WBI ENERGY WIND RIDGE PIPELINE, LLC
Wind Ridge Pipeline Project
Resource Report 6 Geological Resources
DRAFT
October 2014
WIND RIDGE PIPELINE PROJECT
Resource Report 6 Geological Resources
Minimum Filing Requirements For Environmental Reports Addressed in: Identify the location (by milepost) of mineral resources and any planned or active surface Section 6.3 mines crossed by the proposed facilities - 18 CFR § 380.12 (h) (1 & 2). Describe hazards to the facilities from mining activities, including subsidence, blasting, slumping or landsliding or other ground failure Identify any geologic hazards to the proposed facilities - 18 CFR § 380.12 (h) (2) Section 6.4 Discuss the need for and locations where blasting may be necessary in order to construct Section 6.6 the proposed facilities - 18 CFR § 380.12 (h) (3) For LNG projects in seismic areas, the materials required by "Data Requirements for the Not Applicable Seismic Review of LNG Facilities," NBSIR84-2833 - 18 CFR § 380.12 (h) (5) For underground storage facilities, how drilling activity by others within or adjacent to the Not Applicable facilities would be monitored, and how old wells would be located and monitored within the facility boundaries - 18 CFR § 380.12 (h) (6) Additional Information Identify any sensitive paleontological resource areas crossed by the proposed facilities Section 6.5 (Usually only if raised in scoping or required by land-managing agency) Briefly summarize the physiography and bedrock geology of the project area Sections 6.1 and 6.2 If the application is for underground storage facilities: Not Applicable - Describe monitoring of potential effects of the operation of adjacent storage or production facilities on the proposed facility, and vice versa; - Describe measures taken to locate and determine the condition of old wells within the field and buffer zone and how the applicant would reduce risk from failure of known and undiscovered wells; and - Identify and discuss safety and environmental safeguards required by state and federal drilling regulations
Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Resource Report 6 – Geological Resources
WIND RIDGE PIPELINE PROJECT WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC Resource Report 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.0 RESOURCE REPORT 6 – GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 1 6.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTING ...... 1 6.2 PHYSIOGRAPHIC SETTING AND TOPOGRAPHY ...... 3 6.3 MINERAL RESOURCES ...... 5 6.4 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS ...... 5 6.4.1 Seismic-Related Hazards ...... 5 6.4.2 Landslides ...... 5 6.5 PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 6 6.6 BLASTING ...... 8 6.7 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND MITIGATION ...... 8 6.8 REFERENCES ...... 10
LIST OF TABLES
Table 6.6-1 Shallow Bedrock Along the Proposed Pipeline Route ...... 8
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 6.1-1 North Dakota Stratigraphic Column - Cenozoic Age to Present ...... 2 Figure 6.2-1 Elevation Profile for the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project ...... 4 Figure 6.4.2-1 Landslide Susceptibility ...... 7
APPENDICES
Appendix 6A Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Blasting Plan
Draft 6-i October 2014 Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Resource Report 6 – Geological Resources
WIND RIDGE PIPELINE PROJECT WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC
RESOURCE REPORT 6 – GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
Resource Report 6 describes the geologic setting of WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC’s (WBI Wind Ridge) proposed Wind Ridge Pipeline Project (Project), identifies potential mineral resources within the area, discusses geologic hazards that may impact the Project, and details measures to avoid or mitigate the impact to resources and from potential hazards. Resource Report 1 provides a detailed Project description.
6.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTING
The proposed Project is located in the Drift Prairie and the Missouri Coteau Regions in south-central North Dakota. The Drift Prairie and the Missouri Coteau are described in section 6.2, Physiographic Setting and Topography. The Project area is underlain by Precambrian basement rock at depths exceeding 2000 feet in the entire Project area with depth to bedrock increasing westward (Anderson, 2012). The Precambrian basement rock is overlain by sedimentary rocks of Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic age. The surficial deposits are primarily glacial drift of Late Wisconsin age or later (Winters, 1963). The formations underlying North Dakota from the Cenozoic to the present are shown in figure 6.1-1 (Murphy et al., 2009).
The Project area is primarily underlain by Pierre Formation bedrock and to a lesser extent, Fox Hills Formation bedrock (Bluemle, 1988). The bedrock of the area dips in a westerly direction with bedrock getting older as the Project goes east. The bedrock units are overlain by the glacial deposits in areas where they are not exposed in small localized outcrops (Bluemle, 1977). The western part of the Project in Logan and McIntosh counties includes both Fox Hills and Pierre shale whereas LaMoure and Stutsman Counties are entirely Pierre shale (North Dakota GIS, 2014).
The Pierre Formation is a shale and when unweathered is a dark-gray to black non- calcareous shale that lacks distinct bedding planes. The shale is highly jointed, and red iron stains are common along the fractures. Where weathered, as is generally the case in outcrops, the shale breaks down into small flakes. These small flakes are light blue gray when dry and dark gray when wet. In most outcrops where drift overlies bedrock, the shale is weathered, and the contact between the two is represented by a transitional zone which averages several feet in thickness (Winters, 1963). The Fox Hills Formation is an interbedded sandstone and mudstone that is a fine-grained protoquartzite (Clayton, 1962).
