GPI (d)_YNP SOP for Subsurface Investigation.pdf

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATIONS

Proiect Description This project establishes a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion for Subsurface Investigations.

Subsurface investigations include drilling, geophysical surveys and excavation. These investigations are often done to support projects involving foundation work, road work, percolation tests for septic systems, or contaminated soil remediation. One purpose of charucterizing subsurface conditions is to determine if the ground beneath an engineered structure will remain stable under static and seismic conditions.

Subsurface investigations include excavation of test holes and pits, observation and recording of exposed subsurface conditions, collection and testing of soil samples, analysis of laboratory test data. installation of monitoring wells and monitoring of ground water levels. Subsurlace investigations of soil and groundwater are required for many engineering practices. These investigations assist in developing a technically sound design and cost estimate and minimize the risk of encountering unforeseen conditions during project implementation that may result in design changes and increased costs. An adequate and appropriate investigation of the subsurface is critical in the design for projects. In some cases, including water wells and drain fields, a subsurface investigation is required by WYDEQ Chapter I I (Design and Construction Standards for Sewerage Systems, Treatment Works, Disposal Systems or Other Facilities Capable of Causing or Contributing to Pollution and Mobile Home Park and Campground Sewerage and Public Water Supply Distribution Systems), WYDEQ Chapter 25 (Septic Tank and/or Soil Absorption Systems and Other Small Wastewater Systems), WYDEQ Chapter 26 (Well Construction Standards), Montana DEQ 2 (Design Standards for Wastewater Facilities), Montana DEQ 3(Standards for Small Water Systems), Montana DEQ 4(Montana Standards for On-Site Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems 2013 Edition).

Work Specifications For subsurface investigations, information on the geology of the site, characterization of the site, and meetings with professional staff should be done to gain information on the requirements of the engineered structure and indicate potential construction problems.

Investigations will be conducted using hand tools, GPS, drilling rigs, excavators, off-road equipment, standard rubber-tired vehicle, and by foot.

Minor removal of vegetation may be necessary to access currently inaccessible sites. At accessible sites, vegetation will be cleared only at the immediate probing and sampling locations.

Cuttings (i.e., rock and soil) will be stockpiled in a contained location on site and will be either removed or replaced in the borehole upon completion of boring activity. Staging area for equipment will likely be located at or near the drilling location. Where no sufficient space allows staging at the drilling location, nearby turnouts or parking areas will be used.

Utility locates will be performed prior to boring in areas with underground utilities or structures that may be served by underground utilities.

Drilling will normally take place from 0800-1700 hours to minimize noise impacts to visitors.

Some work requirements may require working outside these hours, but impacts to visitors and wildlife will be minimized.

All vehicles, equipment, gear, and tools brought into the park from an out of park location will be cleaned prior to entering the park to ensure no soil, seeds, or other organic materials having the potential to bring non-native species into the park.

All work activities will conform to National Park Service and OSHA safety standards.

All accidents or damage of any kind happening at or around the worksite, directly or indirectly caused will be reported immediately.

Storage of hazardous materials is not permitted on park property. If a hazardous material (e.g., gasoline) is on-site, an approved Spill Response Kit must be present at all times, and any personnel working at the site shall be trained in the use of the Kit. All spills or discoveries of a contaminant or hazardous material must be reported to the park representative, and tended to, immediately.

Hard hats, safety vests, eye and ear protection and other personal protective gear, as needed, will be wom at all times when subsurface investigations are being conducted. Any safety violations shall be corrected immediately.

o Foundation Work

l) Calculate foundation settlement using maximum structural loads.

2) Structures without a basement will not excavate greater than 6 feet in depth.

Structures with a basement will not excavate greater than 40 feet in depth.

3) Locations and dimensions of cuts and filIs, embankments, retaining structures, and substrucfure elements.

o Road Work (Federal Highways) Drilling & Coring

l) The location of drilling and coring locations will be mapped using a GPS unit.

The number and locations are subject to change based upon site conditions but will remain within the project limits.

2) Diameter of drilling holes will vary 2-6 inches and to a maximum depth of 20 feet.

3) One lane of traffic may be closed during drilling operations with no more than 15 minute delays.

4) Total estimated time for geotechnical work will not likely exceed one week.

5) Drilling fluids will be contained and transported off site.

6) All drill holes will be backfilled upon completion, and a non-shrink cement grout will be used as surface seal on paved areas.

7) If trees are cut to allorv for access and placement of the drill machine, it will be done so in a manner that cut faces of logs will not show towards the roadway.

Downed branches or logs will be left as to appear as though natural within the landscape.

8) Personnel with the YNP Geology Program will be given the opportunity to be present for drilling and core extractions.

o Percolation Tests for Septic Systems

I ) Soil percolation tests may be performed in order to evaluate the ability of a soil to transmit wastewater effluent through the soil profile when a septic system is believed to have failed, and when repair or septic field replacement is being considered.

