EIS-0463: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Volume 1)

DRAFT NORTHERN PASS

TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

VOLUME 1: IMPACT ANALYSES

JULY 2015

DOE/EIS-0463

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGYOFFICE OF ELECTRICITY DELIVERY

AND ENERGY RELIABILITYWASHINGTON, DC

Department of Energy

Washington, DC 20585

July 2015

Dear Sir/Madam:

Enclosed for your review and comment is the Draft Northern Pass Transmission Line Project Environmental Impact

Statement (DOE/EIS-0463) prepared by the Department of Energy (DOE) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy

Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations.

The U.S. Forest Service White Mountain National Forest (USFS), the Army Corps of Engineers New England District

(USACE), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 1 (EPA), and the New Hampshire Office of Energy and

Planning (NHOEP) are cooperating agencies in the preparation of the EIS.

The proposed DOE action in the draft EIS is to issue a Presidential permit to the Applicant, Northern Pass LLC, to

construct, operate, maintain, and connect a new electric transmission line across the U.S./Canada border in northern New

Hampshire (NH).

DOE has prepared this draft EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts in the United States of the Proposed

Action and the range of reasonable alternatives, including the No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative,

the Presidential permit would not be granted, and the proposed transmission line would not cross the U.S./Canada border.

DOE will use the EIS to ensure that it has the information it needs for informed decision-making.

You are invited to comment on this draft EIS during the 90-day comment period that will begin when the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency publishes a notice of its availability in the Federal Register.

DOE will conduct public hearings on the dates identified below to receive comments on the draft EIS in the following

locations: Tuesday, October 06, 2015 in Concord, NH; Wednesday, October 07, 2015 in Whitefield, NH; and Thursday,

October 08, 2015 in Plymouth, NH.

Hearing information will be announced in the Federal Register and in local media, and will be posted on the project

website, http://www.northernpasseis.us/. The draft EIS is available on this website and DOEs NEPA website at http://nepa.energy.gov/draft_environmental_impact_statements.htm.

Comments on the draft EIS can be submitted verbally during public hearings or in writing to Mr. Brian Mills at: Office of

Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE-20), U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW,

Washington, DC 20585; via e-mail to [email protected]; or on the project website at

http://www.northernpasseis.us/. Please mark envelopes and electronic mail subject lines as Northern Pass Draft EIS

Comments. Written comments must be received by October 29, 2015. Comments submitted after that date will be

considered to the extent practicable.

Sincerely,

Brian Mills

National Electricity Delivery Division,

Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability

U.S. Department of Energy

http://www.northernpasseis.us/http://nepa.energy.gov/draft_environmental_impact_statements.htmmailto:[email protected]://www.northernpasseis.us/

DRAFT

NORTHERN PASS TRANSMISSION LINE PROJECT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

DOE/EIS-0463

Volume 1: Impact Analyses

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

OFFICE OF ELECTRICITY DELIVERY

AND ENERGY RELIABILITY

COOPERATING AGENCIES

United States Forest Service White Mountain National Forest

United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 1

United States Army Corps of Engineers New England District

New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning

July 2015

COVER SHEET

RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCY: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Electricity

Delivery and Energy Reliability

COOPERATING AGENCIES: United States Forest Service (USFS) White Mountain National Forest

(WMNF); United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 1; United States Army Corps

of Engineers (USACE) New England District; and New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning

(NHOEP)

TITLE: Northern Pass Transmission Line Project Environmental Impact Statement (DOE/EIS-0463)

LOCATION: Cos, Grafton, Belknap, Merrimack, and Rockingham counties in New Hampshire

CONTACTS: For additional information on this draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) contact:

Mr. Brian Mills, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Document Manager

Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, OE-20

U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Ave. SW


Telephone: (202) 586-8267

[email protected]

For general information on the DOE NEPA process, please write or call:

Ms. Carol M. Borgstrom, Director

Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance, GC-54 7U.S. Department of Energy

