Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Visual impacts resulting from vegetation clearing, increases in dust, and the
presence of large-scale equipment, machinery, and vehicles if the affected
cultural resources have an associated landscape or other visual component
that contributes to their significance, such as Native American sacred land-
scape or a historic trail
Ecological Resources
Ecological resources that could be affected include vegetation, fish, and wildlife, as
well as their habitats. Vegetation and topsoil would be removed for the construction
of the biomass energy facility, associated access roads, transmission lines, pipelines,
and other ancillary facilities. This would lead to a loss of wildlife habitat, reduc-
tion in plant diversity, potential for increased erosion, and potential for the introduc-
tion of invasive or noxious weeds. The recovery of vegetation following interim and
final reclamation would vary by the type of plant community desired. Dust settling
on vegetation may alter or limit plants' abilities to photosynthesize or reproduce.
Although the potential for an increase in the spread of invasive and noxious weeds
would occur during the construction phase due to increasing traffic and human
activity, the potential impacts could be reduced by interim reclamation and imple-
mentation of mitigation measures. Adverse impacts on wildlife could occur during
construction from
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Erosion and runoff
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Fugitive dust
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Noise
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Introduction and spread of invasive vegetation
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Modification, fragmentation, and reduction of habitat
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Mortality of biota (i.e., death of plants and animals)
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Exposure to contaminants
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Interference with behavioral activities
Wildlife would be most affected by habitat reduction within the project site,
access roads, and gas and water pipeline rights-of-way. Wildlife within surround-
ing habitats might also be affected if the construction activity (and associated noise)
disturbs normal behaviors, such as feeding and reproduction. Depletion of surface
waters from perennial streams could result in a reduction of water flow, which could
lead to habitat loss or degradation of aquatic species.
Water Resources
With regard to water resources (surface water and groundwater), water would be
used for dust control when clearing vegetation and grading and for road traffic; for
making concrete for foundations and ancillary structures; and for consumptive use
by the construction crew. Water is likely to be obtained from nearby surface water
bodies or aquifers, depending on availability, but could be trucked in from offsite.
The bottom line on water for potable use always comes down to the Q and Q factors:
quantity and quality. The quantity of water used would be small relative to water
availability. Water quality could be affected by
