Natural Gas Pipeline - Plan of Development - Donlin Gold EIS

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE

PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT Donlin Gold Project

July 2012

NATURAL GAS PIPELINE

PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT Donlin Gold Project

July 2012

4720 Business Park Blvd. Suite G-25 Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Prepared By: SRK Consulting (US), Inc. 4710 Business Park Blvd. Suite F-40 Anchorage, Alaska 99503

Plan of Development Donlin Gold Project

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 2.0

3.0

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1-1 PURPOSE AND NEED .............................................................................................. 2-1 2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................... 2-1 2.2 Need ................................................................................................................ 2-1 2.3 Background and Proposed Mine Information .................................................. 2-1 2.4 Expected Public Benefits ................................................................................. 2-2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................... 3-1 3.1 Commodity to be Transported and Purpose.................................................... 3-2 3.2 Pipe to be used for Transportation of Natural Gas .......................................... 3-3 3.3 Timeline of Proposed Project .......................................................................... 3-4 3.3.1 Planned Commencement Date for Construction ................................. 3-4 3.3.2 Estimated Construction Time............................................................... 3-4 3.3.3 Planned Commencement Date for Operation ...................................... 3-7 3.3.4 Duration of Pipeline Operation............................................................. 3-7 3.4 Estimated Number of Persons to be Employed ............................................... 3-7 3.5 Financing Requirements for the Proposed Project .......................................... 3-7 3.5.1 Corporate Organization Structure ........................................................ 3-7 3.6 Natural Gas Distribution Line........................................................................... 3-8 3.7 Surface and Subsurface Attributes .................................................................. 3-9 3.8 Length/Width of ROW; Area Needed for Related Activities ............................. 3-9 3.9 Ancillary to an Existing Right-of-Way ............................................................ 3-10 3.10 Alternative Routes and Locations .................................................................. 3-10 3.10.1 Pipeline .............................................................................................. 3-10 3.10.2 Theodore River Alternate Route ........................................................ 3-11 3.10.3 Little Mt. Susitna Alternate Route ...................................................... 3-11 3.10.4 Round Mountain Alternate Route ...................................................... 3-11 3.10.5 Goodman Pass Alternate Route ........................................................ 3-12 3.10.6 Egypt Mountain Alternate Route ........................................................ 3-12 3.10.7 St. John’s Hill Alternate Route ........................................................... 3-12 3.10.8 Windy Fork Alternate Route............................................................... 3-12 3.10.9 Big River Alternate Route .................................................................. 3-13 3.10.10 Tatlawiksuk River Alternate Route ................................................. 3-13 3.10.11 Kuskokwim River Alternate Route ................................................. 3-13 3.10.12 Moose Creek Alternate Route........................................................ 3-13 3.10.13 Kuskokwim Hills Alternate Route ................................................... 3-13 3.10.14 Alternative Route Assessments for the Electric Transmission Line .................................................................................................... 3-13 3.11 Safeguards for Persons, Property, and Public and the Environment ............ 3-26 3.11.1 Safety of Workers .............................................................................. 3-26 3.11.2 Public Health and Safety ................................................................... 3-27 3.11.3 Public or Private Property .................................................................. 3-29

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3.11.4 3.11.5 3.11.6 3.11.7 3.11.8 3.11.9

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

Vegetation or Timber ......................................................................... 3-30 Fish or Other Wildlife or Their Habitat ............................................... 3-31 Restoring Areas of Vegetation or Timber .......................................... 3-31 Erosion and Rehabilitation of Areas Eroded ...................................... 3-32 Ensure Compliance by Contractors and Subcontractors ................... 3-32 Quality Control and Procedures for Inspecting and Testing the Pipeline .............................................................................................. 3-33 3.11.10 Special Safeguards to Protect the Interests of Individuals Living in the General Area for Subsistence Purposes .................................. 3-34 3.11.11 Special Safeguards to Protect the Interests of Commercial Lodges ............................................................................................... 3-35 Right-of-Way Location (ROW) ................................................................................. 4-1 4.1 Legal Description ............................................................................................. 4-1 4.2 Site-specific Engineering Surveys for Critical Areas ....................................... 4-1 4.3 River Crossings ............................................................................................... 4-1 4.4 Calculation of Estimated right-of-way Acreage................................................ 4-3 Pipeline Design Factors ........................................................................................... 5-1 5.1 Technical Summary ......................................................................................... 5-1 5.2 Toxicity of Pipeline Product ............................................................................. 5-2 5.3 Anticipated Operating Temperatures............................................................... 5-2 5.4 Depth of Pipeline ............................................................................................. 5-3 5.5 Permanent Width or Size................................................................................. 5-3 5.6 Temporary Areas Needed ............................................................................... 5-4 Additional Right-of-Way Components .................................................................... 6-1 6.1 Connection to Existing Right-of-Way ............................................................... 6-1 6.2 Existing Components on or off Public Land..................................................... 6-1 6.3 Possible Future Components .......................................................................... 6-1 6.4 Location and Description of Compressor Station ............................................ 6-1 6.5 Location and Description of Electric Transmission Line .................................. 6-2 6.6 6-4 6.7 Location and Description of Fiber Optic Cable and Repeater Station ............. 6-4 6.8 Location and Description of Sand and Gravel Sites ........................................ 6-4 6.9 Location and Description of Pig Launcher/Receiver Facilities......................... 6-4 6.10 Location and Description of Metering Stations ................................................ 6-5 6.11 Location and Description of Mainline Block Valves ......................................... 6-7 Government Agency Involvement........................................................................... 7-1 7.1 Entities that have Regulatory Authority or would be affected by the Proposed Project ............................................................................................. 7-1 7.2 Communications Protocol................................................................................ 7-2 7.2.1 State Agency Coordination .................................................................. 7-2 7.2.2 Federal Agency Coordination .............................................................. 7-2 7.3 List of Project Authorizations ........................................................................... 7-4 7.3.1 State ROW Lease Required Documents ............................................. 7-4

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8.0

Table of Contents

Construction of Facilities......................................................................................... 8-1 8.1 Construction Planning Considerations ............................................................ 8-1 8.1.1 Remote Cabins/Residential Areas ....................................................... 8-1 8.1.2 Iditarod Trail ......................................................................................... 8-1 8.1.3 Active Faults ........................................................................................ 8-4 8.1.4 Wetlands .............................................................................................. 8-4 8.1.5 Waterbodies......................................................................................... 8-5 8.1.6 Access ................................................................................................. 8-5 8.1.7 Susitna Flats State Game Refuge ....................................................... 8-6 8.1.8 Construction Communications Details ................................................. 8-6 8.2 Construction Execution.................................................................................... 8-6 8.2.1 Overview of Construction Execution .................................................... 8-7 8.2.2 Construction Execution Sequence..................................................... 8-10 8.2.3 Beluga Tie-In to BPL.......................................................................... 8-12 8.2.4 Terminus at Mine Site ........................................................................ 8-12 8.2.5 Compressor Station ........................................................................... 8-13 8.2.6 Electric Transmission Line ................................................................. 8-18 8.2.7 Fiber Optic Communication Line ....................................................... 8-18 8.2.8 Ancillary Construction Support Facilities ........................................... 8-21 8.2.9 Transportation of Equipment and Materials ....................................... 8-51 8.2.10 Construction Labor Requirements/Mobilization ................................. 8-52 8.2.11 Personnel to Support Construction .................................................... 8-52 8.2.12 Land Requirements ........................................................................... 8-54 8.2.13 Flagging or Staking the ROW ............................................................ 8-54 8.2.14 Barrier Delineation ............................................................................. 8-55 8.2.15 Vegetation Clearing and Grading ...................................................... 8-55 8.2.16 Workpad Construction ....................................................................... 8-56 8.2.17 Ice and Snow Pads ............................................................................ 8-57 8.2.18 Frost Packing ..................................................................................... 8-59 8.2.19 Winter grading ................................................................................... 8-59 8.2.20 Summer Grading ............................................................................... 8-60 8.2.21 Granular Workpad ............................................................................. 8-60 8.2.22 Workpad versus Graded Construction ............................................... 8-60 8.2.23 Temporary Stormwater Control ......................................................... 8-61 8.3 Pipe Installation ............................................................................................. 8-62 8.3.1 Blasting .............................................................................................. 8-62 8.3.2 Stringing............................................................................................. 8-63 8.3.3 Bending and Set-up ........................................................................... 8-63 8.3.4 Lineup and Welding ........................................................................... 8-64 8.3.5 Inspection (Nondestructive Examination) .......................................... 8-65 8.3.6 Field Joint Coating ............................................................................. 8-65 8.3.7 Trenching ........................................................................................... 8-66 8.3.8 Bedding.............................................................................................. 8-67 8.3.9 Lowering In ........................................................................................ 8-67 8.3.10 Buoyancy Control .............................................................................. 8-68 8.3.11 Trench Breakers ................................................................................ 8-68 8.3.12 Padding and Backfill .......................................................................... 8-68 8.3.13 Backfill ............................................................................................... 8-68

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Table of Contents

8.3.14 Tie-ins ................................................................................................ 8-69 8.3.15 Waterbody and Wetland Crossings ................................................... 8-69 8.3.16 Waterbody Crossings ........................................................................ 8-70 8.3.17 Wetland Crossings............................................................................. 8-73 8.3.18 Waterbody Approaches ..................................................................... 8-75 8.3.19 Equipment Crossing .......................................................................... 8-75 8.3.20 Residential Areas (primarily remote cabins) ...................................... 8-76 8.3.21 Iditarod ............................................................................................... 8-76 8.3.22 Fault Crossings .................................................................................. 8-76 8.3.23 Snow Avalanche Hazards.................................................................. 8-79 8.3.24 Unsuitable Soils ................................................................................. 8-79 8.3.25 Permafrost ......................................................................................... 8-79 8.3.26 Mainline Block Valves and Launchers/Receivers .............................. 8-82 8.3.27 Cathodic Protection ........................................................................... 8-82 8.3.28 Cleanup, Erosion Control and Reclamation Crews ........................... 8-82 8.3.29 Cleaning, Pressure Testing and Drying ............................................. 8-83 8.3.30 Pipeline Commissioning .................................................................... 8-85 8.3.31 Engineering Drawings and Specifications ......................................... 8-85 8.4 Safety and Training Requirements ................................................................ 8-85 8.4.1 Environmental, Safety and Project Orientation/Training .................... 8-85 8.5 Environmental and Quality Control and Procedures for Inspection ............... 8-87 8.6 Signs and Markers......................................................................................... 8-87 8.7 As-Built Survey .............................................................................................. 8-88 8.8 Contingency Planning.................................................................................... 8-88 8.9 Contacts ........................................................................................................ 8-88 8.9.1 Holder Contacts ................................................................................. 8-88 8.9.2 ROW Granting Agency Contacts ....................................................... 8-88 8.10 Waste Management ...................................................................................... 8-89 Resource Values and Environmental Concerns .................................................... 9-1 9.1 Location with Respect to Existing Corridors .................................................... 9-1 9.2 Anticipated Conflicts with Resources or Public Health and Safety .................. 9-1 9.2.1 Air ........................................................................................................ 9-1 9.2.2 Noise.................................................................................................... 9-2 9.2.3 Geologic Hazards ................................................................................ 9-4 9.2.4 Mineral and Energy Resources ........................................................... 9-5 9.2.5 Paleontological Resources .................................................................. 9-5 9.2.6 Cultural Resources .............................................................................. 9-6 9.2.7 Regional Setting .................................................................................. 9-8 9.2.8 Water Resources ................................................................................. 9-4 9.2.9 Wetlands and Vegetation..................................................................... 9-5 9.2.10 Fisheries Resources ............................................................................ 9-8 9.2.11 Wildlife Resources ............................................................................. 9-10 9.2.12 Special Status Species ...................................................................... 9-12 9.2.13 Visual Resources ............................................................................... 9-13 9.2.14 Social and Economic ......................................................................... 9-15 9.2.15 Subsistence ....................................................................................... 9-16 9.2.16 State or Federal Projects ................................................................... 9-17

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9.2.17 Recreation Activities .......................................................................... 9-17 9.2.18 Wilderness ......................................................................................... 9-18 10.0 Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation ..................................................... 10-1 10.1 Soil Removal and Replacement .................................................................... 10-2 10.1.1 Trench/Right-of-Way.......................................................................... 10-2 10.2 Drainage and Erosion Control, Clean-up and Reclamation ........................... 10-2 10.2.1 Stabilization of the Backfilled Trench ................................................. 10-3 10.2.2 Streambank Protection ...................................................................... 10-4 10.2.3 Reclamation of Waterbody Crossings ............................................... 10-4 10.3 Clean-up Crew Functions .............................................................................. 10-5 10.4 Reclamation Crew Functions......................................................................... 10-6 10.5 Natural Reinvasion/Seeding Specifications ................................................... 10-6 10.6 Fertilizer ......................................................................................................... 10-7 10.7 Control of Non-Native Invasive Plants ........................................................... 10-7 10.8 Limiting Access to ROW ................................................................................ 10-7 10.9 Status of Temporary Roads following Construction ...................................... 10-7 10.10 Status of Temporary PSYs and Campsites ....................................... 10-7 10.11 Status of Temporary Camp Facilities following Construction ............ 10-7 10.12 Status of Temporary Airstrips following Construction ........................ 10-8 10.13 Status of Material Sites following use for Construction ...................... 10-8 10.14 Status of Barge Landings and Port Facilities following Construction .................................................................................................. 10-8 10.15 Disposition of Salvageable Materials at Completion of Construction .................................................................................................. 10-8 10.16 Status of Temporary Land needs following Construction .................. 10-8 10.17 Pipeline Maintenance Activities ......................................................... 10-8 10.18 Inspection and Monitoring.................................................................. 10-8 10.19 Unconditional Guaranty for Duties and Obligations ........................... 10-9 11.0 Operation and Maintenance................................................................................... 11-1 11.1 Operation and Maintenance Plan/Manual ..................................................... 11-1 11.2 ROW Maintenance Schedules ...................................................................... 11-1 11.3 Safety ............................................................................................................ 11-1 11.4 Removal/Addition of Pipe & Equipment Operation or Maintenance .............. 11-1 11.5 Signs and Line Markers ................................................................................. 11-1 11.6 New and Expanded Access for Operation and Maintenance ........................ 11-2 11.7 Inspection and Testing of Pipeline................................................................. 11-2 11.8 Facilities Security........................................................................................... 11-2 11.9 ROW Configuration ....................................................................................... 11-2 11.9.1 Minimum Cover.................................................................................. 11-3 11.9.2 Inspection, Surveillance and Monitoring of Right-of-way ................... 11-3 11.9.3 Encroachments .................................................................................. 11-4 11.9.4 ROW Maintenance Clearing .............................................................. 11-4

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11.9.5 Heavy Equipment Crossing Buried Pipeline ROW ............................ 11-4 11.10 Pigging ............................................................................................... 11-5 11.10.1 Maintenance Pigging ..................................................................... 11-5 11.10.2 Smart Pigging Inspections ............................................................. 11-5 11.10.3 Disposal of Operational and Pigging Wastes................................. 11-5 11.11 Cathodic Protection and Corrosion Control ....................................... 11-6 11.12 Valves ................................................................................................ 11-6 11.12.1 Access to Values ........................................................................... 11-7 11.13 Overpressure Safety Devices ............................................................ 11-7 11.14 Smoking or open Flames ................................................................... 11-7 11.15 Pipe Movement .................................................................................. 11-7 11.16 Normal Operating and Maintenance Procedures Review .................. 11-8 11.17 Construction Records ........................................................................ 11-8 11.18 Operations Records ........................................................................... 11-9 11.19 Drug Testing .................................................................................... 11-10 11.20 Industrial Waste and Toxic Substances near Right-of-way ............. 11-11 12.0 Termination and Final Reclamation ...................................................................... 12-1 12.1 Removal of Structures at Termination ........................................................... 12-1 12.2 Status of Pipe ................................................................................................ 12-1 12.3 Status of Transmission Line .......................................................................... 12-2 12.4 Status of Fiber Optic Cable ........................................................................... 12-2 12.5 Status of Roads ............................................................................................. 12-2 12.6 Status of Material Sites.................................................................................. 12-2 12.7 Status of Retained Barge Landings ............................................................... 12-3 12.8 Status of Retained Airstrips ........................................................................... 12-3 12.9 Disposition of Salvageable Materials............................................................. 12-3 Final Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation of Disturbed 12.10 Areas 12-3 13.0 References .............................................................................................................. 13-1

APPENDICES Appendix A: Appendix B: Appendix C: Appendix D: Appendix E: Appendix F: Appendix G:

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Strip Maps Line List Geotechnical Survey Data Stream Crossings Engineering Typicals Construction Plan and Schedule Right-of-Way Typicals

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FIGURES Figure 1-1: Location of Proposed Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline Route ...................................... 1-2 Figure 3-1: Corporate Organization Structure .................................................................................... 3-8 Figure 3-2: Theodore River Alternate Route .................................................................................... 3-14 Figure 3-3: Little Mount Susitna Alternate Route ............................................................................. 3-15 Figure 3-4: Round Mountain Alternate Route................................................................................... 3-16 Figure 3-5: Goodman Pass Alternate Route .................................................................................... 3-17 Figure 3-6: Egypt Mountain Alternate Route .................................................................................... 3-18 Figure 3-7: St Johns Hill Alternate Route ......................................................................................... 3-19 Figure 3-8: Windy Fork Alternate Route ........................................................................................... 3-20 Figure 3-9: Big River Alternate Route .............................................................................................. 3-21 Figure 3-10: Tatlawiksuk River Alternate Route ............................................................................... 3-22 Figure 3-11: Kuskokwim River Alternate Route ............................................................................... 3-23 Figure 3-12: Moose Creek Alternate Route...................................................................................... 3-24 Figure 3-13: Kuskokwim Hills Alternate Route ................................................................................. 3-25 Figure 3-14: Lodge Locations ........................................................................................................... 3-37 Figure 4-1: Beluga Camp Storage & Pipe Yard Areas ....................................................................... 4-2 Figure 6-1: Compressor Site Location Map........................................................................................ 6-3 Figure 6-2: Metering Stations ............................................................................................................. 6-6 Figure 7-1: Communication Protocol .................................................................................................. 7-3 Figure 7-2: State ROW Lease Required Documents ......................................................................... 7-5 Figure 8-1: Compressor Station Site Plan ........................................................................................ 8-15 Figure 8-2: Electric Transmission Line and Fiber Optic Cable ......................................................... 8-20 Figure 8-3: General Construction Camp Configuration .................................................................... 8-35 Figure 8-4: Camp Movement Plan Diagram ..................................................................................... 8-36 Figure 8-5: Permafrost Distribution Map .......................................................................................... 8-81 Figure 9-1: Physiographic Divisions ................................................................................................... 9-9 Figure 9-2: ADF&G Game Units and Guide Use Areas within Pipeline Corridor ............................. 9-21

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Table of Contents

TABLES Table 3-1: Composition of Gas to be Transported ............................................................................. 3-2 Table 3-2: Spread Execution Squence ............................................................................................... 3-6 Table 3-3: Number of Persons Employed .......................................................................................... 3-7 Table 3-4: Cost of Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline ............................................................................ 3-7 Table 3-5: Commercial Lodges ........................................................................................................ 3-36 Table 4-1: Estimated Acres Calculation ............................................................................................. 4-3 Table 5-1: Project Specific Design Criteria ......................................................................................... 5-1 Table 5-2: Minimum Cover Requirements .......................................................................................... 5-3 Table 6-1: Mainline Valve Location Summary .................................................................................... 6-8 Table 7-1: Federal, State and Local Agencies with Regulatory Authority .......................................... 7-1 Table 7-2: Federally Recognized Tribes along the Pipeline Route by Region ................................... 7-2 Table 7-3: Permits and Authorizations ............................................................................................... 7-6 Table 8-1: Proximity of Pipeline to Iditarod Trail................................................................................. 8-3 Table 8-2: Construction Execution Sequence .................................................................................. 8-10 Table 8-3: Operating Design Factors ............................................................................................... 8-14 Table 8-4: Pipe Storage Yards ......................................................................................................... 8-23 Table 8-5: Potential Material Sites.................................................................................................... 8-27 Table 8-6: Pipeline Shoofly and Access Roads Material Needs ...................................................... 8-31 Table 8-7: Pipeline Airfields Material Needs .................................................................................... 8-31 Table 8-8: Access Road Identifications ............................................................................................ 8-38 Table 8-9: Potential Water Sources and Use ................................................................................... 8-41 Table 8-10: Pipeline Construction Fuel Estimate ............................................................................. 8-47 Table 8-11: Approximate Fuel Quantities by Spread and Section ................................................... 8-48 Table 8-12: HDD and HDD Camp Fuel Estimate ............................................................................. 8-49 Table 8-13: Fuel Handling and Storage ........................................................................................... 8-50 Table 8-14: Characteristics of Castle Mountain Fault ...................................................................... 8-77 Table 8-15: Characteristics of Denali Fault ....................................................................................... 8-78

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ACRONYMS ASCE CWMP JP QCP VFD ADEC ADF&G AHPA ANHP ANSCA ANSI APE API ARO ARPA AS ASME ATV AUT AWS BLM BMPs BPL BTU Calista CEA CFR CIRI CMP COE CP CWA DCJV DNR EIS ENSTAR EPA ESD

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American Society of Civil Engineers Comprehensive Waste Management Plan Jungjuk Port Quality Control Plan variable frequency drive Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska Historic Preservation Act Alaska Natural Heritage Program Alaska Native Settlement Claims Act American National Standards Institute area of potential effect American Petroleum Institute abrasion-resistant overcoat Archeological Resource Protection Act Alaska Statutes American Society of Mechanical Engineers all terrain vehicle automated ultrasonic testing American Welding Society U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management best management practices Beluga natural gas pipeline British thermal units Calista Corporation Chugach Electric Association Code of Federal Regulations Cook Inlet Regional Corporation Comprehensive Management Plan U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cathodic protection Clean Water Act Donlin Creek Joint Venture Alaska Department of Natural Resources environmental impact statement ENSTAR Natural Gas Company. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emergency shutdown

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FBE FERC GCI GIS GMAW GMU GPS HDD HSE IBC ILI IMC INHT LGP LIDAR MAOP MEA MLV MOA MP MV NDE NEC NEPA NESC NFPA NHPA NIP NPDES (APDES) NPS NTP O&M OSHA PDC PDUS PHMSA POD PRPA PSY

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fusion-bonded epoxy Federal Energy Regulatory Commission General Communications, Inc. geographical information system gas metal arc welding Game Management Unit global positioning system horizontal directional drilling health, safety, and environmental International Building Code inline inspection International Mechanical Code Iditarod National Historic Trail low ground pressure light detection and ranging maximum allowable operating pressure Matanuska Electrical Association mainline block valve Memorandum of Agreement Milepost medium voltage nondestructive examination National Electrical Code National Environmental Policy Act National Electric Safety Code National Fire Protection Association National Historic Preservation Act non-native invasive plants National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (now Alaska Pollution Discharge Elimination System) Nominal pipe size notice to proceed operation and maintenance U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration power distribution center Placer Dome U.S. Pipeline Hazardous Materials and Safety Administration Pplan of Ddevelopment Paleontological Resources Preservation Act Pipe Storage Yard

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RAA RCA ROD ROW RT SCADA SHPO SLE SPCC SPCO SRK SWPPP TAPS TKC TSCA UL UPS USDOT USFWS USGS VRM WT

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Resource Associates of Alaska Regulatory Commission of Alaska Record of Decision Right-of-way radiographic testing supervisory control and data acquisition State of Alaska Historic and Preservation Office section line easements Spill Prevention, Control, Countermeasure Plan State Pipeline Coordinator’s Office SRK Consulting (US), Inc. Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Trans Alaska Pipeline System tThe Kuskokwim Corporation Toxic Substances Control Act Underwriters Laboratories uninterruptible power supply U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey visual resource management wall thickness

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UNITS OF MEASURE ac AF cfs cm d ft ft3 G gpm g/L Gst g/t h ha hp In km km/h kW L lb m m3 µg/L µm µS µS/cm Mt/a MW NP/AP NRMS pH sq. miles t

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acre acre-foot (43,560 cubic feet) cubic feet per second centimeter day foot/feet cubic feet giga (billion) U.S. gallons per minutes grams per liter billion short tons grams per tonne hour hectares horsepower inch(es) kilometers kilometers per hour kilowatt liter pound meters cubic meters micrograms per liter micrometer (micron) microsiemens microsiemens per centimeter million tonnes per year mega watts neutralizing potential to acid generating potential ratio normalized root mean square measure of the acidity or base acidity of an aqueous solution square miles tonne

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1.0

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This Plan of Development (POD) has been prepared by Donlin Gold LLC to support the planning and development of the proposed Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline project. The POD provides detailed information to support regulatory processes, permit applications, and preparation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents. Donlin Gold proposes to construct the proposed pipeline in conjunction with and in support of its proposed Donlin Gold mine project in Southwest Alaska. For additional information, refer to the Donlin Gold Plan of Operations, Project Description (SRK Consulting (US) Inc. [SRK] 2012). The 14-inch (356 mm) (nominal pipe size [NPS]) pipeline would transport natural gas approximately 313 miles (503 km), from an existing 20-inch (508 mm) natural gas pipeline near Beluga, Alaska, the pipeline’s point of origin, to the mine site near Crooked Creek, its point of termination. Figure 1-1 is a location map for the proposed Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline Project, hereinafter referred to as proposed pipeline project or pipeline. This POD includes information about the following: •

Purpose and need

•

Background information

•

Project description

•

Right-of-way location

•

Facility design factors

•

Government agency involvement

•

Project construction

•

Fiber optic cable

•

Electric transmission line to compressor station

•

Resource values and environmental concerns

•

Stabilization, rehabilitation and reclamation

• •

Operation and maintenance (O&M) Termination and final reclamation.

This POD would be modified to incorporate any applicable measures for route adjustment, construction practices and seasonality, mitigation requirements, or other requirements that may be developed and contained in the Record of Decision (ROD) for the environmental impact statement (EIS) prepared in support of the federal review on the proposed project. It would also be modified as necessary to address measures developed by State and Federal agencies as a result of their review and authorization process for the Right-of-way (ROW) Leases and other authorizations associated with the proposed pipeline project.

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July 2012

Chukchi Sea

Hamilton Nome

Chuloonawick Emmonak Alakanuk Nunam Iqua

A AD N CA

Anchorage

Bethel

Bering Sea

Takotna

ammon Bay

r

Nikolai

Juneau

Shageluk

Anvik

Talkeetna Iditarod Flat

DONLIN GOLD HolyPROJECT Cross

iv Yukon R

er

Skwentna

Georgetown Crooked Creek

Russian Mission

Upper Kalskag Lower Kalskag

Ohogamiut

R i ve

Petersville

Gulf of Alaska

Marshall

McGrath

Grayling

Donlin Gold Mountain Village Pitkas Point Saint Mary's Pilot Station

Medfra

Ophir

Stony River Red Devil

River

Fairbanks

Denali National Park & Preserve

Innoko National Wildlife Refuge

Susitna

ALASKA

Kotlik

Bill Moores Slough

Telida

im

IA

Barrow

Kuskok w

S

er

S

Stebbins Saint Michael

Riv

U

Yuk on

Susitna

Sleetmute

Willow Houston

Palme

Wasilla Big Lake

Knik

Eklutna

Chuathbaluk Aniak

River

Anchorage

Napaimute Lime Village

Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Beluga Tyonek

Hope

Tuluksak Newtok Kasigluk Atmautluak

Toksook Bay

Nunapitchuk

Bethel

Akiak Salamatof Kenai

Lake Clark National Park & Preserve

Ku sk

ghtmute

Port Alsworth

Ninilchik

K

Eek

Soldotna

Kasilof Clam Gulch

IN

Tuntutuliak Chefornak

Cooper Landing

Nikiski Kwethluk Oscarville Napaskiak

ok w

im

Napakiak

Akiachak

LE T

Mertarvik

Nondalton Pedro Bay

Kwigillingok Quinhagak

Newhalen

Koliganek

KUSKOKWIM BAY

Nikolaevsk

O

Wood-Tikchik State Park

Kongiganak

O

Kipnuk

Togiak National Wildlife Refuge

mn Illi a New Stuyahok

ke a La

Iliamna

Anchor Point

C

R

Cantwell

Kachemak

Homer Seldovia

Kokhanok

Nanwalek Port Graham

Igiugig

Portlock

Ekwok Aleknagik

Populated Places

Goodnews Bay

SCALE:

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Proposed Infrastructure Layout Federal Administrative Boundaries State Administrative Boundaries

Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

FIGURE:

Levelock

0

12.5

25

50 mi

0

20

40

80 km

PROJECT LOCATION MAP

1-1

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: PER0130.mxd, 07/11/12, R05

Moo


2.0

PURPOSE AND NEED

2.1

Purpose

Purpose and Need

The purpose of the Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline Project is to provide a long-term, stable supply of natural gas to meet energy needs for the proposed Donlin Gold mine project. The proposed pipeline is designed as a privately owned facility to support the proposed mine operation. Natural gas supplied by the pipeline would be used to create electricity for the facility, operations, and heat for buildings. The use of natural gas supplied via the proposed pipeline project has been evaluated and determined to be the most practicable cost effective and environmentally acceptable means of providing a reliable longterm energy source for the proposed Donlin Gold mine project.