1000 Independence Ave. SW


[email protected]

Telephone: (202) 586-4600 or leave a message at (800) 472-2756

ABSTRACT: Northern Pass Transmission, LLC (Northern Pass) has applied to the DOE for a

Presidential permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect a 187-mile (301-km) electric transmission

line across the United States (U.S.)/Canada border in northern New Hampshire (NH). This draft EIS

addresses the potential environmental impacts of the Project (Proposed Action), the No Action

Alternative, and nine additional action alternatives (Alternatives 3 through 6, with variations). The NH

portion of the Project would be a single circuit 300 kilovolt (kV) high voltage direct current (HVDC)

transmission line running approximately 153 miles (246 km) from the U.S. border crossing with Canada

in Pittsburg, NH, to a new direct current-to-alternating current (DC-to-AC) converter station to be

constructed in Franklin, NH. From Franklin, NH, to the Project terminus at the Public Service of New

Hampshires existing Deerfield Substation located in Deerfield, NH, the Project would consist of 34 miles

(55 km) of 345 kV AC electric transmission line. The total length of the Project would be approximately

187 miles (301 km).

PUBLIC COMMENTS: In preparing this draft EIS, DOE considered comments received during the

scoping period, which extended from February 11, 2011 to June 14, 2011, and was reopened from June

15, 2011 to November 5, 2013 (DOE accepted and considered all comments during the scoping period

from February 11, 2011 to November 5, 2013). Additional comments were received during 11 public

meetings that took place throughout the same time period in the following communities: Pembroke,

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]

Franklin, Lincoln, Whitefield, Plymouth, Colebrook, Haverhill, and Concord, NH. Comments received

during this period were considered during preparation of this draft EIS.

This draft EIS analyzes the potential environmental impacts of DOE issuing a Presidential permit for the

proposed Northern Pass Project, which is DOEs proposed federal action. DOE will use the draft EIS to

inform its decision on whether to issue a Presidential permit. Additionally, Northern Pass has applied to

the USFS for a special use permit (SUP) authorizing Northern Pass to construct, operate, and maintain an

electric power transmission line crossing portions of the WMNF. The WMNF Forest Supervisor will use

the draft EIS to inform its decision regarding: 1) whether to issue a SUP under the Federal Land Policy

and Management Act; 2) the selection of an alternative; 3) any need to amend the Forest Plan; and 4)

what specific terms and conditions should apply if a SUP is issued.

Copies of the draft EIS are available for public review at 30 local libraries and town halls, or a copy can

be requested from Mr. Brian Mills. The draft EIS is also available on the Northern Pass EIS website

(http://www.northernpasseis.us/).

DOE invites comments on this draft EIS during the comment period that begins with the publication of

the EPAs Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. In addition to comments on the draft EIS, DOE

is seeking public input with respect to the cultural and historic property information presented in this draft

EIS in accordance with its cultural and historic property review under Section 106 of the National

Historic Preservation Act.

The EIS website (http://www.northernpasseis.us/) provides information on public hearings to be held at

several locations in New Hampshire during the comment period. Comments on the draft EIS and Section

106 may be submitted on the EIS website (http://www.northernpasseis.us/), sent via email to

[email protected] or [email protected], sent to Mr. Brian

Mills at the physical address above, or provided verbally or in writing at a public hearing. Written and

oral comments will be given equal weight, and any comments received after the comment period ends

will be considered to the extent practicable.

http://www.northernpasseis.us/http://www.northernpasseis.us/http://www.northernpasseis.us/mailto:[email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................ S-1

S.1 Background .................................................................................................................................................................. S-1

S.2 Purpose of and Need For Action ................................................................................................................................ S-4

S.3 Project Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................ S-4

S.4 Public Participation and Interagency Coordination .................................................................................................. S-7

S.4.1 Cooperating Agencies ......................................................................................................................................... S-7

S.4.2 Public Involvement .............................................................................................................................................. S-7

S.5 Alternatives Analyzed .................................................................................................................................................. S-8