Draft 6-1 October 2014 6-2
Modified from: Murphy, Ed, Stephan Nordeng, Bruce Juenker, and John Hoganson. 2009. North Dakota Stratigraphic Column. North Dakota Geological Survey - Miscellaneous Series 91. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/Publication_List/pdf/Strat-column-NDGS-(2009).pdf
Figure 6.1-1 Wind Ridge Pipeline Project North Dakota Stratigraphic Column-Cenozoic Age to Present
FILE: M:\Clients\V-X\WBI\WindRidge\_ArcGIS\2014\10\RR6_Geology\_WBI_WindRidge_RR6_Geol_Strat_Column.mxd | REVISED: 10/13/2014 | SCALE: 1:684,929 DRAWN BY: Lindsay Sheldon Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Resource Report 6 – Geological Resources
6.2 PHYSIOGRAPHIC SETTING AND TOPOGRAPHY
Physiographic provinces are distinguished by characteristic geologic structure, rock units, soil types, and vegetation that reflect a unified climatic and geological history. The elevations and shapes of landforms of each province are significantly different from those in adjacent provinces. The Project crosses two physiographic provinces, the Missouri Coteau and the Drift Prairie. Elevations in the Project area range from a low of 1,366 feet above sea level near MP 87.0 to a high of 2,205 feet above sea level near MP 9.0. An elevation profile for the Project is presented in figure 6.2-1.
The proposed pipeline route for the Project originates in the Missouri Coteau and extends into the Drift Prairie. Both the Missouri Coteau and the Drift Prairie are part of an area known as the Prairie Pothole Region due to the high density of wetlands created by the glacial land features.
The Missouri Coteau is mainly a terminal moraine complicated by recessional moraines (Laird, 1955). Most of the landforms on the Missouri Coteau formed due to the collapse of glacial sediment that covered a nearly continuous sheet of stagnant glacial ice. Typical landforms of the Missouri Coteau include hilly areas of collapsed glacial sediments, collapsed floodplains and lake plains, elevated lake plains, and various types of ice disintegration features. The glacial sediment ranges in thickness from 200 feet to 500 feet (Bluemle, 1979).
From about MP 22.0 to MP 60.0, the pipeline route crosses an area of more variable topography with a high density of the pothole wetland features (ESRI 2014a). This area is part of the Missouri Coteau and is known as the Missouri Escarpment. The Missouri Escarpment marks the boundary between the Missouri Coteau and the Drift Prairie (Bluemle, 1979). The Project route also crosses areas of steep localized topography near the crossings of Beaver Creek (MP 74.0) and the James River (MP 87.0).
In the vicinity of MP 60.0, the pipeline route crosses into Drift Prairie for the remainder of the route. The Drift Prairie is characterized by glacial features such as, outwash plains, terminal and recessional moraines, deltaic deposits, and ice contact deposits (kames, eskers), as well as interlaced spillway systems characterized by overloaded, braided, and modern streams (Laird, 1955).
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01020 Miles This information is for environmental review purposes only. 3500 3500
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Figure 6.2-1 Milepost Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Proposed Pipeline Elevation Profile for the Wind Ridge Pipeline Project
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6.3 MINERAL RESOURCES Exploitable and potentially exploitable mineral resources are limited in the counties crossed by the proposed Project. The predominant exploitable mineral resource in the Project area is sand and gravel (USGS, 2013 and 2014a).
Three-fourths of North Dakota is covered by glacial sediments which contain sand and gravel as either outwash or as isolated lenses of sand and gravel within till. Sand and gravel is the third largest mineral industry in the state after oil and gas and lignite (Murphy, 2014). Two counties within the Project area, Stutsman and LaMoure, are producing areas of construction sand and gravel (USGS, 2013). No oil or gas wells occur in the counties crossed by the Project (NDDMR, 2014).
The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Mineral Resources Data System is a collection of reports describing the location, exploration/extraction, and additional attributes of metallic and nonmetallic mineral resources throughout the world. According to the database, only one mineral resource site is present within 2.0 miles of the proposed pipeline route: a sand and gravel pit located about 0.12 miles west of MP 90.8 (USGS, 2014a). An additional quarry, approximately 0.2 miles north of the proposed pipeline route at MP 73.5, was identified using topographic and aerial photography (ESRI, 2014a). Neither of these sites is currently active and they will not be affected by the Project.
6.4 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS
Geological hazards include geologic conditions capable of causing damage or loss of property and life. Such events include seismic events and earthquakes, mass wasting (avalanches, landslides, and slump/debris/mud flows), and land subsidence/collapse. There are very few geologic hazards in the vicinity of the Project area. Potential hazards in the region are described below.
6.4.1 Seismic-Related Hazards
The risk of seismic-related events in or near the Project area is very low according to the USGS’s Seismic Hazards mapping program, which produces maps of the probability of exceeding a certain amount of ground shaking, or ground motion, in 50 years. The hazard depends on the magnitudes and locations of likely earthquakes, how often they occur, and the properties of the rocks and sediments through which earthquake waves pass. Probabilistic hazard maps for the Project area indicate a 2 percent probability of experiencing an earthquake with an effective peak ground acceleration of 2 to 4 percent g in a 50-year period (2,475-year return period) (USGS, 2014b). There were also no recorded seismic events greater than magnitude 2.5 from 1973 to March 2012 (USGS, 2014c). Additionally, there are no Quaternary faults or Quaternary fault areas mapped within North Dakota (USGS, 2014d).
Due to the low risk of a significant earthquake, or other rapid loading events, there is a corresponding low risk of a soil liquefaction hazard in the Project area.
