Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
grazing livestock could be adversely affected by the loss of forage, reduced forage
palatability (due to dust settlement on vegetation), and restricted movement around
the development area.
Water Resources
Impacts on water resources during the construction phase would be moderate because
of ground-disturbing activities (related to road, well pad, and power plant construc-
tion) that could lead to an increase in soil erosion and surface runoff. Impacts on
surface water would be moderate but temporary and could be reduced by implement-
ing best management practices based on stormwater pollution-preventing require-
ments and other industry guidelines. During the construction phase, water would be
required for dust control, making concrete, and consumptive use by the construction
crew. Depending on availability, it may be trucked in from offsite or obtained from
local groundwater wells or nearby municipal supplies.
Land Use
Temporary and localized impacts on land use would result from construction activi-
ties. These activities could create a temporary disturbance in the immediate vicinity
of a construction site (e.g., to recreational activities or livestock grazing). The mag-
nitude and extent of impacts from constructing power plants and pipeline systems
would depend on the current land use in the area; however, long-term impacts on land
use would be minimized by reclaiming all roads and routes that are not needed once
construction is completed. All other land uses on land under well pads, buildings,
and structures would be precluded as long as they are in operation. Construction
activities are unlikely to affect mining and energy development activities, military
operation, livestock grazing, or aviation on surrounding lands. Activities affecting
resources and values identified for protection areas would likely be prohibited.
Soils and Geologic Resources
Impacts on soils and geologic resources would be greater during the construc-
tion phase than for other phases of development because of the increased footprint
and would be particularly significant if biological or desert crusts are disturbed.
Construction of additional roads, well pads, the geothermal power plant, and struc-
tures related to the power plant (e.g., pipeline system, transmission lines) would
occur during this phase. Construction of well pads, the geothermal power plant,
and structures related to the power plant, pipeline system, access roads, and other
project facilities could cause topographic changes. These changes would be minor
but long term. Soil compaction due to construction activities would reduce aera-
tion, permeability, and water-holding capacity of the soils and cause an increase in
surface runoff, potentially causing increased sheet, rill, and gully erosion. The exca-
vation and reapplication of surface soils could cause the mixing of shallow soil hori-
zons, resulting in a blending of soil characteristics and types. This blending would
modify the physical characteristics of the soils, including structure, texture, and rock
content, which could lead to reduced permeability and increased runoff from these
areas. Soil compaction and blending could also impact the viability of future vegeta-
tion. Any geologic resources within the areas of disturbance would not be accessible