S.5.1 Alternative 1 No Action Alternative ................................................................................................................... S-9

S.5.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action .......................................................................................................................... S-9

S.5.3 Alternative 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... S-10

S.5.4 Alternative 4a ..................................................................................................................................................... S-10

S.5.5 Alternative 4b ..................................................................................................................................................... S-10

S.5.6 Alternative 4c ..................................................................................................................................................... S-11

S.5.7 Alternative 5a ..................................................................................................................................................... S-11

S.5.8 Alternative 5b ..................................................................................................................................................... S-11

S.5.9 Alternative 5c ..................................................................................................................................................... S-12

S.5.10 Alternative 6a ..................................................................................................................................................... S-12

S.5.11 Alternative 6b ..................................................................................................................................................... S-12

S.6 Analysis Framework .................................................................................................................................................. S-13

S.6.1 Description of Geographic Analysis Sections .................................................................................................... S-13

S.6.2 Construction Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... S-13

S.6.3 Operations and Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ S-13

S.7 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis ............................................................. S-14

S.8 Major Conclusions ..................................................................................................................................................... S-14

S.8.1 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ........................................................................................................................ S-15

S.8.2 Overhead with Burial in the vicinity of the WMNF (Alternatives 5a, 5b, and 5c) ............................................... S-16

S.8.3 Fully/Extensively Underground Alternatives (Alternatives 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 6a, 6b) ............................................... S-17

S.8.4 Alternative 1 No Action Alternative ................................................................................................................. S-17

S.9 Summary of Potential Impacts Associated with the Project .................................................................................. S-18

S.9.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................... S-18

S.9.2 Socioeconomics ................................................................................................................................................ S-19

S.9.3 Recreation ......................................................................................................................................................... S-20

S.9.4 Health and Safety .............................................................................................................................................. S-22

S.9.5 Traffic and Transportation ................................................................................................................................. S-23

S.9.6 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................... S-24

S.9.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................. S-26

S.9.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................ S-27

S.9.9 Environmental Justice ....................................................................................................................................... S-29

S.9.10 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................................................... S-29

S.9.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................... S-30

S.9.12 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................................... S-32

S.9.13 Water Resources ............................................................................................................................................... S-36

S.9.14 Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................................. S-37

S.9.15 Cumulative Impacts ........................................................................................................................................... S-38

S.10 Index ............................................................................................................................................................................ S-39

Draft Northern Pass EIS

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 ii

1 PURPOSE OF AND NEED FOR ACTION ....................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Background .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

1.1.1 Overview of the Presidential Permit Process ...................................................................................................... 1-2

1.1.2 Overview of the U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit Process ...................................................................... 1-3

1.1.3 Description of the Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................... 1-3

1.2 Department of Energys Purpose of and Need for Action ........................................................................................ 1-3

1.3 U.S. Forest Services Purpose of and Need for Action ............................................................................................ 1-4

1.4 Project Objectives ........................................................................................................................................................ 1-4

1.4.1 Electricity Diversity .............................................................................................................................................. 1-4

1.4.2 Low Carbon Electricity Supply ............................................................................................................................. 1-5

1.4.3 Non-Intermittent Power Supply ............................................................................................................................ 1-6

1.5 Public Participation in the NEPA Process ................................................................................................................. 1-6

1.5.1 Overview of Public Involvement .......................................................................................................................... 1-6

1.5.2 Public Scoping Process ....................................................................................................................................... 1-7

1.5.3 Issues Analyzed in this Draft Environmental Impact Statement .......................................................................... 1-8

1.6 Public Participation in the Section 106 Process ....................................................................................................... 1-8

1.7 Interagency Coordination ............................................................................................................................................ 1-9

1.7.1 Cooperating Agencies ......................................................................................................................................... 1-9

1.7.2 Federal, State, and Local Authorizations and Approvals ................................................................................... 1-10

1.7.3 New Hampshire State Authorizations and Approvals ........................................................................................ 1-12