6.4.2 Landslides
Landslides involve the down-slope movement of earth materials under the force of gravity due to natural or human-made causes and most commonly occur in areas of steep slope. Figure 6.4.2-1 illustrates landslide susceptibility in the state of North Dakota based on USGS Landslide
Draft 6-5 October 2014 Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Resource Report 6 – Geological Resources
Susceptibility data (ESRI, 2014b). The entire Project area is within a region of low incidence for landslides. In general, the physiographic provinces crossed by the Project are unlikely to experience landslides due to the low relief (Radbruch-Hall et al., 1982).
6.5 PALEONTOLOGICAL RESOURCES
North Dakota is rich in paleontological resources. Fossil-rich geologic units underlie the Project area, including the Fox Hills and Pierre Formations (Hoganson, 2006). The Project will primarily impact the overlying glacial deposits because the pipeline trench will be 10 feet deep or less. However, in a few localized areas in McIntosh County, the Project crosses areas of shallow bedrock at a depth of 20-40 inches and may impact the upper Fox Hills Formation.
Paleontological resources on land owned by the State of North Dakota and its political subdivisions are protected and managed under Chapters 54-17.3 and 43-04 of the North Dakota Century and Administrative Codes, respectively. A permit is required to investigate, excavate, collect, or otherwise record paleontological resources on these lands (North Dakota Geological Survey, 2011). The only North Dakota state lands crossed by the Project will be state highway Rights-of Way and each of those highway Right-of-Way crossings will be constructed via the horizontal directional drill method or other boring method to reduce surface impacts.
Century Code Chapter 54-17.3-05 requires the reporting of all Quaternary paleontological finds which potentially or actually contain cultural resources to the State Historical Society of North Dakota in addition to the State Geologist (State of North Dakota, 2011). If paleontological resources are discovered during construction of the Project, they will be treated as cultural resources in accordance with WBI Wind Ridge’s Plan for Unanticipated Discovery of Historic Properties, Human Remains, or Paleontological Resources during Construction, which is contained in Appendix C of Resource Report 4.
Draft 6-6 October 2014 Kidder Stutsman Barnes County County County
Logan LaMoure County County 6-7
Emmons County
McIntosh Dickey County County
This information is for environmental review purposes only.
Centerline (Current) 1:1,000,000 Figure 6.4.2-1 North Dakota Moderate Susceptibility 0 10 20 Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Low Incidence Miles p Landslide Susceptibility
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6.6 BLASTING
The location of shallow bedrock by MP is listed in table 6.6-1. Based on an analysis of county soils data, only 1.1 miles of the proposed pipeline route crosses areas with bedrock at depths of less than 60 inches (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2013a and 2013b). These areas all occur in McIntosh County and consist of the Amor, Reeder, Regent, and Vebar series soils, which are shallow, well-drained, moderately permeable soils. Because of the soft texture of this bedrock, it should be rippable with standard construction equipment making the need for blasting unlikely.
TABLE 6.6-1
Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Shallow Bedrock Along the Proposed Pipeline Route a Approximate Approximate Crossing Length Depth to Bedrock County Milepost Beginning Milepost Ending (Feet) (inches) Bedrock Type b McIntosh 8.6 8.9 1,200 20-40 Soft 9.0 9.3 1,147 10-40 Soft 9.4 9.8 1,390 10-40 Soft 10.0 10.1 565 20-40 Soft 10.5 10.6 396 20-40 Soft 11.3 11.4 185 20-40 Soft 12.8 13.0 721 20-40 Soft 13.1 13.1 283 20-40 Soft Project Total 5,887 ______a Based on soil mapping units that contain bedrock within 60 inches of the soil surface as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service. b Soft = Rippable with standard construction equipment; will not likely require blasting.
6.7 DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, AND MITIGATION
The proposed pipeline will be designed and installed in accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation standards (49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 192, Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards), which will minimize or avoid potential impacts on the proposed facilities from potential geological hazards. Under these regulations, pipelines must be designed and constructed to provide adequate protection from washouts, floods, unstable soils, landslides or other hazards that may cause the pipe to move or sustain abnormal loads. For the proposed Project, no areas requiring special design or construction considerations as a result of geological hazards have been identified. Where the pipeline route crosses areas of steep slopes (e.g., short steep slopes into and out of wetlands), potential impacts will be mitigated through the use of erosion control measures as described below. Additionally, WBI Wind Ridge notes that it avoided steep slopes to the extent practicable in routing the proposed pipeline.
The overall effects of construction and operation of the proposed Project facilities on topography and geology will be minor. Primary impacts will be limited to construction activities and will include temporary disturbance of slopes within the right-of-way resulting from grading and trenching operations. WBI Wind Ridge will minimize impacts by returning contours to pre- construction conditions to the extent practicable, with the exception of the proposed compressor station and other aboveground facility sites where grading and filling will be required to create a safe and stable land surface to support each facility.
Draft 6-8 October 2014 Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Resource Report 6 – Geological Resources
With regard to topography, the construction techniques described in Resource Reports 1 and 7 will minimize the potential for slope failure and erosion. These techniques include the use of erosion control devices and other best management practices described in the Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan (Plan), Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures), (and Winter Stabilization Plan – TBD]; Appendix [TBD] of Resource Report 1). In areas of steep side slope or rolling terrain, WBI Wind Ridge will install temporary sediment barriers such as silt fences, straw bales, straw logs, or snow berms during construction to prevent the movement of disturbed soil off the right-of-way. As necessary, trench breakers (stacked sand bags or foam) will be installed in the trench around the pipe in steeply sloped areas to prevent movement of subsurface water along the pipeline. Trench breakers are designed to prevent preferential water flow along the pipeline trench, by diverting subsurface water flow to the land surface; groundwater discharging at the land surface is then redirected off the right-of-way by the slope breakers. Used in combination, these structures prevent subsurface piping of soils that can lead to slope instability and failure.
