Wallkill drainage area.
2.2.1.3
Pipeyards
The proposed pipeyards will be located within the Lower Hudson River Watershed, Rutgers Creek drainage
area.
2.2.2
2.2.2.1
Waterbodies Crossed by the Project
Pipeline Facilities
Waterbodies are defined in the FERC Procedures as “any natural or artificial stream, river, or drainage with
perceptible flow at the time of crossing, and other permanent waterbodies such as ponds and lakes”.
Waterbodies are defined as being minor if they are less than or equal to 10 feet wide at the crossing location,
intermediate if they are greater than 10 feet wide but less than or equal to 100 feet wide, and major if they
are greater than 100 feet wide at the crossing location. The USACE has jurisdiction over “waters of the
U.S., including wetlands”, pursuant to Section 404 of the federal CWA. Waterbodies include streams with
perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral flow. Perennial streams flow year-round. Typically, intermittent
streams will flow continuously during wet seasons, but may be dry for a portion of the year. Ephemeral
streams flow only for a short period following major rainfall events. Intermittent and ephemeral streams
may be dry at the time of construction, depending on the time of year and rainfall conditions.
The term “waterbody” as it is used in this Resource Report is inclusive of all “waters of the U.S.,” other
than wetlands that are potentially jurisdictional to the USACE and all waterbodies as defined by FERC.
Potential surface water resources within the Project area were initially identified using USGS 7.5-minute
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Valley Lateral Project
topographic maps. They were then field-verified during waterbody and wetland delineation surveys
conducted commencing in May 2015 and through October 31, 2015.
The proposed lateral pipeline would include 12 stream crossings. Proposed access roads for the Project
would include five additional stream crossings. An additional stream (St-AH) is located in the workspace
for the meter station piping and permanent access road PAR-002. Table 2.2-1 provides a summary of the
waterbodies, according to flow type, crossed by the Project based on field delineation surveys conducted
through October 31, 2015 on the pipeline route and access roads. The Wetland Delineation Report for these
surveys is included in Appendix 2C. Table 2A-1 lists each waterbody crossed by MP, and provides
information on crossing width, fishery classification, and state water quality classification. USGS National
Hydrography Dataset and USGS topography mapping was used to supplement field-identified surface water
resources to capture waterbodies that will be crossed by the Project on properties where survey permission
has not been granted to date.
TABLE 2.2-1
Summary of Waterbodies to be Crossed by the Valley Lateral by FERC
Classification and Flow Typea
FERC Classification
Major (over 100 feet wide)
Intermediate (10 to 100 feet wide)
Minor (less than 10 feet wide)
PROJECT TOTAL
Perennial
Streams
0
6
2
8
Flow Type
Intermittent Ephemeral
Streams
Streams
0
0
0
0
8
1
8
1
Total
0
6
11
17
Notes:
a: Includes waterbodies that will be crossed by access roads.
2.2.2.2
Aboveground Facilities and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
In addition to the pipeline, the Project includes a pig launcher that will be located at MP 0.0. A meter
station and a pig receiver will be located on CPV’s property within the area already approved and currently
being used for construction of the CPV Valley Energy Center (MP 7.8). No surface waters were identified
within these proposed aboveground facility areas during field surveys conducted through October 31, 2015.
None of these aboveground facilities will require disturbance of surface waterbodies during construction or
operation. Therefore, no adverse impacts on surface waterbodies are anticipated.
One stream (St-AH) is located within the proposed workspace for the underground meter station piping.
Millennium will install erosion controls in accordance with the Project ECS (Appendix 1B) to avoid
impacting this stream during construction of the underground meter station piping.
During construction of the aboveground and pipeline appurtenant facilities, Millennium will adhere to its
ECS (Appendix 1B) to ensure that impacts on waterbodies do not occur. Erosion controls, such as hay
bales and/or silt fence, will be installed prior to commencement of construction to avoid the transport of
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Valley Lateral Project
disturbed sediments to identified waterbodies. Erosion controls will be monitored throughout construction,
until successful implementation of final grading and restoration. As a result, no impacts on surface water
resources associated with construction or operation of the proposed aboveground and pipeline appurtenant
facilities are anticipated.
2.2.2.3
Pipeyards
Millennium has identified two pipeyard locations for the Project and has conducted field surveys and
initiated agency consultations for both locations. There are no waterbody resources located within the
proposed pipeyard locations.
2.2.2.4
Access Roads
Millennium is proposing to use existing roads where feasible in the Project area for temporary and
permanent access to the Project facilities. Where existing culverts are in place, Millennium will use the
existing culvert crossings and protect the crossings with temporary construction mats where necessary.
Temporary construction mats will be used where no culvert crossing exists. Erosion controls will be
installed in accordance with Millennium’s ECS where watercourses are located adjacent to access roads.
2.2.3
Major Waterbody Crossings
No major waterbodies will be crossed by the Project.
2.2.4
2.2.4.1
Water Quality Classification
Pipeline Facilities
Water quality standards are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated
by the CWA, and define the goals for a waterbody by designating its uses, setting criteria to protect those
uses, and establishing provisions such as antidegradation policies to protect waterbodies from pollutants.
States are mandated to adopt and review water quality standards under Section 303(c) of the CWA.
All waters in New York are assigned a letter classification that denotes their best uses. Letter classes, such
as A, B, C, and D, are assigned to fresh surface waters. Saline surface waters are given a letter class of S
and groundwaters are given a letter class of G. Best uses include sources of drinking water, swimming,
boating, fishing, and shellfishing areas. The letter classifications and their best uses are described in
regulation 6 NYCRR Part 701. The best use of Class GA groundwater (all fresh groundwater in New York
State is Class GA) and Class A, A-Special, AA, and AA-Special surface waters is a source of potable water
supply (NYSDEC, 2015c). Waters with classifications A, B, and C also may have a standard of (T),
indicating that they may support trout populations, or (TS), indicating that they may support trout spawning
(TS). Special requirements apply to sustain these waters that support these valuable and sensitive fisheries
resources. Streams and small water bodies located in the course of a stream that are designated as C(T) or
higher (i.e., C(TS), B, or A) are referred to collectively as "protected streams," and are regulated by
NYSDEC under its Protection of Waters Program regulations (6 NYCRR Part 608) (NYSDEC, 2015d).
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Valley Lateral Project
Review of the NYS Water Quality Classifications Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data layer
identified streams crossed by the proposed alignment as Class C or C(T). The best usage of Class C waters
is fishing. These waters are suitable for fish, shellfish, and wildlife propagation and survival. Class C
waters are suitable for primary and secondary contact recreation, although other factors may limit the use
for these purposes (6 NYCRR Part 701.8) (NYSDEC, 2015e).
Data on fishery type and presence of sensitive fisheries for each stream crossed by the proposed alignment
were identified by review of the NYS Water Quality Classifications GIS data layer. Millennium has
initiated consultation with the NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries to identify waterbodies crossed by the
proposed Project route supporting fisheries resources. The NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries has confirmed
receipt of the request for consultation; however, no response in regard to resources present has been
received to date (Flaherty, 2015). Millennium will continue to consult with the NYSDEC Bureau of
Fisheries to determine appropriate impact avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures for
waterbodies potentially affected by the Project identified to contain fishery resources.
2.2.4.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
As described above, none of the aboveground facilities will require disturbance of surface waterbodies
during construction or operation. Therefore, no adverse impacts on surface waterbodies are anticipated.
2.2.4.3
Pipeyards
The proposed Pipeyard sites were surveyed for surface waters in May and October 2015. There are no
waterbodies associated with the proposed pipeyard sites.
2.2.4.4
Access Roads
One Class C waterbody will be crossed by permanent access road PAR-001. The waterbody currently is
conveyed under the existing roadway by a culvert which will not be disturbed during construction or
operation of the access road.
2.2.5
Sensitive Surface Waters
FERC considers sensitive surface waters to include: 1) surface waters with impaired water quality; 2) waters
containing federal- or state-listed threatened or endangered species or critical habitat; 3) any waters afforded
special national, regional, or state status designations for a variety of other reasons; and 4) waterbodies
crossed less than three miles upstream of a potable water intake. All sensitive waterbodies in the Project
area were identified based on a review of publicly available resources and contacts with various state and
federal agencies. Sensitive waterbodies that will be crossed by Project facilities are listed in Table 2.2-2
and discussed in the following sections.
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Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2.2-2
Sensitive Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
MP
Town
Waterbody Name
Basis for Sensitivitya
Proposed
Crossing Methodb
1.3
Minisink
Rutgers Creek
Class C(T) trout water;
NYSDEC Protected
Waterbody
HDD
PAR-002
Wawayanda
Unnamed tributary to
Monhagen Brook
Impaired Waterbody
N/A – Install
Erosion Controls
Notes:
a: NY Water Quality Standards Definition: Water quality standards based on the classification and best use of
waterbody as determined by NYSDEC (6 NYCRR Part 855); NY Fishery Classifications: T = Trout (6 NYCRR
701.25); impairment status for Waterbody Inventory for Rondout River Watershed - Monhagen Brook and
Tributaries - PWL ID 1306-0074, Revised December 18, 2007; PWL = included on NYSDEC Priority Waterbody
List.
b: HDD = Horizontal Directional Drill.
2.2.5.1
Pipeline Facilities
Traditional Navigable Waters
The USACE regulates construction in traditional navigable waters of the U.S. under Section 10 of the
Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. Navigable waters are defined as those waters that are subject to the ebb
and flow of the tide and/or are presently used, or have been used in the past, or may be susceptible for use
to transport interstate or foreign commerce. There are no traditional navigable waters that will be crossed
by the Project (NYS Canals, 2015).
Impaired Waterbodies and Contaminated Sediments