1.8 Organization of this Draft EIS ................................................................................................................................... 1-13

1.8.1 Readers Guide .................................................................................................................................................. 1-14

2 PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ................................................................................................. 2-1

2.1 Process Used to Develop Alternatives ...................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Description of Geographic Analysis Sections .......................................................................................................... 2-3

2.3 Alternatives Considered in Detail ............................................................................................................................... 2-3

2.3.1 Alternative 1 No Action Alternative ................................................................................................................... 2-3

2.3.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action .......................................................................................................................... 2-3

2.3.3 Alternative 3 Underground Transmission Cable in Proposed Action Alignment ............................................. 2-15

2.3.4 Alternative 4a Underground Transmission Cable in Roadway Corridors, I-93 through Franconia Notch ...... 2-17

2.3.5 Alternative 4b Underground Transmission Cable in Roadway Corridors, NH Routes 112 and 116 through WMNF ................................................................................................................................................. 2-19

2.3.6 Alternative 4c Underground Transmission Cable in Roadway Corridors, NH Routes 112 and 116 through WMNF and US Route 3 from North Woodstock to Ashland................................................................ 2-21

2.3.7 Alternative 5a Proposed Action except Underground Transmission Cable along I-93 through Franconia Notch ............................................................................................................................................... 2-23

2.3.8 Alternative 5b Proposed Action except Underground Transmission along NH Routes 112 and 116 through WMNF ................................................................................................................................................. 2-24

2.3.9 Alternative 5c Proposed Action except Underground Transmission Cable along NH Routes 18, 112 and 116 through Sugar Hill, Franconia, Easton and WMNF ............................................................................ 2-26

2.3.10 Alternative 6a Underground Transmission Cable in Roadway Corridors and Co-locate Overhead HVAC with Existing Transmission Line on the Same Set of New Towers, I-93 through Franconia Notch ....... 2-28

2.3.11 Alternative 6b Underground Transmission Cable in Roadway Corridors and Co-locate Overhead HVAC with Existing Transmission Line on the Same Set of New Towers, NH Routes 112 and 116 through WMNF ................................................................................................................................................. 2-32

2.4 Alternatives Considered but Eliminated from Further Detailed Analysis ............................................................. 2-34

2.4.1 Underground Transmission Cable with 1,200 MW Capacity ............................................................................. 2-34

2.4.2 Underground Transmission Cable in Railroad and Connecting Roadway Corridors ......................................... 2-34

2.4.3 Use the National Grid Phase I/II Route ............................................................................................................. 2-35

2.4.4 Underwater Transmission Cable in Navigable Waterways ................................................................................ 2-36

Table of Contents

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 iii

2.4.5 Overhead in Railroad and Connecting Roadway Corridors ............................................................................... 2-36

2.4.6 Multiple Aboveground, Belowground Options in Proposed Action Alignment ................................................... 2-36

2.4.7 Other Transmission Projects ............................................................................................................................. 2-37

2.4.8 Power Generation Alternatives .......................................................................................................................... 2-37

2.4.9 Energy Conservation ......................................................................................................................................... 2-37

2.4.10 Proposed Action except Underground Transmission Cable through Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Property ............................................................................................................................................................ 2-37

2.4.11 Transmission Line in an Aboveground Pipeline within Proposed Action Alignment ......................................... 2-38

2.4.12 Bury Existing Line, Install New Line as Proposed ............................................................................................ 2-38

2.4.13 Co-locate the Project (HVDC and HVAC) with the Existing 115 kV AC Transmission Line on the Same Set of New Towers................................................................................................................................. 2-38

2.4.14 Relocate Proposed Project Terminus Substation............................................................................................. 2-38

2.4.15 Overhead Alternatives Convert to HVAC at the North Road Converter Station Location ................................ 2-39

2.4.16 Underground HVAC from the Franklin Converter Station to the Deerfield Substation ..................................... 2-39

2.5 Summary of Potential Impacts Associated with the Project .................................................................................. 2-39

