Agenda - Council - 04/14/1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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II NNG Elk River Loop '99 Project City of Andover Special Use Permit Environmental Summary February 8, 1999 I i I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Environmental Guidance Documents Northem's Upland Erosion Control, Re'vegetation and Maintenance Plan (Plan) and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures (Procedures) identify specific erosion cot-=trol measures and conc, truction methods which minimize potential adverse effects caused by pipeline construction, These documents will be incorporated into construction contracts, project specifications and construction drawings. Northern's environmental inspector (El) will work with the construction contractor to achieve compliance with Northern's Plan and Procedures, as well as conditions of other environmental permits and approvals'that are issued for the project. Waterbodles and Wetlands Within the City of Andover, the pipeline route crosses eleven wetlands listed on the National Wetlands Inventory (NWl) maps. The proposed route will also cross two intermittent streams and the Rum River. For these crossings, Northern has applied for authorization from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization. The Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act ..~Act) exempts utility and pipeline construction projects from compliance with the Act. W'aterbodles and wetlands will be temporarily disturbed during construction. However, wetlands and waterbodies will be restored to their pre-construction condition. No permanent filling or draining of wetlands will result from construction of the proposed pipeline. The pipeline will typically be installed using open-cut construction methods at all waterbody crossings, except the Rum River which is anticipated to be crossed using horizontal directional drill techniques. Dudng construction, Northern may elect to use horizontal directional drill crossing methods at additional locations due to site-specific conditions. Wetland crossings will either be installed using the open-cut or push-pull construction method. Cultural Resources Northern has conducted a cultural resources inventory of the proposed project area. This inventory included a site file seamh and literature review, development of a model of archeological sensitivity, Phase I survey of the route, and Phase II evaluation of one site to assess potential eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No eligible sites were identified within the proposed project area during the cultural resources survey. Northem has consulted with the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on survey methodology, the findings of the cL~ltural resources inventory and potential effect of the project. In a letter dated January 21, 1999, Minnesota SHPO concluded that no properties eligible for or listed on the NRHP are within the project area. Page 3