Review of the NYSDEC Priority Waterbodies List identified a segment of Monhagen Brook and its
unnamed tributaries as impaired (NYSDEC, 2007). Aquatic life support, recreational use and aesthetics in
Monhagen Brook are impaired by various pollutants from point and urban nonpoint sources (NYSDEC,
2007). The listed segment will not be crossed by the Project; however, a portion of PAR-002 parallels an
unnamed tributary to Monhagen Brook included in the listed segment. Millennium will adhere to its ECS
(Appendix 1B) during construction and operation of the Project; therefore, the Project will not impact any
water quality management and improvement plans associated with Monhagen Brook and its tributaries.
Millennium has obtained a federal and state database search report from EDR for the area within 0.25 mile
of the proposed Project alignment. Results of this EDR report did not identify any surface water crossings
involving contaminated sediments (see Resource Report 8, Table 8A-3). Environmental sites identified in
the EDR report are depicted on Figure 2B-2. Millennium will evaluate and treat any unexpected encounter
with hazardous materials during construction in accordance with its ECS (Appendix 1B) and applicable
regulatory requirements.
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Valley Lateral Project
Federally and State Designated Waterbodies
A detailed discussion of federal- and state-designated scenic waterbodies is provided in Resource Report
8. In summary, none of the waterbodies that will be crossed by Project facilities are designated National
Wild and Scenic Rivers (National Wild and Scenic Rivers Council, 2015).
Surface Water Intakes and Public Watershed Areas
The majority of residents in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline facility rely on private wells for drinking
water supply. Consultation with NYSDOH did not identify any Surface Water Source areas in the vicinity
of the proposed Project route (Rysedorph, 2015). As such, Millennium does not anticipate any impacts on
public watershed areas from construction or operation of the proposed Project. Millennium will utilize the
Best Management Practices (BMPs) described in its ECS and spill prevention measures found in its SPRP,
and its HDD Contingency Plan to ensure that construction activities do not adversely affect potable water
sources (see Appendix 1B). Additionally, to ensure compliance with Millennium’s BMPs proposed for the
Project, environmental inspectors will be employed during construction to oversee and ensure that
Millennium’s BMPs are implemented and that the Project complies with applicable regulatory permit and
approval conditions. Millennium anticipates that implementation of the abovementioned plans will allow
for construction of the Project without adversely affecting any public watershed or potable surface water
supply areas.
Flood Zones
Flood zones are geographic areas that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has defined
according to varying levels of flood risk. Each zone reflects the severity or type of flooding in the area and
is categorized as minimal, moderate, or high risk. These zones or Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs)
are depicted on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Flood Hazard Boundary map. SFHAs
are defined as the area that will be inundated by a 1-percent-annual-chance flood (also referred as the base
or 100-year flood). High risk zones include Zones A, AO, AH, A1-A30, AE, A99, AR, AR/AE, AR/AO,
AR/A1-A30, AR/A, V, VE, and V1-V30; moderate risk zones include Zones B and X (shaded on FIRMs),
and minimal risk zones include Zones C and X (unshaded on FIRMs) (FEMA, 2015).
The Project will cross SFHAs, Zone AE. Zone AE represents areas subject to inundation by the 1-percentannual-chance flood, with base flood elevation determined. Zone AE is a high risk zone (100-year
floodplain). Flood Zones that will be crossed by the Project are depicted on Figure 2B-5 and are listed by
milepost in Resource Report 6, Appendix 6A.
2.2.5.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
Construction activities associated with the meter station, pig launcher, and pig receiver will not occur within
the immediate vicinity of sensitive surface waters. The impaired waterbody associated with PAR-002 is in
the vicinity of the proposed location for the meter station piping; however, erosion controls will be installed
to minimize impacts on the impaired waterbody. Therefore, impacts on sensitive surface waters are not
expected to result from construction, modification, and operation of these facilities. The pig launcher and
access road PAR-001 at MP 0.0 will be located within the SFHA, Zone AE, base flood elevation determined
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Valley Lateral Project
(FEMA, 2009). Aboveground piping associated with the pig launcher at MP 0.0 will be minimal, and there
will be no net loss of flood storage capacity associated with the Project. No other aboveground facilities
will be located within a FEMA-designated 100-year flood zone.
2.2.5.3
Pipeyards
Millennium has identified two pipeyard locations and has conducted field surveys and initiated agency
consultations for this location. Based on field surveys conducted through October 31, 2015, there are no
surface waters located within the proposed pipeyard locations. A portion of the pipeyard (CY-2) at MP 0.0
will be located within the SFHA, Zone AE. The pipeyard will be restored post-construction and no
elevation change is proposed. There will be no net loss of flood storage capacity associated with the use of
the pipeyard.
2.2.6
Waterbody Crossing Methods
A total of 17 waterbodies will be crossed by the Project. Resource Report 1 provides a detailed discussion
of the waterbody construction techniques proposed by Millennium for construction of the Project.
Waterbody crossings will be constructed in conformance with the Millennium’s ECS, using the in-stream
construction methods and restoration procedures described therein. Construction activities will be
scheduled so that the pipeline trench is excavated as close in schedule to pipe laying activities as reasonably
possible. In accordance with the Millennium’s ECS and where the pipeline will not be installed using HDD,
the duration of construction across perennial waterbodies will be limited to 48 hours (24 hours to cross the
waterbody and 24 hours for restoration) across minor waterbodies (10 feet wide or less) and intermediate
waterbodies (between 10 and 100 feet wide). Banks will be returned to as near to pre-construction
conditions as possible within 24 hours of completion of each open-cut crossing. Any deviations in timing
that would result in extended crossing durations will be identified in advance by Millennium and
notification made to FERC with site-specific justification. Waterbodies that will be crossed using an HDD
are identified in Table 2A-1.
In general, additional temporary workspace (ATWS) is typically required on both sides of a waterbody
crossing to store materials and trench spoil. These work areas will be located at least 50 feet away from
the waterbody edge, topographic and other site specific conditions permitting, and are typically 50 feet by
50 to 100 feet in size. In some situations, conditions do not permit a 50-foot setback. Due to site-specific
conditions along the pipeline, Millennium is requesting approval for deviations to the FERC Procedures.
Requested deviations are included in Table 1A-4 in Resource Report 1.
Drilling and Blasting at Waterbodies
Based on the surficial and bedrock geology along the proposed Project route, Millennium does not
anticipate that waterbody crossings will require blasting during construction. No waterbodies were
identified with shallow depth to bedrock based on desktop analysis (SSURGO, 2015). If encountered
during construction, Millennium anticipates that most streambeds with shallow bedrock will be rip-able
sedimentary rock and will not require blasting. In instances where the rock is not rippable, drilling and
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Valley Lateral Project
blasting will be used to install the pipeline. In such cases, judicious use of blasting will help the Contractor
comply with restrictions on the duration of in-stream disturbance.
To identify the need for drilling or blasting, the trench crew will drill the stream banks to determine if rock
will be encountered during construction. If these test holes identify the need for blasting, the ditch crew
will prepare the trench line. If in-water blasting is determined to be necessary, Millennium will follow
mitigation measures provided in its ECS provided in Appendix 1B. The crew will then excavate the trench,
install the pipeline, and restore the area in accordance with the Millennium’s ECS.
2.2.7
Waterbody Construction Impacts, Mitigation, and Restoration
Construction activities associated with the Project that have the potential to affect surface waters include
clearing activities, open-cut crossings of waterbodies for pipeline installation, HDD, hydrostatic test
discharges, potential spills or leaks of hazardous liquids from the refueling of construction vehicles or
storage of fuel, oil, and other fluids, and access road crossings. Periodic maintenance of the right-of-way
also has the potential to impact bank and riparian areas adjacent to waterbodies.
Pipeline construction across rivers and streams or adjacent to surface waters can result in temporary and
long-term adverse environmental impacts if not properly completed. However, proper construction
techniques and timing can ensure that any such effects are both temporary and minor. The primary effect
associated with in-stream trenching is a temporary increase in turbidity and the resulting sedimentation that
may occur downstream. Surface runoff and erosion from the cleared right-of-way can also increase instream sedimentation during construction. Mobile organisms, such as fish, are expected to avoid localized
areas that are temporarily impacted by construction, but less mobile or sessile aquatic organisms may be
adversely affected by changes in water quality.
Long-term effects on water quality can result from alteration of stream banks and removal of riparian
vegetation. If not stabilized and revegetated properly, soil erosion associated with surface runoff and stream
bank sloughing can result in the deposition of large quantities of sediment into the waterbody. Increased
turbidity from soil erosion and increased water temperature from vegetation removal can reduce the
suitability of habitat for fisheries. Potential effects on fisheries resources from the Project and proposed
mitigation are discussed further in Resource Report 3.
Effects may also result from accidental releases of hazardous materials during refueling/maintenance of the
construction equipment, equipment failure in or near a waterbody, or inappropriate storage of fuel in or
near a waterbody. Minor long-term effects associated with pipeline operations and maintenance will largely
be restricted to periodic clearing of vegetation within the permanent right-of-way at waterbody crossings.
These maintenance activities will be consistent with Millennium’s ECS (see Appendix 1B).
To minimize impacts from soil disturbance due to construction, Millennium will install temporary and
permanent erosion controls (e.g., silt fence, hay bales, compost socks, slope breakers, trench plugs, etc.) to
manage stormwater runoff in accordance with its ECS, and applicable regulatory permit and approval
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Valley Lateral Project
conditions. Typical best management practices that will be implemented during construction to control soil
erosion and sedimentation of downgradient areas include:

erosion controls will be placed at drainage swale outlets as appropriate, on steep slopes, and
adjacent to roads and waterbodies;

trench spoil that is excavated from streambeds and banks will be placed in the ATWS at least 10
feet from the top of the waterbody bank;

waterbody crossing methods included in the Millennium’s ECS will be implemented to minimize
direct stream channel disturbance, prevent hydric soil rutting and compaction, and contain
temporary trench spoil piles;

surface contours and drainage patterns along the pipeline rights-of-way will be returned as nearly
as reasonably possible to approximate original conditions;

all disturbed ground will be seeded to encourage revegetation; and

post-construction monitoring will be conducted to identify areas in need of remedial soil
stabilization and vegetation re-establishment.
Because construction will proceed quickly (within 24 to 48 hours) at each waterbody crossing, disturbances
will be limited and long-term impacts on water quality or aquatic organisms are not anticipated. Banks will
be returned to as near to pre-construction conditions as possible within 24 hours of completion of each
trenched crossing. Water quality and other stream attributes should return to pre-construction conditions
within a short period after restoration of stream bed and banks. Where necessary, native woody vegetation
will be used to restore and stabilize stream banks that are temporarily impacted by construction.
Stabilization measures used on stream banks will be of biodegradable materials unless otherwise approved
by applicable regulatory agencies. Where pre-construction baseline stream surveys are conducted, postconstruction surveys will be conducted and compared to the baseline surveys. If significant changes from
pre-construction conditions are detected, Millennium will coordinate with the applicable regulatory
authorities to return the site to as near to pre-construction conditions as reasonably possible.
To reduce the likelihood of a spill, any hazardous materials, chemicals, lubricating oils, solvents, or fuels
used during construction generally will be stored in upland areas at least 100 feet from wetlands and
waterbodies and in accordance with the Millennium’s SPRP (see Appendix 1B). All such materials and
spills (if any) will be handled in accordance with Millennium’s SPRP. Except where absolutely necessary,
or required to otherwise minimize overall effects to the environment, there will be no refueling or
lubricating of vehicles or equipment within 100 feet of a waterbody. Under no circumstances will refuse
be discarded in waterbodies, trenches, or along the construction corridor. In accordance with the SPRP,
Millennium will conduct routine inspections of tanks and storage areas to help reduce the potential for spills
of hazardous materials. In the event that unanticipated contaminated sediment areas are encountered during
construction, Millennium will work with applicable agencies to develop appropriate mitigation.
During construction of the aboveground and pipeline appurtenant facilities, Millennium will adhere to its
ECS to minimize the risk of any impacts to waterbodies. Erosion controls, such as hay bales and/or silt
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Valley Lateral Project
fence, will be installed prior to commencement of construction to avoid the transport of disturbed sediments
to identified waterbodies. Erosion controls will be monitored throughout construction, until successful
implementation of final grading and restoration. As a result, no impacts on surface water resources
associated with construction or operation of the proposed aboveground and pipeline appurtenant facilities
are anticipated.
2.2.8
2.2.8.1
Hydrostatic Test Water Withdrawal and Discharge
Pipeline Facilities
The pipeline facilities will be hydrostatically tested for structural integrity prior to being placed in service.
Testing will be completed by capping installed pipe facilities with test manifolds, filling the pipe segment
with water, and maintaining a test pressure in excess of normal operating pressures for a specified period
of time (typically 8 hours). Hydrostatic testing will be conducted on this Project in a manner that meets or
exceeds the United States Department of Transportation “Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by
Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards” (49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 192).
Millennium proposes to obtain commercially available water for hydrostatic testing. Approximately
400,000 gallons of water will be required for hydrostatic testing. In the event that surface water withdrawal
is required, Millennium will employ several measures designed to reduce the likelihood of entrainment or
impingement of juvenile and adult fishes during hydrostatic test water withdrawal operations. Millennium
will attempt to avoid withdrawals during low-flow conditions to limit any potential effect on downstream
aquatic resources. Hydrostatic test water intake structures (typically a box design) will be floated so they
are not laying on the streambed and will be screened with wire to prevent larger fish from entering the
intake structure. The screen around the intake will be fabricated to provide an adequate surface area of fine
meshed screen designed to reduce the approach velocity to prevent impingement or entrainment of small
fish and/or macroinvertebrates. Upon completion of the hydrostatic test, environmental effects from the
discharge of hydrostatic test water will be minimized by using the measures prescribed below. Millennium
will:

locate hydrostatic test manifolds outside of wetlands and riparian areas to the extent practicable;

discharge into dewatering structures located in upland areas within the construction work area;

comply with applicable permit requirements;

not discharge into state-designated special waters, waterbodies that provide habitat for federally
listed threatened or endangered species, or waterbodies designated as public water supplies, unless
the relevant applicable permitting agency grants written permission;

regulate the discharge rate, use energy dissipation device(s), and install sediment barriers, as
necessary, to prevent sedimentation and streambed scour;