2.5.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 2-40

2.5.2 Socioeconomics ................................................................................................................................................ 2-41

2.5.3 Recreation ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-43

2.5.4 Health and Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 2-44

2.5.5 Traffic and Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 2-45

2.5.6 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-46

2.5.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................. 2-48

2.5.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................ 2-49

2.5.9 Environmental Justice ....................................................................................................................................... 2-50

2.5.10 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................................... 2-51

2.5.11 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................................................. 2-52

2.5.12 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................................ 2-54

2.5.13 Water Resources.............................................................................................................................................. 2-58

2.5.14 Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................................ 2-59

2.5.15 Cumulative Impacts .......................................................................................................................................... 2-60

3 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 General Affected Environment ................................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 3-2

3.1.2 Socioeconomics ................................................................................................................................................. 3-5

3.1.3 Recreation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-21

3.1.4 Health and Safety ............................................................................................................................................. 3-22

3.1.5 Traffic and Transportation ................................................................................................................................ 3-25

3.1.6 Land Use .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-27

3.1.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-30

3.1.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ....................................................................................................................... 3-31

3.1.9 Environmental Justice ...................................................................................................................................... 3-39

3.1.10 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-41

3.1.11 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-46

3.1.12 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-52

3.1.13 Water Resources.............................................................................................................................................. 3-57


3.2 Northern Section ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-60

3.2.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 3-60

3.2.2 Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................................................... 3-63

3.2.3 Recreation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-64



U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 iv


3.2.6 Land Use .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-66

3.2.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-70



3.2.10 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-72

3.2.11 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-72

3.2.12 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-75

3.2.13 Water Resources.............................................................................................................................................. 3-76


3.3 Central Section ........................................................................................................................................................... 3-77


3.3.2 Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................................................... 3-79

3.3.3 Recreation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-81



3.3.6 Land Use .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-84

3.3.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-88



3.3.10 Air Quality ......................................................................................................................................................... 3-91

3.3.11 Wildlife .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-91

3.3.12 Vegetation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-94

3.3.13 Water Resources.............................................................................................................................................. 3-94


3.4 Southern Section ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-95


3.4.2 Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................................................... 3-98

3.4.3 Recreation ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-99

3.4.4 Health and Safety ........................................................................................................................................... 3-100

3.4.5 Traffic and Transportation .............................................................................................................................. 3-101

3.4.6 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-102

3.4.7 Noise .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-105

3.4.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................................... 3-106

3.4.9 Environmental Justice .................................................................................................................................... 3-107

3.4.10 Air Quality ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-108

3.4.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................ 3-108

3.4.12 Vegetation ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-111

3.4.13 Water Resources............................................................................................................................................ 3-111

3.4.14 Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................................................... 3-112

3.5 White Mountain National Forest Section ............................................................................................................... 3-112

3.5.1 Visual Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 3-112

3.5.2 Socioeconomics ............................................................................................................................................. 3-115

3.5.3 Recreation ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-116

3.5.4 Health and Safety ........................................................................................................................................... 3-117

3.5.5 Traffic and Transportation .............................................................................................................................. 3-118

3.5.6 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................ 3-118

3.5.7 Noise .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-123

3.5.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ..................................................................................................................... 3-124

3.5.9 Environmental Justice .................................................................................................................................... 3-125

3.5.10 Air Quality ....................................................................................................................................................... 3-125

Table of Contents

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 v

3.5.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................ 3-125

3.5.12 Vegetation ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-128

3.5.13 Water Resources............................................................................................................................................ 3-129

3.5.14 Geology and Soils .......................................................................................................................................... 3-129

4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ......................................................................................................................... 4-1

4.1 General Environmental Impacts ................................................................................................................................. 4-1

4.1.1 Visual Resources ................................................................................................................................................. 4-2 4.1.1.1 Impacts from Construction .................................................................................................................................................. 4-4 4.1.1.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ..................................................................................... 4-4

