WESTECH has played a primary role in planning, constructing and monitoring several major pipeline projects. WESTECH staff have completed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Natural Gas Pipeline Environmental Compliance Training Course and the Canadian Petroleum Industry Training Service (CPITS) Pipeline Environmental Inspection Course.
The FERC course syllabus included filings, environmental reports, compliance, right-of-way preparation and restoration, erosion control, stream and river crossings, wetland construction and residential construction. The CPITS course addressed characteristics of a good inspector, clearing, soil handling, grading, water crossings, geotechnical concerns, clean up and reclamation, role of the landman and inspection management.
construction and residential construction. The CPITS course addressed characteristics of a good inspector, clearing, soil handling, grading, water crossings, geotechnical
PROJECTS >
LINEAR > EXPRESS PIPELINE
The Express Pipeline, a joint venture between Alberta Energy Company Ltd. and TransCanada Pipelines, was constructed in fall and winter of 1996/97 and has the current potential of transporting about 180,000 barrels per day from Alberta, Canada to Casper, Wyoming. The U.S. portion of Express Pipeline consists of approximately 510 miles of 24-inch diameter underground pipeline and five pump stations, originating at the U.S.-Canadian border near the Port of Wild Horse, Montana and terminating at Casper, Wyoming.
WESTECH participated in the permitting (pre-construction), reclamation management (construction) and monitoring (post-construction) phases of the project. WESTECH continues to assist Express in the monitoring and remedial reclamation phases. WESTECH's project work on Express Pipeline included:
Permitting (Pre-construction)- Prepared and filed Information Report to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (now Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) in support of an application for a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need;
- Provided supporting information for the development of BLM and MDEQ Environmental Impact Statements (EIS);
- Reviewed and assisted preparation of supplemental information/responses to public comments to the EIS's;
- Delineated wetlands and prepared U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 404 permit application;
- Surveyed for endangered, threatened or sensitive species of wildlife and plants;
- Identified soil/reclamation units along entire pipeline route;
- Prepared BLM Plan of Development;
- Prepared the following plans and specifications: Stream, Wetland and Riparian Area Crossing Plan; Construction Reclamation Specifications; Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; Fire Prevention and Suppression Plan; Spill Prevention, Containment and Countermeasure Plan; and the Incised Draw/Gully Construction/Reclamation Plan.
- Prepared stream crossing permits for state agencies (Montana and Wyoming),
- Surveyed route for noxious weeds and developed a noxious weed control plan for state and county agencies (Montana and Wyoming);
- Prepared storm water discharge permit applications for Montana and Wyoming state agencies;
- Depicted resource information on construction drawings and environmental worksheets.
- Responded to agencies comments and concerns relating to environmental and reclamation issues.
- Prepared Reclamation Bid Documents;
- Prepared seed mix specification and managed seed purchase and distribution;
- Documented preconstruction wetland boundaries, vegetation composition and general condition.
- Supervised and inspected reclamation activities.
- Prepared the General Operations and Management Plan.
- Monitored right-of-way for erosion control and prescribed remedial reclamation as necessary.
- Inspected right-of-way for noxious weeds; recommended treatment/control; prepared and submitted necessary documentation to Express and state and federal agencies.
- Performed revegetation, wetland and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) tract surveys and prepared and submitted necessary documentation to Express and state and federal agencies.