2.2

Need

The mine site is remote and without existing or readily developable resources that can serve as an energy supply within the timeframe needed for development of the mine. The location of the proposed mine project does not currently have adequate, naturally occurring gas resources to create sufficient energy supply for mine operations. No other energy sources or supplies of the magnitude necessary for mine operations are present or likely to be developed in proximity to the mine site or otherwise available in a timeframe needed for development of the mine. No existing transportation or utility infrastructure services the proposed mine site or surrounding area. Access to the mine site is seasonal via the Kuskokwim River or by aircraft, as weather conditions allow. Therefore, the natural gas pipeline is needed to bring in a stable and reliable source of energy sufficient for mine operations.

2.3

Background and Proposed Mine Information

The proposed Donlin Gold mine that would be served by the pipeline is a large, undeveloped, refractory gold deposit located approximately 10 miles (16 km) north of the village of Crooked Creek on the Kuskokwim River and about 277 air miles (446 km) northwest of Anchorage. The deposit is situated on Native lands owned by the Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) the surface estate and Calista Corporation (Calista) the surface and subsurface estate. Placer gold was first discovered at Snow Gulch, a tributary of Donlin Creek in 1909. Resource Associates of Alaska (RAA) carried out a regional evaluation for Calista in 1974 to 1975, identifying mineral potential in the area. Calista conducted prospecting and limited exploration activities in 1984. The first substantial exploration program was carried out by Westgold in 1988 to 1989. Teck operated the project briefly in 1993. Placer Dome U.S. (PDUS) explored the property from 1995 to 2000, formed the Donlin Creek Joint Venture (DCJV) with NovaGold as operator in 2001, and then reassumed management of the DCJV as operator in February 2003. Barrick Gold merged with Placer Dome in 2006 and acquired the PDUS interest in the DCJV. In December 2007 Donlin Creek LLC was formed as a

Donlin Gold

2-1

July 2012


Purpose and Need

limited liability company with 50/50 ownership by Barrick Gold U.S. and NovaGold Resources Alaska, Inc. In 2011, Donlin Creek LLC changed its name to Donlin Gold LLC. Donlin Gold is proposing the development of an open pit, hardrock gold mine. The proposed project would require three to four years to construct, with the active mine life currently projected to be approximately 27.5 years. The mine is proposed to be a year-round, conventional “truck and shovel” operation using both bulk and selective mining methods. Electric power would be supplied by onsite generation. General cargo for operations would be transported from terminals in Seattle, Vancouver, BC or Dutch Harbor via marine barge to Bethel. At Bethel, it is expected that the cargo would be transferred to the dock for temporary storage or loaded directly onto river barges for transport up the Kuskokwim River to a port constructed at Jungjuk Creek. A 30 mile (48 km) all-season access road would be constructed from the proposed Jungjuk Port to the mine site. Fuel would be transported to Dutch Harbor by tanker, then to Bethel via marine barge. At Bethel fuel would either be transferred directly to double-hull river barges, or off-loaded for temporary storage. From Jungjuk Port fuel would be transferred to the mine site fuel storage facility via tank trucks. The proposed mine project would be a camp operation also accessible by a 5,000 foot (1,524 m) gravel airstrip, with a camp capable of housing 638 workers. The proposed pipeline would serve as an alternative to diesel power generation, reduce port facility storage needs and reduce the amount of diesel fuel required for operational purposes to a projected annual requirement of approximately 40,000,000 gallons (151,455,000 L).

2.4

Expected Public Benefits

The pipeline route and mine are located in areas that provide few long term employment opportunities. Good jobs, services, and health care are hard to obtain in the small, isolated, rural communities, resulting in gradual attrition of people to larger communities. With the exception of the jobs created by a few small businesses that provide services to the local communities, regular, full-time jobs are in high demand. Job opportunities currently are limited primarily to the government or social organization sector. Economic benefits from the proposed pipeline include excise tax revenues from its operation. In addition, it would create short- and long-term employment opportunities. Camp support and construction labor (skilled and unskilled) would be needed during pipeline construction. Pipeline operation and maintenance would be ongoing throughout the 30-year or greater use life of the pipeline. Mine development and operation that are supported by the pipeline represent greater employment opportunities and revenue stream for the local communities.

Donlin Gold

2-2

July 2012


Purpose and Need

The use of natural gas as a stable reliable fuel source for heating and power generation potentially reduce the project’s impacts as opposed to diesel. Additionally, providing a means for a reliable natural gas fuel source to the proposed Donlin Gold mine project may create opportunities for further development of natural gas use beyond that of the Donlin Gold project.

Donlin Gold

2-3

July 2012


3.0

Project Description

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This POD only addresses the natural gas pipeline portion of the proposed Donlin Gold proposed mine project. For additional information, refer to the Donlin Gold Plan of Operations, Project Description (SRK 2012). The proposed pipeline route has been located and evaluated based on currently known technical, environmental, cultural, land ownership, and economic considerations. Additionally, the pipeline portion of the proposed mine project would have limited effects on air quality because it does not include nor address the emissions for producing power at the mine site. The pipeline would be designed and constructed in accordance with the following primary pipeline regulations and design codes: • • • •

49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 192: Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards; October 1, 2007 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) B31.8: Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems Alaska Petroleum Institute (API) 5L, Specification for Line Pipe API 1104, Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities.

There may be instances in which Donlin Gold requests variances, modifications, or exceptions to particular requirements of these regulations and codes which would be determined at final design. The proposed pipeline approximately 313 miles long (503 km) would originate at the west end of the Beluga Gas Field, approximately 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Anchorage at a tie-in near Beluga located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough and would run to the Donlin Gold mine located in Southwest Alaska. The route initiates at the Beluga Natural Gas Pipeline (BPL) (natural gas source) which would be designated milepost 0 (MP), within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge, and the pipeline would receive booster compression supplied by one compressor station located at approximately MP 5 of the pipeline just outside the north boundary of the refuge. No additional compression along the pipeline route would be required. The route then proceeds north, traversing the east flank of Little Mount Susitna to the Skwentna River (MP 48), and then parallels the Skwentna River westerly to Puntilla Lake (MP 100). The route crosses the Alaska Range through Rainy Pass (MP 113) and Rohn (near MP 132). Beyond Rohn, the route turns southwest near Farewell (MP 155), paralleling the Alaska Range until crossing the Kuskokwim River (MP 238). Beyond the Kuskokwim River, the route primarily follows ridgelines for more than 80 miles (129 km) toward the west, to the proposed Donlin Gold mine site that is the pipeline terminus at approximately MP 313, about 10 miles (16 km) north of the village of Crooked Creek. The pipeline route crosses an area with no significant preexisting infrastructure and does not follow any existing utility corridors. The 14-inch (356 mm) natural gas pipeline would be designed to transport approximately 50 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of natural gas (1,415,842 m3pd). The compressor station would be supplied with electric power by extending an existing transmission line to the facility. The power transmission line would be constructed to the compressor station from Beluga as shown in Appendix A and Figure 6-1. Donlin Gold would install a fiber optics cable from Beluga with the power transmission line to the metering station at pipeline MP 0 where it would then be installed in the buried mode with the pipeline to the compressor station and on to the mine site. The pipeline would be regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 192 – Transportation of Natural Gas and Donlin Gold

3-1

July 2012


Project Description

Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards (49 CFR 192). The pipeline would be designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with the applicable requirements of 49 CFR 192 and would incorporate pig launching and receiving facilities (receipt, midpoint, and delivery), approximately 19 mainline block valves (MLVs), cathodic protection, leak detection, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and a fiber optics cable to the mine site. The pipeline would be designed to operate at up to 1,480 pounds per square inch gauge (psig), maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP). The minimum delivery pressure required at the mine would be 550 psig—subject to final hydraulic considerations. Preliminary hydraulic analysis using a worst case hydraulics scenario was completed for the entire pipeline. The results of this analysis indicated that the pipeline would be able to transport the required amount of gas without over pressurization and still deliver the gas at the required pressure at the pipeline terminus at the Donlin Gold mine site. Final pipeline hydraulics, based on a centerline from the natural gas receipt point to the mine delivery location, would be confirmed during the first phase of detailed design. The design life of the proposed pipeline is 30 years; however, design life may be extended with additional maintenance and repair. Resources used to define the route and evaluate alternates included high-resolution orthophotography, light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data (1-meter elevation contours), Google Earth satellite imagery, high-level infrared imagery, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps at 1:250,000 and 1:63,000 scale, USGS surficial and bedrock geology maps, and Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR) maps. Fieldwork included overland snowmachine and numerous aerial reconnaissance trips to further refine the routing and conduct on-the-ground inspections of terrain and major river crossings. The first aerial reconnaissance flight, which took place during the 2008 study, obtained continuous global positioning system (GPS) linked videographic imagery of the route from a low altitude. Detailed engineering and environmental studies of the proposed route were conducted in the years following the initiate route definition in 2008

3.1

Commodity to be Transported and Purpose

The proposed Donlin Gold pipeline would receive natural gas from the BPL and transport the gas to an endpoint at the mine. The pipeline would be installed as a subsurface line except at two active fault locations that would supply gas to provide heating and generate electricity to power the industrial equipment and, possibly, the heavy equipment at the mine. The primary composition of the gas is assumed to be similar to that used within the Cook Inlet pipeline network and is shown in Table 3-1. Table 3-1: Composition of Gas to be Transported Component

Unit

Typical

Contractual Limit

Methane

Mol%

98.851

TBD

Carbon dioxide

Mol%

0.541

TBD

Nitrogen

Mol%

0.539

TBD

Ethane

Mol%

0.063

TBD

C4+

Mol%

0.006

TBD

C4+ = all hydrocarbons having more than four carbon atoms TBD = to be determined

Donlin Gold

3-2

July 2012


Project Description

Other characteristics of the gas are expected to be: • • • •

Specific gravity: 0.5618 Typical water content: 2.5 to 3.5 lbs per million standard cubic feet (mmscf) Maximum water content: 4 pounds per mmscf Energy content: 1,000 British thermal units (Btu).

The quantity of natural gas that can be transported through the mainline is 50 mmscfd, with a MAOP of 1,480 lb. per square inch gauge (psig). Refer to Section 8.2.5 and Table 8-3 for more information.

3.2

Pipe to be used for Transportation of Natural Gas

The Donlin Gold natural gas pipeline requires the use of an estimated 319 miles (513 km) of pipe. Per USDOT, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requirements, pipe of the appropriate thickness would be used based upon location class. Federal requirements stipulate the minimum wall thickness for a specific line class. The line class used for this pipeline is class 1, with a corresponding design factor of 0.72. It was determined that pipe with a wall thickness below 0.30 inch (7.62 mm) would be very difficult to transport and handle without resulting in pipe damage (denting). No wall thickness below 0.300 inch (7.62 mm) was selected for the 14-inch (356 mm) pipe. Another criterion used for wall thickness was the use of standard American Petroleum Institute (API) Specification 5L, wall thicknesses. The yield strength used for the 14 inch (356 mm) pipe is 52,000 lb. psi. A 14-inch (356 mm) diameter (outside diameter), API-5L X-52 PSL2 pipe, with a maximum allowable operating pressure of 1,480 lb. psi gauge would be used. The baseline pipe wall thickness (WT) is 0.312 inch (7.9 mm). Geotechnical hazards such as thaw settlement and frost heave would require additional wall thickness, and 0.344-inch (8.7 mm) or 0.375-inch (9.5 mm) WT is specified in areas where these hazards are present. Pipe to be laid in areas requiring additional strength during pressure testing because of large elevation changes or requiring buoyancy control in wetlands would have 0.375 inch (9.5 mm) WT, and saddlebags or screw anchors would not be needed. For horizontal directional drill (HDD) installations, aboveground fault crossings, and other high-hazard areas, 0.406-inch (10.3 mm) WT is specified.

PIPE INFORMATION Location

Wall Thickness (inches)

Pipe Diameter (inches)

Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (psi)

Mainline

0.312

14

1,400

Est. Amount of Pipe (miles) Lengths: TRL 64 ft maximum, 60 ft minimum and 62 ft average 45.3 (72.9 km)

0.344

118.2 (190.2 km)

0.375

126.3 (203.3 km)

0.406

28.9 (46.5 km)

Pipe lengths: TRL (total random length) 64 ft maximum (19.5 m), 60 ft (18.3 m) minimum and 62 ft (18.8 m) average

Donlin Gold

3-3

July 2012


3.3

Project Description

Timeline of Proposed Project

Donlin Gold estimates a 2 year pipeline installation schedule and 3 year overall project construction schedule, including infrastructure buildout and ROW stabilization, rehabilitation and reclamation. This approach is predicated on pipeline contractor mobilization in the summer (S 0.5) following project permit receipt, and start of pipe lay in (S 0.5) at the mine site. Actual dates are dependent on receipt of permits. Details are provided in Appendix F. See note on Table 3-2 for explanation of “S” and “W” use in tables and text. 3.3.1

Planned Commencement Date for Construction

The planned commencement date for construction would be dependent upon receipt of project authorizations for construction, which is currently estimated to be 2015. Preliminary work including early material site development, construction of Pipe Storage Yards (PSY) and camp pads, construction of airstrips and airstrip upgrades, camp mobilization, camp construction, and installation of construction communications would begin during the winter before the summer of pipeline contractor mobilization. Pipe haul to the PSYs would begin approximately 1 year before the first winter of pipeline construction, except in Spread 6, where pipe hauling would be just ahead of ROW preparation but after the civil contractors have established access. The pipe haul to the PSYs would be part of the pipeline contractors’ scope of work. The two pipeline construction contractors would be scheduled to mobilize in summer (S 0.5), based on receipt of project permits in the fall of W 0.0. The pipeline contractor for Spread 1 that mobilizes up the Kuskokwim River to the proposed Donlin Gold mine site would begin ROW grading immediately upon mobilization in late June (S 0.5) and proceed with all pipe installation activities. The Spread 1 civil contractor would mobilize in (S 0.5) and would begin infrastructure development and ROW clearing during the winter and spring of (W 1.0), including the following primary activities: • • • •

Development of material sites Bedding and padding production Construction of access roads to barge landings, campsites, airstrips, ROW, and material sites Construction of temporary construction access bridges and gravel workpad at the three George River crossings.

In the summer preceding any winter or summer construction, some preliminary civil work would be completed. Such work would include access road construction, gravel workpad construction (where possible), and production of bedding/padding material. These activities are best accomplished in summer. 3.3.2

Estimated Construction Time

Donlin Gold estimates a 2 year pipeline installation schedule and 3 year overall project construction schedule, including infrastructure buildout and initial ROW stabilization, rehabilitation and reclamation. The proposed pipeline would be constructed using two pipeline construction spreads and generally working during two winters and two or three summer construction seasons:

Donlin Gold

3-4

July 2012


Project Description

•

Pipeline construction would be divided into the two spreads, one 128 miles (206 km) in length and one 185 miles (298 km) in length.

•

Each spread would be awarded to a single pipeline contractor that would work over a period of 2 years to install the pipeline: −

Spread 1 (MP 313–MP 128) would be further broken into four sections that would vary in length from 5 to 71 miles (8 to 114 km)

−

Spread 2 (MP 0–MP 128) would be further broken into three sections that would vary in length from 15 to 52 miles (24 to 84 km)

−

Each section would be scheduled for installation during a single winter or summer season as shown in Table 3-2 and in more detail in Appendix F: Construction Plan and Schedule

•

Construction of access roads and gravel workpads, and production of bedding and padding material would be done primarily during the season that precedes the pipeline construction season, whether winter or summer.

•

Pressure testing and final reclamation of winter sections would always take place during the spring shoulder season and/or the summer after pipe lay. Nevertheless stabilization, rehabilitation and reclamation activities would progress to the extent feasible and prudent as construction progresses.

The construction season for any particular section is based on terrain, geotechnical conditions, most efficient ROW construction mode, season length, accessibility, and other factors. 3.3.3

Planned Commencement Date for Operation

The planned date to commence operation of the natural gas pipeline to support the proposed Donlin Gold mine project is estimated to be in S 2.5, in 2018. 3.3.4

Duration of Pipeline Operation

The pipeline is expected to be in operation for at least the productive life of the Donlin Gold proposed mine. The anticipated mine life is 25-30 years. The engineering design life of the pipeline is 30 years. The actual operational life of the pipeline is dependent on and may be extended by operational and maintenance upkeep and repair.

Donlin Gold

3-5

July 2012


Project Description

Table 3-2: Spread Execution Squence

From Milepost

To Milepost

Length (Miles)

Season*

Daily Lay Rate (linear feet)

6

313.0

244.8

68.2

S0.5

5,416

July

August

69

October

October

5

244.8

187.4

57.4

W1

4,388

November

January

70

March

April

3c

133.0

128.0

5.0

S1.5

4,023

June

July

7

July

September

4

133.0

187.4

54.4

W2

4,571

January

January

63

March

April

Section

Start for ROW Work

Start for Pipe Lay

Pipe Lay Duration (Number of Days)

Complete for Pipe Lay

End-of-Season

Spread 1

Subtotal Spread 1

185.0

Spread 2 1

0.0

49.0

49.0

W1

4,793

November

January

54

March

April

3a

100.0

113.0

13.0

W1

4,793

March

March

15

April

April

3b

113.0

128.0

15.0

S1.5

4,023

June

July

20

July

September

2

100.0

49.0

51.0

W2

3,982

November

January

68

March

April

Subtotal Spread 2

128.0

Total Route

313.0

ROW = right of way *Seasons in the pipe lay construction sequence have been designated as winter (W) or summer (S), followed by a number: winters are numbered W1 and W2, and summers are numbered S0.5, S1.5 and S2.5. S1.5 falls between W1 and W2. Pipeline mobilization is scheduled for S0.5 and pipeline commissioning is scheduled for S2.5.

Donlin Gold

3-6

July 2012


3.4

Project Description

Estimated Number of Persons to be Employed

Table 3-3: Number of Persons Employed Peak Construction Work Force

650 personnel

Operation and Maintenance

Minimum of 4 full time personnel

Termination/Final Reclamation

50 personnel minimum

There would be a minimum of 4 personnel operating or maintaining the pipeline. They would be located at the proposed Donlin Gold mine project site, and/or in Anchorage. At the mine personnel would be housed in the camp housing facility and if located in Anchorage no housing would be provided

3.5

Financing Requirements for the Proposed Project

Table 3-4: Cost of Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline COST ITEM

ESTIMATED COST (Million $) $4.4 $580.1

Land Costs Materials/Construction-Pipeline • Materials • Construction Materials/Construction-Facilities

• •

• Materials • Construction Project Infrastructure Transmission Line (TL) & Fiber Optic Cable (FOC) Other Project costs and Allowances

• •

$106.2 $473.9 $29.8 $18.8 $11.0

$179.9 $4.4 (cost only to compressor station) $218.1

Total Materials Construction and Installation

$1,016.7

•

Total Materials

•

•

Total Construction and Installation

•

Annual Operation and Maintenance

$125.0 (does not include TL or FOC) $484.9 (does not include TL or FOC) $96.0 ($3.2 per year for 30 years)

Termination/Final Reclamation

$9.6

Estimated Total Cost

$1,122.3

Donlin Gold LLC is a limited liability company owned by Barrick Gold U.S. Inc. and NovaGold Resources Alaska, Inc. The pipeline would be owner financed. Figure 3-1 provides the corporate organizational structure showing Donlin Gold LLC and its parent companies. 3.5.1

Corporate Organization Structure

At the end of 2007, NovaGold Resources, Inc. and Barrick Gold U.S. Inc., a subsidiary of Barrick Gold, formed the Donlin Creek LLC (equally owned by both partners)to oversee development of the Donlin Gold project. In 2011, Donlin Creek LLC changed its name to Donlin Gold LLC.

Donlin Gold

3-7

July 2012


Project Description

Figure 3-1: Corporate Organization Structure

3.6

Natural Gas Distribution Line

The proposed pipeline would be a distribution line that would connect to the existing gas pipeline distribution system approximately 8.5 miles (14 km) north of the Beluga Power Plant, near Beluga. The line would then be routed across the Alaska Range to a receipt point (outlet metering facility) at the proposed Donlin Gold mine site, a large volume customer. The proposed pipeline route is shown in Figure 1-1 and in Appendices A and F. There are no plans at this time for future connections at intermediate points along the pipeline route. Any future connections to the pipeline whether for transporting or as off-takes of natural gas would be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Factors that would be considered in determining the technical and economic feasibility of such cases may include as applicable, but are not limited to: • •

Donlin Gold

Implementation of quality control measures to help ensure that any new product to be transported is compatible with the existing gas being transported Location of connection

3-8

July 2012


• • • • •

• •

3.7

Project Description

Impact to pipeline operations - rate, pressure, estimated total quantity, continuity, and control of flow into and out of the pipeline Impact to existing use and pipeline capacity Leak detection monitoring and surveillance requirements Measurement/custody transfer requirements Compliance with applicable safety, environmental and relevant state and federal pipeline regulations and laws including Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) regulation Regulatory and Lease requirements. Economic feasibility of installing the new connection including compensation for changes to operational costs

Surface and Subsurface Attributes

The proposed pipeline would be buried except for aboveground sections of the pipeline and aboveground pipeline appurtenances or ancillary equipment. The pipe and equipment would include the aboveground pipeline sections, each approximately 1,300 feet in length where the pipeline crosses known active faults (at MP 6- Castle Mountain Fault and MP 149.5- the Denali-Farewell Fault), the metering stations at the tie-in point (MP 0) and the terminus (approximately MP 313), the pigging receiver and launcher near Farewell (MP 153.6), the compressor station (MP 5), and the ancillary aboveground piping and associated valves at the 15 remote mainline block valve (MLV) locations (aboveground block valves would be located at 20 mile (32 km) intervals along the line). Appendix E provides engineering typicals for both buried and abovegrade pipeline modes. Burial modes would be trenches or HDD. Minimum depth of cover requirements for the pipeline in accordance with 49 CFR 192 are shown in Table 5-2. Fault crossings would be above grade with the pipe supported on lateral supports as shown in the engineering typicals in Appendix E. The proposed fiber optic cable would be carried on the electric transmission supports to the metering module at the start of the gas pipeline, MP 0, then in buried mode to the compressor station and the remaining pipeline route to the mine, except at the two active fault crossings where the cable would be located abovegrade with the pipeline.

3.8

Length/Width of ROW; Area Needed for Related Activities

Donlin Gold would use a 1,000 ft (305 m) study area on land along the proposed pipeline alignment. The study areas would be located 500 ft (152 m) from each side of the centerline for the proposed pipeline route alignment. Within the state and federal study areas Donlin Gold would apply for and clear a 100 foot wide (30.5 m) temporary construction ROW following its proposed alignment to install the pipeline and fiber optic cable, recognizing that the fiber optic cable may require authorization separately from the pipeline ROW. The 1,000 ft (305 m) study areas would provide Donlin Gold with the flexibility to adjust the pipeline alignment and temporary construction ROW, if necessary, within the study area especially to approximately MP 166 as the area is more challenging for routing. Donlin Gold would establish the temporary construction ROW of 100 ft (30.5 m) that would include a nominal 50 ft temporary (15 m) workspace strip parallel and adjacent to what would be the permanent 50 ft (15 m) ROW. Any area that would be needed within the 1,000 ft (305 m) study area that has not been evaluated for the state or federal historical

Donlin Gold

3-9

July 2012


Project Description

preservation purposes or other purposes would be reviewed before requesting use or as otherwise directed by the applicable agency. The temporary construction ROW on Cook Inlet Regional Incorporation (CIRI) and Calista lands would be 100 ft (30.5 m) as well. Additional temporary workspace areas outside the 100 ft (30.5 m) temporary construction ROW would be needed at water body crossings and at other locations where additional workspace would be required for safe pipeline construction or materials staging. Additional workspace may be restricted at sensitive environmental or cultural areas. Temporary access roads would be 24 ft (7 m) wide or narrower, where needed, with appropriate temporary use areas. The width of the proposed permanent easement for long-term O&M of the pipeline would be 50 ft (15 m) on state land and approximately 51 ft (16 m) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) managed land (50 ft plus the width of the pipe). The ROW would be increased to accommodate the compressor station and any other permanent adjunct needs. The actual ROW area needed for the final ROW would be determined in the final as-built survey. Section 4.4, Table 4-1 and Appendices A and B provide additional information related to the disturbance areas. The permanent ROW on CIRI and Calista lands would be 50 ft (30.5 m).

3.9

Ancillary to an Existing Right-of-Way

The proposed pipeline would originate from the BPL and would not cross or parallel any existing pipeline, powerline, or other utility throughout its route to the mine site tie-in. The proposed pipeline would not cross any existing maintained public roads or railroads. Donlin Gold recognizes that there are existing or issued rights-of-way, including RS-2477 routes and Section Line Easements (SLE’s) that may be impacted by the proposed pipeline project. Land status information including location of existing rights-of-way is shown in Appendix A

3.10

Alternative Routes and Locations

3.10.1

Pipeline

The pipeline route, approximately 313 miles (503 km) in length, has been located and evaluated based on currently known technical, environmental, cultural, and economic considerations. Another consideration was minimization of private and native-owned land that would be crossed. The criteria discussed in this section address these considerations. Resources used to define the route and potential alternates included high-resolution orthophotography, LIDAR data (1-meter elevation contours), historical high-level infrared imagery, USGS topographic maps at 1:250,000 and 1:63,000 scale, USGS surficial and bedrock geology maps. Fieldwork included overland snowmachine and numerous aerial reconnaissance trips to further refine the routing and to conduct on-the-ground inspections of terrain and major river crossings. The first aerial reconnaissance flight, which took place during the 2008 pre-feasibility study, obtained continuous videographic imagery of the route from a low altitude. Comprehensive field surveys, geotechnical sampling, and hydrological and environmental studies were conducted in 2010 to assist in fine-tuning the route. During summer 2010, three two-person crews were in the field to validate the desktop routing that had been completed in early 2010. Each crew included a construction superintendent and another person with a survey background. The crews were equipped with a mobile mapping device with an integral GPS that provided sub-meter accuracy (this was not a survey-grade GPS system). The crews were tasked with walking the alignment and verifying that the selected alignment was constructible. If there was an opportunity to move the alignment slightly to better facilitate construction, the crew made and documented

Donlin Gold

3-10

July 2012


Project Description

the alignment change. Proposed alignment changes were reviewed by pipeline engineering and geotechnical team members on a daily basis during field activities. Accepted changes were documented in the geographical information system (GIS) database and field geotechnical drilling crews were directed to new sampling locations. The crews also ensured that the proposed, cleared ROW would be able to facilitate the movement of pipeline construction supplies, because there would be no permanent access road along the full length of the pipeline alignment. In areas identified as in excess of 12% longitudinal slope, shoofly access road routes were evaluated and documented by the field crews to better facilitate travel along the ROW. Selection of the most technically suitable and constructible route involved the optimization of a number of considerations. The following general criteria were used in this routing process: • • • • • • • •

• •

Minimization of total pipeline length Minimization of the number of water and wetlands crossings that would be needed Avoidance of geotechnical hazards Avoidance of hydrological hazards Avoidance of known areas of environmental and cultural concern, including known wetlands and cultural resource sites Avoidance of areas with potential land use conflicts Optimization of seasonal construction schedules Minimization of construction in areas with steep slopes, permafrost terrain, marshes and bogs, river crossings, and difficult access, and in other areas where construction would be challenging Minimization of visual impacts Route segment alternatives were evaluated at Theodore River, Little Mt. Susitna, Round Mountain, Goodman Pass, Egypt Mountain, St. Johns Hill, Windy Fork, Big River, Tatlawiksuk River, Kuskokwim River, Moose Creek, and in the area of the Kuskokwim Hills.