4.1.2 Socioeconomics .................................................................................................................................................. 4-5 4.1.2.1 Alternative 1 No Action .................................................................................................................................................... 4-6 4.1.2.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ......................................................................................................................................... 4-6 4.1.2.3 Alternative 3 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4-16 4.1.2.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-19 4.1.2.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-21 4.1.2.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-22 4.1.2.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-24 4.1.2.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-26 4.1.2.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-27 4.1.2.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-29 4.1.2.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-31

4.1.3 Recreation ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-32 4.1.3.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-33 4.1.3.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-34

4.1.4 Health and Safety .............................................................................................................................................. 4-35 4.1.4.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-36 4.1.4.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-39

4.1.5 Traffic and Transportation ................................................................................................................................. 4-47 4.1.5.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-47 4.1.5.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-49

4.1.6 Land Use ........................................................................................................................................................... 4-49 4.1.6.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-50 4.1.6.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-53

4.1.7 Noise ................................................................................................................................................................. 4-54 4.1.7.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-55 4.1.7.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-56

4.1.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ........................................................................................................................ 4-57 4.1.8.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-58 4.1.8.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-60

4.1.9 Environmental Justice ....................................................................................................................................... 4-61 4.1.9.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-62 4.1.9.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-62

4.1.10 Air Quality .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-63 4.1.10.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-63 4.1.10.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-63

4.1.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-65 4.1.11.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-69 4.1.11.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-72

4.1.12 Vegetation ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-73 4.1.12.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-84 4.1.12.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-86

4.1.13 Water Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 4-88 4.1.13.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-88 4.1.13.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-90

4.1.14 Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................................. 4-90 4.1.14.1 Impacts from Construction ................................................................................................................................................ 4-91 4.1.14.2 Impacts from Operations, Maintenance, and Emergency Repairs ................................................................................... 4-92


U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 vi

4.2 Northern Section ........................................................................................................................................................ 4-92

4.2.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................... 4-92 4.2.1.1 Alternative 1 No Action .................................................................................................................................................. 4-92 4.2.1.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ....................................................................................................................................... 4-92 4.2.1.3 Alternative 3 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4-95 4.2.1.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-96 4.2.1.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-96 4.2.1.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-96 4.2.1.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-97 4.2.1.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-97 4.2.1.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-97 4.2.1.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-97 4.2.1.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-97

4.2.2 Socioeconomics ................................................................................................................................................ 4-98 4.2.2.1 Alternative 1 No Action .................................................................................................................................................. 4-98 4.2.2.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ....................................................................................................................................... 4-98 4.2.2.3 Alternative 3 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4-99 4.2.2.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-99 4.2.2.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-100 4.2.2.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-101 4.2.2.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-101 4.2.2.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-102 4.2.2.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-102 4.2.2.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-103 4.2.2.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-104

4.2.3 Recreation ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-104 4.2.3.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-104 4.2.3.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-104 4.2.3.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-105 4.2.3.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-105 4.2.3.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-106 4.2.3.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-106 4.2.3.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-106 4.2.3.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-107 4.2.3.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-107 4.2.3.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-107 4.2.3.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-107

4.2.4 Health and Safety ............................................................................................................................................ 4-108 4.2.4.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-108 4.2.4.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-108 4.2.4.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-109 4.2.4.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-109 4.2.4.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-110 4.2.4.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-110 4.2.4.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-111 4.2.4.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-111 4.2.4.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-111 4.2.4.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-111 4.2.4.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-112

4.2.5 Traffic and Transportation ............................................................................................................................... 4-112 4.2.5.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-112 4.2.5.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-112 4.2.5.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-113 4.2.5.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-113 4.2.5.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-114 4.2.5.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-114 4.2.5.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-115 4.2.5.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-115 4.2.5.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-115 4.2.5.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-115 4.2.5.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-115

Table of Contents

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 vii

4.2.6 Land Use ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-116 4.2.6.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-116 4.2.6.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-116 4.2.6.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-118 4.2.6.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-119 4.2.6.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-121 4.2.6.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-122 4.2.6.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-124 4.2.6.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-124 4.2.6.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-124 4.2.6.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-124 4.2.6.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-124