reuse hydrostatic test water to the extent practicable; and

avoid interbasin transfers of source water in compliance with applicable discharge requirements
once testing is complete.
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Valley Lateral Project
Pumps used for hydrostatic testing located within 100 feet of any surface water will be operated and refueled
in accordance with Millennium’s SPRP. Millennium will also coordinate with NYSDEC regarding
hydrostatic test water discharge locations and applicable permits (see Section 2.2.9, below). Millennium
anticipates testing pipeline in one segment. Water will be obtained from commercially available sources
will be stored in storage tanks prior to hydrostatic testing, and the water will be discharged to the upland
field near MP 0.0, in accordance with the Project ECS. In accordance with Sections VII.C.2 and VII.D.2
of the FERC Procedures, hydrostatic test water will not be obtained from, or discharged to, designated high
quality streams unless approved by the applicable regulatory agency.
2.2.8.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
Millennium currently anticipates hydrostatic pressure testing of the delivery meter station and the associated
appurtenant above ground facilities, such as pig launcher and receiver, to be conducted independently of
the hydrostatic pressure test on the pipeline facilities. Hydrostatic test water withdrawal and discharge
locations will be provided prior to construction in accordance with the FERC Procedures.
2.2.9
Construction Permits
Millennium will apply for applicable permits, approvals, and licenses related to installation of the pipeline
across regulated waterbodies and wetlands and the withdrawal or discharge of hydrostatic test water. Table
1A-5 in Resource Report 1 details the permits and authorizations for which Millennium intends to apply
for the construction of the Project facilities.
Federal authorization from the USACE under CWA Section 404 will be required for dredge and fill
activities associated with construction in wetlands and designated Waters of the U.S., and CWA Section
401 Water Quality Certification will be required from NYSDEC for both waterbody and wetland crossings.
Millennium proposes to purchase commercially available water for hydrostatic testing and HDD activities
and therefore does not anticipate a permit for surface water withdrawal will be required from NYSDEC for
the Project. Additionally, the quantity of water required for hydrostatic testing and for HDD activities for
the Project is approximately 800,000 gallons, which is below the 3 million gallons in a 30 day period
threshold requiring a water withdrawal permit from NYSDEC (6 NYCRR Part 601.9(o)). Point source
discharges to streams in New York are subject to the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System
regulations of the NYSDEC.
2.3
WETLANDS
This section describes wetlands that will be crossed by the Project, potential impacts on wetlands from
construction and operation of the Project, and procedures that will be implemented to minimize and mitigate
potential impacts. Wetlands are defined as areas inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at
a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in
saturated soil conditions. Typical wetlands include swamps, marshes, wet meadows, and similar areas.
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Valley Lateral Project
Jurisdictional wetlands have been field-delineated along the proposed pipeline route commencing in May
2015 and through October 31, 2015, in accordance with the USACE’s Wetlands Delineation Manual
(USACE, 1987), and the Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0) (USACE, 2012). The Wetland Delineation Report for
these surveys is included in Appendix 2C.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service wetland classification system described by Cowardin et al.
(1979) was used to classify the wetlands that will be affected by the Project. The wetlands in the Project
area were delineated as palustrine forested (PFO), palustrine scrub-shrub (PSS), palustrine emergent
(PEM), palustrine open water, or a combination of these four cover types. Palustrine systems include all
non-tidal wetlands that are dominated by trees, shrubs, persistent emergent, and emergent mosses or lichens.
The palustrine system was developed to group vegetated wetlands, commonly referred to as marshes,
swamps, bogs, and prairies. This system includes ponds and may be situated shoreward of lakes, river
channels, estuaries, and river floodplains or in isolated catchments or on slopes (Cowardin et al., 1979).
All of the resource areas identified along the proposed Project route are classified as palustrine systems.
As of the date of this Resource Report, jurisdictional wetlands that will be crossed by the Project have been
field delineated, except for those properties where landowners have denied or rescinded survey access
permission (i.e., approximately four percent of the construction right-of-way).
2.3.1
2.3.1.1
Pipeline Facilities
Wetland Classifications
New York’s Freshwater Wetlands Act (ECL Article 24) requires NYSDEC to rank wetlands in classes,
based on the benefits and values provided by each wetland. The wetland class helps to determine the best
uses for each wetland. Higher class wetlands provide the greatest level of benefits and are afforded a higher
level of protection. Lower class wetlands still provide important functions and benefits, but typically
require less protection to continue to provide these functions. To be protected under the Freshwater
Wetlands Act, a wetland must be a NYSDEC mapped wetland, 12.4 acres (5 hectares) or larger. Smaller
wetlands may be protected if they are considered of unusual local importance. Around every wetland is an
'adjacent area' of 100 feet that also is regulated to provide protection for the wetland. The Act requires
NYSDEC to map all those wetlands regulated by the Act. Wetlands shown on the NYSDEC maps usually
are regulated by the USACE, as well, and the USACE also regulates additional wetlands not shown on the
NYSDEC maps (i.e., those smaller than 12.4 acres and not considered of unusual local importance)
(NYSDEC, 2015f). NYSDEC has established four separate classes that rank wetlands according to their
ability to perform wetland functions and provide wetland benefits. Class I wetlands have the highest rank,
and the ranking descends through Classes II, III, and IV (6 NYCRR Chapter X Part 664). Wetlands are
classified under the following system, as defined in 6 NYCRR Part 664.
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Valley Lateral Project
Class I: A wetland shall be a Class I wetland if it has any of the following seven enumerated characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
It is a classic kettlehole bog;
It is resident habitat of an endangered or threatened animal species;
It contains an endangered or threatened plant species;
It supports an animal species in abundance or diversity unusual for the state or for the major
region of the state in which it is found;
It is adjacent or contiguous to a reservoir or other body of water that is used primarily for public
water supply, or it is hydraulically connected to an aquifer which is used for public water
supply;
It is tributary to a body of water which could subject a substantially developed area to
significant damage from flooding or from additional flooding should the wetland be modified,
filled, or drained; or
It contains four or more of the enumerated Class II characteristics. The NYSDEC may,
however, determine that some of the characteristics are duplicative of each other, therefore do
not indicate enhanced benefits, and so do not warrant Class I classification.
Class II Wetland: A wetland shall be a Class II wetland if it has any of the following seventeen enumerated
characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
It is an emergent marsh in which purple loosestrife and/or reed (phragmites) constitutes less
than two-thirds of the cover type;
It contains two or more wetland structural groups;
It is contiguous to a tidal wetland;
It is associated with permanent open water outside the wetland;
It is adjacent or contiguous to streams classified C(T) or higher under Article 15 of the
environmental conservation law;
It is traditional migration habitat of an endangered or threatened animal species;
It is resident habitat of an animal species vulnerable in the state;
It contains a plant species vulnerable in the state;
It supports an animal species in abundance or diversity unusual for the county in which it is
found;
It has demonstrable archaeological or paleontological significance as a wetland;
It contains, is part of, owes its existence to, or is ecologically associated with, an unusual
geological feature which is an excellent representation of its type;
It is tributary to a body of water which could subject a lightly developed area, an area used for
growing crops for harvest, or an area planned for development by a local planning authority,
to significant damage from flooding or from additional flooding should the wetland be
modified, filled, or drained;
It is hydraulically connected to an aquifer which has been identified by a government agency
as a potentially useful water supply;
It acts in a tertiary treatment capacity for a sewage disposal system;
It is within an urbanized area;
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Valley Lateral Project
16.
17.
It is one of the three largest wetlands within a city, town, or New York City borough; or
It is within a publicly owned recreation area.
Class III Wetland: A wetland shall be a Class III wetland if it has any of the following fifteen enumerated
characteristics:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
It is an emergent marsh in which purple loosestrife and/or reed constitutes two-thirds or more
of the cover type;
It is a deciduous swamp;
It is a shrub swamp;
It consists of floating and/or submergent vegetation;
It consists of wetland open water;
It contains an island with an area or height above the wetland adequate to provide nesting
habitat and refuge for wildlife, or adequate to provide visual variety and interest and can be the