Although many adjustments were made, the major segment alternatives are discussed below and/or included in Figures 3-2 through 3-13. 3.10.2

Theodore River Alternate Route

The Theodore River alternate route (Figure 3-2) was evaluated and selected as it allowed the pipeline route to be moved to dryer slope areas from the low lying flatter areas to reduce stream crossings and wetland disturbance. 3.10.3

Little Mt. Susitna Alternate Route

The Little Mt. Susitna alternate route (Figure 3-3) was evaluated and selected as it relocated to the pipeline route from lower wetland areas with higher more fish bearing stream crossings to more of an upland route with improved constructability. 3.10.4

Round Mountain Alternate Route

The Round Mountain route (Figure 3-4) traverses the northeast side of Round Mountain along the Happy River valley (Figure 3-3). This route would have connected the selected

Donlin Gold

3-11

July 2012


Project Description

route between MP 95.25 and MP 99.5, south of Puntilla Lake. This route was not considered because of the presence of unstable, ice-rich soils along steep sideslope terrain, which was identified in the 2010 geotechnical program. 3.10.5

Goodman Pass Alternate Route

The Goodman Pass route (Figure 3-5) represents a crossing of the Alaska Range to the Rainy Pass route (Figure 3-2). This route would begin at approximately MP 113 to the South of Rainy Pass and connect back to the preferred route at approximately MP 133 just north of Rohn. This alternate route was carefully reviewed, and the results of this analysis are documented in detail in a separate report (CH2M Hill 2010). The Goodman Pass alternate route was not considered for several reasons, including the following: The Clean Water Act (CWA) requires that if there is more than one alternative to an action, the alternative that has the least impacts to waters of the United States (U.S.), including wetlands, be selected unless there are compelling reasons such as significant environmental issues associated with the selected alternative. The Goodman Pass route has 22% more impacts to waters of the U.S. than the Rainy Pass route, thus the Rainy Pass route has been identified as the preferred route. • • • • • 3.10.6

Length approximately 6 miles (10 km) greater than the Rainy Pass route Construction issues related to very steep terrain through a constrained, narrow valley Pipeline installation in the bottom of an active stream channel Pipeline installation across geotechnical hazards (thaw-unstable, ice-rich side slopes with slumping soils) Paralleling the South Fork Kuskokwim River through the active, meandering channel floodplain. Egypt Mountain Alternate Route

The Egypt Mountain route (Figure 3-6) was evaluated and selected as it allowed the route to move to a higher area which would be dryer with less permafrost and wetlands. It allows the pipeline route to pass through a small valley through the mountains rather than wetter lowlands drainage areas. 3.10.7

St. John’s Hill Alternate Route

The St. John’s Hill route (Figure 3-7) was evaluated and selected as it allowed the route to be moved upslope closer to the mountains, dryer with less permafrost and wetlands. The route also allowed for smaller creek crossings. 3.10.8

Windy Fork Alternate Route

The Windy Fork route (Figure 3-8) was evaluated and selected as it provided improved approaches to the river crossing and reduced the amount of earthwork required to complete installation of the pipeline and associated access roads. This route also shortened the alignment and generally moved it so that the route requires a smaller cut coming out of the river valley and moved the pipeline alignment upslope into dryer areas with less wetlands and permafrost.

Donlin Gold

3-12

July 2012


3.10.9

Project Description

Big River Alternate Route

The Big River route (Figure 3-9) was evaluated and selected as it provided an easier exit that requires a smaller cut coming out of the river valley and moved the pipeline alignment upslope into dryer areas with less wetlands, permafrost, and smaller stream crossings. 3.10.10

Tatlawiksuk River Alternate Route

The Tatlawiksuk River route alignment (Figure 3-10) was evaluated and selected as it allowed the pipeline to be routed through an area with more suitable ground conditions. 3.10.11

Kuskokwim River Alternate Route

The Kuskokwim River route (Figure 3-11) was evaluated and selected as it provided better access to upland areas and straightened the pipeline alignment. This alternate route also reduced the number of stream crossings necessary for construction purposes. 3.10.12

Moose Creek Alternate Route

The Moose Creek route (Figure 3-12) was evaluated and selected as it allow for straightening the pipeline alignment and reduced the overall route distance while staying in the upland area. Additionally this alternate route improved access for equipment and would reduce the amount of construction activity. 3.10.13

Kuskokwim Hills Alternate Route

A more southern route was proposed in 2008 between the Kuskokwim River and the mine terminus (Figure 3-13). During the 2010 summer field season, it was proposed to use a more northern route through this area. The northern route reduced the length of the proposed pipeline by approximately 5 miles (8 km) and avoids potential land use conflicts on private lands. There are areas along the southern route where it was considered more difficult to construct the pipeline than along the more northern route, because of low lying areas and additional wetland impacts. 3.10.14

Alternative Route Assessments for the Electric Transmission Line

Three potential routes were reviewed for the aerial power transmission line from the Beluga Power Plant to the pipeline compressor station. The first alternate route is a nearly direct line between the Beluga Power Plant and the compressor station. The second would ensure that the power transmission line did not go into the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge. The third essentially parallels the existing Chugach Electric Association (CEA) high-voltage transmission lines until it reaches the point near the proposed Donlin Gold pipeline tie-in to the BPL at MP 0 and then follows the pipeline ROW to the proposed gas compressor station. The third option was selected because there is a need for power and communications at the BPL tie-in. This route also would reduce the amount of clearing required inside the Game Refuge by following existing utility corridors and would allow the fiber optic cable to be buried in the ROW with the Donlin Gold gas pipeline to the compressor station and on to the mine site.

Donlin Gold

3-13

July 2012

26

27

28

29

30

T21N R12W

MP-48 T21N R11W MP-47 32

9

8

7

MP-45

30

31

6

29

32

5

MP-45

33

4

27

34

3

26

35

2

18

24

25

36

19

30

31

8

17

20

9

16

10

15

T19N R12W 21

22

11

14

23

30

29

35

36

31

32

34

33

25

21

20

36

1

30

31

12

13

24

7

18

19

26

25

33

T21N R9W

35

36

34

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

6

6

11

12

11

10

10

10

9

9

8

8

7

12

7

12

11

14

13

14

15

14

15

16

16

17

17

18

18

13

13

23

24

23

22

22

21

21

20

20

19

19

24

24

26

25

26

27

27

28

28

29

29

30

30

25

25

MP-40

31

36

36

35

35

34

34

33

33

32

32

6

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

5

5

7

8

9

12

12

11

11

10

10

18

17

16

15

14

13

13

19

20

21

22

23

24

24

30

29

28

27

26

31

32

33

34

35

3

2

MP-44

22

MP-43

27

28

29

32

MP-42

MP-41

34

33

26

35

MP-41 MP-40 36

5

3

4

2

8

17

20

31

MP-39

1

MP-38

6

MP-38 9

7

9

10

11

12

16

15

14

13

18

17

23

24

19

20

8

MP-36

22

MP-37 16

T19N R10W

T19N R11W 21

MP-36 14 MP-35 15 MP-35 23 MP-34 21 MP-34 22 MP-33 26

MP-33

28

28

29

29

30

30

25

25

28

26

26

29

27

27

27

32

33

34

35

36

31

32

32

36

31

34

34

35

33

33

MP-31

5

4

3

2

6

SCALE:

Mileposts

0

0.875 1.75

0

1.25 2.5

3.5 mi

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Theodore River Alternate Route

T20N R9W

T20N R10W

23

MP-39 6

27

28

1

MP-37 7

25

2

MP-42

28

26

3

15

T20N R11W MP-43

19

24

23

22

21

20

36

35

4

16

17

18

T20N R12W 19

31

32

27

28

MP-46

13

14

15

16

17

29

33

MP-44 18

30

T21N R10W

34

MP-47 5 MP-46

6

12

11

25

26

27

28

MP-48

1

2

10

9

8

7

36

35

3

4

5

6

MP-49

31

34

33

32

29

MP-50

25

5 km

MP-32

35

25

MP-32 36

T19N R9W

1

6

5

THEODORE RIVER ALTERNATE ROUTE

4

25

FIGURE:

3-2

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT

Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83 DG: Theodore River.mxd, 07/23/12, R01

20

21

29 28 32

29 32 5 8 18 17 19 20 30 29 31 32 6 7 18 19 30 36 31 1 6 12 7 13 18

10

9 16

15

11 14

22

27

28

34

33

3

4

10

9

15

16

12 13 24

23

25

26

36

35

1

2

12

11

13

14

T17N R12W 22

21

27

28

34

33 4

5

9

8 17

16

21

28

29

33

32

4

5

36

35

10

11

15

22

27 34 3

16

18 19 30 31 6 7 18 19 30

14

23 26 35 2

10

11

15

14

12 13 24 25 36 1 12 13

34

33

32

10

9

17

15

16

T18N R11W

20 29 32

17

15

16

19 30 31 6 7 18

9

8

16

21

28

29

33

32

4

5 8

13

15

22

27 34

14 23 26 35 2

11 14

32

17

12 13 24 25 36 1 12

8

7 18 19 30 31 6 7

17 20 29 32

16

15

T16N R10W

18

15

5

7

8

9

10

18

17

34

MP-23

MP-22

19

21

30

29

28

9

28

27

25

30

29

28

33

34

35

36

31

32

4

3

2

1

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5 8

22

23

24

19

26

25

30

29

28

27

26

25

36

31

32

33

34

35

1

6

5

4

3

12

7

8

9

18

17

19

2

17

13

24

MP-20

T19N R7W

15 22

4 9

16 21

12

7

8

9

10

14

13

18

T18N R6W

17

16

15

23

24

19

20

21

22

27

26

25

30

29

28

27

9

10

11

15 22

16

17

21

20

T18N R7W

33

34

35

36

31

32

34

32

33

31

4

3

2

1

3

5

4

6

5

1

6

2

9

10

11

10

8

9

7

8

12

7

11

12

10

17

16

15

16 15

18

17

13

18

14

13

15

14

16

20

21

22

24

19

20

21

22

23

23

28

27

26

25

30

29

28

27

29

33

34

35

36

31

32

33

34

32

T17N R8W

T17N R7W

T17N R6W

24

19

20

21 22

26

25

30

29

28 27

35

36

31

32

33 34

5

4

3

2

1

4

6

5

1

6

2

8

9

9

7

8

12

7

11

12

10

11

9

10

8

17

16

18

17

13

16

18

14

13

16

15

14

17

15

18

T16N R6W

20

23

20

21

23

19

19

22

24

24

21

22

20

21

19

29

28

28

30

29

25

30

26

25

28

27

26

29

27

30

32

33

31

32

36

31

35

36

34

35

33

34

32

33

31

5

4

6

5

1

6

2

1

4

3

2

5

3

6

4

1

10

11

7

8

9

8

12

7

8

9

7

18

17

16

19

20

21

MP-16

13 14 MP-15

MP-14 24

MP-10

3

1

3

11

2

4

2

4

MP-17

MP-11

5

3

36

6 7

25

T16N R8W

35

3

6

4

5

2

MP-12

33

34

7

34

32

33

5

T19N R6W

30 31

36

28

MP-18 31

27 26 MP-13 34

25

35

29

30

1

10

26

30

25

MP-19

T18N R8W

36

33

MP-9

6 km

21

12

T15N R9W MP-9

0 1.5 3

20

35

MP-12

MP-11

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment

19

23

MP-13

4 mi

24

MP-16

T16N R9W

2

23

3

4

26

1

18

35

22

0

13

MP-17

16

18 19

14

34

MP-15

13

16

26

17

14

17

MP-18

11

15

18

15

14

13

27

21

16

12

MP-21

8

7

11

23

7

12

10

14

12

11

9

MP-22

2

10

8

11

5

T15N R10W

7

22

20

21

1

MP-19

33

32

18

2

15

16

20

13

3

MP-23

6

14

6

4

MP-24

T17N R9W

31

32

5

MP-25 3

6

29

31

35

22

4

MP-24

30

36

34

MP-26 27

32

31

25

26

33

35

T18N R9W

28

SCALE:

Little Mount Susitna Alternate Route

12

19

17

Mileposts

10

11

24

9

13

6

23

5 8

10

9

1

1

3

4

5

6

3

2

33

36

35

34

33

32

31

29

MP-25

25

32

MP-27 21

30

24

26

9

MP-28 16 20

19

13

23

17

31

T19N R8W

8

8

MP-26

12

14

27

18

1

11

22

28

29

36

2

T17N R10W 21

25

35

15

16

24

26

10

9

7 13

4

5

6

MP-29

12

23

3

4

1

T19N R9W

32

31

MP-31

MP-30 MP-30

14

34

33

36

11

27

28

20

30

22

21

8

19

2

15

16

5

18

1

11

29

7

35

36

27

28

29

30

25

26

27 34

28 33

29

30

MP-32

MP-31

T18N R10W

20

6

36

3

15

31

25

10

16

30

24

T15N R11W 9

17

10

19

17

34

10

9

MP-33 25

26

27

3

4

8

18

12

33

5

7

1

2

T16N R11W

20

36

35 3

4

25

26

34

5

24

23

27

33

17

14

22

28

32

18

11

T17N R11W 21

13

2

10

9

29

7

35

3

4

20

6

26

34

33

8

23

27

28

12

14

22

21

5

11

32

6

1

2

T19N R10W

31

36

35

28

29

30

25

26

3

4

31 1

2

3

T15N R12W 9

17

25

26

T16N R12W

20

8

24

23

T19N R11W

8

7

27

28

5

6

1

T18N R12W

21

31

36

2

3

4

35

20 29

r

20

34

19 30

ve Ri

17

T19N R12W

33

24 25

tna

8

23 26

n Ye

5

22 27

36

9

10

T15N R8W

T16N R7W

T15N R7W

12

10

11

12

14

13

13

15

14

17

16

15

18

16

13

17

14

18

15 22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

11

LITTLE MOUNT SUSITNA ALTERNATE ROUTE

T15N R6W

FIGURE:

3-3

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT

Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83 DG: Little Mount Susitna.mxd, 07/23/12, R01

8

9

10

17

16

15

11

MP-99

12

MP-100

MP-98

14

7

8

9

10

18

17

16

15

20

21

22

28

27

33

34

13

MP-99

p Hap

21

24

23

22

T23N R19W

r ive

20

yR

MP-97

MP-96

MP-98

MP-97 29

28

27

19

MP-96 30

25

26

T23N R18W

MP-95

29

MP-95 MP-94 32

33

5

4

34

36

35

31

32

MP-94 3

2 SCALE:

1

6

0.25 0.5

1 mi

ROUND MOUNTAIN ALTERNATE ROUTE

0 0.375 0.75

1.5 km

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Round Mountain Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

5

0

4

3

FIGURE:

3-4 DG: Round_Mountain.mxd, 07/23/12, R03

8 P-- 11338 MP M 37 -1 MP

366 -- 113 MPP M

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

30

29

28

27

26

25

MP-28 MP-27

33

34

35

MP-27

36

31 4

3

2

6

1

5

4

3

2

1

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

24

19

20

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24

19

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24

19

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21

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29

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29

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27

26

25

30

29

28

27

26

25

35

36

31

33

34

35

36

31

32

33

34

35

36

31

32

33

34

35

36

3

2

1

6

4

3

2

1

6

5

4

3

2

1

6

5

4

3

2

1

10

11

12

7

8 22559 P-- 11 MP M

10

11

12

7

8

9

10

11

12

7

8

9

10

11

12

15

14

13

18

1244 P-- 12 MP M T25N R21W 17

16

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

20

21

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24

19

20

21

22

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24

30

29

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25

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29

28

27

26

25

31

32

33

34

35

36

31

32

33

34

35

36

22

21

27

28

29

MP-26

34

33

32

MP-26 MP-25

6

23

T26N R22W

4

5

26

2732 -1 MP

MP-25

11

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

T25N R24W

21

27

6

5

35

4

30

36

29

31

3

2

28

32

1

27

33

6

5

19 MP-22 20 MP-22 MP-21 25 MP-21 30 29

24

26

34

36

MP-20

35

4

3

9

10

11

12

7

8

9

10

18 17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

T24N R23W

15

20

22

19 20

30 29

31 32

6

7

5

8

21

28

33

4

9

22

27

34

3

10

23

26

35

2

11

T23N R24W

24

25

36

1

12

19

30

31

6

7

29

32

5

8

21

28

33

4

9

2

MP-19 MP-18

27

34

3

10

31

T23N R23W

11

14

32

1

MP-17

13

23

25

35

36

11

1

12

27

26

25

30

29

28

27

26

34

35

36

31

32

33

34

35

919 11 PM 24

25

36

33 5

6

4

8

7 MP-17

17

2

10

11

16

15

14

1

6

5

4

3

12

7

8

9

10

13

18

17

16

15

MP-15 20

MP-15 30

3

T24N R22W

9

MP-16

18

19 24 MP-16

26

2

28

MP-18 12

23

T25N R22W

21

15

24

19

20

21

2

28

32

5

8

25 26 30 MP-13 MP-12 34 35 MP-11 31 33 36 MP-10

4

2

3

10

9

T23N R22W

11

MP-9 1

6

29

28

32 33

8

5

18

24 23

MP-3 26

MP-2 25

19

11

9

10

T24N R20W

1

6

5

4

3

2

12

7

8

9

10

11

17

16

15

14

20

P- 21 M

22

23

13

18

21

22

23

24

19

29

28

27

26

25

30

29

17

5 T24N R19W 10

20

3

2

1

6

5

9

10

11

12

7

8

T23N R21W

2

14

MP-0

30

3

15

8

MP-1

4

T25N R19W

16

7

36

34

4

7

12

27

13

14

MP-6 MP-5 35

MP-7 5

6

1

M MPP - 11112 11 - 1 66

22

27 29

6

7

23

MP M P-- 11 1177

MP-14

MP-14

31

22

21

T24N R21W

88 -- 1111 MPP M

T25N R20W

T26N R19W

P-- 110088 MP M

8

T24N R24W

17

T26N R20W

1122 P-- 11 MP M

7

34

25

16

18

MP-23

13

im R iver

33

26

7

u s ko k w

28

T25N R23W

MP-24 8 9 MP-24 MP-23

12

M MPP -- 11 2233 M MPP -- 11 2222 M MPP -- 11 2211

10

MP -9

9

MP -11 MP -10

8

MP -12

7

MP -13

12

5 2 266 P-- 11 MP M

20 -1 MP

11

SF

10

o rk K

9

T26N R21W

MP -1 15 M MPP -- 11 1144 M MP P-- 111 133

32

18

5 PM

31

13

-6 MP

36

14

-7 MP

35

30

15

-8 MP

34

T26N R23W

16

MP -1 33 MP -1 32 M MPP -- 11 3311 M MPP- 13 1300

33

26

17

M P4

27

18

14

2299 P-- 11 MP M

T26N R24W

28

13

15

04 - 1 27 M28P 3 10 P33 M 34

26

35

31

32

33

34

35

36

31

32

4

3

2

1

6

5

4

3

9

10

11

12

7

8

9

10

11

T23N R20W

T23N R19W

01 -1 P M 2

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

20

21 28

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

24

19

20

21

22

23

29

SCALE: Populated Places Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment

0

1

2

4

6 mi

Goodman Pass Alternate Route #1

0

Goodman Pass Alternate Route #2 Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

2

4

8 km

GOODMAN PASS ALTERNATE ROUTES

FIGURE:

3-5

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Goodman_Pass.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

1 PM MPMP-

M MMP P P--- 9 MPP M

97 MPMP- 97

22

16

M P10 2

21

3355 -- 11 17 MPP18 M 4 13 P M 19 20

M MPP -- 11 0066

13

M MPP -- 110 077

14

M MP P-- 110099

15

M MP P-- 11 1100

16

MP-- 11 MP 1111

17

M MP P-- 112 288

18

MP -3

13

MP -2

14

MP -1

15

MP -0

16

20

29

21

28

MP-151 MP-150

MP-151 MP-152

MP-150 MP-149 27

T28N R24W

34

24

19

MP-147

MP-148 26

21

22

23

24

29

28

27

26

25

35

36

2

1

11

12

14

13

MP-146

25

30

MP-149

35

20

T28N R23W MP-148

MP-145

31

36

32

33

34

R wi m uskok

33

23

S Fork K

32

22

MP-144 MP-147

ive

4

3

r

5

2

1

6

MP-146

8

9

10

11

12

7

T27N R24W

5

4

MP-143

3

MP-145 MP-144

8

MP-142 9

T27N R23W

MP-143

10

MP-141 MP-142

17

16

15

14

13

18

17

16

15 MP-140

MP-141 20

21

22

23

24

19

1 mi

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Egypt Mountain Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

0

0.5

1

21

22

EGYPT MOUNTAIN ALTERNATE ROUTE

SCALE:

Mileposts 0 0.25 0.5

20

2 km

23

24

FIGURE:

3-6

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Egypt_Mountain.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

30

29

28

31

32

33

27

26

25

30

35

36

31

29

T28N R26W 34

28

27

33

34

T28N R25W 32

MP-155 MP-156

MP-156

MP-157 6

5

4

3

2

MP-158 6

1

MP-157 5

MP-159

8

9

12

MP-160

7

8

10

T27N R25W

MP-161

MP-163 17

9

MP-159

11

MP-162

T27N R26W 18

MP-161

10

3

MP-158

MP-160

7

4

MP-162 16

MP-163

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

23

24

19

20

21

22

MP-164 MP-165

19

30

20

29

21

22

28

27

26

ST. JOHNS HILL ALTERNATE ROUTE

SCALE:

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment St. Johns Hill Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

0 0.25 0.5 0

0.5

1 mi 1

2 km

FIGURE:

3-7

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: St_Johns_Hill.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

14

13

18

17

MP-164

MP-165

MP-165

T27N R27W

T27N R26W

MP-166 23

24 MP-167

MP-166 19

20

30

29

MP-168

26

25

SCALE:

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Windy Fork Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

0 0

0.125 0.25 0.2

0.4

0.5 mi 0.8 km

WINDY FORK ALTERNATE ROUTE

FIGURE:

3-8

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Windy Fork.mxd, 07/23/12, R01

32

33

25

35

34 T26N R31W

30

34

36

31

32

T26N R30W

33

35

36

31

29

T26N R29W 32

g Bi

3

2

1

6

5

4

3

r ve

4

Ri

5

2

1

6 MP-185

8

17

9

10

16

11

15

14

T25N R31W 20

MP-197 29

32

1

21

MP-196

22 MP-195 MP-197

28

33

6

13 MP-193 MP-195

MP-194

23 MP-196

27

34

12

26

35

5

4

7

8

18 MP-191 MP-192 17 MP-194 MP-193

24

25

36

3

19

30

7

8

9

10

16

2

MP-186

33

34

6

5

13

12

7

8

SCALE:

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Big River Alternate Route

0 0


0.5

1

0.75 1.5

2 mi 3 km

34

35

MP-185

5 MP-186

4

3

2

7

8

9

10

11

18

17

16

15

14

T25N R29W 23

26

35

4

24

19

20

21

22

23

25

30

29

28

27

26

36

31

32

33

34

35

3

2

1

6

12

7

T24N R30W

11

MP-184

MP-187

MP-188

14

22

27

26

MP-189

15 MP-190

MP-191

28

1

MP-187

MP-188

21

32

11

12

33 MP-183

27

MP-182

MP-184

T25N R30W

MP-192

29

31

10

MP-189

MP-190

20

T24N R31W 12

9

28

9

10

11

BIG RIVER ALTERNATE ROUTE

5

4

8

9

T24N R29W

FIGURE:

3-9

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Big_River.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

21

22

la Tat

29

MP-214

28

MP-216

T24N R34W

MP-215

wiks u k

MP-213

27

26

MP-214

0

MP-212

MP-213

32

23

Riv er

20

33

34

35

36

TATLAWIKSUK RIVER ALTERNATE ROUTE

SCALE:

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Tatlawiksuk River Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

0 0

0.125 0.25 0.25

0.5

0.5 mi 1 km

FIGURE:

3-10

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Tatlawiksuk_River.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

2

1

6

5

4

MP-240 11

MP-241

12 7

MP-239

MP-238

MP-239 8 9

T23N R39W

T23N R38W MP-242

MP-240

MP-241

MP-243

14 13

18

17

KUSKOKWIM RIVER ALTERNATE ROUTE

SCALE:

Mileposts Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Kuskokwim River Alternate Route Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

0 0.125 0.25 0

0.25

0.5

16

0.5 mi 1 km

FIGURE:

3-11

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Kuskokwim_River.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

15

14

13

18

17

16

15

14

13

18

22 23

24

19

20

21

22

23

MP-263 27

T23N R42W

MP-264

26

MP-264 MP-265

T23N R41W

25 30

MP-263

29

MP-262 MP-262 MP-261

MP-259 MP-260 28

MP-259 MP-258 27

36

2

T22N R42W

11

31

1

5

9

1 mi

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Moose Creek Alternate Route

0 Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

25

30

MP-256

0.5

1

35

36

2 km

31

3 2

10

11

1

6

12

MOOSE CREEK ALTERNATE ROUTE

SCALE:

0.25 0.5

34

T22N R41W

4

8

0

MP-255

26

MP-257

33

7

Mileposts

MP-258

MP-261

32

6

12

19

MP-256

MP-257

MP-260 35

24

FIGURE:

3-12

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Moose_Creek.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

13

14

T22N R47W

22

23

27

34

3

10 15

24

26

35

2

18

8

9

19

25

36

31

1

14

12 13

20

30

6

T21N R47W 11

17 MP-302

7

29

32

5

8

15 MP-299

33

4

34

3

T21N R46W 9

10

18

23

M MP P-- 22885 5

M MP P-- 22886 6

23

24

19

2

11

28

29 32

31

27

33

5

26

34

4

25

35

3

2

19

28

32

6

12

21

29

31

1

20

33 4

23

27

26

34

35

8

9

0

1

0

1.5

2

10


3

24

25

36

k or F E.

11

12

7

6 km

14

21

22

28

G

23

34

33

17

16

15

20

21

29

28

32

33

5 8

4

22

27

34

T21N R44W 9

5

4

12

7

8

9

13

18

17

16

19

35

36

25

23

26

35

21 22

6

5

4

7

8

9

10

18

17

16

15

20

21

22

30

29

28

27

31

32

33

34

24

19

36

20

15

28 27 6 29 27 MP-279 P M 32 31 MP-280 33 34

13

25

T23N R43W

30

12

14

T22N R44W

33

6

24

11

32

T24N R43W

31

2 MP-283 MP-282 3 MP-284 1

4

28

1

26

27

9 MP-285 MP-286 10

8

30

6

11

15

5

19

31

10

T23N R44W

20

32

18

1

4 mi

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment Kuskokwim Hills Alternate Route

13

2

16

29

7

2

SCALE: Mileposts

12

3

9

17

3

T21N R45W

5

7

22

31

6 1 MP-289 MP-290

T22N R45W

8

30

36

MP-295 MP-294 11 8 10 MP-291 9 MP-293 MP-292 18 17 16 15 14

30

36

25

4

29

M MP P-- 227777

g or

6

24

26

35

Ge

13

14

22

27

22

12 MP-296 7

MP-298

21

21

36

M MPP -- 22 8800

20

18

35

MP -

30

1

11

T22N R46W

28

36

2

10

16 MP-300

T23N R45W

13

34

Riv - 281 er

25

35

3

MP-303 15

26

34

4

14

7

33

30

3

T22N R43W

5

2

1

6

10 3

KUSKOKWIM HILLS ALTERNATE ROUTE

T21N R43W 4

M M

M MPP -- 227 733

5

15

12

5

M MP P-- 22 8822

27

33

16

11

6

25

T24N R44W

rg e

32

7

17

19

10

1

26

M MPP -- 22 7755

12

18

24

9

2

32

27

44 P-- 2277 MP M

11

13

23

8

3

31

28

788 P-- 227 MP M

31

28

7

4

29

eo

29

22

12

5

34

30

799 -- 227 MPP M

0000 -- 33 MPP M

01 -3 MP

10

14

6

25 36

MP -2 83

30

MP-305 1 6 MP-304

2

15

21

4 3

11

T23N R46W

20

1

M MP P-- 22 8877

10

16

33

2

26 35

MP -2 84

25

MP-307 36 35 MP-306

33 34

17

19

P-- 229988 MP M 9 29 PM

26 27 MP-308

9

T24N R45W

32

2888 P-- 28 MP M

24

3

31

36

2899 MP-- 28 MP

23

18

9977 P-- 22 MP M

22

13

8

55 -- 2299 MPP M

21

7

4

P-- 229922 MP M

14

T23N R47W

5

P-- 229944 MP M

15

T24N R46W 35

6

12

34

P-- 229933 MP M

16

11

33

r

10

1

32

iv e

2

31

M MP P-- 2299 00

9

36

eR

35

M MP P-- 2299 11

34 3

MP-- 296 MP 296

33 4

3

FIGURE:

3-13

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: Kuskokwim_Hills.mxd, 07/23/12, R04

M M


3.11

Project Description

Safeguards for Persons, Property, and Public and the Environment

Donlin Gold LLC is committed to conducting business in a manner that is compatible with the environment and the needs of the general public in the area in which the proposed pipeline would be constructed and operated. Dolin Gold intends to protect the safety, security, and health of its employees, those involved with the construction, operation, maintenance and termination of the proposed pipeline, and the public. Donlin Gold’s primary objective is to ensure the proposed pipeline’s integrity, address leak prevention, establish procedures and plans for surveillance, inspection and monitoring, and to plan for response in the case of any emergency relating to the pipeline or workers during construction, operation, maintenance, and termination. The project is subject to strict state and federal laws that provide safeguards for persons, property, the public and the environment. Project specific permits and authorizations are required under state and federal laws for construction, operation, maintenance, and termination. Critical permits and authorizations required for this project are the State Pipeline Right-of-Way Lease under Alaska Statutes (AS) 38.35; Bureau of Land Management Grant of Right-of-way; CWA Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE); and, CWA Section 401 permit from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). Other permits and authorizations support the issuances of the right-of-way lease and grant. 3.11.1

Safety of Workers

Donlin Gold would implement or have implemented a worker safety plan program (Health, Safety and Environment Plan) for the proposed pipeline project construction, operation, maintenance and termination that also would address the safety of workers. Safety considerations during construction are discussed in Section 8.4 and safety consideration during operations and maintenance in Section 11.3 of this document. Before being dispatched to the field, all personnel would receive health, safety, and environment (HSE) training. The training program would focus on applicable state or federal regulations as well as project-specific permit conditions and mitigation plans. The training would include environmental and cultural sensitivity issues. A project orientation would be conducted that would focus on personnel safety and health, camp rules, prohibited items (for example, pets, drugs, alcohol, and firearms), mobilization, wildlife interaction, waste management, medical and emergency response, fire prevention, suppression and related topics. Safety training would be a major component of the orientation. Donlin Gold would develop other plans that would include the safety of workers such as a Fire Prevention and Suppression Plan, and Wildlife Avoidance and Human Encounter/Interaction Plan (see Section 3.11.10 for list of some plans). A compliance monitoring program would be used during all project phases. Components of the program would include: • • •

Donlin Gold

Ensure that onsite personnel understand regulatory requirements Establish a compliance matrix that describes routine permit related inspections and other activities Ensure that the Permits and Environmental Compliance Monitoring Program is being properly implemented.