Construction and operation of the proposed Project are not anticipated to have an impact on oil and natural gas resources. The Project is not expected to result in any significant impacts on other mineral resources (e.g., industrial sand and gravel). The Project does not cross any quarries and the nearest quarry is about 0.1 mile from the proposed pipeline and is inactive. Future extractive activities will be prohibited within the pipeline right-of-way.
Based on the soils present in the Project area, WBI Wind Ridge does not expect that blasting will be required to excavate the trench; however, if shallow bedrock or boulders are encountered that cannot be removed by conventional methods, blasting may be required. If blasting is necessary, WBI Wind Ridge’s construction contractor will use blasting techniques in compliance with state and federal regulations governing the use of explosives to assist in the removal of rock from the pipeline trench. WBI Wind Ridge will use the minimum explosive charge necessary to fracture bedrock and keep shot-rock from leaving the construction right-of-way. To avoid damage, the contractor will conduct pre-blasting evaluations of the rock, as needed, and develop specific blasting operations and monitoring plans. Control of blasting will limit stresses on existing pipelines, nearby domestic structures, water supply wells, or electrical transmission tower footings which may be located near the Project area. Blasting will be conducted during daylight hours and will not begin until occupants of nearby buildings, stores, residences, places of business, and farms have been notified. See Resource Report 2 for additional information on mitigation of potential impacts of blasting on water supply wells.
WBI Wind Ridge does not anticipate that the Project will generate substantial quantities of rock debris from blasting activities; however boulders may be encountered during trenching where the proposed Project crosses the terminal moraine at the southern end of the Project. If rock debris is generated during construction, WBI Wind Ridge will not permanently windrow rock along the right-of-way without permission of the landowner. Disposal of rock debris will be in areas approved by the individual landowners in accordance with the Plan and regulatory requirements. Should WBI Wind Ridge have to dispose of excess rock outside of the right-of-way, an approved landfill or alternative upland area will be utilized. The necessary permits and clearances will be obtained for off right-of-way disposal areas.
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6.8 REFERENCES
Anderson, Fred J. 2012. Generalized Geologic Cross-Section in Southeastern North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey Geologic Investigations No. 152. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/Publication_List/pdf/geoinv/GI_152.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
ArcGIS. 2009. USA_Topo_Maps. ArcGIS Map Service. Available online at: http://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=99cd5fbd98934028802b4f797c4b1732. Accessed October, 2014.
Bluemle, John P. 1977. Surface Geology of North Dakota. North Dakota Geologic Survey Miscellaneous Map 18. Available online at: http://www.ndsu.edu/nd_geology/nd_maps/nd_map4.jpg. Accessed October, 2014.
Bluemle, John P. 1979. Geology of Dickey and LaMoure Counties. North Dakota Geologic Survey Bulletin 70. Available online at: http://www.swc.state.nd.us/4dlink9/4dcgi/GetSubContentPDF/PB- 209/DickeyLaMoure_Part_1.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
Bluemle, John P. 1988. Generalized Bedrock Geologic Map of North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey Miscellaneous Map 28. Available online at: http://www.ndsu.edu/nd_geology/nd_maps/nd_map2.jpg. Accessed October, 2014.
Clayton, Lee. 1962. Glacial Geology of Logan and McIntosh Counties North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey Bulletin 37. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/outofprint/Bulletins/Bulletin%2037.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
ESRI. 2014a. ArcGIS Online Map Services. Available online at: http://www.esri.com/software/arcgis/arcgisonline/maps/maps-and-map-layers. Accessed October 2014.
ESRI. 2014b. ArcGIS Online Map Service USGS Landslide Susceptibility. Available online at: http://maps1.arcgisonline.com/ArcGIS/rest/services/USGS_Landslides/MapServer. Accessed October 2014.
Hoganson, John. 2006. Prehistoric Life of North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndfossil/Poster/poster.asp. Accessed October, 2014.
Laird, Wilson M. 1955. Contributions to the Geology of North Dakota. North Dakota Geological Survey Bulletin 28. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/outofprint/bulletins/bulletin_28.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
Murphy, Ed, Stephan Nordeng, Bruce Juenker, and John Hoganson. 2009. North Dakota Stratigraphic Column. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/Publication_List/pdf/Strat-column-NDGS- (2009).pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
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Murphy, Ed. 2014. Mineral Resources of North Dakota: Sand and Gravel. North Dakota Geological Survey. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/mineral/nd_sandnew.asp. Accessed October, 2014.
North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (NDDMR). 2014. Oil and Gas Division – Oil and Gas GIS Shapefiles. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/OaGIMS/viewer.htm. Accessed October 2014.
North Dakota Geological Survey (NDGS). 2011. Paleontological Resources. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/paleoregs/Paleoregnew.asp. Accessed October, 2014.
North Dakota GIS. 2014. North Dakota Hub Explorer. Available online at: http://www.nd.gov/gis/apps/HubExplorer/#extent=-11686926.16734,5413134.40984,- 10547097.20155,6374406.47755&basemap=Map Accessed October, 2014
Radbruch-Hall, Dorothy H., Roger B. Colton, William E. Davies, Ivo Lucchitta, Betty A. Skipp, and David J. Varnes. 1982. Landslide Overview Map of the Conterminous United States. United States Geological Survey. Available online at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/p1183/pp1183.html#introduction. Accessed October, 2014.