focus of recreational and educational activities;
It has a total alkalinity of at least 50 parts per million;
It is adjacent to fertile upland;
It is resident habitat of an animal species vulnerable in the major region of the state in which it
is found, or it is traditional migration habitat of an animal species vulnerable in the state or in
the major region of the state in which it is found;
It contains a plant species vulnerable in the major region of the state in which it is found;
It is part of a surface water system with permanent open water and it receives significant
pollution of a type amenable to amelioration by wetlands;
It is visible from an interstate highway, a parkway, a designated scenic highway, or a passenger
railroad and serves a valuable aesthetic or open space function;
It is one of the three largest wetlands of the same cover type within a town;
It is in a town in which wetland acreage is less than one percent of the total acreage; or
It is on publicly owned land that is open to the public.
Class IV Wetland: A wetland shall be a Class IV wetland if it does not have any of the characteristics listed
as criteria for Class I, II, or III wetlands. Class IV wetlands include wet meadows and coniferous swamps
that lack other characteristics justifying a higher classification.
A brief description of the wetland cover types and associated vegetative communities that will be crossed
by the Project are detailed below. Wetlands in the Project area are listed in Table 2A-2 by identification
number (assigned by the environmental field crews), mileposts, and cover type(s). The table also provides
temporary and permanent wetland impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project.
Table 2.3-1 provides a summary of wetland impacts by wetland type for the Project.
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Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2.3-1
Summary of Wetlands Affected (Acres) by Construction and Operation
of the Valley Lateral Project
Palustrine
Emergent
Construction
Operation
Construction
Operation
Construction
Operation
Total
Operationb
Palustrine
Scrub-Shrub
Construction a
Palustrine
Forested
Pipeline
0.90
0.60
0.32
0.09
1.42
0.40
2.64
1.09
Access Roads
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Aboveground
Facilities
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Meter Station Piping
0.00
0.00
0.15
0.15
0.00
0.00
0.15
0.15
Pipeyards
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
PROJECT TOTAL+
0.90
0.60
0.47
0.24
1.42
0.40
2.79
1.24
Facility
a: Construction Acreage = all workspace during construction activities (temporary & ATWS plus
permanent easement).
b: Operation Acreage = 50 foot permanent easement. No impact acres included for wetlands located
within HDD crossings.
Note: Permanent wetland impacts are limited to the conversion of 0.39 acres of forested wetland for
maintenance of a 30-foot wide area along the pipeline right-of-way in areas of trenched crossings,
as shown in Table 2A-2.
Palustrine Forested Wetlands
Palustrine forested wetlands are characterized by woody vegetation that is 6 meters (approximately 20 feet)
tall or taller and normally include an overstory of trees, an understory of young trees or shrubs, and an
herbaceous layer. These seasonally flooded forests and permanently flooded or saturated swamps typically
have at least 5 percent canopy cover of trees (Edinger et al., 2002). All forested wetland areas are classified
as PFO, regardless of the height or canopy cover.
Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp
A Red Maple-Hardwood Swamp is a hardwood swamp that occurs in poorly drained depressions, usually
on inorganic soils. This is a broadly defined community with many regional and edaphic variants. In any
one stand red maple (Acer rubrum) is either the only canopy dominant, or it is codominant with one or more
hardwoods including ashes (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, F. nigra, and F. americana), elms (Ulmus americana
and U. rubra), yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis), and swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor). Other trees
with low percent cover include butternut (Juglans cinerea), bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis), black
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Valley Lateral Project
gum (Nyssa sylvatica), ironwood (Carpinus carolinianus), and white pine (Pinus strobus) (Edinger et al.,
2002).
The shrub layer is usually well-developed and may be quite dense. Characteristic shrubs are winterberry
(Ilex verticillata), spicebush, alders (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa and A. serrulata), viburnums (Viburnum
recognitum, and V. cassinoides), highbush blueberry, common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), and
various shrubby dogwoods (Cornus sericea, C. racemosa, and C. amomum). Swamp azalea is more
common in southern examples, and poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) and black ash (Fraxinus nigra)
are more common in richer (higher pH) examples (Edinger et al., 2002).
The herbaceous layer may be quite diverse and is often dominated by ferns, including sensitive fern
(Onoclea sensibilis), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (O. regalis), and marsh fern, with
much lesser amounts of crested wood fern (Dryopteris cristata), and spinulose wood fern (Dryopteris
carthusiana). Characteristic herbs include skunk-cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus), white hellebore
(Veratrum viride), sedges (Carex stricta, C. lacustris, and C. intumescens), jewelweed (Impatiens capensis,
I. pallida), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), arrow arum (Peltandra virginica), tall meadow-rue, and
marsh marigold (Caltha palustris). Open patches within the swamp may contain other herbs characteristic
of shallow emergent marsh. Open patches within the swamp may contain herbs characteristic of a shallow
emergent marsh (Edinger et al., 2002).
Floodplain Forest
A floodplain forest is a hardwood forest that occurs on mineral soils on low terraces of river floodplains
and river deltas. These sites are characterized by their flood regime; low areas are annually flooded in
spring, and high areas are flooded irregularly. Some sites may be quite dry by late summer, whereas other
sites may be flooded again in late summer or early autumn (these floods are caused by heavy precipitation
associated with tropical storms). This is a broadly defined community; floodplain forests are quite variable
and may be very diverse (Edinger et al., 2002).
The most abundant trees include silver maple (Acer saccharinum), ashes (Fraxinus pennsylvanica, F. nigra,
F. americana), cottonwood (Populus deltoides), red maple, box elder (Acer negundo), elms (Ulmus
americana, U. rubra), hickories (Carya cordiformis, C. ovata, C. laciniosa), butternut and black walnut
(Juglans cinerea, J. nigra), sycamore (Platanus occidentalis), oaks (Quercus bicolor, Q. palustris), and
river birch (Betula nigra).
The most abundant shrubs include spicebush, ironwood, bladdernut (Staphylea trifoliata), speckled alder,
dogwoods (Cornus sericea, C. foemina spp. racemosa, C. amomum), viburnums (Viburnum cassinoides,
V. prunifolium, V. dentatum, V. lentago), and sapling canopy trees. The most abundant herbs include
sensitive fern, jewelweeds (Impatiens capensis, I. pallida), ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), white
snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum), wood nettle (Laportea canadensis), false nettle, goldenrods (Solidago
gigantea, S. canadensis, Solidago spp.), lizard’s tail (Saururus cernuus), and jumpseed (Polygonum
virginianum). Invasive exotic herbs that may be locally abundant include moneywort (Lysimachia
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Valley Lateral Project
nummularia), garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata), dame’s rockets (Hesperis matronalis), and stilt grass
(Microstegium vimineum) (Edinger et al., 2002).
Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetlands
Scrub-shrub wetlands generally are dominated by woody vegetation less than 6 meters (approximately 20
feet) tall. Scrub-shrub land types may represent a successional stage leading to a forested wetland and
include shrubs, young trees, and trees or shrubs that are small and/or stunted due to environmental
conditions. Shrub swamps are widespread, highly variable communities with shrub-dominated wetlands
that occur on mineral or mucky mineral soils that are either seasonally or temporarily flooded. They
typically are found in flat areas in which the water table is at or above the soil surface for most of the year.
Shrub swamps generally are found on the transition zone of emergent and forested areas that have been
previously disturbed.
Shrub Swamp
A Shrub Swamp is an inland wetland dominated by tall shrubs that occurs along the shore of a lake or river,
in a wet depression or valley not associated with lakes, or as a transition between a marsh, fen, or bog and
a swamp or upland community. The substrate is usually mineral soil or muck. Shrub swamp is a very
broadly defined type that includes several distinct communities and many intermediates. Shrub swamps
are very common and quite variable. They may be co-dominated by a mixture of species or have a single
dominant shrub species (Edinger et al., 2002).
In the Project area, shrub swamps are dominated by speckled alder; these swamps sometimes are called
alder thickets. A swamp dominated by red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), silky dogwood (C. amomum),
and willows may be called a shrub carr. Along the shores of some lakes and ponds, there is a distinct zone
dominated by water willows and/or buttonbush, which can sometimes fill a shallow basin (Edinger et al.,
2002).
Characteristic shrubs that are common in these and other types of shrub swamps include meadowsweet,
steeple-bush (Spiraea tomentosa), gray dogwood (Cornus foemina ssp. racemosa), swamp azalea
(Rhododendron viscosum), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), male-berry (Lyonia ligustrina),
smooth alder (Alnus serrulata), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), willows (Salix bebbiana, S. discolor, S.