3-26

July 2012


Project Description

An Emergency Response Plan would be developed to outline potential hazards and corrective actions. Specific emergencies that would be addressed would include but not limited by: • • • • • • • 3.11.2

Serious illness or injury Fatality Fire or explosion Pipeline rupture or emergency Earthquake Wildfires fires Bomb threat, terrorism or other criminal act. Public Health and Safety

Design, administrative, and operational controls would be developed and implemented to prevent and abate hazards and to protect the health and safety of all persons affected by the activities performed in connection with the construction, operation, maintenance and termination of the pipeline. A threat or hazard to public health and safety would be associated with release of natural gas only during operation of the pipeline. There are no other significant events that can be identified to pose serious hazards to public health and safety during the construction phase provided that the public also exercises reasonable caution and obey hazard warnings or directions when nearing or traversing construction areas or temporary use areas even if construction personnel may be award of or assisting in their presence. Construction and Operations Practices Established, safe construction practices, together with health and safety programs, would be used to guard the health and safety of the workforce and the public during construction and operation of the pipeline. Donlin Gold would observe and comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations related to public health and safety, including federal PHMSA regulations pursuant to 49 CFR 192. These federal regulations provide stringent standards for pipe materials, pipe design, pipe components, pipe welds, pipeline construction, corrosion protection, pipeline pressure testing, and operation and maintenance. Access Limited potential exists for general public access to the pipeline ROW because of the remoteness of the area and the seasonal means of transportation to get to ROW. Donlin Gold recognizes that that portion of the pipeline project in the Matanuska Susitna (MatSu) Borough receives regular winter use from Anchorage, MatSu Borough and local area residents and that this use would be temporarily interrupted by the project. Through its Public Outreach Plan Donlin Gold would provide notice of pipeline construction activities and information on how the public could coordinate access needs with construction activities. In these and other areas where construction activities would impact existing access routes Donlin Gold would provide alternate access or allow for controlled access within or across the construction area. This would include ADL 222930/RST-199, the main transportation route in the region. There would no doubt be people that would want to use the right-of-way during pipeline operation but efforts would be made to discourage such use if that use may put the integrity Donlin Gold

3-27

July 2012


Project Description

of the pipeline system at risk. During construction access to the ROW would be controlled. Communities in the general area would be consulted about construction and maintenance activities to aid in the identification of means to avoid potential conflicts with subsistence users and local travelers. Appropriate notices, warning signs, flagging, barricades, and other safety measures would be used to facilitate pipeline construction, operation, maintenance and termination activities, or to protect the public and wildlife from hazards associated with pipeline construction, operation, maintenance, and termination activities. Any existing roads, trails (including RS-2477s) or other public improvements encountered during construction, operation, maintenance and termination would be protected and if damaged restored to the extent possible including provisions for suitable permanent crossings where the ROW crosses existing trails. Refer to Section 11.9.5 for information regarding heavy equipment pipeline crossing. Donlin Gold would prohibit its employees and contractors from operating project related equipment off the pipeline ROW or off any of the other authorized temporary use areas. Spills and Leaks Risks relating to spills during construction or gas pipeline leaks during pipeline operation would be reduced by implementing appropriate procedures and prevention programs during construction and proper leak detection procedures and an effective inspection, monitoring and response program during operation. The primary types of releases may include a leak or a pipeline rupture as discussed in the following. Pipeline Leaks Pipeline leaks would include a relatively small leak of natural gas that may or may not be detected by monitoring pipeline pressure drops. The source of leaks may include areas where the pipe is spliced, at emergency blowdown locations, or at the metering building or compressor station. The primary threat would be that if an ignition source was introduced in the vapor plume resulting in an explosion or fire. A gas leak might be detected during routine maintenance inspections required by USDOT (49 CFR 192 requires a minimum of twice yearly patrols and yearly leakage surveys for the pipeline), by detection of the sound of leaking gas or with hand held gas meters. The natural gas would not contain odorants and would likely not be detected by smell. Once detected the source of the leak would be identified and repairs would be implemented. Pipeline Ruptures Pipeline ruptures may occur as a result of physical damage to the line as a result of excavations in the vicinity of the line, as a result of a leak that ignites and explodes, or possibly as a result of an earthquake or other natural or human caused event. Pipeline ruptures would be detected by pipeline monitoring equipment and the location of the rupture can be determined by direct visual observations. With a rupture the line would be immediately shut down and appropriate actions would be taken to determine the cause of the incident. Repairs of the line would be conducted as permitted by regulatory agencies. Inspections and Maintenance Measures to protect public health and safety during pipeline operation include an ongoing inspection and maintenance program as part of regulatory compliance and the Pipeline Surveillance and Monitoring Plan as well as the Operation and Maintenance Plan. Donlin Gold

3-28

July 2012


Project Description

Pipeline The pipeline would be buried except where the pipeline would cross two active faults each for a distance of approximately 1,300 ft (396 m). There would also be control valves located at 20 mile (32 km) intervals along the pipeline, and a pigging station, metering station and compressor station. Thus, there would be very limited exposure to the pipeline itself along the ROW. Signage Signs would be placed at appropriate locations along the pipeline and at locations required by 49 CFR 192 warning the public of associated hazards and providing the operator’s name and 24-hour–a-day contact information. Because the pipeline would cross state, federal, CIRI and Calista lands as well as being located in part within borough boundaries additional signage may be required besides that of the pipeline regulatory agencies. Donlin Gold would coordinate the development of a Signage Plan with the appropriate entities to address concerns if signage became an issue. (See Section 8.6) Public Outreach/Public Awareness Donlin Gold would established a Public Outreach Plan with the communities in the general area through which public safety concerns, access to the area for subsistence use, emergency assistance, and other safety-related issues would be addressed. The public would be able to obtain information and be aware of ongoing activities prior to traveling in construction areas as well as what procedures to follow for contacting Donlin regarding access across or along the construction area. 3.11.3

Public or Private Property

A small number of private parcels exist adjacent to the proposed pipeline ROW. Efforts were made to route the pipeline so as not to cross privately owned parcels. Within the proposed ROW there are lands owned by Calista and CIRI. Arrangements would be necessary to traverse these lands with the pipeline. All remaining lands are public lands managed by the state or federal government. Cook Inlet Energy, LLC holds Oil and Gas Lease ADL 390749 between approximately MP 2.5 and MP 5 and Union Oil Co. of California holds Oil and Gas Lease ADL 63048 at the beginning of the pipeline around MP 0. From MP 0 part way to MP 5 the pipeline is within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge. Any existing roads, trails (including RS-2477s) or other public improvements encountered during construction, operation and maintenance would be protected and if damaged restored to the extent possible. Major events that potentially could cause serious and irreparable harm or damages to public or private property would be a result of a pipeline rupture and explosion or a major fuel spill. An explosion, fuel spill or construction or maintenance incident could result in harm or damage including a fire effecting nearby public or private property and/or loss of life. A pipeline rupture was discussed in Section 3.11.2 above. An Emergency Response Plan would be developed to address such potential hazards and corrective/response actions.

Donlin Gold

3-29

July 2012


Project Description

During Construction During construction, impacts would be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated by various methods, including the following: • • • •

Compliance with applicable regulations and permits issued for the project Schedule winter construction to minimize damage to landcover, wetlands and waterbodies Construction would be monitored by trained personnel to minimize disturbance to construction areas Appropriate approved plans would be in place to address construction activities.

During Operation and Maintenance During operation and maintenance, impacts would be avoided, minimized, and/or mitigated by various methods, including the following: •

Compliance with applicable regulations and permits

•

The pipeline would be monitored regularly during operations

•

Planned or unplanned pipeline repairs or maintenance would be completed in a manner that would minimize impacts to public or private property

•

After construction a comprehensive pipeline surveillance, inspection and monitoring program as well as a maintenance program would be implemented. The goals of these programs would not only be to ensure pipeline operating integrity and safety, but to also prevent, identify, and respond to all situations that pose a significant risk of damage to the environment.

During Termination As stated in Section 12.1, a detailed Pipeline Abandonment Plan and procedures would be developed prior to termination of pipeline operations. Abandonment procedures would be based on applicable regulatory requirements at the time and would be designed to minimize impacts to public and private property in coordination with the land owner. For additional information regarding land status along the proposed pipeline route refer to Appendices A and B. 3.11.4

Vegetation or Timber

The primary incidents that could result in serious harm or damage to vegetation include fire that spreads to adjacent vegetation or spills of fuel or other liquids that could kill or damage vegetation. Inappropriate handling of vegetation or timber could also result in potential infestation of bark beetles or issues. Equipment used during construction may also result in damage to vegetative cover. If there was a stabilization, rehabilitation or reclamation failure, vegetation may be effected depending location and extent of damage. Donlin Gold would take all actions necessary or appropriate for the prevention and suppression of fires in accordance with applicable law and instructions from appropriate authorities. Prior to any clearing operations Donlin Gold would notify the appropriate authority of the amount of merchantable timber, if any, which would be cut, used for construction purposes, made available for others, or destroyed. All work would be performed in accordance with relevant permit and lease stipulations and in a manner to prevent infestation of bark beetles or other potential problems consistent with the Donlin Gold Timber Utilization Plan. Donlin Gold

3-30

July 2012


Project Description

Donlin Gold anticipates that the majority of timber cut from the construction ROW would be used during construction or in reclamation, however if timber is available Donlin Gold would review reasonable and practicable options for disposal of remaining timber consistent with the Timber Utilization Plan. 3.11.5

Fish or Other Wildlife or Their Habitat

All debris resulting from clearing operations and construction that may block stream flow, delay fish passage, contribute to flood damage, or result in streambed scour or erosion would be removed. Logs would not be skidded or yarded across any watercourses or stored within 300 ft (91 m) of any watercourse without approval from appropriate authorities. Appropriate plans, including the Wildlife Avoidance and Human Encounter/Interaction Plan, the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, other applicable plans listed in POD Section 3.11.10 and construction and operating procedures would be in place to ensure protection of fish, wildlife and their habitats. Construction, operation, maintenance and termination activities would be carried out following approved plans and consistent with the regulatory requirements and the stipulations of federal and state authorizations. Construction of stream crossings on streams with anadromous fish would follow plans and design measures that would reduce impacts to migrating fish and to spawning habitat. Donlin Gold would prohibit its employees and contractors from hunting, fishing, trapping, shooting, and camping within the right-of-way or using project equipment for those purposes. Following construction, the pipeline would be reclaimed and would not significantly change big-game trails across the ROW but would provide open access along the ROW for wildlife. 3.11.6

Restoring Areas of Vegetation or Timber

Areas of vegetation or timber damaged or harmed directly or indirectly by the construction, operation, maintenance or termination of all or any part of the proposed pipeline would be identified and corrective action taken, as appropriate and consistent with the approved Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation Plan, other applicable plans, and applicable regulatory requirements or if outside of the area authorized for construction, as directed by the land owner. Corrective action would typically involve documenting the specific location of the damage, conducting an inspection and rehabilitating the disturbed area in a manner approved by the applicable regulatory agencies or land owner. Design and construction measures would be taken to avoid unnecessary damage to the project area and adjacent land. During Construction All areas of the construction ROW would be stabilized, rehabilitated and reclaimed consistent with the state and federal law and the approved Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation Plan for the proposed pipeline project. If it became necessary to restore an area outside of the construction area authorized, such work would be accomplished as directed by the appropriate agency or land owner. During Operation and Maintenance For operation and maintenance as well as for safety purposes the 50 ft (15 m) permanent ROW on state, CIRI and Calista lands and 51 ft (15.5 m) ROW on federal land would be Donlin Gold

3-31

July 2012


Project Description

cleared of shrubs at approximately 10-year intervals or as required to preserve pipeline integrity and allow for ongoing surveillance and monitoring activities as well as maintenance as may be required. During operation and maintenance any unplanned damage to the vegetation resulting from pipeline activities would be identified and corrective action taken to ensure stabilization and rehabilitation of the disturbed area, as appropriate for the situation identified and following applicable plans, procedures and regulatory requirements or if outside of the area authorized, as directed by the appropriate agency or land owner. 3.11.7

Erosion and Rehabilitation of Areas Eroded

All areas of the construction ROW would be stabilized, rehabilitated and reclaimed consistent with state and federal laws and the approved Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation Plan for the proposed pipeline project. An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan would be developed before the start of construction and would specifically define erosion control procedures to be applied along the pipeline ROW. In addition, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) would be developed as required by the APDES permit. This would address erosion control measures, reclamation and mitigation measures to control erosion and storm water runoff during and after construction. Continued ground surveillance and corrective erosion control and vegetation maintenance would be employed throughout construction of the project. Normal drainage patterns would be maintained where practical. The Stabilization, Rehabilitation and Reclamation Plan, the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, and final design plans would include best management practices (BMPs) and storm drainage design to control surface flow along the crowned trench and the project ROW where necessary. 3.11.8

Ensure Compliance by Contractors and Subcontractors

In order to ensure compliance with the safeguards and stipulations of the ROW authorizations, all contractors would be pre-qualified to verify that they have an Operations Integrity Management System in place. In addition, a Quality Control Plan would be developed to identify any potential issues and verify that all work is performed in a manner to maintain the quality of the pipeline and related facilities, and to make sure all work is performed in accordance with relevant permit and lease stipulations. Donlin Gold would require its contractors and subcontractors to adhere to 100% compliance with permit stipulations and regulations, as well as to Donlin Gold’s policies, procedures and expectations. Compliance is ensured by contractor management, including the following: •

A contractor qualification evaluation for past Health, Safety and Environmental performance before contract award

•

Pre-job contractor meetings designed to identify expectations on contractor Health, Safety and Environmental Performance

•

The Integrity Management System (or equivalent) would contact requirements for inspections and audits of pipeline construction, operation, and maintenance, including those requirements that are the responsibility of contractors to adopt and enforce

•

Provisions incorporating safeguards and stipulations of the ROW authorizations, and required compliance with those standards, would be incorporated into contracts and subcontracts for construction, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline

•

Any contractor or subcontractor not complying with the safeguards and stipulations of the ROW authorizations may be subject to disciplinary action.

Donlin Gold

3-32

July 2012


Project Description

A Permits and Environmental Compliance Program would be prepared for project use during construction, operation, maintenance and termination. The purpose of the program would be to ensure compliance with project permits and applicable environmental laws and regulations. The program would be prepared after project permits and other authorizations are obtained so that permit obligations can be included and explained. The program would provide procedures for permit and regulatory compliance, including the requirements of the ROW authorizations, reporting, monitoring, and any plans. In addition, the program would detail Donlin Gold’s environmental policies and performance expectations. See Sections 8.5 and 11.16. 3.11.9

Quality Control and Procedures for Inspecting and Testing the Pipeline

The proposed Donlin Gold natural gas pipeline would be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the PHMSA within the USDOT and applicable authorization requirements. These requirements are intended to ensure the safe transportation of natural gas, including adequate protection for the public from natural gas pipeline failures. The proposed Donlin Gold pipeline would meet or exceed these requirements. To ensure compliance with the safeguards and stipulations of the ROW authorizations, all contractors would be pre-qualified to verify that they have an Operations Integrity Management System in place. In addition, Donlin Gold would implement a Quality Management Program that would: •

Apply to and remain in effect during construction, operation, maintenance and termination

•

Identify the processes needed to be undertaken and the methodologies to ensure the processes are effective

•

Ensure the resources are dedicated to support the operation and monitoring of the processes

•

Monitor, measure, and analyze processes and implement corrective actions to processes if necessary.

The Quality Management Program would include a Quality Manual and Quality Control Plan including policies and objectives. Donlin Gold, including its agents, employees, and contractors would comply with the approved Quality Management Program. This program in conjunction with the Permits and Environmental Compliance Program would serve to identify any potential issues and verify that all work is performed in a manner to maintain the quality of the pipeline and related facilities, and to make sure all work is performed in accordance with relevant permit and lease stipulations. The Operation and Maintenance Plan/Manual and Pipeline Surveillance and Monitoring Plan would provide more detailed information on proposed inspection and monitoring procedures. A detailed Pressure Testing Plan would be prepared during final design. Also see Sections 8.3.29 and 8.5 for more information. Project activities planned to ensure overall pipeline quality are described below. Field Design Changes There may be a need for design changes in the field during the actual construction process based on the conditions encountered in the field. Field design changes would be documented on the drawings and in the specifications. Procedures would be developed and used during project construction and operation. Donlin Gold

3-33

July 2012


Project Description

Construction Inspection Inspections would be conducted in accordance with the Pipeline Integrity Management System and approved contractor Quality Assurance and Control Plans. In addition, a system would be developed and implemented to react quickly and efficiently to any deviations to identified standards. Inspectors trained and qualified would monitor construction activities. A set of complete records would be kept for reference during pipeline operation and maintenance and for future projects involving the pipeline. Materials and Procedures Control Suitable materials would be employed in construction of the pipeline. Strict quality control would be required of all suppliers. Field welds on the pipeline would be inspected using nondestructive testing during construction. Throughout construction, inspectors would be employed to ensure that the approved welding procedures are followed. Operations and Maintenance Once the pipeline is operational, it would be periodically inspected using in-line inspection tools- intelligent inspection pigs. The O&M Plan and Pipeline Surveillance and Monitoring Plan would provide details about inspection pigging, and would define the types and frequency of inspection pigs to be run through the pipeline. The first inspection pig run would establish baseline pipeline conditions. Subsequent pig runs would be scheduled to monitor and detect change from the baseline conditions. The frequency of the pig runs would be evaluated based on results from previous pig runs and on operating experience and requirements. Please refer to Section 11.10. 3.11.10

Special Safeguards to Protect the Interests of Individuals Living in the General Area for Subsistence Purposes

Plans and procedures to protect the interests of individuals living in the general area of the proposed right-of-way who rely on the fish, wildlife and biotic resources of the area for subsistence purposes would be integrated into the general construction, operation, maintenance and termination activities. Donlin Gold proposed mitigation measures for impacts to subsistence activities would be addressed in its Subsistence Users Plan of Cooperation. This Plan would: •

Identify locations where subsistence activities occur, and coordinate activities in these areas to the maximum extent practicable during the short span of construction activities

•

Schedule work to limit or reduce conflict with subsistence activities when possible

•

Notify workers that subsistence activities are or may be ongoing in an area and direct them to limit or reduce actions to the extent practicable that may affect the activities.

Develop and implement a Wildlife Avoidance and Human Encounter/Interaction Plan for the construction and operation of the pipeline to avoid impacts to subsistence species whenever possible especially during the short duration of construction. Donlin Gold would develop a number of plans and procedures for construction, operation, maintenance and termination of the proposed project, many of which would apply directly or indirectly to protect the environment, including fish, wildlife, and biotic resources that are used for subsistence and subsistence activities. The following are some of the plans and Donlin Gold

3-34

July 2012


Project Description

procedures that would be developed and implemented. In some cases, these plans may be combined: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Quality Control Plan Site Security Plans Spill Prevention Counter Control Plan (SPCC) Facility Response Plan (FRC) Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Material Site Mining and Reclamation Plans Blasting and Use of Explosives Plan Wildlife Avoidance and Human Encounter/Interaction Plan Comprehensive Waste Management Plan Stabilization, Rehabilitation, and Reclamation Plan Non-native Invasive Plant Prevention Plan Timber Utilization Plan Operations and Maintenance Plan Fire Prevention and Suppression Plan Emergency Response Plan Public Outreach Plan Pipeline Surveillance and Monitoring Plan Health, Safety and Environment Plan (Includes Safety Plan/Program) Subsistence Users Plan of Cooperation Commercial Lodges Plan of Cooperation Annual Report to State Pipeline Coordinator’s Office (SPCO).

A SCADA system would be implemented to collect measurements and data along the pipeline, including flow rate through the pipeline, operational status, pressure, and temperature readings. 3.11.11

Special Safeguards to Protect the Interests of Commercial Lodges

Plans and procedures to protect the interests of commercial lodges in the general area of the proposed right-of-way would be integrated into the general construction, operation, maintenance and termination activities when reasonable and where practicable. Table 3-5 and Figure 3-14 identify lodges within five miles of the proposed ROW. Donlin Gold proposed mitigation measures for impacts to commercial lodge operations would be addressed in its Commercial Lodges Plan of Cooperation. This Plan would: •

Identify locations where commercial lodges operations occur, and coordinate activities in these areas to the maximum extent practicable during the short span of construction activities

•

Schedule work to limit or reduce potential conflict with commercial guiding/lodge activities when possible recognizing that construction must be scheduled taking into account seasonal and environmental conditions and may interfere with lodge activities in proximity of the ROW

Donlin Gold

3-35

July 2012


•

Project Description

Notify workers that commercial lodge activities are or may be ongoing in an area and direct them to limit or reduce actions to the extent practicable that may affect the activities

Donlin Gold would develop and implement a Wildlife Avoidance and Human Encounter/Interaction Plan for the construction and operation of the pipeline to avoid or at least limit impacts to specific species especially during the short duration of construction when encounters are most likely to occur. Table 3-5: Commercial Lodges COMMERCIAL LODGES WITHIN 5 MILES (8 km) OF PROPOSED PIPELINE CORRIDOR Name

Location

Distance from Alignment

Main Season

Type of Business

TalVista Lodge

61.8610 N 151.4048 W

1.8 mile (2.9 km)

Summer/Winter

Guided fishing, snowmachining

Talaview Lodge

61.8607 N 151.3973 W

1.8 mile (2.9 km)

Summer

Guided fishing

TalStar Lodge

61.8575 N 151.3957 W

1.9 mile (3 km)

Summer

Guided fishing

Talachulitna River Lodge

61.8565 N 151.3904 W

1.9 mile (3 km)

Summer

Member owned fishing and recreation

Shell Lake Lodge

61.9483 N 151.5424 W

1.8 mile (2.9 km)

Winter (Summer business is fly-in only)

Restaurant/bar, snowmachining

Winter Lake Lodge

61.9870 N 152.0766 W

0.8 mile (1.3 km)

Summer/Winter (Current flight avoidance area around Finger Lake)

Heli-skiing/tours, fishing, Iditarod checkpoint

Rainy Pass Lodge

62.0904 N 152.7344 W

0.6 mile (1 km)

Summer/Winter (Project lodging in 2010, 2011, 2012; otherwise flight avoidance area)

Guided hunting, recreation, Iditarod checkpoint

Farewell Lake Lodge

62.5417 N 153.6207 W

4.4 mile (7 km)

Inactive (lodge and out buildings burned in 2010

Guided hunting, lodging

Donlin Gold

3-36

July 2012

m

n l mo Sa

R ive

r

Ri ver

DENALI STATE PAR K

R25

R24 MP-150 R23 MP-155 MP-145 MP-160

R22

R21

R20

R18

R19

rk Ye n tn aR iv e r

o

R26

MP-165 MP-140

MP-170

R15

r

MP-120

na nt Ye

LAKE C REEK RECR EATION R IVER

MP-115 MP-110 MP-105

MP-100

MP-90 MP-85

R26

R25

R24

R24

R23

R23

R22

R21

R20

TalStar Lodge

R22

R18

R19

R16

R17

MP-65

Skwentna Ri ve r r ive R14

R21

R19

R20

R18

R17

TalStar Lodge

R15

R14

MP-60

Skwentna MP-55 R12

SEE INSET R13

R9

R10

MP-50 MP-45

R9

R10

R11

MP-40 MP-35 MP-30

TALA CHUL ITNA RECR EATION R IVER

INSET

MP-25

0.5 mi

LODGE LOCATIONS

SCALE: Populated Places

Mileposts

Lodges


0

5

0

7.5

10

20 mi

Federal Administrative Boundaries State Wildlife, Park, Forest and Other Use Areas

15

30 km

FIGURE:

3-14


iver ek aR re ntn rC Ye de an ex Al

R27

R25

Shell Lake Lodge

Tala chu l i er t na R iv

R28

R26

MP-70

Ha y es

R27

Talaview Lodge

MP-75

R

TalVista Lodge

MP-80

Cr ee k ke La

Winter Lake Lodge

MP-95

er Ri v

Rainy Pass Lodge

na Ri

r ve

Proposed Donlin Gold Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment

MP-125

it

l

MP-130

K ah

Ca mp Cr ee k

R9

R10

R11

R12

R13

ek re eC La k

D E N A L I N AT I O N A L PA R K A N D P R E S E R V E

MP-135

PETERSVILL E RECREAT IONAL MI NING A REA

P et ers Cree k

W es tF

Farewell

i ve East For k Y entn a R

rk Fo dy in W

Farewell Lake Lodge


Right-of-Way Location

4.0

Right-of-Way Location (ROW)

4.1

Legal Description

The proposed pipeline ROW would cross federal, state, and Alaska Native corporation lands. Appendix A provides land status information for the entire pipeline route. Appendix B identifies in detail each parcel by landowner along the construction corridor of the proposed ROW. Table 4-1 provides estimated acreage calculation for construction. Two Alaska Native Regional Corporations own land traversed by the proposed pipeline and the proposed electric transmission line. Calista owns both surface and subsurface estate from approximately MP 307 to the pipeline terminus at the mine site. CIRI owns surface and subsurface estate from approximately MP 144 to MP 154, which is located between the South Fork of the Kuskokwim and the Sheep Creek/Farewell area. CIRI also owns the surface estate, including sand and gravel near Beluga where the first four miles of the proposed transmission line is located. Figure 4-1 shows the location of potential construction use area for Beluga.

4.2

Site-specific Engineering Surveys for Critical Areas

Site-specific engineering surveys are necessary for critical areas, defined as those areas requiring special design or mitigation, such as areas with permafrost, unstable slopes, river crossings, fault crossings, and high erosion potential. Donlin Gold has conducted specialized surveys for these areas. Results of these studies are documented in the feasibility report and summarized in Appendix C and Appendix D. The studies were used to aid in selection of the optimal route, to identify construction methods, and to develop the specialized engineering design required for certain segments of the pipeline.

4.3

River Crossings

A listing of stream and river crossings is provided in Appendix D. Typical drawings of stream crossings are included in Appendix E. Waterbody crossings are also discussed in more detail in Sections 8.1.5, 8.2.1 and specifically 8.3.15 and 8.3.16.

Donlin Gold

4-1

July 2012

TL-2

TL-1

Beluga Power Plant

TL-0

Potential Beluga Camp (10.80 acres)

Ex ten t

of

Ae ri

al

Ph

o to gr

ap h

y

Ex ten t

of

Ae ri

al P

ho

tog

rap

hy

Potential Beluga Storage (15.05 acres)

Potential Beluga Pipe Yard (14.26 acres) Beluga Barge Landing

SCALE: 0 0.5

0

0.75

Proposed Electric Transmission Line (Mileposts "TL")

Beluga Power Plant

Beluga Camp

Proposed Electric Transmission Line

Barge Landing

Storage and Pipe Yard

2 mi

1

1.5

3

km

Aerial Photography: 2003 Quickbird Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

BELUGA CAMP, STORAGE & PIPE YARD AREAS

FIGURE:

4-1



4.4

Right-of-Way Location

Calculation of Estimated right-of-way Acreage

Estimated total acreage for the state and federal ROW and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Corporation lands for temporary construction purposes is shown in Table 4-1. The area calculation for the temporary construction right-of-way is estimated at 3,780 acres (1,530 ha), recognizing that this estimate is based on a nominal width of 100 ft (30 m) and the actual ROW will be dictated by construction requirements with necessary variance adjustments made in the field within the 1,000 ft (305 m) study area on state, federal land, Calista and CIRI lands. During construction ancillary facilities would require an additional estimated 4,108 acres (1662.5 ha). The 100 ft (30 m) temporary construction ROW would be reduced to the permanent ROW width following construction. The permanent ROW will be 50 ft (15 m) on state land except at the compressor station which would have an addition 1.8 acres (0.7 ha), 51 ft 2 inches (15.5 m) on federal land and 50 ft (15 m) on ANCSA Corporation lands and is estimated at 1,909.8 acres (772.9 ha) total. The electric transmission line easement would be approximately 13.3 miles long (21.4 km) and 30 ft (9 m) wide for an estimated 48.7 acres (19.7 ha) of which 14.3 of the estimated acres (5.9 ha) are Alaska Native Settlement Claims Act (ANSCA) lands and an estimated 34.4 acres (13.9 ha) are state lands. This includes the distance and acreage for the transmission line from the Donlin gas pipeline metering station (MP 0) to the compressor station (MP 5) which is a distance of about 5 miles (8 km) and approximately 18.2 acres (7.4 ha) of state land. Table 4-1: Estimated Acres Calculation Study Area 1,000 ft ROW (acres)

Construction ROW

Ancillary Facilities (acres)

100 ft ROW (acres)

Final ROW

Ancillary Facilities (acres)

Permanent ROW (acres)

Length (miles)

Pipeline Federal Land

11,788.8

536.9

1,174.9

881.9

600.9

96.9

State Land

24,227.0

981.8

2,426.0

3,171.6

1,215.5

200.6

1,841.0

20.5

180.0

54.3

91.8

15.1

37,856.8

1,539.2

3,780.9

4,107.8

1,908.2

312.6

ANCSA Land Estimated Total: Transmission Line State Land

15.9

22.4

34.4

9.4

ANCSA Land

14.3

14.3

14.3

3.9

Estimated Total:

30.2

36.7

48.7

13.3

Compressor Station State Land

1.8

Note: Permanent ROW is 50 ft (15 m) on state land, 51 ft 2 in (15.5 m) on federal land and 50 ft (15 m) on ANSCA Land. Transmission Line ROW would be 30 ft (9 m) on state and ANSCA lands.