State of North Dakota (North Dakota). 2011. 2011 North Dakota Century Code. Available online at: http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/statutes/cent-code.html. Accessed October, 2014.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 1995. Soil Survey of Stutsman County. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Washington D.C.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2001. Soil Survey of McIntosh County. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Washington D.C.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. 2004. Soil Survey of Logan County. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Washington D.C.
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. 1971. Soil Survey LaMoure County and Parts of James River Valley North Dakota. Soil Conservation Service. Washington D.C.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2013a. Soil Data Mart, Tabular Data. Available online at: http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/HomePage.htm.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2013b. SSURGO Metadata. Available online at: http://datagateway.nrcs.usda.gov/
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2013 2009 Minerals Yearbook North Dakota. Available online at: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/state/2009/myb2-2009-nd.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2014a. Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS). Available online at: http://tin.er.usgs.gov/mrds. Accessed October, 2014.
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U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2014b. Seismic Hazard Map. Available online at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/north_dakota/hazards.php. Accessed October, 2014.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2014c. Seismicity Map – 1973 to March 2012. Available online at: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/north_dakota/seismicity.php. Accessed October, 2014.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2014d. Earthquake Hazard Program Quaternary Fault Web Mapping Application. Available online at: http://geohazards.usgs.gov/qfaults/map.php. Accessed October, 2014.
Winters, Harold A. 1963. Geology and Ground Water Resources of Stutsman County. North Dakota Geologic Survey Bulletin 41. Available online at: https://www.dmr.nd.gov/ndgs/documents/outofprint/Bulletins/Bulletin%2041.pdf. Accessed October, 2014.
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WIND RIDGE PIPELINE PROJECT
Resource Report 6
APPENDIX 6A Wind Ridge Pipeline Project Blasting Plan
WBI ENERGY WIND RIDGE PIPELINE, LLC
Wind Ridge Pipeline Project
Blasting Plan
DRAFT
October 2014
WIND RIDGE PIPELINE PROJECT WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC Blasting Plan
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 2.0 OBJECTIVE ...... 1 3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ...... 1 4.0 PRE-BLASTING REQUIREMENTS ...... 2 5.0 SITE-SPECIFIC BLASTING PLANS ...... 2 6.0 MONITORING ...... 3 7.0 LIMITS ON PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY ...... 4 8.0 SAFETY ...... 4 8.1 PROTECTION OF ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES .... 4 8.2 PROTECTION OF PERSONNEL ...... 5 8.3 LIGHTNING HAZARD ...... 8 9.0 IN-WATER BLASTING ...... 8 10.0 STORAGE REQUIREMENTS ...... 8 11.0 GENERAL BLASTING PROCEDURE ...... 9
Draft 6A-i October 2014
INTRODUCTION
No blasting is anticipated during construction of the WBI Energy Wind Ridge Pipeline, LLC (WBI Wind Ridge) proposed Wind Ridge Pipeline Project (Project). In the unlikely event that blasting is necessary to excavate the trench, WBI Wind Ridge will conduct blasting in accordance with pertinent regulations and this Blasting Plan. This Blasting Plan outlines the procedures and safety measures that WBI Wind Ridge’s construction contractor (Contractor) will adhere to while implementing blasting activities along the pipeline right-of-way.
OBJECTIVE
This Blasting Plan is intended to identify blasting procedures, including safety, use, storage, and transportation of explosives that are consistent with minimum safety requirements as defined by federal (e.g., 27 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 181, Commerce in Explosives; 49 CFR 177, Carriage by Public Highway; 29 CFR 1926.900 et seq. sub-part U, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction – Blasting and Use of Explosives; 29 CFR 1910.109, Explosives and Blasting Agents, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)), state, and local regulations. Additionally this plan is intended to address environmental aspects of blasting activities, and to identify areas of concern along the proposed pipeline route.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Blasting operations shall be conducted by or under the direct and constant supervision of experienced personnel legally licensed and certified to perform such activity in the jurisdiction where blasting occurs. Prior to any blasting activities, the contractor shall provide WBI Wind Ridge with appropriate information documenting the experience, licenses, and permits associated with blasting personnel.
Blasting-related operations including obtaining, transporting, storing, handling, loading, detonating, and disposing of blasting material; drilling; and ground-motion monitoring shall comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations; permit conditions; and the construction contract.
Blasting for grade or trench excavation shall be used only after other reasonable means of excavation have been used and are unsuccessful in achieving the required results. WBI Wind Ridge may specify locations (e.g., foreign line crossings, nearby structures, etc.) where consolidated rock shall be removed by approved mechanical equipment such as rock-trenching machines, rock saws, hydraulic rams, or jack hammers in lieu of blasting.
Before blasting, a site-specific blasting plan must be submitted by its Contractor to WBI Wind Ridge for approval. The site-specific blasting plan will be reviewed by an engineer representing WBI Wind Ridge. The engineer will analyze the data to determine the combined stress level of any nearby, affected pipeline and will make recommendations and/or forward approval to WBI Wind Ridge before blasting may commence.
Drilling and blasting shall be done with a WBI Wind Ridge Inspector present. The WBI Wind Ridge Inspector’s approval is required to proceed prior to each blast. Approval does not relieve the contractor from responsibility or liability.
Draft 6A-1 October 2014
PRE-BLASTING REQUIREMENTS
Prior to the initiation of blasting operations, the contractor shall comply with the following:
The contractor will obtain all required federal, state, and local permits relating to the transportation, storage, handling, loading, and detonation of explosives.