lucida, S. petiolaris), wild raisin (Viburnum cassinoides), and arrow-wood (Viburnum recognitum)
(Edinger et al., 2002).
Palustrine Emergent Wetlands
Emergent wetlands are characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, not including mosses and
lichens. These wetlands maintain the same appearance year after year and typically are dominated by
perennial plants. The vegetation of these wetlands is present for the majority of the growing season.
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Valley Lateral Project
Shallow Emergent Marsh
Shallow Emergent Marsh is a marsh meadow community that occurs on mineral soil or in deep muck soils
(rather than true peat) that are permanently saturated and seasonally flooded. This marsh is better drained
than a deep emergent marsh; water depths may range from 6 inches to 3.3 feet during flood stages, but the
water level usually drops by mid to late summer, and the substrate is exposed during an average year. This
community type typically occurs in lake basins and along streams, often intergrading with deep emergent
marshes, shrub swamps, and sedge meadows, and they may occur together in a complex mosaic in a large
wetland (Edinger et al., 2002).
The most abundant herbaceous plants include bluejoint grass (Calamagrostis Canadensis), cattails (Typha
latifolia), sedges, marsh fern (Thelypteris palustris), manna grasses (Glyceria pallid, G. canadensis),
spikerushes (Eleocharis smalliana, E. obtusa), bulrushes, three-way sedge (Dulchium arundinaceum),
American sweetflag (Acorus americanus), tall meadow-rue (Thalictrum pubescens), marsh St. John’s wort
(Triadenum virinicum), arrowhead (Sagittaria spp.), goldenrods (Solidago spp.), eupatoriums (Eupatorium
maculatum, E. perfoliatum), smartweeds (Polygonum coccineum, P. amphibium, P. hydropiperoides),
marsh bedstraw (Galium palustre), (Impatiens capensis), and loosestrifes (Lysimachia spp. and Lythrum
spp.). Reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) and purple loosestrife may become abundant in degraded
examples (Edinger et al., 2002).
Sedges may be abundant in shallow emergent marshes, but are not usually dominant. Marshes must have
less than 50 percent cover of peat and tussock-forming sedges, such as tussock sedges (Carex stricta).
Otherwise, it may be classified as a sedge meadow. Shallow emergent marshes may have scattered shrubs,
including speckled alder (Alnus incana ssp. rugosa), water willow (Decodon verticillatus), shrubby
dogwoods (Cornus spp.), willows (Salix spp.), meadowsweet (Spiraea alba var. latifolia), and buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis) (Edinger et al., 2002).
Reedgrass/Purple Loosestrife Marsh
Reedgrass/purple loosestrife marsh is a marsh that has been disturbed by draining, filling, road salts, etc. in
which reedgrass (Phragmites australis) or purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) has become dominant.
This community is common along highways and railroads.
2.3.1.2
Wetland Crossings
The Project includes a total of 23 wetland crossings, for a combined crossing length of approximately 1,259
feet, based on field delineation surveys conducted through October 31, 2015 (see Table 2A-2).
Table 2.3-1, above provides a summary of the total acres of each wetland type affected by the Project based
on field surveys conducted through October 31, 2015. A complete list of the wetlands that will be crossed
by Project facilities, including the length of the crossing and total impact on each wetland is provided in
Table 2A-2 in Appendix 2A. In addition, Table 2A-2 provides the total permanent conversion (i.e.,
operation acres) of forested wetlands to PEM/PSS wetlands.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-27
Valley Lateral Project
2.3.2
Aboveground and Pipeline Appurtenant Facilities
The pig launcher site (MP 0.0) was surveyed for wetlands and none were identified within the perimeter of
the proposed site location. Additionally, no wetland complexes were identified within the proposed meter
station and pig receiver site (MP 7.8). One PSS wetland will be temporarily impacted during installation
of the meter station piping. Millennium has sited the permanent aboveground facilities outside of any
identified wetlands; therefore, no other wetland related impacts associated with construction or operation
of the proposed aboveground facilities are anticipated. Additional information is included in the Wetland
Delineation Report in Appendix 2C.
2.3.3
Pipeyards
No wetlands were identified within the proposed pipeyard boundaries during field surveys conducted in
May and October 2015.
2.3.4
Access Roads
Millennium is proposing to use existing roads where feasible along the Project area for temporary and
permanent access roads. No new access roads will impact wetland resources. Where wetlands are adjacent
to existing access roads, Millennium will implement its ECS, and construction crews will avoid the wetland
such that no impact will occur.
2.3.5
Wetland Construction Methods
The wetland construction procedures are presented in Resource Report 1. Jurisdictional wetland crossings
will be conducted in accordance with the Millennium’s ECS (see Appendix 1B) and applicable regulatory
permit and approval conditions. The method of construction and required construction right-of-way width
depend largely on soil stability and related conditions in the wetland, but Millennium anticipates that the
open-cut trenching method will likely be used for most of the non-flooded wetland crossings along the
Project route. Additional information on wetland crossing techniques is presented in Resource Report 1.
Wetlands that will be crossed using an HDD are identified in Table 2A-2. A detailed discussion of the
HDD crossing method is provided in Resource Report 1.
ATWS will be required in locations where it is not possible to place spoil and pipe sections immediately
adjacent to the trench. This could be due to additional volumes of spoil in areas with a reduced right-ofway (e.g., at wetland crossings) or where specialized construction operations, such as an HDD, will be
performed. Table 1A-4 in Resource Report 1 identifies each ATWS that will be less than 50 feet from the
wetland edge with a site-specific justification.
Drilling and Blasting at Wetlands
Based on the surficial and bedrock geology along the proposed Project route, Millennium does not
anticipate that wetland crossings will require blasting during construction. Wetlands identified with
shallow depth to bedrock based on desktop analysis are identified in Table 2.3-2, below. If encountered
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-28
Valley Lateral Project
during construction, Millennium anticipates that most wetlands with shallow bedrock will be rip-able
sedimentary rock and will not require blasting. In instances where the rock is not rippable, drilling and
blasting will be used to install the pipeline. In such cases, judicious use of blasting will help the Contractor
minimize the duration of wetland disturbance. If blasting is determined to be necessary, Millennium will
follow mitigation measures provided in its ECS provided in Appendix 1B. The crew will then excavate the
trench, install the pipeline, and restore the area in accordance with the Millennium’s ECS.
TABLE 2.3-2
Wetlands and Waterbodies Potentially Located in Areas of Shallow Depth to
Bedrock Crossed by the Valley Lateral
Facility
Wetland /
Waterbody
ID
Milepost
Begina
Milepost
Enda
Crossing
Length
(feet)
9
10
Wetland
Class /
Flow Typeb
Pipeline
W-D
0.44
0.44
PEM
Pipeline
W-H
0.98
0.98
PEM
Source:
SSURGO, 2015
a: Enter/exit MPs represent where the wetland enters and exits the shallow depth
to bedrock area.
b: Wetland classification according to Cowardin et al. 1979; PEM = Palustrine
Emergent Wetland.
2.3.6
2.3.6.1
Wetland Impacts and Mitigation
Wetland Impacts
Based on completed field surveys, approximately 0.90 acre of temporary impacts to PFO and 0.47 and 1.42
acres of temporary impacts to PSS and PEM wetlands, respectively, have been identified. Maintenance of
the pipeline right-of-way will result in 0.39 acres of permanent conversion of PFO wetland to PSS/PEM
wetland. Table 2.3-1 provides a summary of wetlands based on surveys conducted through October 31,
2015 within the currently proposed construction workspace. Temporary and permanent impacts to each
wetland by pipeline facility is provided in Table 2A-2.
Temporary effects on wetlands may include soil disturbance, temporary alteration of hydrology, and loss
of vegetation. These changes could affect the reinstatement of natural re-growth of wetland vegetation if
not restored properly. Permanent impacts include conversion of PFO to non-forested cover types within
the permanently maintained right-of-way (i.e., a 30-foot width permanently maintained through forested
wetlands in areas of trenched crossings). No permanent filling of wetlands is proposed or anticipated for
the Project.
There is the potential for increased sedimentation caused by erosion and sediment-laden stormwater runoff
entering wetlands from disturbed areas or spoil piles in the immediately adjacent uplands. Millennium will
implement its ECS to minimize impacts from erosion and stormwater runoff during construction, including
the installation of best management practices to minimize off-right-of-way sedimentation.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-29
Valley Lateral Project
There is also the potential for an accidental release of hazardous materials during refueling/maintaining of
the construction equipment and equipment failure in or near a wetland. As discussed in Resource Report
1, fuel will not be stored within 100 feet of a wetland or waterbody unless otherwise approved by FERC or
the Environmental Inspector. Signage will be installed prior to construction identifying these areas.
Millennium will implement its SPRP (Appendix 1B) in response to a spill as discussed in Section 2.1.3.
2.3.6.2
Wetland Mitigation
Millennium will minimize potential adverse effects on wetlands through implementation of its ECS (see
Appendix 1B). Millennium proposes to use a construction right-of-way maximum width of 75 feet in all
wetlands. During construction, the following measures will be implemented to minimize impacts on
wetlands:

minimization of riparian clearing to the extent reasonably feasible while ensuring safe construction
conditions;

confinement of stump removal and grading over the trench to minimize soil disturbance (unless
safety or access conditions require stump removal elsewhere) to facilitate the regrowth of woody
vegetation;

expedited construction in and around wetlands;

return of wetland contours and drainage patterns to their approximate original configurations to the
extent reasonably possible;

permanent stabilization of upland areas near wetlands as soon as reasonably practicable after trench
backfilling to reduce sediment run-off;

segregation of topsoil in unsaturated wetlands within the area disturbed by trenching to preserve
the native seed source (which will facilitate natural regrowth of herbaceous vegetation once
pipeline installation is complete);

application of an applicable native seed mix in forested wetlands, Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands
and regulated Adjacent Area during restoration (regulated Adjacent Area includes those areas of
land or water that are outside an Article 24 Freshwater Wetland and within 100 feet measured
horizontally, of the boundary of the wetland [6 CRR-NY 663.2]); and

periodic inspection of the construction corridor during and after construction.
In accordance with the Millennium’s ECS, post-construction monitoring of affected wetlands will be
performed to assess the condition of vegetation and the success of restoration. To assist with periodic
surveillance and monitoring efforts, a 10-foot-wide corridor centered on the pipeline will be routinely
cleared and maintained in an herbaceous state for the pipeline.
Millennium will submit its Joint Permit Application to the USACE and NYSDEC concurrent with the filing
of this final Environmental Report. Mitigation proposed for the 0.39 acre of forested wetland converted to
PSS/PEM wetland includes restoration of the wetland in accordance with Millennium’s ECS (Appendix
1B) and use of a native wetland seed mix in forested wetlands. Millennium will provide copies of the Joint
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-30
Valley Lateral Project
Permit Application to FERC when submitted and will provide any approval by USACE and NYSDEC as
received.
2.4
REFERENCES
Cowardin, Lewis M., Carter, Virginia, Golet, Francis C., LaRow, Edward T. 1979. Classification
of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States. Accessed online July 16, 2015
at: http://www.charttiff.com/pub/WetlandMaps/Cowardin.pdf
Edinger, G.J., D.J. Evans, S. Gebauer, T.G. Howard, D.M. Hunt, and A.M. Olivero (editors). 2002.
Ecological Communities of New York State. Second Edition. A revised and expanded edition
of Carol Reschke's Ecological Communities of New York State [Online WWW]. (Draft for
review). New York Natural Heritage Program, New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, Albany, NY. Accessed online July 16, 2015 at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/29392.html.
[EDR] – Environmental Data Resources, Inc. 2015. Valley Lateral Project. EDR DataMap
Environmental Atlas. Milford, Connecticut.
[FEMA] – Federal Emergency Management Agency. 2009. Flood Insurance Rate Map for Orange
County, New York. Map Number 360710406E, Effective Date August 3, 2009.
FEMA. 2015. Definitions of FEMA Flood Zone Designations. Accessed online July 14, 2015 at:
https://www.fema.gov/flood-zones.
Flaherty, Michael J. 2015. Electronic mail correspondence from Michael J. Flaherty, NYSDEC Bureau
of Fisheries, to Nicole Libby, TRC, dated July 14, 2015.
Frimpton, Michael H. 1985. Groundwater Resources of Orange and Ulster County, New York.
Accessed online on July 28, 2015 at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/1985/report.pdf.
Knutson, Lingard. 2015. Electronic Mail from Lingard Knutson, USEPA, to Nicole Libby, TRC dated
May 29, 2015.
National Wild and Scenic Rivers Council. 2015. National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Accessed July 22,
2015 at: http://www.rivers.gov/new-york.php.
New York State Canals. 2015. Canal Corporation. Accessed July 13, 2015 at:
http://www.canals.ny.gov/maps/index.html.
[NPS] – National Park Service. 2015. Nationwide Rivers Inventory. New York Segments. Accessed
July 22, 2015 at: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/nri/states/ny2.html
[NYSDEC] – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2007. Waterbody Inventory
and Priority Waterbodies List (WI_PWL) – NYS. Accessed on July 29, 2015 at:
http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/metadata/nysdec.PWL.xml
NYSDEC. February 29, 2008. NYSGIS Clearinghouse. Unconsolidated Aquifers at 1:250,000- MainUpstate NY. http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/inventories/details.cfm?DSID=1141
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-31
Valley Lateral Project
NYSDEC. 2015a. Accessed online July 8, 2015 at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/36119.html
NYSDEC. 2015b. Watersheds. Accessed online July 10, 2015 at:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/26561.html
NYSDEC. 2015c. Water quality Standards and Classifications. Water Classifications and Reclassification.
Accessed online July 13, 2015 at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/23853.html
NYSDEC. 2015d. Protection of Waters Program. Classification of Waters. Accessed online July 13, 2015
at http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6042.html.
NYSDEC. 2015e. Part 701: Classifications- Surface Waters and Groundwaters. 701.8 Class C Fresh
Surface Waters. Accessed online July 13, 2015 at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regs/4592.html#15987.
NYSDEC.
2015f. Freshwater Wetlands Program.
http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4937.html.
Accessed online July 23, 2015 at:
[NYSDOH] – New York State Department of Health. 2002. Wellhead Protection Program. Accessed
online
July
8,
2015
at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/wellhead/wellfact.htm
NYSDOH. 2004. Drinking Water Program: An Overview. Accessed online July 8, 2015 at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/drinkingwaterprogram.htm
NYSDOH. 2007. Drinking Water Program: Frequently Asked Questions. Accessed online July 8, 2015
at: http://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/faq_def.htm
NYSDOH. 2010. Part 5, Subpart 5-1, Public Water Systems- Appendix 5D. 5-D.2 Water Well Location
and
Protection.
Accessed
online
July
8,
2015
at:
http://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_5/appendix_5d.htm#d2.
[NYSGS] – New York State Geological Survey. Bedrock Geology II. Accessed online July 7, 2015 at:
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/nysgs/resources/images/map-bedrock3.jpg
[OCWA] – Orange County Water Authority. 1994a. Regional Ground-Water Study Town of Wawayanda
Orange
County,
New
York.
Accessed
online
July
23,
2015
at:
http://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com/DOCUMENTS/RESOURCE_REPORT/WAWAYA
NDA.pdf
OCWA. 1994b. Regional Ground-Water Study Town of Minisink Orange County, New York. Accessed
online
July
23,
2015
at:
http://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com/DOCUMENTS/RESOURCE_REPORT/MINISINK.
pdf
OCWA. 1994c. Ground-Water Resources of Orange County, New York Orange County Water Authority
Goshen,
New
York.
Accessed
online
July
23,
2015
at:
http://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com/DOCUMENTS/RESOURCE_REPORT/GWSUMRY
.pdf
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-32
Valley Lateral Project
OCWA. January 21, 2009. Major Aquifers of Orange County. Accessed online July 7, 2015 at:
http://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com/DOCUMENTS/AQUIFERS/Orange%20County%20
Aquifers%20map.pdf.
Olcott, Perry G. 1995. Groundwater Atlas of the United States: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont. USGS HA 730-M. Accessed online in July 23,
2015 at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/ha/ha730/ch_m/index.html
Rysedorph, Danielle, L., Esq. 2015. Letter from Danielle L. Rysedorph, NYSDOH, to John Zimmer,
TRC, dated June 17, 2015.
[USACE] – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 1987. Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.
Technical Report U 87-1. Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
USACE. 2012. Regional Supplement to the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual:
Northcentral and Northeast Region (Version 2.0), ed. J. S. Wakeley, R. W. Lichvar, C. V.
Noble, and J. F. Berkowitz. ERDC/EL TR-12-1. Vicksburg, MS: U.S. Army Engineer
Research and Development Center. Accessed online July 16, 2015 at:
http://www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/docs/civilworks/regulatory/reg_supp/NCNE_suppv2.pdf.
USACE. 2015. RIBITS. Regulatory In-lieu Fee and Bank Information Tracking System. Accessed
online July 30, 2015 at:
https://ribits.usace.army.mil/ribits_apex/f?p=107:158:2352755092543::NO:RP.
[USFWS] – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2015. Letter dated June 23, 2015 from the USFWS New
York Ecological Services Field Office with enclosed species list.
World Media Group, LLC. 2015. Orange County Weather. Average Annual Precipitation. Accessed
online
July
22,
2015
at:
http://www.usa.com/orange-county-nyweather.htm#HistoricalPrecipitation
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2-33
Valley Lateral Project
APPENDIX 2A
Supplemental Tables
TABLE 2A-1
TABLE 2A-2
Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project ..................................................... 2A-1 Wetlands Associated with the Valley Lateral Project ................................................... 2A-1 Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2A-i
Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2A-1
Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Flow Type
Crossing
Length
(feet)
FERC
Classa
Water
Quality
Standardb
Fishery
Classificationc
State
Fishery
Construction
Windowd
NYSDEC
Protected
Waterbody
(Yes or
No)e
Crossing Methodf
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
C
TBD
TBD
No
Dry waterbody, Dam and Pump, or
Flume
Minisink
Unionville
Perennial
95
Intermediate
C(T)
coldwater
TBD
Yes
HDD
1.5
Minisink
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
HDD
Rutgers Creek
1.8
Minisink
Unionville
Perennial
42
Intermediate
C(T)
coldwater
TBD
Yes
HDD
St-I
Indigot Creek
2.6
Minisink/
Wawayanda
Pine Island
Perennial
73
Intermediate
C
TBD
TBD
No
Flume or Dam and Pump
St-J
Catlin Creek
2.8
Wawayanda
Pine Island
Perennial
26
Intermediate
C
TBD
TBD
No
Flume or Dam and Pump
St-R
Tributary to Catlin Creek
3.7
Wawayanda
Pine Island
Intermittent
<3
Minor
C
TBD
TBD
No
Dry waterbody, Dam and Pump, or
Flume
St-S
Catlin Creek
3.9
Wawayanda
Middletown
Perennial
10
Intermediate
C
TBD
TBD
No
Flume or Dam and Pump
St-S
Catlin Creek
4.1
Wawayanda
Middletown
Perennial
19
Intermediate
C
TBD
TBD
No
Flume or Dam and Pump
St-O
Unmapped Tributary to Catlin Creek
4.6
Wawayanda
Middletown
Intermittent
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Dry waterbody, Dam and Pump, or
Flume
St-L
Tributary to Catlin Creek
5.9
Wawayanda
Middletown
Perennial
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
HDD
St-M
Unmapped Tributary to Monhagen Brook
7.5
Wawayanda
Middletown
Ephemeral
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
HDD
N/A
Wawayanda
Middletown
Ephemeral
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Install Erosion Controls / culvert as
needed
Waterbody
ID
Waterbody Name
Approximate
MP
Town
Quadrangle
St-A
Tributary to Rutgers Creek
0.1
Minisink
St-E
Rutgers Creek
1.3
St-F
Tributary to Rutgers Creek
St-G
Pipeline Lateral
Meter Station Piping
St-AH
Unnamed tributary to Monhagen Brook
Aboveground Facilities
None Identified
Pipeyards
None Identified
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2A-1
Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2A-1
Waterbodies Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Flow Type
Crossing
Length
(feet)
FERC
Classa
Water
Quality
Standardb
Fishery
Classificationc
State
Fishery
Construction
Windowd
NYSDEC
Protected
Waterbody
(Yes or
No)e
Crossing Methodf
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
C
TBD
TBD