Donlin Gold

4-3

July 2012


5.0

Pipeline Design Factors


The design of the proposed pipeline would be in accordance with USDOT regulations under 49 CFR 192 – Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards. The pipeline would be designed, constructed and operated in accordance with the applicable requirements of 49 CFR 192 for subsurface pipelines and related appurtenances (compression stations, pig launching and receiving facilities, MLVs, cathodic protection, leak detection, and a SCADA system. The proposed pipeline system would incorporate pig launching and receiving facilities (receipt, midpoint, and delivery site), 19 MLVs, cathodic protection, leak detection, and supervisory control. Boost compression would be supplied by one compressor station located at approximate MP 5. No additional compression along the pipeline route would be required.

5.1

Technical Summary

Table 5-1 presents the pipeline design standards, including wall thickness and pressure standards. Final pipeline hydraulics, based on a centerline from the receipt point to the mine delivery location, would be confirmed during the first phase of detailed design. Table 5-1: Project Specific Design Criteria Pipeline Material

API 5L X52, PSL2 and Project Specifications

Pipe size

14-inch OD mainline

Pipe wall thickness

0.312-inch – mainline pipe, minimum 0.344-inch – mainline pipe 0.375-inch – mainline pipe (geohazard areas) 0.406-inch – mainline pipe (geohazard areas) 0.406-inch – HDD crossings

Pipe joint length

62 feet average

Pipe manufacturing process

HF ERW

Maximum allowable operating pressure

1,480 psig @ 100°F

Donlin Gold mine delivery pressure

550 psig

ANSI flange rating valves and fittings

ANSI Class 600

Mainline pipe yield strength

52,000 psi

Design flow rate

40 to 50 mmscfd

Typical construction right-of-way width

100 feet

Permanent easement

50 feet

Design temperature (ambient)

-40°F minimum (above grade, north of Skwentna River) -20°F minimum (above grade, south of Skwentna River) -20°F minimum (below grade)

Donlin Gold

5-1

July 2012



Table 5-1 (Continued): Project Specific Design Criteria Pipeline Material

API 5L X52, PSL2 and Project Specifications 100°F maximum (above grade)

Gas temperature

20°F minimum 100°F maximum

Design life (nominal)

30 yearsa

a

The nominal design life may be extended through additional maintenance and repairs. °F = degrees Fahrenheit ANSI = American National Standards Institute API = American Petroleum Institute HDD = horizontal directional drill HF ERW = high-frequency, electric-resistance-welded mmscfd = million standard cubic feet per day OD = outer diameter psi = pounds per square inch psig = pounds per square inch gauge

5.2

Toxicity of Pipeline Product

Toxicity is the degree to which a substance is able to damage an organism that it is exposed to. Toxic and hazardous substances are regulated, generally based on their use. The agencies and regulations relevant to the pipeline product include: •

The U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), regulates occupational exposures to chemical and physical agents

•

The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) established requirements and authorities for identifying and controlling toxic chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment. As required under Section 8(b) of TSCA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of chemicals that are in commercial use within the U.S. this list is called “the TSCA inventory of chemical substances” more commonly, “the TSCA inventory”.

The product to be conveyed by the proposed pipeline is sales-quality natural gas composed of more than 98.8% methane. Methane is biologically inactive and not considered toxic. Other small but measurable components include nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which are also not considered toxic. Table 3-1 shows the gas composition.

5.3

Anticipated Operating Temperatures

The proposed pipeline would operate as an ambient-temperature pipeline for its entire length, with the exception of the first 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 km). An ambient-temperature pipeline is a pipeline with operating temperatures that closely approach the seasonal temperatures of the surrounding ground. The proposed pipeline operating temperature would be governed by the combined influence of Joule‐Thompson cooling associated with gas pressure drop, pipe wall heat transfer between gas and surrounding soil, and heat input from gas compression. The first 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 km) of the pipeline would be slightly higher in temperature, where the pipe would transition from discharge temperature at the compressor station to surrounding soil temperature. The discharge temperature at the compressor station would

Donlin Gold

5-2

July 2012



depend on inlet gas temperature and air temperature but would be limited to no more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (37.8°C). The temperature of the proposed pipeline would follow seasonal ground temperature at low-flow rates. At full capacity, because of the relatively small diameter of the pipe, the cooling associated with gas pressure drop would not result in significant non‐ambient pipeline operation.

5.4

Depth of Pipeline

This pipeline would be buried, except at the compressor station, pigging facilities, and fault crossings. Some ancillary, small-bore pipe would be aboveground at mainline valve assemblies and valve locations. Burial modes would be trenches or HDD. The pipeline would exit the ground and be placed on support structures through the two known fault crossings. The aboveground length of these crossings is estimated to be approximately 1,300 ft (396 m) for each. Minimum cover requirements, in accordance with 49 CFR 192, are shown in Table 5-2. Certain stream or drainage crossings would be installed by trenching to a greater depth (up to 10 ft [3 m] below thalweg) for scour protection. Table 5-2: Minimum Cover Requirements Minimum Cover (inches) No Rock

Rock Trench

Standard trench

30

18

Drainage or ephemeral waterways

48

24

Greater burial depths would be achieved in areas where the proposed pipeline would be installed using HDD methods. HDD is generally used on major river crossings that are difficult to accomplish with traditional trenching equipment and methods, at crossing locations that support high-value or sensitive fish habitats, and in areas of geohazards where trenching is not feasible because of unstable slopes. The HDD method uses specialized equipment to drill pipeline crossing beneath a stream or riverbed or under rough topography. The equipment, which operates outside the active stream channel and HDD crossings, does not disturb the bed or banks of the stream that is being crossed

5.5

Permanent Width or Size

The permanent width or size of the main proposed pipeline ROW would normally be 50 ft (15 m) through state lands and 51 ft (15.5 m) through federal lands. On all Native Corporation land through which the proposed pipeline traverses the permanent width or size of the right-of-way would also be 50 ft (15 m). The estimated length and width of the electric transmission line portion of the permanent ROW that runs from the Chugach Electric’s Beluga Power Plant to MP 0 at the BPL is approximately 8.3 miles (13.4 km) long and 30 ft (9 m) wide, and then the electric transmission line ROW runs on to the compressor station at MP 5. The compressor station parcel would also be included as part of the permanent pipeline ROW as would any other permanent areas. The permanent ROW would be cleared of shrubs at approximately every 10 years or as required.

Donlin Gold

5-3

July 2012


5.6


Temporary Areas Needed

A nominal 100-foot (30.5m) width would be cleared and used temporarily for construction purposes within a 1,000 ft (305 m) study area needed during construction of the proposed pipeline. In addition to the 100 ft (30.5 m) temporary construction area, additional workspace would be needed for safe pipeline construction at HDD locations. Also areas for staging materials and equipment, barge landings, camp facilities, airstrips (discussed in more detail in Section 8.2.8), and access roads would be needed to support construction. The actual width of the temporary construction ROW within the corridor would be dictated by construction needs and any areas not evaluated already for cultural resources would be reviewed prior to clearing. Appendix A shows location of necessary additional workspace or other temporary use locations. Refer to Table 4-1 for estimated acreage calculations footprint by land jurisdiction. Appendix B provides the legal descriptions for temporary use areas. Section 8.2.8 discusses land requirements in more detail.

Donlin Gold

5-4

July 2012


Additional ROW Components

6.0

Additional Right-of-Way Components

6.1

Connection to Existing Right-of-Way

The proposed Donlin Gold pipeline would originate from the BPL ROW. Between this point and the mine site, the pipeline would run cross-country and would not parallel any other existing pipelines, utility lines, or improved roads. The DNR recognizes the Iditarod Trail and RS-2477 routes as transportation corridors. The Iditarod Trail/RST-199 is the main ground transportation route for access to private land, recreation, commercial activities, etc. in the area. See Section 8.1.2 for more detailed discussion of Iditarod. Please refer to Appendices A and B for information regarding existing rights-of-way.

6.2

Existing Components on or off Public Land

There are no existing facilities or any designated utility corridors along the proposed pipeline route. However, DNR in its planning process for the Susitna-Mat Su area plan recognized the potential for proposed Donlin Gold pipeline.

6.3

Possible Future Components

It must be recognized that the Donlin Gold gas pipeline is a distribution line the purpose of which is to transport natural gas for operational use at the Donlin Gold mine site. At this time, no additional facilities or components are planned. The addition of off-takes to provide gas to communities or to other entities along or beyond the route is a possibility. However, such additions would be considered based on Donlin Gold’s own requirements, the community or other need, and technical and fiscal feasibility and may be developed on a case-by-case basis. If additional gas supply is required for operation of the mine, an additional compressor station could be added to increase gas volume. The location would have to be determined but it is anticipated that it could be located at or about MP 153.6. See Section 3.6.

6.4

Location and Description of Compressor Station

One compressor station would be required to boost the gas pressure for delivery to the mine site. Based on current design, a single compressor station would provide sufficient compression for the gas throughput. The current location of the compressor station would be approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of the tie-in to the BPL in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough at pipeline MP 5. The 2-acre (.81 ha) facility would be unmanned, with fully automated equipment operated by a remote-control system. A 10-foot-high (3.1 m) chain link fence would surround the site with lockable, operable gates that meet the egress requirements of 49 CFR 192 for security. All exterior mainline valves at the compressor station would be fitted with locks, and all module doors would be lockable. Surveillance cameras would be located to alert operators if there was intrusion into the fenced areas or into the modules. These would operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The site would include a helicopter landing pad. Figure 6-1 is a compressor site location map that also shows the powerline alignment. This location was selected to avoid placing the compressor inside the Susitna Flats State Wildlife Refuge. Section 8.2.5 provides more detail on the compressor station design and operational requirements. See Appendix A for specific location and land status for the compressor station.

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An alternate site inside the Susitna Flats State Wildlife Refuge is still being evaluated. If the compressor station was placed at the BPL at MP 0 it would eliminate the need for the additional length and impact of the transmission line along the ROW to MP 5, eliminate the need for the compression station work camp at that site, and potentially reduce the overall size of the area of disturbance required as access to the MP 0 site could be by existing road. If this alternate site were to be used, there would also be a reduction in overall reclamation requirements for reclaiming the construction camp site, and in final reclamation for removal of the transmission line for an additional five miles and combined compressor station and the metering facility. Depending on design and engineering requirements, there would likely be a reduction in the actual number of acres impacted and in the overall cost as well.

6.5

Location and Description of Electric Transmission Line

Electrical power to the compressor station would be provided by a 25-kilovolt (kV), crosscountry power line originating at the 385-megawatt CEA power plant at Beluga. The routing of the medium voltage (MV) transmission line proposed 30 ft (9 m) easement would follow the CEA high-voltage transmission line corridor to the BPL tap point. At the tap point, which is the start of the proposed Donlin Gold pipeline, a 15-kilovolt-ampere transformer would be mounted to the transmission line to supply utilization-level voltage to a gas metering module. Figure 6-1 which is a compressor site location map shows the power line alignment. The location of the transmission line and land status is also shown on the strip maps in Appendix A. The 30 ft (9 m) easement width was selected to minimize impacts and remain, to the extent possible, within the existing CEA transmission line corridor. Installation of the distribution line is approximately 13.5 miles (22 km) in length, running north from the Beluga Power Plant, the northwest to the gas compressor station. The line would be constructed using Douglas fir treated wood poles 40 to 60 ft (12 to 18 m) in length using the standard (Matanuska Electric Association (MEA) construction details and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 05.1 standards. Pole spacing is estimated at 325 ft (99 m), for a total estimated quantity of 220 poles. Twenty-two of these poles were estimated for drill and would be set at a depth to 10 ft (3 m). Thirty-three of these poles are expected to be placed in soils suitable for direct embedment, and the other 165 poles were estimated for driven H-pile (HP8X40) attachment because of the presence of swampy areas and uncertain terrain conditions. The conductor size would be 4/0 ACSR because of the original 1/0 ACSR allowed design tension given the span lengths.

Donlin Gold

6-2

July 2012


6.6


Location and Description of Fiber Optic Cable and Repeater Station

The fiber-optic cable (whether a 48-strand, figure-8 fiber optic cable or otherwise would be determined during final design) would extend aboveground from the General Communications Inc. (GCI) module at Beluga power plant to the metering station at the pipeline tie-in to the BPL at pipeline MP 0 via the electric transmission line support structures (installed below the distribution neutral in compliance with National Electric Safety Code (NESC) clearance requirements) as located in Figure 6-1. From the metering station the fiber optic cable would be buried with the pipeline to the compressor station at MP 5 then in the buried mode with the pipeline, except where both would be above grade at the fault crossings, on to the mine site. The details for installation of the fiber optic cable in the buried and aboveground modes would be determined during final design and engineering. A repeater station would be required and a potential location would be at approximately MP 44 although other options are being evaluated. The estimated total length of the fiber optics cable route is 322 miles (518 km). The actual location of the repeater station would be decided during final design. Emissions from heating the repeater station facility would be minimal, if any, and would be determined during final design.

6.7

Location and Description of Sand and Gravel Sites

Potential sand and gravel sites are discussed in Section 8.2.8 and are identified in Table 85. The location of material barrow sites and land status is shown on the strip maps in Appendix A. There would be a need for substantial amounts of sand and gravel for temporary road access, pipeline workpads, pipeline bedding and padding, pads for compressor station, airfields, campsites, and laydown yards. Approximately 63 material site locations have been identified. Sites would normally include a screening plant but not wash plants. The final volumes of granular materials and development plans for each site would be determined during final design. Material sites and quantities as well as any batch/processing plant would be authorized on state and federal land under separate authorizations and not under the ROW. Material sales and land use permits would be required. Also final requirements for location of material processing plants, if any, would be determined during final design.

6.8

Location and Description of Pig Launcher/Receiver Facilities

The pig launcher and receiver barrels would be designed to be able to launch or receive both maintenance pigs and inline inspection pigs (smart pigs). There would be three launchers and three receivers on the project. The launchers would be located at the BPL tiein (MP 0), the compressor station (MP 5), and the Farewell launcher/receiver site (MP 153.6). The receivers would be located at the compressor station, the Farewell launcher/receiver site, and the pipeline terminus at the mine site. All these facility sites would be fenced with a sliding gate and lock to provide some protection from animals and people. The pigging receiver and launcher near Farewell (MP 153.6) would include some aboveground piping, valves, and valve operators. The valves or operators at this location would be fitted with locks, as would the pig launcher and receiver doors. The site would be approximately 160 ft (49 m) x 50 ft (15 m) with a fenced area of approximately 200 ft (61 m) x 100 (31 m). All barrels and associated abovegrade piping would be designed so that they can be vented to atmosphere to relieve any internal gas pressure. The intent is that, after the pipeline

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July 2012



operators have used the barrels and associated piping, the barrels would be vented to atmosphere and left in an unpressurized condition until the next pigging operation. The pressure containment design of the barrels and associated piping is prescribed by 49 CFR 192 and other codes and standards referenced therein. The doors on the barrels would be stamped in accordance with Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Each launcher or receiver would have a trolley structure above the end of the barrel for hoisting the pigs into and out of the barrels

6.9

Location and Description of Metering Stations

The metering stations at the pipeline tie-in (MP 0) and at the pipeline terminus metering station (approximately MP 313) at the mine site would include some limited aboveground piping and a module housing the metering equipment are shown in Figure 6-2. The tie-in location would be fenced with sliding gate and lock, and any mainline manual valves would be fitted with locks. The pipeline terminus would have locks on all the manually operated mainline valves. The metering modules would have locking man-doors, as would the launcher or receiver doors at these locations. Also refer to Sections 8.2.3 and 8.2.4 for additional information. Appendix A shows the location and land status of the metering station at MP 0.

Donlin Gold

6-5

July 2012

MINE TIE-IN SITE PLAN SITE INFORMATION

PAD: 100'-0" x 100'-0" AREA: APPROX. 0.25 ACRES

EXISTING PIPELINE TIE-IN SITE PLAN SITE INFORMATION

PAD: 120'-0" x 53'-0" AREA: APPROX. 0.15 ACRES

UNITS AND WEIGHTS

80'x100' HELIPAD VALVE VAULT 12' x 12' METERING SKID 10'x15'x13' TALL PIG LAUNCHER: 2500 LBS PIPING 1000 LBS LAUNCHER DOOR MONORAIL

UNITS AND WEIGHTS

STATION BLOWDOWN 30'x12' PIG RECEIVER: 2500 LBS PIPING 1000 LBS RECEIVER DOOR V 102 20'x15' PLATFORM METERING SKID 10'x15'x13' TALL CONTROL MODULE 8'x8'

SCALE:

NOT TO SCALE

FIGURE:

METERING STATIONS

6-2



6.10


Location and Description of Mainline Block Valves

Valves would be placed at intervals of no more than 20 miles (32 km). In total, there would be 19 block valves with locations shown in Table 6-1 and in Appendix A. There would be four facility locations at fixed block valve locations: the BPL tie-in, the compressor station, the Farewell launcher/receiver site, and the pipeline terminus at the mine site. The valves located at the BPL tie-in, the compressor station, and the pipeline terminus would be able to be remotely operated, function as emergency shutdown (ESD) valves, and be automatically operated by a SCADA system. The ESD valves would also be able to be manually operated by activation of an ESD switch at any of the three sites and be manually closed by an operator onsite if necessary. The remaining 15 MLV locations that would not be associated with pipeline facilities would have valve operators, small-bore piping, and associated valves positioned aboveground. All of these valves would be manually operated. The valves and operators would be fitted with locks and a signpost similar to the pipeline MP markers, with MP number sign MLV-XX, representing the MLV number. Reflective tape would be positioned on the suggested signpost, and there may be other visual aids with reflective tape to alert travelers along the ROW of the presence of the valve stations. There are no structures planned for these MLV sites. The 25 x 25 ft (7.6 x 7.6 m) MLV sites would be fenced and would have sliding gates with locks. It was determined that the use of crack arrestors on the pipe was not required for this pipeline because of the wall thickness of the pipe and the relatively low yield strength of the steel (API 5L X52 PSL2 pipe would be used). The pipe wall required for pressure containment is slightly less than 0.250 inches (0.6 cm), but because of pipe handling issues prior to installation the thinnest wall thickness pipe in the system is 0.312 inches (0.79 cm)”. With the additional wall thickness of the pipe and the ductility of the X52 pipe it was assumed for the purposes of the feasibility study that crack arrestors would not be required. This issue would be reviewed during final design.

Donlin Gold

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July 2012



Table 6-1: Mainline Valve Location Summary No.

TAG

MP (Approx.)

1

MLV-01

0.00

2

MLV-02

5.00

3

MLV-03

25.00

4

MLV-04

44.00

5

MLV-05

63.00

6

MLV-06

83.00

7

MLV-07

100.00

8

MLV-08

116.77

9

MLV-09

136.00

10

MLV-10

153.60

11

MLV-11

173.06

12

MLV-12

192.70

13

MLV-13

211.99

14

MLV-14

229.00

15

MLV15

249.00

16

MLV-16

269.00

17

MLV-17

289.00

18

MLV-18

301.00

19

MLV-19

313.67

Donlin Gold

6-8

July 2012


Government Agency Involvement

7.0


7.1

Entities that have Regulatory Authority or would be affected by the Proposed Project

Specific federal, state, and local government agencies have regulatory authority over different aspects of the pipeline project. The scope of regulatory decision-making includes the authorities listed in Table 7-1. Table 7-1: Federal, State and Local Agencies with Regulatory Authority Federal Agencies U.S. Department of the Interior–Bureau of Land Management U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Department of Transportation –Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration–Office of Pipeline Safety U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Marine Fisheries Service Federal Aviation Administration State Agencies Alaska Department of Natural Resources •

State Pipeline Coordinator Office

•

Office of History and Archaeology

•

Division of Forestry

•

Division of Mining, Land and Water

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development Alaska Department of Public Safety-Fire Marshall Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities Local Agencies Matanuska-Susitna Borough Kenai Peninsula Borough

There are also a number of federally recognized tribes along the proposed pipeline route with whom government-to-government consultation would be required during the NEPA process, as shown in Table 7-2.

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7-1

July 2012



Table 7-2: Federally Recognized Tribes along the Pipeline Route by Region Region Southwest AlaskaKuskokwim River

Community

BIA Recognized Tribe

Crooked Creek

Native Village of Crooked Creek

Georgetown

Native Village of Georgetown

Red Devil

Native Village of Red Devil

Sleetmute

Native Village of Sleetmute

Stony River

Native Village of Stony River

Southwest AlaskaYukon-Kuskokwim Delta

Lime Village

Lime Village

Southcentral Alaska

Knik

Knik Tribe

Tyonek

Native Village of Tyonek

McGrath

Native Village of McGrath

Nikolai

Nikolai Village

Shageluk

Native Village of Shageluk

Takotna

Takotna Village

Telida

Telida Village

Louden

Louden Tribel Council (Galena)

Anvik

Anvik Village

Grayling

Village of Grayling

Holy Cross

Holy Cross Village

Interior Alaska

7.2

Communications Protocol

7.2.1

State Agency Coordination

The SPCO has established a set protocol for coordinating communications involving projects that are within the State Pipeline Coordinator’s authority. Figure 7-1 graphically depicts the flow of communication to and from the SPCO for state agency coordination. 7.2.2

Federal Agency Coordination

It is anticipated that the BLM would be the federal coordinating agency and the COE would be the lead agency for the NEPA process.

Donlin Gold

7-2

July 2012

SCALE:

NA

COMMUNICATION PROTOCAL FOR STATE AGENCY COORDINATION

FIGURE:

7-1



7.3


List of Project Authorizations

A substantial effort would be required to obtain all necessary project authorizations before beginning construction activities. These authorizations are identified in Table 7-3 and organized by subject. No Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Section 7(c) application is required because the proposed action is intrastate and, therefore, outside FERC jurisdiction. 7.3.1

State ROW Lease Required Documents

Figure 7-2 identifies documents that are required once the State Right-of-way Lease is issued and before the SPCO would accept an application for an overall Notice to Proceed (NTP) with the project on state land under the ROW Lease. Documents required once the overall NTP is received but before an application would be accepted for an NTP for a specific construction segment; documents required to be submitted with an application for an NTP for a specific construction segment documents that are required to be submitted before actual startup and documents that would be required annually following startup required on an as needed basis during operation and required at the end of life of the project. The SPCO may request documents under the terms and conditions of the lease or authority that may not be listed in this chart.

Donlin Gold

7-4

July 2012

SCALE:

NA Source: Alaska Gas Development Authority

STATE ROW LEASE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

FIGURE:

7-2




Table 7-3: Permits and Authorizations Permit Type

Agency

Citation

Activity

Acquisition Time

Notes

Land Use 1

Federal pipeline grant of ROW BLM and associated temporary use permits

43 CFR 2880, and the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920; 43 CFR 2800 and the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act

ROW for new pipeline through federal lands.

3 years

Submittal of SF 299 application(s)for ROW(s) initiates the BLM's NEPA process

2

State pipeline ROW lease

DNR SPCO

AS 38.35 11 AAC 80.005

Pipeline ROW lease for a new pipeline on state lands..

3years

.

Discharge into Waters of the US 3

Preliminary jurisdictional determination

USACE

33 CFR 331.2

To determine the presence of wetlands (waters of the U.S.).

90 days after submittal of Jurisdictional Determination

A Final Jurisdictional Determination is issued after the selected alternative is identified in the ROD.

4

Dredged or fill material

USACE

33 CFR 323 (Section 404 of CWA

Placement of fill or dredged material into waters of the U.S. (wetlands).

3 years

Submittal of USACE permit application initiates the COE's NEPA process.

5

Dredged or fill material

ADEC

18 AAC 70 (Section 401 of CWA)

Water Quality Certification for a permit for placement of fill or dredged material into waters of the U.S. (wetlands).

3 years

Section 401 would be obtained concurrent with the Section 404 permit.

Permit Applications To Be Submitted During EIS Process Navigable Waters and Water Use 6

Permits For Structures or Work USACE In or Affecting Navigable Waters of The United States

33 CFR 322 (Section 10 of the Rivers Authorization for certain structures or work in or affecting navigable waters of the United States, including docks, and Harbors Act of 1899) wharf, piers and other structures.

3 years

Included in Section 404 permit application

7

Construction of dams/ dikes or U.S. Coast Guard bridges/causeways in navigable waters

33 CFR, Subchapter J Section 9 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899; General Bridge Act of 1946

Construction of any dam or dike in a navigable river or navigable water of the U.S. must be permitted by USACE. Construction of any bridge or causeway in a navigable river or navigable water of the U.S. must be permitted by DOT.

3 years

Included in section 404 permit application

8

State Navigable Waters Determination

DNR

AS 38.05.127

State would make navigable waters determine.

ADF&G

AS 16.05.871 (Habitat)

Permit is necessary for activities that use, divert, obstruct, pollute, or change natural flow of specified anadromous fish streams. Permit is necessary for activities that use, divert, obstruct, pollute, or change natural flow of non- anadromous fish streams that have resident fish.

90 days

Concurrent with state pipeline ROW lease processing.

Wildlife 9

Fish passage and habitat protection

AS 16.05.841 (Passage)

10

Bald and golden eagles

USFWS

50 CFR 22 Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

Any activity that could "take" a bald or golden eagle, their eggs, feathers or nest as defined within the Eagle Protection Act.

N/A

Not a permit - consultation required

11

Migratory birds

USFWS

50 CFR 21 Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Project activities that require consultation regarding effects to migratory bird species.

N/A

Not a permit - consultation required

12

Wildlife protection measures

ADF&G

5AAC92 5, AAC 95.900

Design and construction of pipeline to avoid significant alteration of caribou and other large ungulate movement and N/A migration patterns.

Donlin Gold

7-6

Not a permit - consultation required under NEPA State ROW Lease would require a Wildlife Interaction Plan

July 2012



Table 7-3 (Continued): Permits and Authorizations Permit Type

Agency

Citation

Activity

Acquisition Time

Notes

13

Endangered, Threatened, or Candidate Species

USFWS

50 CFR 402 Section 7 of the ESA

If proposed activity affects species listed under the ESA, obtain agreement with USFWS about scope of studies to determine project's probable effect on Threatened and Endangered Species.

N/A

Not a permit - consultation required under ESA.

14

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH)

NMFS

50 CFR 600 Magnuson-Stevens Act provisions

Federal agencies are required to consult with NMFS on any action that may result in adverse effects to EFH.

N/A

Not a permit - consultation required under NEPA

15

Fish collection

ADF&G

AS 16.05.340(b)

Required of anyone who wants to collect or hold alive any live fish, shellfish, or aquatic plants or their gametes (except gold fish and decorative tropical fish) for purposes of science, education, propagation, or exhibition

30 days

Typically required for field studies

Archaeological 16

Archeological Resources BLM Protection Act Permit (ARPAP)

16 USC 470; activities that require cultural resource surveys on federal land.

Activities that require cultural resource surveys on federal land.

30 days

17

Alaska cultural resource

DNR/SHPO

AS 41.35.080

Permit is required for investigation, excavation, gathering, or removal of any historic, prehistoric, or archaeological resources of the state.

30 days

Typically required for field studies only

18

Section 106 consultation

DNR/SHPO

36 CFR Part 800, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)

Any project funded, licensed, permitted, or assisted by the federal or state government.

N/A


19

Section 106 consultation with State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)

Tribal entities

36 CFR Part 800, NHPA

Any project funded, licensed, permitted, or assisted by the federal government.

N/A


20

Preservation of historic, prehistoric, and archaeological resources

DNR/SHPO

AS 41.35.070 (OHA), SHPO, Alaska Historic Preservation Act

Any project located on state lands.

90 days

Concurrence required from OHA and SHPO

Land Use 21

Casual and temporary Use Permits

BLM

43 USC 1701(FLPMA); Mineral Leasing Act of 1920 Section 28 43 CFR 2920

Project Activities that would require access to or for temporary use of federal lands.

22

Special area permit

ADF&G DNR

5 AAC 95.420, 5 AAC 95.700-770

Activities, except for lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, viewing, and photography occurring in state game refuges, 90 days sanctuaries, critical habitats, state recreation areas, across designated wild and scenic rivers, or through state parks require a special area permit. Use of helicopter or motorized vehicle requires a permit.

23

Land use and/or zoning

MSB

MSB Comprehensive Plans and Zoning

Activities occurring within MSB and on MSB lands.

60 days

24

Land use and/or zoning

KPB

KPB Comprehensive Plans and Zoning

Activities occurring within KPB and on KPB lands.