The contractor shall place all necessary “one calls” 48 hours prior to construction where one-call system(s) are in place.
The contractor shall be responsible for the protection of existing underground facilities.
Before performing any right-of-way work, the contractor shall verify with WBI Wind Ridge that all affected property owners have been notified of the impending construction.
SITE-SPECIFIC BLASTING PLANS
The contractor’s site-specific blasting plan shall include at a minimum the following information:
Explosive type, product name and size, weight per unit, and density;
Delay type, sequence, and delay;
Use of non-electrical initiation systems for all blasting operations;
Stemming material and tamping method;
Hole depth, diameter, and pattern;
Explosive depth, distribution, and maximum charge and weight per delay;
Number of holes per delay;
Dates and hours of conducting blasting;
Distance and orientation to nearest aboveground structure;
Distance and orientation to nearest underground structure, including pipeline;
Procedures for:
o Storing, handling, transporting, loading, and firing explosives;
o Fire prevention;
o Inspections after each blast;
o Misfires, flyrock, and noise prevention;
Draft 6A-2 October 2014
o Stray current accidental-detonation prevention;
o Signs and flagmen;
o Warning signals prior to each blast;
o Where the pipeline route:
. Parallels or crosses an electrical transmission corridor, cable or pipeline;
. Parallels or crosses a highway or road;
. Within or adjacent to treed areas;
. Approaches within 100 feet of a water well or spring; and
. Approaches within 1,000 feet of any residence, building, or occupied structure;
o Notification prior to blasting; and
o Disposal of waste blasting material;
Seismograph company, names, equipment and sensor location;
Copies of all required federal, state, and local permits;
Blasters name, company, copy of license, and statement of qualifications;
Magazine type and locations for explosives and detonating caps;
Typical rock type and geology structure (solid, layered, or fractured); and
Pipeline location (milepost and stationing) and applicable alignment sheet numbers.
MONITORING
During blasting operations, the contractor will be required to monitor operations in the following manner:
The Contractor shall provide seismographic equipment to measure the peak particle velocity (PPV) of all blasts in the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions. Seismic monitoring can only be discontinued if: a) the blasting schedule and blasting performance consistently produce PPVs at the pipeline that are lower than the maximum allowable limit; and b) a WBI Wind Ridge representative provides written authorization.
The contractor shall measure the PPV at the adjacent pipeline, any water wells or potable springs, and any aboveground structure within 150 feet of the blasting.
Draft 6A-3 October 2014
The contractor shall complete the Blasting Log Record immediately after each blast and submit a copy to a WBI Wind Ridge Representative.
LIMITS ON PEAK PARTICLE VELOCITY
The contractor is limited to a specified PPV of 4 inches per second measured adjacent to an underground pipeline that will be subject to approval by a WBI Wind Ridge Representative.
For any aboveground structure (including water wells), the PPV shall not exceed 2 inches per second.
For all aboveground facilities within 150 feet of the blasting, the contractor shall provide additional seismograph equipment to determine the PPV at the aboveground facility. If the measured PPV at an existing pipeline or other structure exceeds the above limits, the contractor shall stop blasting activities immediately and notify WBI Wind Ridge. The site-specific Blasting Plan must be modified to reduce the PPV prior to any further blasting.
Note: Limits on PPV for surface structures are based on studies that established the limits at which plaster in homes will crack. The primary purpose of the limit is to prevent damage to homes. The WBI Wind Ridge Inspector may increase the limit for other structures such as steel transmission line towers, as appropriate. WBI Wind Ridge Inspectors may approve higher velocities for given site-specific conditions in advance.
SAFETY
8.1 PROTECTION OF ABOVEGROUND AND UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES
The Contractor will exercise control to prevent damage to aboveground and underground structures including buildings, pipelines, utilities, springs, and water wells. The following procedures will be implemented:
If blasting occurs within 200 feet of identified water wells or potable springs, water flow performance, and water quality testing will be conducted before blasting. If a water well or spring is damaged, either the well owner will be compensated for damages or a new well will be provided. WBI Wind Ridge will provide an alternative potable water supply to the landowner until repairs occur.
If blasting occurs within 200 feet of any aboveground structures, the contractor and WBI Wind Ridge representative will inspect structures before and after blasting. In the unlikely event that damage occurs to an aboveground structure, the owner will be compensated.
The contractor shall be responsible for all damage claims resulting from blasting.
Blasting will not be not allowed within 15 feet of an existing pipeline unless authorized by WBI Wind Ridge.
Holes which have contained explosive material shall not be re-drilled. Holes shall not be drilled where danger exists of intersecting another hole containing explosive material.
Draft 6A-4 October 2014
Blasting mats or padding shall be used on all shots where necessary to prevent scattering of loose rock onto adjacent property and to prevent damage to nearby structures and overhead utilities.
Blasting shall not begin until occupants of nearby buildings, stores, residences, places of business, places of public gathering, and farmers have been notified by the contractor sufficiently in advance to protect personnel, property, and livestock. The contractor shall notify all such occupants at least 48 hours prior to blasting.
Blasting in or near environmentally sensitive areas such as streams and wildlife areas may include additional restrictions as determined by WBI Wind Ridge.