No
Use existing culvert
Minisink
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Use existing culvert
TAR-002
Minisink
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Temporary mats
Unnamed Tributary to Rutgers Creek
TAR-002
Minisink
Unionville
Intermittent
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Use existing culvert
St-AH
Unnamed tributary to Monhagen Brook
PAR-002
Wawayanda
Middletown
Ephemeral
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Install Erosion Controls / culvert as
needed
St-L
Tributary to Catlin Creek
TAR-009
Wawayanda
Middletown
Perennial
<3
Minor
N/A
TBD
TBD
No
Use existing culvert
Waterbody
ID
Waterbody Name
Approximate
MP
Town
Quadrangle
St-A
Tributary to Rutgers Creek
PAR-001
Minisink
St-C
Unnmapped Tributary to Rutgers Creek
PAR-001
St-F
Unnamed Tributary to Rutgers Creek
St-F
Access Roads
NOTES:
N/A = Not Applicable
HDD = Horizontal Directional Drill.
All features in table 2A-1 were identified during field surveys. No NHD waterbodies were identified in the no survey area between MP 3.01 and 3.03 or MP 3.11 and 3.35, and MP 5.65 from desktop review.
a: Minor (<10 feet); Intermediate (>10 - <100 feet); Major (>100 feet).
b: Source - Water Quality Classifications (WQC) – NYS (NYSDEC) 2010. http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/metadata/nysdec.wtrcls.xml.
c: To be determined in consultation with NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries.
d: To be determined in consultation with NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries.
e: Source - Water Quality Classifications (WQC) – NYS (NYSDEC) 2010. http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/metadata/nysdec.wtrcls.xml.
f: Where trenched crossings are proposed, a dry crossing method will be implemented (i.e., dam and pump or flume) where there is discernable flow at the time of crossing.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2A-2
Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2A-2
Wetlands Associated with the Valley Lateral Project
Wetland
ID
MP
Town
Quadrangle
Wetland Classa
Wetland Impact (acres)c
Construction
Operation
Crossing
Length
(feet)b
PFO
PSS
PEM
PFO
PSS
PEM
Permanent
Forested
Wetland
Conversion
(acres)
State Wetland
Classificationd
NYSDEC
Regulated
Wetland
(Yes or
No)e
Crossing Methodf
Pipeline Lateral
W-A
0.1
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
11
0.00
0.00
0.04
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-C
0.4
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
29
0.00
0.00
0.18
0.00
0.00
0.09
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-D
0.4
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
9
0.00
0.00
0.04
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-E
0.5
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
12
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-G
0.8
Minisink
Unionville
PFO
106
0.14
0.00
0.00
0.12
0.00
0.00
0.07
Eligible
Yes
Open Cut
W-H
0.9
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Eligible
Yes
Open Cut
W-H
1.0
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.09
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Eligible
Yes
Open Cut
W-H
1.0
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
10
0.00
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
Eligible
Yes
Open Cut
W-L
1.5
Minisink
Unionville
PSS
84
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Eligible
Yes
HDD
W-M
1.6
Minisink
Unionville
PSS
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
HDD
W-R
2.5
Minisink
Pine Island
PEM
12
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
0.00
0.01
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-AP
3.0
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PEM
40
0.00
0.00
0.09
0.00
0.00
0.05
0.00
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-AQ
3.5
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PSS
44
0.00
0.06
0.00
0.00
0.05
0.00
0.00
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-AS
3.5
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PEM
25
0.00
0.00
0.06
0.00
0.00
0.03
0.00
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-AT
3.7
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PEM
41
0.00
0.00
0.08
0.00
0.00
0.05
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-AV
3.7
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PSS
22
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
0.00
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-AL
4.1
Wawayanda
Middletown
PFO
219
0.36
0.00
0.00
0.24
0.00
0.00
0.15
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-AI
4.6
Wawayanda
Middletown
PFO
101
0.24
0.00
0.00
0.13
0.00
0.00
0.07
Class 2
Yes
Open Cut
W-V
5.3
Wawayanda
Middletown
PFO/PEM
94
0.16
0.00
0.04
0.11
0.00
0.00
0.06
Class 3
Yes
Open Cut
W-W
5.7
Wawayanda
Middletown
PEM
17
0.00
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-AA
6.6
Wawayanda
Middletown
PEM
15
0.00
0.00
0.04
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-AB
6.7
Wawayanda
Middletown
PSS
14
0.00
0.03
0.00
0.00
0.02
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
W-AF
7.0
Wawayanda
Middletown
PEM
74
0.00
0.00
0.13
0.00
0.00
0.09
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2A-3
Valley Lateral Project
TABLE 2A-2
Wetlands Associated with the Valley Lateral Project
Wetland Impact (acres)c
Construction
Operation
Crossing
Length
(feet)b
PFO
PSS
PEM
PFO
PSS
PEM
Permanent
Forested
Wetland
Conversion
(acres)
State Wetland
Classificationd
NYSDEC
Regulated
Wetland
(Yes or
No)e
Crossing Methodf
Wetland
ID
MP
W-BA
7.2
Wawayanda
Middletown
PEM/PSS
0
0.00
0.20
0.54
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
Class 3
Yes
Temporary Mats
W-AG
7.6
Wawayanda
Middletown
PFO
60
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.04
Class 2
Yes
HDD
W-AH
7.7
Wawayanda
Middletown
PSS
94
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,133
0.90
0.32
1.42
0.60
0.09
0.40
0.39
Town
Quadrangle
Wetland Classa
Pipeline Total:
HDD
Aboveground Facilities
Pig Launcher
None Identified
Pig Receiver
None Identified
Meter Station Piping
W-AH
N/A
Wawayanda
Middletown
PSS
Meter Station Piping Total:
126
0.00
0.15
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
126
0.00
0.15
0.00
0.00
0.15
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Open Cut
Pipeyards
None Identified
Access Roads
W-A
PAR-001
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Install Erosion Controls
W-C
PAR-001
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Install Erosion Controls
W-D
TAR-001
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Install Erosion Controls
W-E
TAR-001
Minisink
Unionville
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Install Erosion Controls
W-AY
TAR-005
Wawayanda
Pine Island
PEM
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
N/A
No
Install Erosion Controls
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
1,259
0.90
0.47
1.42
0.60
0.24
0.40
0.39
Access Road Total:
PROJECT TOTAL:
NOTES:
N/A = Not Applicable
All features in table 2A-2 were identified during field surveys. No NWI or NYSDEC wetlands were identified in the no survey area between MP 3.01 and 3.03 or MP 3.11 and 3.35, and 5.64 from desktop review.
a: Wetland classification according to Cowardin et al. 1979: PEM = Palustrine Emergent Wetland; PSS = Palustrine Scrub-Shrub Wetland; PFO = Palustrine Forested Wetland.
b: A crossing length of zero indicates the feature is not crossed by the centerline of the pipeline but is located within the construction work area. For access roads, a crossing length of zero indicates that the feature is located adjacent to the access road.
c: Construction Acreage = all workspace during construction activities (temporary and ATWS plus permanent ROW); Operation Acreage = 50 foot permanent easement. No impact acres included for wetlands located within HDD crossings.
d: Source: Regulatory Freshwater Wetlands – New York State – 2002 (NYSDEC) http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/metadata/nysdec.fwwetlands_cugir.xml.
e: Source: Regulatory Freshwater Wetlands – New York State – 2002 (NYSDEC) http://gis.ny.gov/gisdata/metadata/nysdec.fwwetlands_cugir.xml.
f: Wetland crossing methods are described in Resource Report 1 and Millennium’s ECS (Appendix 1B). HDD = Horizontal Directional Drill.
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2A-4
Valley Lateral Project
APPENDIX 2B
Figures
FIGURE 2B-1
FIGURE 2B-2
FIGURE 2B-3
FIGURE 2B-4
FIGURE 2B-5
Regional Aquifers Crossed by the Valley Lateral Project
Environmental Sites in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
USEPA Sole Source Aquifers in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
SWAP Assessment Areas in the Vicinity of the Valley Lateral Project
FEMA Flood Zones Crossed by the Project
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2B-i
Valley Lateral Project
V:\PROJECTS\AUGUSTA\Millennium\Valley_Lateral\MXD\Figures\Figure2B_1_Aquifers_8x11P.mxd
CPV Valley
Energy
Center
!
.
K
0
0.25
0.5
1
Miles
Legend
Proposed Valley Lateral
Existing Millennium
Pipeline
Potential Access Road
Pipeyard
Data sources: ESRI, TRC, Millennium Pipeline, NY GIS Unconsolidated Aquifers, USGS Principal Aquifers
County Boundary
Town Boundary
Unconsolidated Aquifer
Carbonate-rock aquifers
Sandstone and carbonate-rock aquifers
Regional Aquifers Crossed
by the Valley Lateral Project
Created:
11/3/2015
Figure 2B-1
14 Gabriel Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
ES-9
ES-8
!
# .
#
ES-11
!
!
CPV Valley
Energy Center
MP 7.5
#
ES-10
ES-13
##
MP 5
!
!
MP 7
!
!
!
!
#
!
!
!
!
#
ES-12
ES-5
ES-6
ES-7
MP 6
MP 5.5
MP 4.5
!
!
!
!
MP 3.5
MP 4
!
!
ES-4
ES-2
#
!
!
!
!
MP 1.5
!
!
MP 3
#
!
!
MP 2.5
# ES-3
!
!
!
!
V:\PROJECTS\AUGUSTA\Millennium\Valley_Lateral\MXD\Figures\Figure2B_2_EnvironmentalSites_8x11P.mxd
MP 0
!
!
MP 0.5
ES-1
K
#
0
0.25
0.5
1
Miles
Legend
!
!
Route Milepost (0.5 mi)
Proposed Valley Lateral
#
Environmental site
Existing Millennium Pipeline
Potential Access Road
Pipeyard
Data sources: ESRI, TRC, Millennium Pipeline, EDR, and NY GIS
County Boundary
Town Boundary
Environmental Sites within 0.25 Mile
of the Valley Lateral Project
Created:
11/10/2015
Figure 2B-2
14 Gabriel Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
V:\PROJECTS\AUGUSTA\Millennium\Valley_Lateral\MXD\Figures\Figure2B_3_SoleSourceAquif_8x11P.mxd
CPV Valley
Energy
Center
!
.
K
New Jersey Fifteen
Basin Aquifers SSA
0
0.25
0.5
1
Miles
Legend
Proposed Valley Lateral
Existing Millennium Pipeline
Potential Access Road
Pipeyard
Sole Source Aquifer (US EPA)
Data sources: ESRI, TRC, Millennium Pipeline, and US EPA
County Boundary
Town Boundary
USEPA Sole Source Aquifers
in the Vicinity of the Project
Created:
11/3/2015
Figure 2B-3
14 Gabriel Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
CPV Valley
Energy
Center
!
.
MP 7.5
!
!
!
!
MP 6.5
MP 7
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
MP 3.5
MP 5
MP 6
MP 5.5
MP 4.5
MP 4
!
!
!
!
MP 2
!
!
MP 3
MP 2.5
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
MP 1.5
MP 1
MP 0.5
V:\PROJECTS\AUGUSTA\Millennium\Valley_Lateral\MXD\Figures\Figure2B_4_SWAP_8x11P.mxd
MP 0 !!
K
0
0.25
0.5
1
Miles
Legend
!
!
Route Milepost (0.5 mi)
NYDOH SWAP Area
Existing Millennium Pipeline
Town Boundary
Proposed Valley Lateral
Potential Access Road
Pipeyard
Data sources: ESRI, TRC, Millennium Pipeline, and NYDOH
County Boundary
SWAP Assessment Areas
in the Vicinity of
the Valley Lateral Project
Created:
11/5/2015
Figure 2B-4
14 Gabriel Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
CPV Valley
Energy
Center
!
.
MP 7.5
!
!
!
!
MP 6.5
MP 7
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
MP 3.5
MP 5
MP 6
MP 5.5
MP 4.5
MP 4
!
!
!
!
MP 2
!
!
MP 3
MP 2.5
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
MP 1.5
MP 1
MP 0.5
V:\PROJECTS\AUGUSTA\Millennium\Valley_Lateral\MXD\Figures\Figure2B_5_FEMA_8x11P.mxd
MP 0 !!
K
0
0.25
0.5
1
Miles
Legend
!
!
Route Milepost (0.5 mi)
Proposed Valley Lateral
Existing Millennium Pipeline
Potential Access Road
Pipeyard
County Boundary
Town Boundary
Data sources: ESRI, TRC, Millennium Pipeline, and FEMA
Flood Zone
A
AE
X
FEMA Flood Zones Crossed
by the Valley Lateral Project
Created:
11/5/2015
Figure 2B-5
14 Gabriel Drive
Augusta, ME 04330
APPENDIX 2C
Wetland Delineation Report
Resource Report 2 – Water Use and Quality
2C-i
Valley Lateral Project