The percolation test hole must be performed at the same depth as the proposed or existing leach field. A hole, 5-7 feet deep is dug in representative soils. Water is poured into the hole and the rate at which soil absorbs the water by noting the time that it takes for the level of water in the hole to drop one inch (for example) or may involve using a specific quantity of water or a percolation test hole of specific dimensions to make these observations.

The bottom of the pit should be level and approximately 2 feet x 4 f-eet in size.

Adequate egress into the hole must be provided, usually by means of a ladder into the trench. Also, adequate layback of the hole sides, or use of a trench box or shoring must be utilized to protect anyone entering the pit.

For leach fields, a soil profile observation pit must also be constructed to observe the soil strata, typically to a depth about four feet below the level of the leach field. Often this pit can be the same pit as the percolation test hole but sometimes an additional pit must be dug. The same process and safety procedures apply to this hole.

Re-fill test holes after testing has been completed.

Remediation of Contaminated Soils (Fuel Oil Tanks)

l) Following removal of tanks, soil samples will be taken to determine if any remediation of the surroundin g area is necessary to ensure the oil or diesel does not leach further into the ground creating a larger, potentially hazardous site.

2) Existing tanks require a Minimum Site Assessment (MSA) every 20 years to determine if the tanks have leaked. The MSA requires bore holes up to 20 feet deep around the tank to determine any leakage. If ground water is encountered in any hole, a monitoring well must be constructed to allow monitoring for any contaminants in the water.

Mitieation Required o Line locates must be completed before any excavation work may begin.

o Line locates must be completed before any excavation work may begin. Every subsurface investigation job requires a call to 81 1 or the state one-call center. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 8l I before every job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.

2)

3)

∠I)

5)

' All remediation work must be completed according to state regulations. If entering into the Wyoming Volunteer Remediation Program, please submitlrogram applicatioi to the Compliance Branch for compliance documentation and submif the Certification of Completion or No Further Action letter upon completion. Work specifications must include: site characterization (to determine the exient of the contamination), disposal of contaminated soil at an approved landfill facility; confirmation soil sampling must be completed to verify unrestricted site use cleanup levels are met; cleanup must be completed within six months.

o The excavation schedule must be provided to the Compliance Branch as soon as it is available to ensure proper surveys for geology, archeoiogy, wetlands and rare plants.o Wetland, archeologic, rare plant, and cultural landscape sites will be identified and protected to the greatest extent possible before subsurface investigations commence.o When excavations will occur in a hydrothermal area, contact the YNp Geology program

(406) 58 1-2016 at least 48 hours before excavations begin.

o Certified weed-free fill will be used to fill in any holes left from the excavation. please contact Vegetation Specialist for an up-to-date list of approved suppliers.o All topsoil and vegetation will be retained prior to construction during the excavation process. Following the work, topsoil and vegetation will be returned to the area and monitored for successful restoration. Re-seeding the area with the surrounding grass species may be necessary to deter introduction of noxious weeds.o Ensure subsurface investigation project work is communicated to staff, visitors and concessionaires whose land assignment may be affected.

Compliance If work specifications are followed and all mitigation measures can be implemented a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion (pCE) may be applied:

Nondestructive data collection, inventory, study, research, and monitoring activities (DOl2, Section 3.4 E.5).

Approved for Use Yellowstone Complia

National Park Service U.S. Department of the lnterior

Yellowstone National Park Date: 05/06/2015

Categorical Exclusion Form

Project: Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) PEPC Project Number: 58313

Proiect Description:

This profect establishes a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion for Subsurface Investigations. Subsurface investigations include drilling, geophysical surveys and excavation. These investigations are often done to support projects involving foundation work, road work, percolation tests for septic systems, or contaminated soil remediation. One purpose of characterizing subsurface conditions is to determine if the ground beneath an engineered structure will remain stable under static and seismic conditions.

Subsurface investigations include excavation of test holes and pits, observation and recording of exposed subsurface conditions, collection and testing of soil samples, analysis of laboratory test data, installation of monitoring wells and monitoring of ground water levels. Subsurface investigations of soil and groundwater are required for many engineering practices. These investigations assist in developing a technically sound design and cost estimate and minimize the risk of encountering unforeseen conditions during project implementation that may result in design changes and increased costs. An adequate and appropriate investigation of the subsurface is critical in the design for proiects. In some cases, including water wells and drain fields, a subsurface investigation is required by WYDEQ Chapter 11 (Design and Construction Standards for Sewerage Systems, Treatment Works, Disposal Systems or Other Facilities Capable of Causing or Contributing to Pollution and Mobile Home Park and

Campground Sewerage and Public \il7ater Supply Distribution Systems), \7YDEQ Chapter 25 (Septic Tank and/or Soil Absorption Systems and Other Small Wastewater Systems), VYDEQ Chapter 26 (V'ell Construction Standards), Montana DEQ 2 (Design Standards for rWastewater Facilities), Montana DEQ 3(Standards for Small 'Water

Systems), Montana DEQ 4(Montana Standards for On-Site Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems 2013

Edition).

Work Specifications For subsurface investigations, information on the geology of the site, characterization of the site, and meetings with professional staff should be done to gain information on the requirements of the engineered structure and indicate potential construction problems.