All blasting shall be subject to the following limitations:
o Maximum PPV of 12.0 inches per second in any of three mutually perpendicular axes, measured at the lesser distance of the nearest facility or the edge of the permanent easement.
o Maximum drill size shall be 2.5 inches unless approved by WBI Wind Ridge.
o Maximum quantity of explosive per delay shall be governed by the recorded measurements as influenced by work site conditions.
o Explosive agents and ignition method shall be approved by WBI Wind Ridge. Anfo and other free-flowing explosives and blasting agents are not acceptable and shall not be used.
o Drill holes shall not be left loaded overnight.
The drilling pattern shall be set in a manner to achieve smaller rock fragmentation (maximum 1 foot in diameter) in order to use as much as possible of the blasted rock as backfill material after the pipe has been padded in accordance with the specifications. The proposed drilling pattern shall be submitted for approval by WBI Wind Ridge.
Under pipeline crossings and all other areas where drilling and blasting is required within 15 feet of existing or third-party facilities:
o Drill holes shall be reduced to a maximum of 2 inches or less in diameter.
o The number of holes per blast shall be limited to three unless otherwise approved by WBI Wind Ridge.
8.2 PROTECTION OF PERSONNEL
The contractor shall include in its procedures all federal, state, county, and local safety requirements for blasting. The contractor’s procedures shall address, as a minimum, the following requirements:
Draft 6A-5 October 2014
Only authorized, qualified, and experienced personnel shall handle explosives.
No explosive material shall be located where it may be exposed to flame, excessive heat, sparks, or impact. Smoking, firearms, matches, open flames, and heat-and-spark-producing devices shall be prohibited in or near explosive magazines or while explosives are being handled, transported, or used.
A code of blasting signals shall be established, posted in conspicuous places, and utilized during blasting operations. Employee training shall be conducted on the use and implementation of the code.
The contractor shall use every reasonable precaution including, but not limited to, visual and audible warning signals, warning signs, flag person, and barricades to ensure personnel safety.
Warning signs, with lettering a minimum of 4 inches in height on a contrasting background, will be erected and maintained at all approaches to the blast area.
Flaggers will be stationed on all roadways passing within 1,000 feet of the blast area to stop all traffic during blasting operations.
All personnel not involved in the actual detonation shall stand back at least 1,000 feet and workers involved in the actual detonation shall stand back at least 650 feet from the time the blast signal is given until the “ALL CLEAR” has been sounded.
An audible blasting signal (air horn or siren) shall be sounded 5 minutes before and after each blast.
Blasting operations shall be conducted during daylight hours.
No loaded holes shall be left unattended or unprotected. No explosives or blasting agent shall be abandoned. No loaded holes shall be left overnight.
In the case of a misfire, the blaster shall provide proper safeguards for personnel until the misfire has been re-blasted or safely removed.
The exposed areas of the blast will be matted wherever practicable. In cases where such a procedure is not deemed to be feasible, an alternative procedure must be submitted for review by WBI Wind Ridge and the site in question must be visited and examined by the consultant before any approval is granted.
WBI Wind Ridge may employ two-way radios for communication between vehicles and office facilities. The contractor shall advise WBI Wind Ridge and other pipeline contractors of any need to cease use of such equipment during blasting activities.
All loading and blasting activity shall cease and personnel in and around the blast area will retreat to a position of safety during the approach and progress of an electrical storm irrespective of the type of explosives or initiation system used. This is a major safety precaution and will always be observed. All explosive materials,
Draft 6A-6 October 2014
all electrical initiation systems, and all non-electric initiation systems are susceptible to premature initiation by lightning.
Previous blast areas must be inspected to verify the absence of misfires. No drilling may commence until such inspection occurs. If a misfire occurs adjacent to a hole to be drilled, the misfire will be cleared by the blaster using whatever techniques are called for by the situation prior to commencement of drilling. If a misfire occurs at some distance from the drilling area, drilling may be stopped while clearing preparations are underway. When the misfire is to be cleared by reshooting, drilling will be shut down and personnel evacuated to a place of safety prior to detonation.
All transportation of explosives will be in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Vehicles used to transport explosives shall be in proper working condition and equipped with tight wooden or non-sparking metal floor and sides. If explosives are carried in an open-bodied truck, they will be covered with a waterproof and flame-resistant tarpaulin. Wiring will be fully insulated to prevent short-circuiting and at least two fire extinguishers will be carried. The truck will be plainly marked to identify its cargo so that the public may be adequately warned. Metal, flammable, or corrosive substances will not be transported in the same vehicle with explosives. There will be no smoking and unauthorized or unnecessary personnel will not be allowed in the vehicle. Loading and unloading of explosives will be done carefully by competent, qualified personnel.
No sparking metal tools will be used to open kegs or wooden cases of explosives. Metallic slitters will be used to open fiberboard cases, provided the metallic stiller does not come in contact with the metallic fasteners of the case. There will be no smoking, no matches, no open lights, or other fire or flame nearby while handling or using explosives. Explosives will not be placed where they are subject to flame, excessive heat, sparks, or impact. Partial cases or packages of explosives will be reclosed after use. No explosives will be carried in the pockets or clothing of personnel. The wires of an electric blasting cap shall not be tampered with in any way. Wires will not be uncoiled. The use of electric blasting caps will not be permitted during dust storms or near any other source of large charges of static electricity. Uncoiling of the wires or use of electric caps will not be permitted near radio-frequency transmitters. The firing circuit will be completely insulated from the ground or other conductors.
