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El Paso Gas Pipeline - 2009
Saguaro National Park » El Paso Gas Pipeline - 2009 » Document List
The National Park Service (NPS) is currently reviewing a proposal from El Paso Natural Gas Company ("EPNG") to lower several segments of its natural gas transmission Line No. 1008 within the Tucson Mountain District of Saguaro National Park ("the Park"), west of the city of Tucson, Arizona.
EPNG operates two high-pressure natural gas pipelines buried in a 30-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW) in the northeastern portion of the Park. During normal inspections, conducted pursuant to and in accordance with federal law, EPNG discovered four locations within the Park where Line No. 1008 has been exposed as the result of storm-water runoff. EPNG proposes to remove these exposed pipeline segments (totaling approximately 700') and replace them with new pipe, which will be buried at a depth that will ensure the continued integrity and safety of the pipeline. New fill dirt will be added where necessary to adequately cover the new pipeline, and the dirt will be compacted and graded. Water bars will be added to improve drainage and prevent future washouts, and the disturbed areas will be restored and re-vegetated to industry standards.
An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) considers reasonable alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates the impacts of the proposed project to the environment, and 3) identifies potential mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts.
Chief, Science and Resources Management
meg_weesner@nps.gov
(520)733-5170
EPNG operates two high-pressure natural gas pipelines buried in a 30-foot-wide right-of-way (ROW) in the northeastern portion of the Park. During normal inspections, conducted pursuant to and in accordance with federal law, EPNG discovered four locations within the Park where Line No. 1008 has been exposed as the result of storm-water runoff. EPNG proposes to remove these exposed pipeline segments (totaling approximately 700') and replace them with new pipe, which will be buried at a depth that will ensure the continued integrity and safety of the pipeline. New fill dirt will be added where necessary to adequately cover the new pipeline, and the dirt will be compacted and graded. Water bars will be added to improve drainage and prevent future washouts, and the disturbed areas will be restored and re-vegetated to industry standards.
An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to provide the decision-making framework that 1) considers reasonable alternatives to meet project objectives, 2) evaluates the impacts of the proposed project to the environment, and 3) identifies potential mitigation measures to minimize potential impacts.
Contact Information
Meg WeesnerChief, Science and Resources Management
meg_weesner@nps.gov
(520)733-5170