60 days

N/A

Coastal Zone management Program not applicable at time document was prepared Miscellaneous - Consultations, Stipulations, and Requirements 25

Environmental justice

All federal agencies Executive Order (EO) 12898

Activities that may disproportionately affect minorities and low-income populations (for example, subsistence).

26

Protection of Subsistence Users and Resources

State and Federal

AS 38.35.100

Mitigate impacts to users and resources

27

Health Impact Assessment

DHSS

Not a State statutory requirementassociated with EIS

Assess potential impacts of the project on health in the general area

28

Wetlands protection consideration


Donlin Gold

Agencies must take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetlands.

7-7


Not a permit N/A


July 2012



Table 7-3 (Continued): Permits and Authorizations Permit Type

Agency

Citation

Activity

Acquisition Time

Notes

Preconstruction, Construction, and Operation Permits Water Use 29

Floodplain management


Agencies must take action to reduce the risk to flood loss; minimize the impact of floods on human safety, health, and welfare; and restore and preserve the beneficial effects served by floodplains.

30

Permit to appropriate water

DNR

11 AAC 93.040 - 140

Application for water for camp use.

31

Temporary water use

DNR

11 AAC 93.220

Temporary water use, ice armoring, and pipe testing for period of less than 5 consecutive years.

32

Fish habitat protection

ADF&G

AS 16.05.871 or AS 16.05.841

Water withdrawal from fish bearing waterbodies.

33

APDES Construction Stormwater Permit

ADEC

18 AAC 83

Discharge of pollutant from a point source into waters of the U.S.


Alaska is fully authorized to administer the EPA's NPDES program. 18 AAC 83.005 – 18 AAC 83.990 implements the Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (APDES) point source wastewater discharge program in a manner that meets the purposes of AS 46.03 and in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 1342 (Clean Water Act, sec. 402) and the requirements adopted by reference at 18 AAC 83.010.

34

Non-domestic wastewater disposal

ADEC

18 AAC72.500-.900

Discharges to land, surface water, or groundwater in Alaska.

Hazardous Material and Waste 35

Approval from local landfill operators to deposit nonhazardous solid waste

MSB

MSB regulations

Handling of solid waste at local landfills.

36

Generator ID number

EPA

40 CFR 262, RCRA, (18 AAC 62.210 adopted by reference)

All companies that treat, store, dispose of, transport, or offer for transport regulated waste must obtain an EPA ID number.

37

Transportation and disposal of EPA hazardous waste

40 CFR 262, RCRA (18 AAC 62.210 adopted by reference)

Follow requirements regarding transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste.

38

Hazardous chemical inventories

EPA

40 CFR 302, CERCLA, Title III Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act

Reporting, planning requirements for facilities that handle, store, and/or manufacture hazardous materials.

39

Hazardous chemical inventories

Alaska Department AS 26.23.073, AS 26.23.077 of Military Affairs

Reporting, planning requirements for facilities that handle, store, and/or manufacture hazardous materials.

ADF&G

5 AAC 92.033

Permit to take, relocate, haze, or destroy birds or their eggs or nests, mammals or reptiles for public safety purposes.

18 AAC 50.065 (b)-(f)

General requirements for open burning, also ensure that (1) material is kept dry, (2) noncombustible’s are separated, (3) draft is present, (4) combustibles are separated from grass and peat, and (5) combustibles are not allowed to smolder.

Wildlife 40

Public safety

Air Quality 41

Air quality requirements for ADEC open burning (vegetation from ROW)

Transportation 42

Transportation of hazardous materials

ADOT&PF

17 AAC 25.200

Transportation of hazardous materials, hazardous substances, or hazardous waste by vehicle.

43

Airport operation

Federal Aviation Administration

14CFR139

An Airport Operating Certificate must be obtained to construct, align a new airport, or activate an airport.

Donlin Gold

7-8

This permit may not be applicable for proposed activities

July 2012



Table 7-3 (Continued): Permits and Authorizations Permit Type 44

Agency

Citation

Activity

Oversized and overweight vehicles (pipe hauling)

ADOT&PF

17 AAC 25.300

Oversize and overweight vehicle permit.

45

Domestic wastewater discharge permit and plan approval

ADEC

18 AAC 72 11 AAC 83

Permit and plan approval required before domestic wastewater system can be constructed, installed, operated.

46

Domestic wastewater discharge permit and plan approval

ADEC

18 AAC 72.010, 200, and 215

Permit and plan approval required before domestic wastewater system can be constructed, installed, operated.

47

Drinking water plan approval

ADEC

18 AAC 80.200

Camps—human consumption.

48

Food service (camps)

ADEC

18 AAC 31.020

Permit for food service facilities serving 10 or more people per day.

49

Solid waste management

ADEC

18 AAC 60

Handling of solid waste at camp locations and final disposition.

Acquisition Time

Notes

Camp

Miscellaneous 50

SPCC

EPA

40 CFR 112 Oil Pollution Prevention

SPCC must be available for review. Discharge of oil from non-transportation-related onshore facilities onto or upon navigable waters of the U.S. Includes interstate and intrastate onshore pipeline systems including pumps and appurtenances as well as inline or breakout storage tanks needed for continuous operation of a pipeline system.

51

Natural gas pipeline safety

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

49 CFR 190-192

Transportation of Natural Gas by Pipeline Safety and Reporting Requirements.

52

OSHA Regulations

ADOL/WD

AS 18.60.180, 8 AAC

Assurance that project related activities meet standards and regulations for occupational health and safety.

53

Fire Marshall Permit

ADPS

AS 18.70.080, 13 AAC 50.027

Permit and plan approval by State Fire Marshal for construction of facilities

54

Mineral Material Sales Contract

BLM

Mineral Leasing Act and other applicable laws 43 CFR 3600

Use of gravel, sand and/or rock from sources on federal land.

55

Material Sale Contract

DNR

AS 38.05

Use of gravel, sand and/or rock from sources on state land.

56

Land Use Permit

DNR

AS 38.05

Land Use Permit is required for any material batch or processing plant on State land

57

Fuel Systems

ADPS

2009 IFC

All fuel systems being developed to support port and airport operations during pipeline construction and operations must be reviewed and found to conform with the 2009 International Fire Code (IFC) requirements.

58

Explosive Storage

ADPS

2009 IFC

Although explosive blasting is not anticipated to be used in the project, if used the storage magazine type, location and any barricade requirements must meet IFC requirements.

59

Transport of Explosives Permit and License

U.S.BATF

If explosives are used in the project it would require a permit and license from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for use and transport.

60

Letters of Nonobjection/Agreement

DNR/Permittee

Letters of non-objection or agreements from ENSTAR Natural Gas Company (ENSTAR), CEA and GCI for the tieins to existing authorized facilities will be required (Note: Final authorization for the ENSTAR Beluga Line has not been issued).

61

Concurrence

DOTPF/DNR/SHPO

Concurrence needed for segments of project that potentially affect the Iditarod National Historical Trail.

62

Right-of-Way

DNR/BLM/ private land owners

Authorizations/agreement to install fiber optic cable and construct repeater station

DOTPF/ FAA

DOTPF/FAA concurrence would be required at public airstrips

63

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Table 7-3 (Continued): Permits and Authorizations NOTES: ADEC = Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation ADF&G = Alaska Department of Fish and Game DNR = Alaska Department of Natural Resources ADOLWD = Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development ADOT& PF = Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities ADPS = Alaska Department of Public Safety APDES = Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System AS = Alaska Statute BLM = U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management CERCLA = Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 CFR = Code of Federal Regulations CWA = Clean Water Act DOT = U.S. Department of Transportation EFH = Essential Fish Habitat EIS = environmental impact statement EO = Executive Order EPA = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ESA = Endangered Species Act ID = identification

Donlin Gold

KPB = Kenai Peninsula Borough LOA = Letter of Authorization ODPCP = Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan MMPA = Marine Mammal Protection Act MSB = Matanuska-Susitna Borough N/A = not applicable NEPA = National Environmental Policy Act NHPA = National Historic Preservation Act NMFS = National Marine Fisheries Service OHA = Alaska Office of History and Archaeology RCRA = Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ROD = record of decision ROW = right-of-way SHPO = State Historic Preservation Office SPCC = spill prevention control and countermeasure plan USACE = U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USFWS = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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Construction of Facilities

8.0


8.1

Construction Planning Considerations

8.1.1

Remote Cabins/Residential Areas

The proposed pipeline would be constructed in very remote locations, and there would be relatively little construction near residential areas. There are scattered homesites and homesteads between MP 49 and MP 100, but the proposed pipeline ROW would not encroach on any of this private property. In developing the proposed pipeline preferred alignment Donlin Gold has avoided privately own parcels. In addition, where future land disposals were identified, efforts were made to avoid or reduce any impact on those areas. Onestone Lake Subdivision, Shell Hills Subdivision, Happy Valley Remote Recreation Cabin Staking Area, Porcupine Butte Remote Recreation Cabin Staking Area and other land status information and authorizations are shown in Appendix A in proximity to the pipeline ROW. 8.1.2

Iditarod Trail

The Iditarod Trail consists of a main trail approximately 938-miles (1,510 km) in length and numerous connecting trails. The main trail originally connected the ice-free port of Seward with the mining and trade center of Nome, an ice-locked port from October to June. The Iditarod and its connecting trails, which were and remain primarily winter trails, provided access to three major Alaska mining regions – the Cook Inlet Country, the Inland Empire (between Iditarod and Ruby), and the Seward Peninsula. The Iditarod Trail was named after the Interior gold rush settlement and mining district of the same name that was accessed by the Trail (BLM 1986 Comprehensive Management Plan [CMP]). Between 1908, when the U.S. Army’s Alaska Road Commission blazed the main trail, and the 1930’s, the Iditarod Trail served as one of three main cross-Alaska routes. The decline of mining after World War I and the introduction of the airplane for mail and freight service caused a decrease of trail use (BLM 1986 CMP). The Iditarod National Historic Trail (INHT) was established in 1978 when the National Trails System Act of 1968 was amended to include National Historic Trails. The term “Iditarod” is now principally associated with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which completed its first run to Nome in 1973. Other sled dog, snowmachine and human-powered endurance races also take place today on portions of the Iditarod Trail. These races include: the Northern Lights 300, Knik 200 and Junior Iditarod sled dog races; the Iron Dog snowmachine race which began in 1984, and the Iditarod Invitational whose participants include nordic skiers, mountain bikers, snowshoers and runners and is a successor race to the former Iditaski race which began in 1984 and was followed by the Iditabike and Iditasport events (BLM 1986, CMP Iditarod, and Iditarod Invitational websites). Not all of these race events occur on all, or any in some instances, of the approximately 75-mile (121 km) long section of the Iditarod Trail that is in proximity to the proposed Donlin Gold Project pipeline. The sections of the Iditarod Trail that are proximate to the proposed pipeline and which are described in Table 8-1 below typically experience their most frequent use from February until breakup. The sections of Trail described in Table 8-1 east of Rainy Pass typically experience more frequent early winter use than the section from Rainy Pass through the Alaska Range and the Dalzell Gorge to Rohn.

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Many Iditarod Trail (Trail) users, with the notable exception of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, avoid the steep and challenging section of Trail through the Dalzell Gorge and opt for the southern connecting trail through Ptarmigan Pass. The proposed pipeline route would intermittently adjoin and, in a few locations, intersect the INHT, but only on State land between the Talachulitna River in the Shell Hills area and the South Fork of the Kuskokwim River. The proposed pipeline route would be located either in the immediate vicinity of or cross the INHT or Iditarod Race Trail, which is an established State Public Access Easement, for approximately 74.5 miles (120 km) between MP 49 and MP 143. In this area there is a section of approximately 19.5 miles (31 km) where the proposed pipeline and the Iditarod Trail deviate from each other. Between approximately MP 53 where the Trail heads north to Onestone Lake, and MP 72.5 which is approximately two miles east of Finger Lake, the proposed pipeline lies to the south of and further from the Iditarod than in the remainder of the pipeline segment lying between MP 49 and MP 143. The portion of the proposed pipeline right-of-way between MP 49 and MP 143 would be located entirely on State-owned lands. The proposed pipeline route would not cross or coincide with the INHT on federal, Native Corporation-owned or other private land. The State administers the INHT right-of-way where it does cross or coincide with State land. On portions of the state land crossed or adjoined by the proposed pipeline route there is a 400-ft (122 m) wide right-of-way for the INHT and a 400 ft (122 m) wide State Public Access Easement for the Iditarod Race Trail. For much of the approximately 74.5 miles (120 km) that the proposed pipeline is in proximity with the Iditarod Trail, the INHT and the State Public Access Easement are co-extensive. The proposed pipeline route follows or adjoins the INHT or Race Trail as shown in Table 8-1 below.

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Table 8-1: Proximity of Pipeline to Iditarod Trail

1.

2.

Approximate Pipeline Route Mile Post (MP)

Description of location in proximity to Iditarod

From MP 49

First crossing by pipeline route of Trail(s) just west of the Skwentna River crossing

To MP 53

Trailheads north to Onestone Lake and the Shell Hills and the pipeline route stays south, closer to the Skwentna River as it goes through the Shell Hills Subdivision.

From MP 72.5

A couple of miles east of Finger Lake the Trail comes in from the north and the pipeline route once again is in proximity with the Trail. There are some deviations between the two between this location and approximately MP 109 east of Rainy Pass.

To MP 109

3.

Estimated Distance

4 miles (6.4 km) of Trail/pipeline route proximity

36.5 miles (58.7 km) of general vicinity proximity

From MP 109

This location is just east of Rainy Pass and the point where the Ptarmigan Valley- Hells Gate Connecting Trail heads south and the northern or Rainy Pass- Dalzell Gorge primary Trail continues through Rainy Pass and the Dalzell to Rohn and the South Fork of the Kuskokwim. From this location through the mountains and across the South Fork of the Kuskokwim, the Trail(s) and pipeline are proximate to each other with much co-location (easement/ROW and pipeline ROW width) and crossings.

To MP 143

At this location, the pipeline and Race Trail depart from each other. The pipeline and INHT depart from each other at approximately MP 141.

Total miles

34 miles (54.7 km) of close proximity, overlap (at least with respect to easement/ROW width) or co-location with numerous crossings 74.5 miles (119.8 km) total distance where the pipeline route and Trail(s) follow or adjoin each other.

Management of the Iditarod Trail on State Land In 1987, the state entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the BLM concerning the INHT. In the MOA, the State agreed to manage the INHT system located on State lands “according to the laws, regulations, and policies directing each state…agency….” and “in a manner which protects and interprets historic values.” Under the MOA, the 1986 INHT CMP is the common guide to be utilized for managing the Trail. However, “Nothing in (the MOA) shall affect or interfere with the fulfillment of the obligations and rights of the parties to manage the lands and programs administered by them in accordance with their other land management responsibilities.” The State consults the CMP as a guide for managing the historic values of the INHT, to the extent agreed to in the MOA, however, the State has its own land planning and management processes that arise from State laws, regulations and policies. Donlin Gold

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Current Situation The pipeline route and the Iditarod Trail both traverse the tight topography of the Rainy Pass area between the Happy River and the Dalzell Gorge. As a result, a number of crossings of the Iditarod Trail as well as possible co-location with the proposed pipeline would be necessary. The consolidation of the sometimes-separate map depictions of the INHT and the Race Trail in Rainy Pass would eliminate the unnecessary avoidance of a trail that exists only on the map and not on the ground. Donlin Gold could request an interpretation by the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, at least with respect to specific areas in the Dalzell Gorge and Rainy Pass area, that the INHT and the State’s GPS-located Public Access Easement are in fact one trail on the ground. This would avoid confusion for Donlin and improve the State’s ability to manage the Trail in this area. Mitigation Measures for consideration Mitigation measures would be identified and evaluated through the permitting process in consultation with stakeholders and the appropriate agencies. Physical mitigation measures may include co-location of the proposed pipeline with the Iditarod Trail where appropriate to reduce multiple crossings of the Trail by the pipeline and thereby reduce the possibility that the pipeline right-of-way may become used as a separate trail. Appropriate signage that clearly distinguishes the Trail from the pipeline right-of-way at points where the pipeline crosses the Trail can serve to guide Trail users to stay on the Trail and off of the pipeline right-of-way where the two are not co-located. Another possibility would be to revegetate a narrow strip of the pipeline ROW where it crosses the Trail to help steer and keep Trail users on the Trail. Today, nonprofits, agencies and communities work together on trail projects to mark, brush and improve segments of the Trail. They also work together to construct and manage shelter cabins. Portions of the Iditarod Trail are used throughout the winter by communities as a transportation route. Some segments of the Trail are not marked, and are overgrown with brush and in need of realignment to improve travel safety. Providing funds for Trail work and development of community support, or undertaking Trail improvement projects associated with the portion of the Trail where it is in proximity with the pipeline may be a mitigation option. 8.1.3

Active Faults

There are two active faults that the pipeline route crosses that have been identified. These are the Denali-Farewell Fault and the Castle Mountain Fault. During any future event on these faults, permanent ground displacement from fault movement is expected to be primarily horizontal rather than vertical. After considering the information regarding these faults, the engineering design for the crossing of these two active faults would place the pipeline in the abovegrade mode. Each of the two crossing sections would be approximately 1,300 ft (.4 km) in length as shown in Appendix A. See Section 8.3.22 for additional information. 8.1.4

Wetlands

In routing the pipeline, stream crossings and wetlands areas were avoided to the extent possible. Design and construction methods were also modified to avoid or reduce wetland impacts where practical and include methods such as constructing the portions of the

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pipeline in low-lying areas during winter months when the ground is frozen and protected by snow cover. Table 9-1 provides wetlands relative abundances. 8.1.5

Waterbodies

Construction effects on fish and fish habitat areas would be minimized by selection of stream crossing techniques that provide the appropriate level of protection for the specific habitat sensitivity. In-water work windows can be used to minimize effects on fishery resources during sensitive life-cycle stages. The use of appropriate stream bank rehabilitation and reclamation techniques and BMPs would prevent long term effects on fish and fish habitats within the project area. Pipeline crossings of watercourses would be achieved by buried methods. The method selected would depend on the season of crossing, terrain, and geotechnical and environmental conditions and based upon the presence of fish resources and engineering needs. The typicals for these methods are provided in Appendix E. Each stream crossing would be conducted in a manner and during a time period that avoids or minimizes potential fishery effects. HDD crossings were determined based on the following: 1) Is this a significant sized river that presents engineering/other challenges for trenching 2) Is there significant traffic on the river 3) What is the proposed season for construction and trenching (if not drilled), summer or winter 4) What is the technical feasibility of drilling, can it be done with current technology 5) Is this a river that has significant fish runs and or/other environmental considerations that would mandate evaluating the use of HDD 6) What is the cost of HDD at the crossing Pipeline stream crossings would be accomplished using one of the following crossing methods: HDD, open-cut dry flume, open-cut dam and pump, flowing water open-cut, nonflowing water open-cut, or small creek crossing. Typical winter crossings of water courses where there is no surface flow would be by open cut. Where feasible, the crossing would be open-cut; otherwise, the crossing would be achieved by HDD based on the above evaluation criteria. Smaller drainages would be installed by open-cut, where practical. See Sections 8.3.15 and 8.3.16 for more detailed discussion regarding water body crossings. See Appendix E for typical water crossing methods. Bore depth for HDD would be determined based on environmental and geotechnical information provided in Appendix C and Appendix D. Appendix E also provides stream crossing bridge typicals that would be employed during construction and would be determined based on the stream, presence of fish resources and engineering needs. Water withdrawal from lakes and streams for ice road construction or for hydrostatic testing would be planned and executed in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate permits and authorizations. See Section 8.2.8 for information regarding water uses and potential sources. 8.1.6

Access

Through its Public Outreach Program Donlin Gold would provide information regarding pipeline construction activities and how to coordinate access needs with construction activities. In areas where construction activities would impact existing access routes Donlin Gold would provide alternate access or allow for controlled access within or across the Donlin Gold

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construction area. This would include ADL 222930/RST-199, the main transportation route in the region, Section 17(b) easements and other currently used trails. See Section 3.11.2, 9.1, 10.8, and 11.9.6 for more information. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has indicated that it may require measures to limit public access along that portion of the ROW within the Susitna Flats State Game Refuge (SFSGR), depending on the final route design. The Iditarod Trail serves as the primary land route for access from the east side of the Alaska Range to the hunting grounds for a March bison hunt and other purposes. During construction there would temporary impacts to this access route however, these impacts would be addressed by providing alternative or controlled access along the construction ROW to minimize impacts and accommodate travelers to the extent reasonable possible. Impacts to other existing trails, section line easements and any other authorized access route should be minimal as access across the ROW would remain following construction and accommodated during the construction of the pipeline. 8.1.7

Susitna Flats State Game Refuge

As stated in Section 8.1.6, ADF&G may require measures to limit public access along that portion of the ROW within the SFSGR, depending on the final route design and location. It is necessary to route the electric transmission line to power the metering station at MP 0, the start of the pipeline. The power line then is required to go on to the compressor station. Consideration should be given to relocating the compressor station to MP 0 instead of MP 5 to reduce potential impacts on the SFRGR. 8.1.8

Construction Communications Details

Details for communications during construction would be developed at final design to ensure that all project requirements are identified and are addressed including those of Donlin Gold and contractors.

8.2

Construction Execution

Pipeline components include the pipeline, compressor station, metering stations, pig launching and receiving facilities, and temporary facilities that would be used for construction such as material sites, access roads, work pads, airfields, and construction camps. In addition, there would be construction of the electric transmission line from Beluga to the compressor station and the fiber optic cable. With the installation of the fiber optic cable would be the need to construct the repeater station. Because of the lack of developed access infrastructure and because of soft and wet soil conditions, construction would occur primarily during winter under the frozen conditions needed to support equipment along the ROW. To address the technical aspects presented by varying terrain, seasonal conditions, and overall remoteness of the proposed pipeline project, a pipeline construction sequence and schedule has been developed by construction spread. Segmentation of the proposed pipeline route has been planned with the intent of ensuring construction within a given section can be completed in a single construction season. Two main construction spreads would be used, one operating on the west side of the project from Dalzell Gorge in the Alaska Range to the mine site and one operating from Dalzell Gorge on the east to the beginning of the pipeline at the tie-in point to the BPL. The overall construction schedule would span approximately 3 years, with the first year including ROW civil work and mobilization of material and equipment. Construction practices would be tailored for the installation season. The ROW would be cleared of vegetation before grading and pipeline Donlin Gold

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installation. Appendix F includes detail construction schedule and work season information. Appendix G identifies construction ROW modes, summarizing practices and sequencing for various seasons and terrain types. Installation of the fiber optic cable and repeater station would be coordinated and appropriately sequenced with pipeline construction activities to avoid possible pipeline installation delays. Table 8-2 shows the pipeline construction execution sequence. Winter construction is planned for the following areas: • •

MP 0 to MP 113 MP 134 to MP 245.

Summer construction is planned for the following areas: • •

MP 113 to MP 134 MP 245 to MP 313 (terminus at Donlin Gold mine).

Separate pipeline contractors under the management of a single construction management entity would execute construction on each of the two spreads. The preliminary civil infrastructure work would be conducted by independent civil contractors familiar with civil work in Alaska, under contract to the construction management entity. Facilities including the compressor station and metering facilities would be constructed by a facilities contractor, also under contract to the construction management entity. The majority of the facilities components would be prefabricated offsite and then shipped to the work site as modules and set in place. The construction management entity would be responsible for overall project execution, including: • • • • • • • •

Project schedule Project costs Compliance with design and specifications Environmental safeguards established by federal and state agencies and included in permit stipulations Project quality management/inspection Health, safety, and environmental concerns/requirements Project documentation Applicable labor and employment standards.

To ensure compliance with the standards, all contractors would be pre-qualified to verify that they have an Operations Integrity Management System (or equivalent) in place. In addition, a Quality Control Plan would be developed to identify construction related issues and verify that all work is performed in a manner to maintain the quality of the pipeline and related facilities, and to make sure all work is performed in accordance with relevant permit stipulations. 8.2.1

Overview of Construction Execution

The proposed Donlin Gold pipeline would traverse a wide variety of terrain types and climatic regions and would require careful and detailed planning of construction to meet project schedule, control costs, ensure safety of construction crews, and reduce potential environmental impacts of associated with pipeline installation. The varying geotechnical conditions, hydrologic regimes, geohazards, and habitats along the pipeline route make it essential that multiple construction scenarios be evaluated and that contingencies for changes in weather and environmental conditions (i.e., contractors must be prepared to Donlin Gold

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address short periods of warm weather during winter months that could create problems with construction through wetlands, degrade ice roads and shorten the available work period from ice or snow roads) along the route be dealt with effectively during construction. The construction plan and schedule are based on an approximately 3-year pipeline construction period (two winter and two or three summer seasons plus a preliminary civil works program). The proposed pipeline project comprises two spreads see Table 3-2. The following briefly summarizes the scope of work for the two spreads: •

Pipeline construction would be divided into two spreads, one 128 miles (206 km) in length that would be east of Dalzell Gorge and one 185 miles (298 km) in length that would be west of Dalzell Gorge

•

Each spread would be awarded to a single pipeline contractor that would work over a period of 2 years to install the pipeline: -

Spread 1 (MP 313 – MP 128) would be further broken into four sections that would vary in length from 5 to 71 miles (8 to 114 km)

-

Spread 2 (MP 0 – MP 128) would be further broken into three sections that would vary in length from 15 to 52 miles (24 to 84 km)

-

Each section would be scheduled for installation during a single winter or summer season.

•

Construction of access roads and gravel workpads, and production of bedding and padding material would be done primarily during the season that precedes the pipeline construction season, whether winter or summer

•

Pressure testing and final reclamation of winter sections would always take place during the spring shoulder season and/or the summer after pipe lay

•

The construction season for any particular section would be chosen based on terrain, geotechnical conditions, most efficient ROW construction mode, season length, accessibility, and other factors

•

For construction, pipe would be delivered to PSYs spaced along the ROW at 5 mile (8 km) intervals, in triple random lengths (62-foot [19 m] average), except for a very small percentage left in double random joints.

Over the period of construction, the contractors would install an estimated aggregate total of more than 28,000 joints of 14-inch (356 mm) pipe, trucked to 56 intermediate PSYs along the ROW from 5 major PSYs located as follows:

•

-

Beluga Barge Landing on Cook Inlet (MP 0 – 48)

-

Oilwell Road, north of Skwentna (MP 48 – 128)

-

Donlin Gold mine site (MP 273 – 313)

-

Kuskokwim West (MP 232 – 273)

-

Kuskokwim East (MP 232 – 128).

It is anticipated that the ROW would be constructed with an estimated 59 miles (95 km) of frost-packed wetlands, 82 miles (132 km) of ice workpad, 172 miles (277 km) of graded ROW, including 13 miles (21 km) of matted winter ROW, and 5 miles (8

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km) of matted summer wetland crossings. The valley crossings of the three George River forks would have a granular access road across them as well. Although no granular work pad is planned for the ROW, this would be reevaluated if necessary during final design. •

Chain trenchers would excavate approximately 180 miles (290 km) of trench. No rock trench was identified during the 2010 geotechnical program; therefore, it is anticipated that no trench would be drilled and shot before excavation with backhoes. In most terrain, a composite trenching crew would use both types of equipment. A provision for rock hammering bottom of trench is provided for 4,884 linear feet (1.5 km) in Section 6 in Spread 1.

•

Current estimates call for more than 55,000 cubic yards (42,051 m3) of select backfill (bedding and padding) to be produced, hauled from material sites to the ROW, and placed under (bedding) and around (padding) the pipeline in the trench in ice-rich soils. The trench spoil would be mounded over the select backfill to provide for settlement after thawing. A total of 300 miles (483 km) of pipe would be padded with material screened from the trench spoil, with trencher cuttings where appropriate or with native trench spoil. There would be sixteen 12-inch (305 mm) MLVs to install, 8inch (203 mm) valves at the inlet meter and outlet meter modules, and ancillary piping for suction/discharge branches for the single compressor station at MP 5. There would be six launchers or receivers. There would be no sales taps to install (a sales tap is a point where gas can be extracted from the pipeline before the terminus at the mine). Of the 16 inline MLVs, all are assumed to be installed as direct-bury in native soils with no foundations or special backfill requirements unless they are located in ice-rich areas requiring select backfill for the pipeline.

•

The civil work would include an estimated 811,000 yd3 (620,054 m3) of gravel that would be mined, hauled, and placed as site pads for the compressor station, PSYs, MLVs, construction campsites, and airstrips. In addition, an estimated 757,000 yd3 (578,768 m3) of gravel would be placed for access roads. These values are estimates that would be reevaluated and refined to determine more accurately the material quantities required as the project progresses.

•

Eight-300 person pipeline construction campsites would be used, four of which would have an active camp at any given time; camps would be moved with the progression of pipeline work. Six-30 person camps would be used to support three HDD drill crews and the compressor station construction, and as fly camps at barge landings and advance camps for mainline camp moves. As pipeline construction nears completion, the pipeline construction camps would be demobilized with the pipeline equipment.