No electric wires or cables of any kind will be permitted near electric blasting caps or other explosives except at the time and for the purpose of firing the blast. All electric-blasting caps, either singly or when connected in a series circuit, will be tested using a blasting galvanometer specifically designed for the purpose. Electric blasting caps made by more than one manufacturer or electric blasting caps made by the same manufacturer will not be used in the same circuit unless approved by the manufacturer. No attempt will be made to fire a circuit of electric blasting caps with less than the minimum current specified by the manufacturer. All wires to be connected will be bright and clean. All electric blasting cap wires will be short- circuited until ready to fire.
No blast will be fired without a positive signal from the person in charge. This person will have made certain that all surplus explosives are in a safe place; all
Draft 6A-7 October 2014
persons, vehicles, and/or boats are at a safe distance; and adequate warning has been given. Adequate warning of a blast will consist of but not be limited to the following:
o Notification of the day and time given to railroads, highway departments, city engineer, county sheriff, etc. Notification must be given at least 48 hours prior to blasting;
o Notification of homeowners nearby;
o Stopping vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic near the blast site; and
o Signal given by an air horn, whistle, or similar device using standard warning signals.
Only authorized and necessary personnel will be present where explosives are being handled or used.
The condition of the hole will be checked with a wooden tamping pole prior to loading. Surplus explosives will not be stacked near working areas during loading. Detonating fans will be cut from spool before loading the balance of charge into the hole. No explosives will be forced into a bore hole past an obstruction. Loading will be done by a blaster holding a valid license or by personnel under his direct supervision.
Fly-rock leaving the right-of-way in such areas shall be collected immediately and disposed of at disposal sites approved by WBI Wind Ridge. This work shall not be left to the cleanup crew.
8.3 LIGHTNING HAZARD
A risk of accidental detonation caused by lightning strikes exists at any time the workplace is experiencing an electrical storm and there are loaded holes on site. If this hazard is judged to exist, work shall discontinue at all operations and workers will be moved to secure positions away from the loaded holes when an approaching storm front is within 5 miles. Furthermore, workers shall not return to the work site until the storm has passed and the closest point of lightning activity has moved at least 5 miles beyond the drilling area.
WBI Wind Ridge shall have on site approved lightning detectors capable of measuring the degree of electrical activity as a storm approaches, and the distance to the storm front from the instrument on the right-of-way.
IN-WATER BLASTING
Underwater blasting is not anticipated to be required for the Project.
STORAGE REQUIREMENTS
Explosive materials shall not be stored on federal land without prior written permission from the managing federal agency. Copies of this permission shall be posted on each magazine and a copy given to the WBI Wind Ridge Construction Manager.
Draft 6A-8 October 2014
All explosives, blasting agents, and initiation devices shall be stored in locked magazines that have been located, constructed, approved, and licensed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Magazines shall be dry, well ventilated, reasonably cool (painting of the exterior with a reflective color) bullet and fire resistant and kept clean.
Initiation devices shall not be stored in the same box, container, or magazine with other explosives. Explosives, blasting agents or initiation devices shall not be stored in wet or damp areas; near oil, gasoline, or cleaning solvents; or near sources of heat radiators, steam pipes, stoves, etc. No metal or metal tools shall be stored in the magazine. There shall be no smoking, matches, open lights, or other fire or flame inside or within 50 feet of storage magazines or explosive materials. The loading and unloading of explosive materials into or out of the magazine shall be done in a business-like manner with no loitering, horseplay, or prank playing.
Magazines shall be kept locked at all times unless explosives are being delivered or removed by authorized personnel. Admittance shall be restricted to the magazine keeper, blasting supervisor, or licensed blaster. Magazine construction shall meet the requirements of ATF P5400.7 “Explosives Law and Regulations” (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Fire Arms and Explosives) and be in accordance with local, state, or federal regulations and the Blasters Handbook.
Accurate and current records shall be kept of the explosive material inventory to ensure that oldest stocks are utilized first, regulatory requirements are satisfied, and to allow for immediate notification of any loss or theft. Magazine records shall reflect the quantity of explosions removed, the amount returned, and the net quantity used at the blasting site.
When explosive materials are taken from the storage magazine, they shall be kept in the original containers until used. Small quantities of explosive materials may be placed in day boxes, powder chests, or detonator boxes. Any explosive material not used at the blast site shall be returned to the storage magazine and replaced in the original container as soon as possible.
Magazine locations shall be in accordance with local, state, or federal regulations. Where no regulations apply, magazines shall be located in accordance with the latest edition of the 175th anniversary edition of the Blaster’s Handbook and ATF P5400-7 “Explosives Law and Regulations” (U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Fire Arms and Explosives).
Magazines shall be marked in minimum 3-inch-high letters with the words “DANGER - EXPLOSIVES” prominently displayed on all sides and roof.
GENERAL BLASTING PROCEDURE
The following lists of steps will be performed in all cases. These steps represent a minimum requirement and give a general order to the blasting procedure:
A safety meeting will be held prior to any blasting activities. Everyone who is involved with the blasting in any form must attend. Safety rules and signaling should be reviewed.
Warning signs should be erected.
Lightning detectors should be set up.
Draft 6A-9 October 2014
Drilled holes should be measured accurately for depth and location.
Seismic equipment should be set up to measure velocities near the pipeline and any structures 150 feet or less from the blast.
Distances to any nearby structure (aboveground or belowground) suspected of being less than 200 feet from the blast shall be measured.
Clear the blasting affected zone.
Give the warning signal.
Give the blast signal.
Detonate the blast.
After the blaster has checked for misfires and given the “ALL CLEAR” signal, Inspectors will inspect any aboveground or underground facilities for damage.
Complete the Blasting Log Record.
Draft 6A-10 October 2014