4.2.7 Noise ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-125 4.2.7.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-125 4.2.7.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-125 4.2.7.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-125 4.2.7.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-126 4.2.7.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-126 4.2.7.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-126 4.2.7.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-127 4.2.7.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-127 4.2.7.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-127 4.2.7.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-127 4.2.7.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-128

4.2.8 Historic and Cultural Resources ...................................................................................................................... 4-128 4.2.8.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-129 4.2.8.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-130 4.2.8.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-131 4.2.8.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-132 4.2.8.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-133 4.2.8.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-133 4.2.8.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-134 4.2.8.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-135 4.2.8.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-135 4.2.8.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-135 4.2.8.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-135

4.2.9 Environmental Justice ..................................................................................................................................... 4-135 4.2.9.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-135 4.2.9.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-136 4.2.9.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-136 4.2.9.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-136 4.2.9.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-137 4.2.9.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-137 4.2.9.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-138 4.2.9.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-138 4.2.9.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-138 4.2.9.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-139 4.2.9.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-139

4.2.10 Air Quality ........................................................................................................................................................ 4-139 4.2.10.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-139 4.2.10.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-139 4.2.10.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-140 4.2.10.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-141 4.2.10.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-141 4.2.10.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-142 4.2.10.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-142 4.2.10.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-142 4.2.10.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-142 4.2.10.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-143 4.2.10.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-143


U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 viii

4.2.11 Wildlife ............................................................................................................................................................. 4-143 4.2.11.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-143 4.2.11.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-143 4.2.11.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-146 4.2.11.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-147 4.2.11.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-147 4.2.11.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-148 4.2.11.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-148 4.2.11.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-148 4.2.11.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-149 4.2.11.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-149 4.2.11.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-149

4.2.12 Vegetation ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-149 4.2.12.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-149 4.2.12.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-149 4.2.12.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-150 4.2.12.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-151 4.2.12.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-151 4.2.12.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-151 4.2.12.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-152 4.2.12.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-152 4.2.12.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-152 4.2.12.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-152 4.2.12.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-153

4.2.13 Water Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 4-153 4.2.13.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-154 4.2.13.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-154 4.2.13.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-155 4.2.13.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-156 4.2.13.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-157 4.2.13.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-158 4.2.13.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-159 4.2.13.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-159 4.2.13.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-159 4.2.13.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-159 4.2.13.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-159

4.2.14 Geology and Soils ........................................................................................................................................... 4-160 4.2.14.1 Alternative 1 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-160 4.2.14.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-160 4.2.14.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-161 4.2.14.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-162 4.2.14.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-162 4.2.14.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-163 4.2.14.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-163 4.2.14.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-163 4.2.14.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-163 4.2.14.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-163 4.2.14.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-164

4.3 Central Section ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-164

4.3.1 Visual Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 4-164 4.3.1.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-164 4.3.1.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-164 4.3.1.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-167 4.3.1.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-168 4.3.1.5 Alternative 4b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-169 4.3.1.6 Alternative 4c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-169 4.3.1.7 Alternative 5a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-169 4.3.1.8 Alternative 5b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-171 4.3.1.9 Alternative 5c .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-174 4.3.1.10 Alternative 6a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-176 4.3.1.11 Alternative 6b .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-177

Table of Contents

U.S. Department of Energy July 2015 ix

4.3.2 Socioeconomics .............................................................................................................................................. 4-177 4.3.2.1 Alternative 1 No Action ................................................................................................................................................ 4-177 4.3.2.2 Alternative 2 Proposed Action ..................................................................................................................................... 4-177 4.3.2.3 Alternative 3 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4-178 4.3.2.4 Alternative 4a .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-179 4.3.2.5 Alternative 4b ..................................................................................................................

EIS-0463: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Volume 1)

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Transcript of EIS-0463: Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Volume 1)