•

Waterbody crossings are classified by drainage area. There are 42 drainages greater than 10 square miles (26 km2) in area, 16 drainages 5 to 10 square miles (13 to 26 km2) in area, 78 drainages 1 to 5 square miles (2.6 to 13 km2) in area, and 122 drainages less than 1 square mile (2.6 km2) in area. Drainage crossing lengths would tend to be long because of the broad, braided floodplains where scour potential exists across the entire floodplain. The group of drainages greater than 10 square miles (26 km2) in area would include 35 open cuts: one of these would be 2 miles (3.2 km) in length, three would be 1 mile (1.6 km) in length, six would be 0.5 mile (.8 km) in length, six would be 0.25 mile (.4 km) in length, and 11 would be less than 1,000 ft (.3 km) in length; the average length would be 2,200 ft (.7 km). The drainages 5 to 10 square miles would include 16 open cuts ranging from 120 to 1,818 ft (36.6 m to .6 km) in length and averaging 535 ft (.2 km) in length. The

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drainages between 1 and 5 square miles in area would include 78 open cuts ranging from 60 to 1,240 ft (18 to 378 m) in length and averaging 261 ft (80 m) in length. Total linear feet for all open cuts would be more than 88,000 ft (27 km), or nearly 17 miles (27.4 km). •

Seven of the 42 major crossings and Dalzell Gorge (including Dalzell Creek) are proposed as HDD crossings (the Skwentna River, Happy River No. 1 at MP 85, Happy River No. 2 at MP 110, Dalzell Gorge, Kuskokwim River, East Fork of the George River, George River, and North Fork of the George River. All the other streams are planned as open-cut crossings. No aerial crossings are planned.

Stabilization, rehabilitation and reclamation activities would be initiated concurrent with construction work whenever feasible and prudent. 8.2.2

Construction Execution Sequence

The construction plan and schedule execution sequence preceded by a preliminary civil works program required during the year before start of pipe installation would include ROW clearing and grading of a travel access road within the ROW, shoofly roads where the ROW is too steep for transport of cathodic protection and pipe, preparation of compressor station site and campsites, camp construction, PSY construction, and airstrip upgrades, barge landings as well as material site development and access roads for all of these. Table 8-2 identifies the spreads and sections with lengths and planned construction season dates.

Table 8-2: Construction Execution Sequence Spread

Section

From Milepost

To Milepost

Length (Miles)

Season*

End-of-season

1

6

313.0

244.8

68.2

S0.5

October

5

244.8

187.4

57.4

W1

April

3c

133.0

128.0

5.0

S1.5

September

4

133.0

187.4

54.4

W2

April

Subtotal Spread 1 2

185 1

0.0

49.0

49.0

W1

April

3a

100.0

113.0

13.0

W1

April

3b

113.0

128.0**

15.0

S1.5

September

2

100.0

49.0

51.0

W2

April

Subtotal Spread 2

128

Total Route Length

313

* Seasons in the pipe lay construction sequence have been designated as winter (W) or summer (S), followed by a number: winters are numbered W1 and W2, and summers are numbered S0.5, S1.5, and S2.5. S1.5 falls between W1 and W2. Pipeline mobilization is scheduled for S0.5 and pipeline commissioning is scheduled for S2.5. **This section actually runs to MP 128 but this includes approximately 2 miles where the pipe would be drilled and pulled at the Dalzell Gorge location.

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July 2012



Spread 2 – East of Dalzell Gorge in Rainy Pass (Cook Inlet Side) From MP 0 to MP 100 (Sections 1 and 2 of Spread 2), scheduled for winter construction, the terrain is mixed rolling, mountainous, and flat terrain, with many areas of wetlands including hilly sections that contain perched marshes. Some water sources have been identified to enable construction of ice pads during cold periods in winter. All areas of non-wetlands or difficult terrain that would usually be selected for summer work are intermittent and because of lack of continuous ROW access, cannot be constructed in the summer. About 50% of the ROW in the first 100 miles (161 km) would require grading. A significant allowance for placement of mats in these sections has been included to mitigate against insufficient ground frost depth and/or to allow for work completion in thawing conditions in case of an early spring. From MP 100 to MP 113 (Section 3a), the terrain is mostly flat or gently slopped tundra over permafrost. Construction on this section is scheduled for late winter on a snow/ice workpad, although an all-season, granular access road is planned to be constructed from the Pass Creek camp at MP 107 − MP 113, where grade work would begin. Some grading may be required in permafrost (to be determined during detailed design), along with implementation of mitigation and reclamation, measures to prevent or inhibit thaw degradation. The summer section from MP 113 to MP 126 (Section 3b of Spread 2) includes valley bottom and sidehill in narrow mountain valley and canyon terrain. Most of this section would be graded, with significant double-benching required because of the presence of extensive sideslopes. Mats would be required in valley and wetland areas. There is no planned ROW construction from MP 126 to MP 128 because of slope stability issues, and this pipe section is planned for pipe installation using HDD methods. Spread 1 – West of Dalzell Gorge in Rainy Pass (Kuskokwim Side) From MP 313 to MP 245 (Section 6 of Spread 1, as shown in Appendix F), the terrain is hilly to mountainous and would be entirely summer construction. The route follows the ridgelines and the terrain is primarily gently rolling, with some steep knobs and valleys that would require significant shoofly road construction for movement of pipe and personnel. Only valley bottoms are classified as wetlands and would require a combination of granular fill for pipe hauling and mats for pipe lay and trench excavation. Temporary construction bridges would be required at each of the three George River crossings. This would be entirely summer construction, and pipe laying would not begin until after contractor mobilization in S 0.5. From MP 245 to MP 188 (Section 5 of Spread 1, as shown in Appendix F), the terrain is variable and includes low-grade bedrock hills similar to Section 6 transected by low wetlands, three sizable rivers (the Kuskokwim River [MP 238], the Tatlawiksuk River [MP 213], and an unnamed tributary of the Tatlawiksuk River [MP 202]). The section transitions into discontinuous permafrost and kettle and kame terrain for the 20 miles (32 km) closest to Big River. The Big River crossing is also in Section 5 of Spread 1 at the match line with Section 6. Construction on this section is scheduled for winter as a combined grading section, with some mats in the first two river bottoms during frost packing and snow/ice workpad over the permafrost terrain from MP 205 to MP 188. Some grading may be required in permafrost areas, to be determined during detailed design along with mitigation and restoration measures to prevent or inhibit thaw degradation. The kettle lakes are potential water sources. When grading is being conducted in this terrain, there is a possibility of encountering massive subsurface ice lenses.

Donlin Gold

8-11

July 2012



From MP 188 to MP 133 (Section 4 of Spread 1, as shown in Appendix F), the terrain is flat to rolling, with some kettle and karne terrain and is transected by north-flowing streams and rivers with some high and steep banks and broad, braided floodplains. Notable river crossing locations would include: • • • • • • • •

Big River (MP 188) adjacent to the Big River camp, which can be constructed as part of Section 4 or 5 Middle Fork of the Kuskokwim River (MP 180) Unnamed (MP 174) Unnamed (MP 172) Khuchaynik Creek (MP 168.5) Windy Fork (MP 166) Sheep Creek (MP 154) Post River (MP 139.5).

This section is scheduled for winter construction as a combined grading and frost pack workpad at the rivers and stream banks and in the kettle and kame terrain. However, the majority would be snow/ice workpad over the relatively flat, intermittent-permafrost terrain. Water sources for ice roads would be the scattered kettle lakes, (similar to Section 4 of Spread 1, as shown in Appendix F), although there would be few or no sources from MP 142 to MP 165, which has favorable terrain for ice roads. If water sources cannot be developed here, consideration should be given to building a granular fill workpad in the segment. This would also allow an extended season for pipe laying and access for pressure testing and reclamation. Some grading may be required in permafrost, to be determined during detailed design along with mitigation and reclamation measures to prevent or inhibit thaw degradation. From MP 133 to MP 128 (Section 3c of Spread 1, as shown in Appendix F), scheduled for summer construction, the terrain requires a major open-cut crossing of the SFK River downstream of the confluence with the Tatina River. The proposed route then follows the Tatina River’s west bank on mostly steep sidehill with heavy trees. Most of this section would be graded with significant double-benching required because of the presence of extensive sideslopes. Mats would be required in wetland areas. Permafrost would be present, and detailed design would need to review the micro-routing to assess the potential for thermal erosion, mitigation, and reclamation in this section. 8.2.3

Beluga Tie-In to BPL

The Donlin Gold proposed pipeline would tie into the BPL portion of natural gas distribution system as the source for the natural gas. The tie-in facility would consist of a concrete valve vault around the BPL that would house the hot tap and tie-in valve. There would be a small meter module and communications shelter in addition to the associated valving and emergency shutdown valve. There would also be a pig launcher at this location. All structures, with the exception of the valve vault, are planned as pile-supported structures. Also, see Section 6.9 for site plan. 8.2.4

Terminus at Mine Site

The meter station at the mine plant site would have a liquids separation vessel (used only during pigging operations), a pig receiver, a meter building, and connection to the communications system at the mine site. All structures are currently proposed as pilesupported structures. Also, see Section 6.9 and Figure 6-2 for site plan. Donlin Gold

8-12

July 2012


8.2.5


Compressor Station

The pipeline would be designed to deliver natural gas to the proposed Donlin Gold mine project at a rate of approximately 50 mmscfd (1.4 m3) and at a minimum pressure of 550 psig. The supply pressure from the tie-in at the BPL ranges from 720 to 800 psig. As the gas flows through the pipeline, the pressure would decrease because of friction. To meet the delivery requirements of 550 psig, one compressor station would be required to boost the gas pressure for delivery to the proposed mine site. Based on current design, a single compressor station would provide sufficient compression for the gas throughput. The compressor station would be located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough at pipeline MP 5. This location was selected to avoid placing the compressor inside the Susitna Flats State Wildlife Refuge. Compressor station components would be modularized to minimize onsite construction and commissioning work in remote locations. To accommodate environmental conditions, the units would be placed inside building modules. Figure 6-1 is a compressor site location map that shows the powerline alignment. The compressor station would have two main components: electrically powered natural gas compression machines and after-coolers provided to reduce gas temperature following the compression process. Additional equipment necessary to support the compression process include systems to prevent overpressure and to provide rate, temperature and pressure control, trouble alarms, ESD, and fire and gas detection systems. The compressor station preliminary electrical design and building siting was developed using the area classification requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70. All other locations along the pipeline requiring electrical power or controls were assumed to be classified areas. The final design of the pipeline and facilities would have complete area classification drawings, and the materials to be procured and installed in the classified areas would meet the requirements of NFPA 70. Three compressors of approximately 1,000 hp each would be used to deliver natural gas at different rates and pressures, depending on the fuel consumption demands of the mine project. Only two compressors would be required in order to meet current design flow conditions; the third would function as a backup compressor. The foundations for the compressor station modules would be steel piles having a minimum diameter of 12 inches (30.48 cm) and a minimum set depth of 25 ft (8 m). The compressor station location has no permafrost. The workpad would be gravel, have a thickness of approximately 3 ft (.91 m) and be approximately 200 x 300 ft (61 x 91 m) in plan dimension. The site would include a gravel helipad complete with an aviation-quality windsock. The area would measure approximately 80 x 80 ft (24 x 24 m). The compression station facility site would be approximately 2-acres (.81 ha) and would be unmanned, with fully automated equipment operated by a remote-control system. A 10-foot-high (3 m) chain link fence would surround the site for security. Figure 8-1 shows the compressor station site plan. A permanent road to the site does not exist and no permanent access road would be built to the site; access would be by helicopter or snowmachine, depending on season and weather conditions. No provisions would be made for short- or long-term human occupancy at the site. All compression equipment would be powered by electricity. There would be no engines or open flame at the site. Electrical power to the site would be provided by a 25-kilovolt (kV), cross-country power line originating at the 385-megawatt CEA and power plant at Beluga. Because of the reliability of the electrical supply utility, there would be no need for an emergency power generator. However, emergency lighting would be supplied from a dedicated lighting panel located in the power distribution center (PDC) module. Emergency lighting throughout the pad would be connected directly to individual feeder circuits. In addition to the emergency lighting panel, emergency power would be supplied to the programmable logic center control cabinet and communications rack located in the PDC Donlin Gold

8-13

July 2012



module. The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) (dual rectifiers, battery plant and inverter system) would have a load of approximately 10 kilowatts and would be sized to supply power to the emergency loads for 24 hours. The fire and gas system are intended to be powered by the UPS system at the compressor station. The fiber-optic communications cable would be routed to the compressor station along with the buried pipeline and from there continue to the mine site with the pipeline. The pipeline would be designed to deliver natural gas to the proposed Donlin Gold mine project at a rate of approximately 50 mmscfd (1.4 m3) and at a minimum pressure of 550 psig. The supply pressure from the tie-in at the BPL ranges from 720 to 800 psig. As the gas flows through the pipeline, the pressure would decrease because of friction. To meet the delivery requirements of 550 psig, it would be necessary to boost the pressure. The design provides for continued service at the required delivery rates and pressures with one compressor or one air cooler out of service. Therefore, the design provides at least one spare compressor and one spare air cooler. To meet those criteria and to provide a broad range of flow rate control, the design includes three compressor modules, each rated at 25 mmscfd (.7 m3) and 1,480 psig at 100 F (37.7°C). The system is designed to deliver up to 49 mmscfd (1.38 m3) at 1,400-psig discharge pressure with two compressors online and the third as a standby unit. Table 8-3 shows the operating design factors.

Table 8-3: Operating Design Factors Parameter Supply Temperature Supply Pressure Discharge Pressure Minimum Destination Pressure Flow Rate

Operating

Design

20°F to 50°F

-20°F to 100°F

720 to 800 psig

1,480 psig

1,250 psig

1,480 psig

550 psig

550 psig

47 mmscfd

Up to 73.1 mmscfd

a

The gas would be at soil temperature at burial depth. °F = degrees Fahrenheit mmscfd = million standard cubic feet per day psig = pounds per square inch gauge

The gas compressor(s) would be powered by electric motors that would be fitted with variable frequency drives (VFDs). VFDs provide the ability to adjust the speed of motors and compressors, which correspondingly adjusts the flow rate of the natural gas. Under normal operations, the gas would be piped directly to the compressor modules. The gas would then enter a suction scrubber that would capture any free liquids. Those liquids would be reinjected into the pipeline for handling at the terminus. The gas would then enter the compressors and flow to filter coalescers for removal of lubrication oil that has been carried over from the compressor cylinders. From there, the gas would be processed through an air-cooled heat exchanger (fin-fan) to reduce the gas temperature to within 20 degrees of ambient, but not less than 40°F (4.4 C). The gas would then enter the pipeline and be transported to the mine site.

Donlin Gold

8-14

July 2012

UNITS AND WEIGHTS

80' x100' HELIPAD STATION BLOWDOWN 30' x12' PIG LAUNCHER: 2500 LBS. PIPING 1000 LBS. LAUNCHER DOOR PIG RECEIVER: 2500 LBS. PIPING 1000 LBS. RECEIVER DOOR MONORAIL (3) 26' x 50' x 15' TALL MODULES: 23,500 LBS. COMPRESSOR EACH (3) 8' x 6' FIN FAN AFTER COOLERS: 7350 LBS. EACH 20' x 50' PDC BUILDING: 500 LB. AIR HANDLING UNIT, 2 EA. UNIT HEATERS @ 32 LBS. 3 EA. 1,000 HP VFD'S, MOTOR CONTROL CENTER, MAIN DISTRIBUTION PANEL, CONTROL/COMM EQUIPMENT AND 1 EACH 5400 LB. 500KVA TRANSFORMER, 3 EACH 7900 LB. 1000KVA TRANSFORMER, & 1 EACH 1680 LB. MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCH

FIBER OPTIC LINE

SITE INFORMATION FENCE LINE: 240'-0" x 272'-0" AREA: APPROX. 1.5 ACRES

NOTES:

SCALE:

1. NO PROVISIONS MADE FOR TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT HUMAN OCCUPANCY.

NA

COMPRESSOR STATION SITE PLAN

FIGURE:

8-1




The compressor station would be designed, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the following standards: •

49 CFR 192 – Transportation of Natural Gas and Other Gas by Pipeline

•

ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

•

All codes and standards referenced and incorporated herein by 49 CFR 192 and ASME B31.8

•

In accordance with 49 CFR 192, all pipe located with the compressor station would have a design factor of 0.50.

Architectural •

AAC

•

2009 International Fire Code

•

2009 International Building Code (IBC)

•

2009 International Mechanical Code (IMC)

•

NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2010

•

NFPA 70; National Electrical Code (NEC) 2011.

Civil/Structural •

IBC 2009

•

American Institute of Steel Construction Manual of Steel Construction, 13th edition

•

American Society of Civil Engineers 7-05, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

•

American Welding Society, Structural Welding Code D1.1, 2008

•

OSHA Title 29, Parts 1910 and 1926

•

American Society of Testing and Materials

•

American National Standards Institute

•

ASME, B.30 series

•

API Recommended Practice 2214, Spark Ignition Properties of Hand Tools, Section 2.2.

Mechanical and Piping •

49 CFR 192 – Transportation of Natural and Other Gas by Pipeline: Minimum Federal Safety Standards

•

Material Specification Standard SP-44 – Steel Pipeline Flanges

•

API 1104 – Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities

•

API 618 – Reciprocating Compressors for Petroleum, Chemical, and Gas Industry Services

Donlin Gold

8-16

July 2012



•

API 670 – Machinery Protection Systems

•

ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems

•

ASME B16.5 – Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings

•

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1 – Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels

•

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 2 – Rules for the Construction of Pressure Vessels – Alternative Rules

•

ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section IX – Welding and Brazing Qualifications.

IMC 2006 •

ASTM A106/A106M-04b – Standard Specification For Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service

•

API Specification 6D – Pipeline Valves

•

SPC-402896-PL-02 – fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) Coating Application

•

SPC-402896-PL-03 – abrasion-resistant overcoat (ARO) Coating Application

•

SPC-402896-PL-04 – Pipe Handling

•

SPC-402896-PL-07 – Block Valves

•

SPC-402896-PL-08 – Pipeline Construction

•

SPC-402896-PL-09 – Non Destructive Testing

•

DCA – Piping Material Class Specification for 600 ANSI

•

API 520 Recommended Practices, Part 1, Sizing Selection and Installation of Pressure Relieving Devices. 8th Edition. December 2008

•

API 520 Recommended Practices, Part 2, Sizing Selection and Installation of Pressure Relieving Devices. 5th Edition. August 2003

•

ANSI/API Standard 521, Pressure-relieving and Depressuring Systems. 5th Edition, January 2007 and Addendum. May 2008

•

ASTM Section VIII, Division 1. Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, 2010 Edition, UG 125-140.

Electrical •

NFPA 70: 2011 NEC

•

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Standard C2, National Electric Safety Code

•

NFPA 497: Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas

•

NFPA 780: Installation of Lightning Protection Systems, latest edition

Donlin Gold

8-17

July 2012



•

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

•

Underwriters Laboratories (UL). All equipment would bear the UL label, or equivalent from a nationally recognized testing agency

•

Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Lighting Handbook, latest edition

•

Electronic Industries Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association 568B Commercial Telecommunications Wiring Standard

•

ANSI

•

National Electrical Contractors Association. 1-2006 Good Workmanship in Electrical Construction.

8.2.6

Electric Transmission Line

To meet the operational needs of the metering station and the compressor station of an estimated 2.5 MW of electrical power, a MV aboveground transmission line would be constructed to connect electrical power between the Beluga Power Plant substation and the Compressor Station at MP 5, a distance of approximately 14 miles (23 km). The transmission line would be primary metered by CEA at the substation. From the primary metering point, CEA would install a buried cable to exit the substation property and interface with the owner-constructed overhead MV transmission line. The CEA cable would terminate at the top of the MV transmission line riser pole. The routing of the MV transmission line would follow the CEA high-voltage transmission line corridor to the BPL tap point within a 30 ft (9 m) easement that Donlin Gold would obtain. At the tap point, which is the start of the Donlin Gold pipeline, a 15-kilovolt-ampere transformer would be mounted to the transmission line to supply utilization-level voltage to a gasmetering module. The transmission line would continue following the pipeline ROW between the pipeline tie-in point and the compressor station located at MP 5. The MV transmission line would approach the compressor station pad along the pipeline right-of-way, just south of the pad. Near the pad edge, the overhead transmission line would terminate with a riser pole. From the riser pole, the incoming power from Beluga power plant would be direct buried in the pad to the PDC module. Figure 6-1 and Appendix A shows the location and land status for the electric transmission line. A portion of the proposed transmission line to power the compressor station crosses private surface estate land owned by CIRI within the Kenai Peninsula Borough. CIRI’s surface estate ownership is in that portion of T13N R10W SM, where the proposed transmission line is located. 8.2.7

Fiber Optic Communication Line

The fiber optic cable would extend from the GCI communications module at Beluga power plant to the metering station at the pipeline tie-in to the BPL as shown in Figure 8-2 and Appendix A. From the metering station the fiber optic cable would be installed in the buried mode with the pipeline to the compressor station and then, except at the two fault crossings where the pipeline and cable would be above ground, on to the mine site. Details regarding installation of the fiber optic cable would be done during final design.

Donlin Gold

8-18

July 2012



The fiber optic cable communications would be used for communication purposes including transmitting data to and from the compressor station, the meter station located at the tie-in point to the BPL, the GCI communication module at Beluga power plant, the meter station at the pipeline terminus, and the control center. 8.2.8

Ancillary Construction Support Facilities

The project would construct a variety of ancillary facilities to support construction of the pipeline. Locations of these ancillary sites are shown on the project strip maps in Appendix A. Several types of ancillary facilities that are currently being used by Donlin Gold or have been used by third parties in the past are planned for project use. Such facilities include airstrips at Beluga, Puntilla, Farewell, and the mine site; campsites at Beluga, Farewell, and the mine site; various yards for pipe or equipment storage at Beluga, Oilwell Road, Puntilla, Farewell, and the mine site; and ports with ancillary storage yards at the Port of Anchorage, the Port of Bethel, Beluga Landing, or Jungjuk Port, and others. Use of any of these sites would require negotiations and legal leases or use agreements with the owners/operators. Facilities requiring upgrading or new construction would be constructed before initiation of pipeline construction and include:

Donlin Gold

8-19

July 2012

MP-7

Fiber Optic Cable Would Continue With Pipeline To Mine Site in Buried Mode

MP-6 MP-5

Donlin Gold Gas Pipeline Compressor Station/ Electric Transmission Line Point of Termination

TL-13 MP-4 TL-12 TL-11

MP-3 MP-2

TL-10

Fiber Optic Cable in Buried Mode from MP-0 at Metering Station Tie-in with BPL to Compression Station

MP-1 TL-9 TL-8

MP-0

Donlin Gold Gas Pipeline Point of Beginning

TL-7

B

ga R el u

iver

TL-6 TL-5 TL-4

Medium Voltage Above Ground Electric Transmission Line Approximately 14 Miles

TL-3 TL-2 TL-1 TL-0

T

Fiber Optic Cable Above Ground to Metering Station Tie-in with BPL at MP-0

O O C

Potential Beluga Construction-Phase Camp Location

K

I

N

L

E

Beluga Power Plant Substation/ Electric Transmission Line & Fiber Optic Cable Point of Beginning

Storage Yard

Proposed Transmission Line (Mileposts "TL")


Beluga Power Plant

Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Alignment (Mileposts "MP")

Proposed Electric Transmission Line

Compressor Station Storage Yard

Potential Camp Location (Location to be determined)

SCALE:

0

1

0

1.5

2 3

4 mi 6 km Seward Meridian, UTM Zone 5, NAD83

ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINE AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE

FIGURE:

8-2




Airstrips Ten airstrips would be used to support pipeline construction logistics; six of these would be new airstrips that would be constructed to support the pipeline project. Each new airstrip would be located to provide efficient logistical support, minimize environmental impacts, and minimize interference with pipeline construction activities. Specific siting of the airstrips was conducted to reduce cut-and-fill required to create the runway surface. Existing airstrips would be used at four locations, although some would require upgrading to meet the project's needs. Those public airstrips would require authorization or concurrence from USDOT and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Also, authorization for the existing airstrips from the land owner would need to be verified. The ten airstrips to be used would be instrumental in supporting mobilization of equipment and materials for project construction and to support camp operations during construction periods. Each location would require storage for air operations and staging for pipeline construction. Actual facilities and area requirements would be determined during final design. Appendix A shows location and land statutus for airstrips and Appendix F also shows the airstrips to be used: Airport

Spread

Upgrade Required

Beluga

1

Private airport; good as is

Skwentna*

2

New construction; grade, cut, and fill

Puntilla

2

Public airstrip; upgrade runway surface

Pass Creek

2

New construction; granular fill

Tatina

1

New construction; grade cut and fill

Farewell

2

Existing airstrip; upgrade and runway surface

Big River

1

New construction; grade and granular fill

Kusko East

1

New construction; grade, cut and fill

Kusko West

1

New construction; grade, cut and fill

Donlin Mine Site

2

Existing airstrip; use as is

*Use of the existing airstrip in Skwentna was evaluated and determined to not meet Donlin Gold’s needs. Pipe storage yards/material stockpiling sites Main pipe storage/equipment staging yards are planned for Bethel, Beluga, the mine site, and near the barge landing sites on the Kuskokwim River. These yards would serve as the primary accumulation points for pipe materials for sorting and staging to the 56 PSY spaced at intervals of approximately 5 miles (8 km) along the ROW to allow for hauling and staging at the PSYs along the ROW during the civil clearing and access season, which would occur generally 1 year before the pipe laying season. The majority of the heavy equipment required for project construction would also be staged from these locations. Most of the pipeline material and equipment would come through the staging yards at Beluga and Bethel. There would be 31 PSYs located in Spread 1 and 25 located in Spread 2. A complete list of proposed PSYs and their location, including the amount of pipe for each yard is shown in Table 8-4 and are also showed on the project alignment sheets. In addition to pipe, PSYs would store mainline valves, induction bends, Donlin Gold

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July 2012



and other materials. Additionally, fiber optic cable would be stored at these sites as well. It is important that the sequencing and installation of the pipeline and fiber optic cable be coordinated as they would be buried in the same trench and trench backfilling must not be delayed. Equipment staging sites would be located close to the kickoff point for each section. These sites would be needed to receive and store equipment during periods of no construction between seasons. Staging areas would be cleared and graded before use. On completion, the site would be reclaimed. The staging area may be a gravel pad if the natural soil is not suitable. In such an instance, the gravel would be left in place and the site reclaimed upon completion.

Donlin Gold

8-22

July 2012



Table 8-4: Pipe Storage Yards TAG

NAME Beluga Yard

Starting MP

Ending MP

Number of Miles

Number of Bundles

Number of Joints

Calc Length

Act Length

Planned Pipe Source

0.0

5.0

5.0

29

464

345

N/A

Beluga

PSY-01

MP5

5.0

10.4

5.4

32

512

373

500

Beluga

PSY-02

MP10.4

10.4

13.0

2.6

15

240

179

300

Beluga

PSY-03

MP13

13.0

20.0

7.0

41

656

483

600

Beluga

PSY-04

MP20

20.0

26.0

6.0

35

560

414

600

Beluga

PSY-05

MP26

26.0

30.6

4.6

27

432

317

500

Beluga

PSY-06

MP30.6

30.6

35.6

5.0

29

464

345

500

Beluga

PSY-07

MP35.6

35.6

40.2

4.6

27

432

317

500

Beluga

PSY-08

MP40.2

40.2

44.4

4.2

25

400

290

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-09

MP44.4

44.4

48.2

3.8

22

352

262

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-10

MP49.1

48.2

52.3

4.1

24

384

283

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-11

MP52.3

52.3

57.8

5.5

32

512

380

600

Oil Well Road

PSY-12

MP57.8

57.8

61.3

3.5

21

336

242

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-13

MP61.3

61.3

66.6

5.3

31

496

366

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-14

MP66.6

66.6

69.0

2.4

14

224

166

300

Oil Well Road

PSY-15

MP69

69.0

73.8

4.8

28

448

331

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-16

MP73.3

73.8

77.4

3.6

21

336

248

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-17

MP77.4

77.4

84.6

7.2

42

672

497

600

Oil Well Road

PSY-18

MP85.1

84.6

89.1

4.5

26

416

311

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-19

MP89.1

89.1

94.9

5.8

34

544

400

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-20

MP94.9

94.9

99.3

4.4

26

416

304

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-21

MP99.3

99.3

107.4

8.1

47

752

559

700

Oil Well Road

PSY-22

MP107.4

107.4

112.4

5.0

29

464

345

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-23

MP112.4

112.4

117.2

4.8

28

448

331

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-24

MP117.2

117.2

124.5

7.3

42

672

504

550

Oil Well Road

PSY-25

MP124.5

124.5

128.0

3.5

21

336

242

500

Oil Well Road

Donlin Gold

8-23

July 2012



Table 8-4 (Continued): Pipe Storage Yards TAG

NAME

Starting MP

Ending MP

Number of Miles

Number of Bundles

Number of Joints

Calc Length

Act Length

Planned Pipe Source

PSY-26

MP131.8

128.0

131.8

3.8

22

352

262

500

Oil Well Road

PSY-27

MP138.0

131.8

138.0

6.2

36

576

428

500

Kusko East

PSY-28

MP145.3

138.0

145.3

7.3

42

672

504

600

Kusko East

PSY-29

MP151.0

145.3

151.0

5.7

33

528

393

500

Kusko East

PSY-30

MP156.0

151.0

156.0

5.0

29

464

345

500

Kusko East

PSY-31

MP160.6

156.0

160.6

4.6

27

432

317

500

Kusko East

PSY-32

MP164.6

160.6

165.5

4.9

29

464

338

500

Kusko East

PSY-33

MP171.0

165.5

171.0

5.5

32

512

380

500

Kusko East

PSY-34

MP176.1

171.0

176.1

5.1

30

480

352

500

Kusko East

PSY-35

MP179.5

176.1

179.5

3.4

20

320

235

500

Kusko East

PSY-36

MP188.1

179.5

188.1

8.6

50

800

593

650

Kusko East

PSY-37

MP196.0

188.1

196.0

7.9

46

736

545

650

Kusko East

PSY-38

MP 202.0

196.0

202.0

6.0

35

560

414

600

Kusko East

PSY-39

MP208.0

202.0

208.0

6.0

35

560

414

600

Kusko East

PSY-40

MP213.1

208.0

213.1

5.1

30

480

352

500

Kusko East

PSY-41

MP218.4

213.1

218.4

5.3

31

496

366

500

Kusko East

PSY-42

MP222.6

218.4

222.6

4.2

25

400

290

500

Kusko East

PSY-43

MP229.5

222.6

229.5

6.9

40

640

476

600

Kusko East

Kusko East

229.5

239.1

9.6

56

896

662

N/A

Kusko East

PSY-44

MP244.0

239.1

244.0

4.9

29

464

338

500

Kusko West

PSY-45

MP248.5

244.0

248.5

4.5

26

416

311

500

Kusko West

PSY-46

MP252.9

248.5

252.9

4.4

26

416

304

500

Kusko West

PSY-47

MP258.8

252.9

258.8

5.9

34

544

407

600

Kusko West

PSY-48

MP265.5

258.8

265.5

6.7

39

624

462

600

Donlin Mine

PSY-49

MP 270.1

265.5

270.1

4.6

27

432

317

500

Donlin Mine

PSY-50

MP 276.4

270.1

274.6

4.5

26

416

311

500

Donlin Mine

Donlin Gold

8-24

July 2012



Table 8-4 (Continued): Pipe Storage Yards TAG

NAME

Starting MP

Ending MP

Number of Miles

Number of Bundles

Number of Joints

Calc Length

Act Length

Planned Pipe Source

PSY-51

MP279.4

274.6

279.4

4.8

28

448

331

500

Donlin Mine

PSY-52

MP282.4

279.4

282.4

3.0

18

288

207

400

Donlin Mine

PSY-53

MP287.0

282.4

287.0

4.6

27

432

317

500

Donlin Mine

PSY-54

MP293.4

287.0

293.4

6.4

37

592

442

600

Donlin Mine

PSY-55

MP300.5

293.4

300.5

7.1

41

656

490

600

Donlin Mine

PSY-56

MP306.0

300.5

306.0

5.5

32

512

380

500

Donlin Mine

Donlin

306.0

314.3

8.3

48

768

573

N/A

Donlin Mine

1834

29344

Notes: This yard is not laid out; it is assumed there is adequate room at Beluga. Start pipe haul from Beluga All PSY = 100 wide minimum

Donlin Gold

8-25

July 2012



Material sites (gravel pits) Material sites would be needed to provide granular fill material for access and shoofly roads, airfields, camp pads, PSYs, the compressor station and meter pads, and granular workpads (if they are used). Material sites would also be the source and location for processing plants for crushed and/or screened material for select backfill, bedding, padding, surface courses, cobbles, rock riprap, and other types of granular material. All material used would be analyzed to be sure that it was appropriate to be used in contact with the pipe. Approximately 63 potential material sites (shown in Table 8-5) to supply granular materials have been identified along the proposed ROW, based on terrain type and geology. These sites would be developed as required to supply the needed granular materials for this project. Tables 8-6 and 8-7 show pipeline shoofly and access roads and airfields estimated material needs. The location and number of material sites that also may require a processing plant/crusher would be determined during final design. Material sites are located to accommodate construction material needs, where appropriate materials can be found, and to minimize haul distances. The frequency and size of material sites would be determined by the need for particular amounts of material along the pipeline route. Variables that would determine the need for a material site include ROW mode, construction season, distance to water for ice pad in winter, location of camps, PSYs, haul distances, suitability of mined material, environmental issues, and availability of candidate sites. Material sites would be located and sized to avoid sensitive areas such as wetlands, cultural sites, sensitive species habitat, or other environmentally sensitive areas. All activities at material sites would be conducted in accordance with required permits and authorizations and associated stipulations for protection of resources such as air and water quality. -

Current estimates call for more than 55,000 cubic yards (42,050 m3) of select backfill (bedding and padding) to be produced, hauled from material sites to the ROW, and placed under (bedding) and around (padding) the pipeline in the trench in ice-rich soils. The trench spoil would be mounded over the select backfill to provide for settlement after thawing. A total of 300 miles (483 km) of pipe would be padded with material screened from the trench spoil, with trencher cuttings where appropriate or with native trench spoil, i.e., no imported gravel needed. There would be sixteen 14inch (356 mm) MLVs to install, 8-inch (203 cm) valves at the inlet meter and outlet meter modules, and ancillary piping for suction/discharge branches for the single compressor station at MP 5. There would be three launchers and three receivers. Of the sixteen inline MLVs, all are assumed to be installed as direct-bury in native soils with no foundations or special backfill requirements unless they are located in icerich areas requiring select backfill for the pipeline.

The civil work would include an estimated 811,000 yd3 (620,054 m3) of gravel that would be mined, hauled, and placed as site pads for the compressor station, PSYs, MLVs, construction campsites, and airstrips. In addition, an estimated 757,000 yd3 (587,768 m3) of gravel would be placed for access roads. These values are estimates that would be reevaluated and refined to determine more accurately the material quantities required as the project progresses.

Donlin Gold

8-26

July 25, 2012



Table 8-5: Potential Material Sites Material Site

Road Sta. (ft)

Mile Post

Area (ha)

Material Type

Designation

Terrain

West of Beluga River


Notes from 3/23 RECON

Centroid (UTM Z5) Volume

Photo Northing

4.0 mi SW

Easting

MS-00

000+00

0.0

5.3763

Gravel

6791112

608664

MS-01

269+28

5.1

1.4386

Gravel

1743

6802893

609678

MS-02

443+52

8.4

2.5000

Bedrock

1734

6807928

611018

MS-03

786+72

14.9

2.2500

Bedrock

6817770

612807

MS-04

971+52

18.4

1.9143

Bedrock

1746

6823243

613548

MS-05

1283+04

24.3

7.2800

Gravel

1747

6831919

609728

MS-06

1620+96

30.7

1.9200

Gravel

6840933

604844

MS-07

1821+60

34.5

1.5121

Gravel

1748

6845247

600853

MS-08

2127+84

40.3

8.7055

Gravel

1609-1613, 1754-1755

6851359

594091

MS-09

2280+96

43.2

7.0000

Gravel

1757

6854816

591319

MS-10

2571+36

48.7

4.2277

Gravel

1615-1619, 1760

6861720

586668

MS-11

2851+20

54.0

14.6738

1765-1766

6862970

578162

Upper Sucker Creek cUS1)

Skwentna River

Gravel (alluvial)

2500 ft S

MS-12

3511+20

66.5

1.4400

Gravel

6872901

561724

MS-13

4408+80

83.5

6.0000

Gravel (alluvial)

Happy River

6872269

535497

MS-14

4551+36

86.2

2.1000

Gravel (alluvial)

Helicopter Lake

6874107

531651

MS-15

5248+32

99.4

15.9998

Gravel (esker)

Puntilla (airstrip & laydown)

6883375

515324

MS-16

5338+08

101.1

3.7019

Gravel (alluvial)

Indian Creek

6885610

513940

MS-17

5728+80

108.5

9.0000

Bedrock (ridge)

Airfield quarry

6891648

505622

MS-18

6045+60

114.5

3.7960

Gravel (alluvial)

6892989

496469

MS-19

6251+52

118.4

1.0026

Gravel (alluvial)

Top Pass

6898777

495526

MS-20

6526+08

123.6

11.6880

Gravel (alluvial)

Dalzell Creek (camp/laydown airstrip)

6901178

488944

Donlin Gold

3000 ft S

1807

8-27

July 2012



Table 8-5 (Continued): Potential Material Sites Material Site

Road Sta. (ft)

Mile Post

Area (ha)

Material Type

Designation

Terrain



Volume

Photo

Centroid (UTM Z5)

MS-21A

6763+68

128.1

2.6219

Gravel (alluvial)

Tatina River

6907844

486120

MS-21B

6779+52

128.4

1.9200

Gravel (alluvial)

Tatina River

6907599

485591

MS-22

6953+76

131.7

4.6493

Gravel (alluvial)

Tatina River

6908113

480304

MS-23

7333+92

138.9

5.7982

Gravel (alluvial)

Post River

6917710

474846

MS-24

7492+32

141.9

4.5727

Gravel (alluvial)

South Fork tributary (kSFT4)

6922057

473099

MS-25

7840+80

148.5

6.0000

Gravel (alluvial)

1912

6927496

465328

MS-26

7946+40

150.5

1.3500

Gravel (alluvial)

(fault zone)

1913

6928971

462824

MS-27

8125+92

153.9

4.4321

Gravel

Sheep Creek

1914-1915

6927492

457577

MS-28

8342+40

158.0

3.0000

Gravel

Sheep Creek tributary (kSHT2)

6925391

451295

MS-29

8527+20

161.5

3.0000

Gravel

Sheep Creek tributary (kSHT5)

6923002

446170

1200 ft S

MS-30

8743+68

165.6

5.6513

Gravel

Windy Fork (kWI1)

6921228

440129

MS-31

8880+96

168.2

3.0400

Gravel

Khuchaynik (kKH1)

6920530

435992

MS-32

9060+48

171.6

4.5000

Gravel

Middle Fork tributary (kMFT2)

6918525

430892

MS-33

9192+48

174.1

2.4194

Gravel


6917092

427101

MS-34

9308+64

176.3

2.0287

Gravel


6915000

424216

MS-35

9519+84

180.3

5.4413

Gravel

Middle Fork Kuskokwim (kMF1)

6911092

419125

MS-36

9620+16

182.2

2.8084

Gravel


6909464

416496

MS-37

9926+40

188.0

9.0000

Gravel

Big River airstrip

6909824

404297

MS-38

9942+24

188.3

2.1130

Gravel

Big River (East)

6905106

407950

MS-39

9989+76

189.2

3.0000

Gravel

Big River (West)

6904496

406757

Donlin Gold

3.5 mi NW

8-28

July 2012



Table 8-5 (Continued): Potential Material Sites Material Site

Road Sta. (ft)

Mile Post

Area (ha)

Material Type

Designation

Terrain


MS-40

10317+12

195.4

5.6782

Gravel

edge moraine

MS-41

10676+16

202.2

1.5000

Gravel

Tatlawiksuk Tributary (kTLT2)

500 ft S 1300 ft S

MS-42

11119+68

210.6

16.0000

Bedrock

Ridge quarry

MS-43

11309+76

214.2

3.1725

Bedrock

Tatlawiksuk River (kTL1)

MS-44

11616+00

220.0

17.6000

Bedrock

Quarry

MS-45

11790+24

223.3

8.7642

Bedrock

MS-46

12001+44

227.3

7.9412

Bedrock

MS-47

12107+04

229.3

7.5000

Bedrock

Quarry

MS-48

12265+44

232.3

25.0000

Bedrock

Quarry & pipe/laydown

MS-49

12276+00

232.5

6.0000

Bedrock

Airstrip quarry

MS-50

12513+60

237.0

7.5000

Bedrock

Kuskokwim-1 Quarry

MS-51

12540+00

237.5

5.4000

Gravel

Kuskokwim Barge Landing

MS-52

12587+52

238.4

19.6519

Bedrock & Gravel

Kuskokwim Quarry & Camp

MS-53

12708+96

240.7

7.0000

Bedrock

Quarry on Camp Road

MS-54

12909+60

244.5

13.3000

Bedrock

Camp & Material Site


Volume

Photo

Centroid (UTM Z5)

6902798

397576

6898306

387844

6892790

375595

6892299

369846

6892031

360627

Quarry

6892959

355468

Quarry

6892119

349068

6892269

345911

6891804

341109

2400 ft S

1978

1973

5000 ft S

4000 ft S

2800 ft S

6890147

340257

1967

6891160

333824

1968

6890062

333162

1970

6890566

331428

6888665

328199

6888480

322586

MS-55

13310+88

252.1

1.5000

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge

6887912

312118

MS-56

13421+76

254.2

1.3200

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge

6886689

309202

MS-57

13812+48

261.6

1.5000

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge

6885814

298231

MS-58

14081+76

266.7

1.5000

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge

6884006

291251

MS-59

14731+20

279.0

4.2750

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge east of East Fork George River

6887968

275926

MS-60

14889+60

282.0

4.8000

Bedrock

Quarry on ridge west of East Fork George River

6889728

271398

MS-61

15195+84

287.8

3.0827

Bedrock

East side George River

6893304

263309

MS-62

15375+36

291.2

6.7500

Bedrock

Ridge west of George River

6893989

257939

Donlin Gold

8-29

July 2012



Table 8-5 (Continued): Potential Material Sites Material Site MS-63

Road Sta. (ft) 15644+64

Donlin Gold

Mile Post 296.3

Area (ha)

4.0500

Material Type Bedrock

Designation

Terrain

Ridge west of West Fork George River



Volume

Photo

Centroid (UTM Z5)

6892292

8-30

250525

July 2012



Table 8-6: Pipeline Shoofly and Access Roads Material Needs All Season Access Roads Earthwork Summary Approximate Mile Post (MP)

Description

Cut (yd3)

Cut (m3)

Fill (yd3)

Fill (m3)

Select Material (yd3)

Select Material (m3)

49.26

Main Camp Access

4,559

3,486

538

411

3,208

2,453

83.80

Happy Alt. 1 Shoofly

333,776

255,190

294,916

225,480

20,340

15,551

128.03

Tatina Camp Access

34,485

26,641

2,495

1,908

3,257

2,490

154.12

Farewell Upgrade

25,505

19,500

1,870

1,430

16,247

12,422

188.27

Big River Strip Access

33,227

25,404

25,859

19,771

15,185

11,610

238.5

Kusko West Camp and Strip Access

885,203

676,807

297,981

227,823

47,817

36,559

Table 8-7: Pipeline Airfields Material Needs

Airfields Earthwork Summary Approximate Mile Post (MP)

Description

Cut (yd3)

Cut (m3)

Fill (yd3)

Fill (m3)

Select Material (yd3)

Select Material (m3)

52.00

Airfield

293

224

203,711

155,748

34,229

26,170

106.00

Airfield

263

201

322,590

246,638

35,390

27,058

132.00

Airfield

12,557

9,601

60,405

46,183

38,760

29,634

189.00

Airfield

21,584

16,502

96,927

74,106

41,230

31,576

232.00

Airfield

1,491,520

1,140,349

3,058

2,338

37,644

28,781

244.00

Airfield

138,275

105,719

27,195

20,792

34,183

26,135

Material site boundaries would be shaped in a manner as to blend with surrounding natural land patterns. Regardless of the layout of material sites, primary emphasis would be placed on prevention of soil erosion and damage to any vegetation. All material sites would be reclaimed consistent with approved reclamation plans for each site. Final volumes of these granular materials and specific location of material sites and development plans for these sites would be part of the final pipeline design. Material sale applications would be separate from the ROW applications. Construction Camps Of the eight construction campsite locations, four main construction campsite locations in addition to the existing campsite at the mine are planned to be in use at any one time along the proposed ROW to support project construction. These camps will be located at various locations along the ROW and would be supplemented by fly-in camp sites along the ROW to reduce travel time for construction crews to commute to their work locations as the project progresses. The main campsites would be cleared gravel pads ranging from approximately 4 to 10 acres (1.6 to 4 ha) in area (not including the airstrip or additional contractor laydown space), with self-contained, soft- or hard-sided structures with full subsistence capability for Donlin Gold

8-31

July 2012



the work crews. These camps would be erected and operated by independent camp suppliers. The following facilities would be included in the 300-person construction camps: • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Dormitory units Arctic corridor First Aid Unit Recreation Center Office Modules Kitchen-diner Laundry facility Warehouse/storage (augmented by pipeline contractor as needed) Contractor shops (augmented by pipeline contractor as needed) Fuel storage and distribution system - Diesel/fuel oil storage tanks (for camp consumption) - Diesel storage tanks (by pipeline contractor for construction equipment) - Gasoline storage tanks (by pipeline contractor for construction equipment) - Propane storage tanks (for camp kitchen cooking stoves and ovens) - Propane storage tanks (by pipeline contractor for preheat) - Fencing (if needed) Water storage Water treatment Sewage treatment Lift stations Generators Parking for equipment and vehicles Communications tower (by Donlin Gold or others) Water well.

The 30-person camp would have the same types of facilities, but everything would be sized for a maximum of 15-two-person sleeper units, or a total of 30 workers, plus eight beds for maintenance, catering, and housekeeping. Each 300-person camp would be capable of supporting a workforce of 250, plus maintenance, catering and housekeeping personnel. In addition to serving the subsistence needs of the workforce, the camps would provide administrative space and communication facilities for the construction management and inspection teams to conduct their activities. Each main camp would house an emergency medical technician who would be onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because there would be no emergency medical facilities along the pipeline route except at Beluga and the mine site. The sites would be completely fenced for security, and a security guard would be on shift 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to monitor labor traffic in and out of the campsite to ensure that no worker is unaccounted for following the workday. -

Donlin Gold

Eight 300-person pipeline construction campsites would be used, four of which would have an active camp at any given time; camps would be moved with the progression of pipeline work. Four 30-person camps would be used to support HDD drill crews and for use as fly camps to set up the mainline camps, plus one 60- person camp for compressor station construction. As pipeline construction nears completion, the pipeline construction camps would be demobilized with the pipeline equipment. 8-32

July 2012



-

Spread 1 would have five mainline campsites (two of which would be used at any given time), plus sites for HDD camps, barge landing camps, and fly camps for advance setup of mainline camps. The existing Farewell airstrip would be used for logistics during W2 (winter year 2) Section 4 construction and may have its own fly camp for the duration of work in that area. The spacing of sites would average 60 miles (96.6 km), and the average maximum travel distance from camp to work would be about 30 miles (48 km). The longest travel distance would be 35 miles (56 km) between the mine site or Kusko West and the East Fork of the George River. Spread 1 campsites would include besides use of the Donlin Gold mine site, Farewell.

-

Spread 2 would have three campsites (two of which would be used at any given time). The spacing of sites would average 62 miles (99.8 km), and the average maximum travel distance would be about 31 miles (49.9 km). The longest travel distance would be the distance between Skwentna and Happy River No. 136 miles (57.9 km), and Puntilla or Happy River No. 1.

Camp water would generally be supplied from nearby wells or clean water sources. The water would be either piped or trucked to the water treatment facility. The facility would treat the raw water to State of Alaska standards for potable water. The camp would have storage capacity for several days water requirement. There would also be firewater storage for each camp. Projected camp size and the applicable fire code would determine the volume of firewater. Camp water would be returned to the same watershed after treatment. There would not be a significant net loss of water. Sewage and gray water generated by each camp would be treated as required and disposed of in accordance with regulations and requirements. All waste would be handled according to applicable regulations. Hazardous waste would be hauled to disposal sites approved for hazardous waste disposal. Waste oil from equipment maintenance would be burned in purpose-built waste oil unit heaters. In general, the importation of grease, solvents, oils, coolants, hydraulic fluids, and other liquids or chemicals would be controlled to limit the types and amounts of waste generated. Medical hazardous waste would be handled by the appropriate medical personnel and disposed of in approved sites. The fuel storage facility for pipeline equipment at each camp would be provided by and installed by the pipeline contractor. Depending on the individual contractor’s equipment fleet, the fuel storage facility would hold all diesel or diesel and gasoline. The fuel storage facility would consist of a bermed and lined (primary and secondary containment) area with a capacity exceeding the tankage within the berm, as required by regulations. As an alternative, the tankage can also be double-walled, and just the piping can be in the bermed and lined area. The fuel storage within the berm would be either modular, double-walled tanks or fuel bladders. Primary fuel storage would be at each camp airstrip because the fuel would be mostly flown in. Fuel would be dispensed to the contractor’s fuel trucks for fueling of construction equipment on the ROW or at camp. Pumps at the fuel storage facility can fuel light vehicles and/or onhighway trucks. There would also be a propane storage facility so that contractors can refuel their preheat equipment. Appropriate spill containment kits and procedures would be in place to address fueling and spills while fueling. The pipeline contractor would use the equipment shop and warehouse buildings. Because of the remoteness of the project location, the large amount of equipment, and the winter construction seasons, the contractor would require the weather protection afforded by buildings to perform equipment and vehicle maintenance and overhauls. The size and number of buildings required would vary, depending on season of work and size of the spread. Donlin Gold

8-33

July 2012



Camp Installation Construction and installation of the four mainline camps must begin during S0.5 (see explanation of winter [W] or summer [S] designation in Table 8-1) in Spread 1, Section 6, at the mine site; in Spread 2, Section 1, at Beluga; and during W0 at Kusko West and at Skwentna. The civil work at campsites, water wells, and underground utilities must be installed early during S0.5 to allow camp module installation to be well underway and be ahead of winter. The selection of the civil, well drilling, and other contractors must also begin well in advance of S0.5. During W0 and early S0.5, preparation of four more campsites must be started. See Figure 8-3 for general camp configuration. Campsite preparation would include clearing, gravel fill, installation of berms and liners for fuel storage, and, possibly, placement of suitable flooring for shop and warehouse buildings. Water wells would have to be drilled and proven for each campsite. Camp Moves Camps would be relocated at the end of a construction season and moved ahead in preparation for future construction. All such camp moves would occur within each spread. There would be no camp moves from one spread to another. Other than normal movement of sleeper units, the four planned camp core moves are: •

From the mine site to Kusko East during mid-W1, approximately January 1, as the work moves from Section 6 to Section 5 in Spread 1

•

From Kusko West to Big River during W1 in mid-February

•

From Kusko East to Tatina during late W1 or early S1.5

•

From Beluga to Pass Creek during late W1, when the spread moves from Skwentna to Puntilla.

Camp moves are summarized in Appendix F and Figure 8-4.

Donlin Gold

8-34

July 2012

SCALE:

NA

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CAMP CONFIGURATION

FIGURE:

8-3

DONLIN GOLD PROJECT DG: PER-317.mxd, 07/12/12, R00



Camp Medical and Fire Protection There would be 24-hour coverage for medical and fire emergencies. The pipeline contractor and each subcontractor would have a project-specific HSE plan. Each plan would be submitted for approval by construction management before the start of fieldwork. A camp fire response & prevention plan would be determined concurrent with final design and procurement. Compressor Station Camp The compressor station camp would be set up and used on the compressor station site only for the onsite compressor station construction. Workers constructing the power transmission line to the compressor station may be housed at the Beluga mainline camp or at another commercial camp in the Beluga area. Delivery of Pipe to Support Construction The following facilities would be used for delivery of pipe from which distribution would be made to the PSYs along ROW. These include the following major pipe staging areas and access roads. Barge Landing at Jungjuk Port A barge landing at Jungjuk Port near Crooked Creek on the Kuskokwim River would be developed to support MP 273 to 313. (Note: There would be no road built to the Birch Creek Crossing to the mine site.) Barge Landing at Beluga Some improvements to the existing barge landing at Beluga would be required, along with associated construction of laydown yards and a campsite. The Beluga Barge Landing would support MP 0-48. Port of Bethel Improvements to the Port of Bethel are needed to expand laydown yards for staging pipe and contractor equipment for barging up the Kuskokwim River. Barge landing on east side of Kuskokwim River A barge landing would be constructed at pipeline crossing and would be used for unloading and staging pipe and contractor equipment for construction work on Sections 5, 4, and 3c in Spread 1 (MP 232-128). Barge landing on west side of Kuskokwim River A barge landing would be constructed at pipeline crossing and would be used for unloading and staging pipe and contractor equipment for construction work on Section 6 of Spread 1 (MP 232-273).

Donlin Gold

8-37

July 2012



Oilwell Road In addition to the staging facilities a 45 mile (72 km) winter access road for logistical support would be constructed from Oilwell Road to Skwentna for contractor use and pipe movement to Sections 2, 3a and 3b (approximately MP 48-128) in Spread 2. Roads Graded or granular fill access roads would be needed for all-season use; ice access roads would be for winter use only. Ice access roads would be used primarily to reach water sources that cannot be reached from the ROW and for access to the ROW for ice or snow workpad construction. In general, the use of ice access roads is being minimized in favor of granular access roads because access roads connecting campsites and airstrips would be used during summer for the pressure test and reclamation program. Table 8-8: Access Road Identifications Mile Post

Length (miles)

Width (feet)

0.00

10.2

Existing

Existing access from Beluga airstrip to MP 0

7.39

0.13

24

Shoofly

9.73

0.64

24

Shoofly

12.38

0.85

24

Shoofly

42.21

0.33

24

Shoofly

47.97

0.01

24

HDD fly camp access

49.26

0.54

24

Main camp access

49.59

8.1

24

49.90

0.51

24

Main camp access

52.19

0.22

24

Airstrip Access

53.20

0.06

24

Airstrip Access

61.03

0.14

24

Alternative 1 Shoofly

61.06

0.1

24


65.52

0.14

24

Shoofly

66.18

0.14

24

Alternative 1 Shoofly, part 1

66.20

0.33

24


66.32

0.09

24

Alternative 1 Shoofly, part 2

68.63

0.19

24

Shoofly

76.84

0.42

24

Shoofly

83.80

3.38

24


83.80

1.33

24


86.34

0.26

24

Shoofly

99.33

0.1

24

PSY access

Donlin Gold

Status

Description

Skwentna winter access

8-38

(may need upgrading for pipeline use)

(Deleted based on southern access to Skwentna from Oil Well Road)

(preferred)

(preferred)

(preferred)

(most probable)

July 2012



Table 8-8 (Continued): Access Road Identifications Mile Post

Length (miles)

Width (feet)

Description

99.58

0.03

24

PSY access

100.68

0.25

24

Shoofly

100.99

0.08

24

Shoofly

101.06

0.23

24

Shoofly

107.25

0.53

24

Pass Creek Camp & Strip access

128.03

0.03

24

128.31

0.28

24

Tatina Camp to Tatina River

131.90

0.15

24

Rohn Camp & Strip access

147.37

0.12

24

Shoofly

154.12

2.97

24

Upgrade existing trail to Farewell Strip

154.22

0.02

24

Farewell Camp access

188.27

1.76

24

Big River Strip access

188.35

0.03

24

Big River Camp access

232.52

1.12

24

Kusko East Camp & Strip access

237.00

1.47

24

Kusko East Barge site & Laydown Yard access

238.40

0.13

24

Kusko West Barge site & Laydown Yard access

238.50

6

24

Kusko West Camp & Strip access shoofly from Kusko

243.94

0.05

24

Kusko West Strip access

244.20

0.03

24

Kusko West Camp access

246.29

1.50

24

Shoofly

247.75

0.16

24

Shoofly

248.22

0.25

24

Shoofly

248.65

0.44

24

Shoofly

249.13

0.42

24

Shoofly

256.50

2.92

24

Shoofly

260.59

2.27

24

Shoofly

266.82

0.54

24

Shoofly

270.49

0.76

24

Shoofly

271.88

0.73

24

Shoofly

279.22

1.1

24

Shoofly

282.85

0.47

24

Shoofly

Donlin Gold

Tatina Camp access

8-39

Status

(needs realignment based on new HDD entry point)

(approximate mileage)-needs design

July 2012



Table 8-8 (Continued): Access Road Identifications Mile Post

Length (miles)

Width (feet)

Description

283.83

3.16

24

Shoofly

305.26

0.47

24

Shoofly

307.92

0.5

24

Shoofly

310.58

1.9

24

Shoofly - ANACONDA

Status

Water Use and Potential Sources Water would be required during construction for camp use which would be supplied from wells or clean water sources and would be piped or trucked to a water treatment facility. There would also be firewater storage at each camp. Water would also be needed for other potential uses including ice road construction, dust control, reclamation and hydrostatic testing. Water withdrawal from lakes and streams would be planned and executed in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate permits and authorizations. It is understood that water removal from fish overwintering areas during winter months may not be permittable. Temporary water use authorizations would be applied for by either the appropriate contractor or Donlin Gold. Table 8-9 identifies potential water sources and use during construction.

Donlin Gold

8-40

July 2012



Table 8-9: Potential Water Sources and Use Water Extraction Site

Road Sta. (ft)

Mile Post

Stream Crossing Label

Waterbody Type

Ponds Only Flow

Designation Area (ac)

Volume

Terrain


Open Water in Winter?

At road bridge - good water

WES-001

000+00

0.0

River

Theodore River bridge

WES-002

179+52

3.4

River

Theodore River

1600 ft W

WES-003

422+40

8.0

Pond (x2)

Two ponds

500 ft W

WES-004

564+96

10.7

cLET1

Tributary

Lewis River trib 1

WES-005

665+28

12.6

cLET2

Tributary