Investigations will be conducted using hand tools, GPS, drilling rigs, excavators, off-roacl equipment, standard rubber-tired vehicle, and by foot.

Minor removal of vegetation may be necessary to access currently inaccessible sites. At accessible sites, vegetation will be cleared only at the immediate probing and sampling locations.

Cuttings (i.e., rock and soil) will be stockpiled in a contained location on site and will be either removed or replaced in the borehole upon completion of boring activity. Staging area for equipment will likely be located at or near the drilling location. Where no sufficient space allows staging at the drilling location, nearby turnouts or parking areas will be used.

Categorical Exclusion Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) -

PEPC ID:58313

v Utility locates will be performed prior to boring in areas with underground utilities or structures that may be served by underground utilities.

Drilling will normally take place from 0800-1700 hours to minimize noise impacts to visitors. Some work requirements may require working outside these hours, but impacts to visitors and wildlife will be minimized.

All vehicles, equipment, gear, and tools brought into the park from an out of park location will be cleaned prior to entering the park to ensure no soil, seeds, or other organic materials having the potential to bring non-native species into the park.

All work activities will conform to National Park Service and OSHA safety standards.

All accidents or damage of any kind happening at or around the worksite, directly or indirectly caused will be reported immediately.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION CONTINUED UNDER INTERNAL DOCUMENTS SECTION.

Project Locations:

Location I County: Park

District:

Geo. Marker:

Location 2

State: MT Section:

Other:

County: Teton District:

Geo. Marker:

Location 3

State: lfY Section:

Other:

County: Park

District:

Geo. Marker:

Location 4

State: IfY Section:

Other:

County: Gallatin District:

Geo. Marker:

Location 5

State: MT Section:

Other:

County: Fremont District:

Geo. Marker:

State: ID Section:

Other:

Categorical Exclusion Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) -

Mitigation(s):

Please contact your compliance representative if the scope of work changes to ensure proper compliance documentation has been completed. Upon project completion, please send a written summary, with photos if possible, to close out the administrative record for your project.

Vhen excavations will occur in a hydrothermal area, contact the YNP Geology Program at least 48 hours before excavations begin.

a a

'.-iih, The project lead will ensure that all project-related employees, such as contract employees, would be given orientation on how to avoid disturbing or encountering bears and how to minimize unavoidable effects or encounters. Orientation would include information about park regulations regarding food storage, disposal of garbage and other bear attractants, and approaching or harassihg wildlife.

Ensure work crews adhere to bear safety and food storage regulations.

Ensure subsurface investigation project work is communicated to staff, visitors and concessionaires whose land assignment may be affected.

All topsoil and vegetation will be retained prior to construction during the excavation process. Following the work, topsoil and vegetation will be returned to the area and monitored for successful restoration. Re-seeding the area with the surrounding grass species may be necessary to deter introduction of noxious weeds.

Certified weed-free fill will be used to fill in any holes left from the excavation. I'lease contact Vegetation

Specialist for an up-to-date list of approved suppliers.

Wetland, archaeological, rare plant, and cultural landscape sites will be identified and protected to the greatest extent possible before subsurface investigations commence.

The excavation schedule must be provided to the Compliance Branch as soon as it is available to ensure proper surveys for geology, archaeology, wetlands and rare plants.

All remediation work must be completed according to state regulations. If entering into the Wyoming

Volunteer Remediation Program, please submit program application to the Compliance Branch for compliance documentation and submit the Certification of Completion or No F'urther Action letter upon completion. \Work specifications must include: site characterization (to determine the extent of the contamination), disposal of contaminated soil at an approved landfill facility; confirmation soil sampling must be completed to verify unrestricted site use cleanup levels are met; cleanup must be completed within six months.

Line locates must be completed before any excavation work may begin. Every subsurface investigation iob requires a call to 81 1 or the state one-call center. The depth of utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 81L before every job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps p.revent undesired consequences.

Describe the category used to exclude action from further NEPA analysis and indicate the number of the category (see Section 3-4 of DO-l2):

8.5 Nondestructive data collection, inventory (including field, aerial, and satellite surveying and mapping), study, research, and monitoring activities.

Categorical Exclusion Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) -

V レ

Explanation:

Although this data collection is somewhat destructive it meets the intention of this CE, and all holes created will be repaired immediately following the removal of the sample.

On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No exceptional circumstances (e.9. all boxes in the ESF are marked "no") or conditions in Section 3-6 apply, and the action is fully described in Section 3-4 of DO-l2.

Signature

Superintendent: Date:

Dan Wenk

NPS Contact: Date:_ご

⊇:/26=二_______

Categorical Excluslon Form― Progralninatic Categorical Exclusion― Subsurface lnvestigations(2015-2020)―

U.S. Department of the lnterior

Yellowstone National Park Date: 05/06/2015

ENVIRONM[ENTALSCREENING FORM(ESF)

DO-12 APPENDIX l

Date Form lnitiated: 04/22/2015

Updated May 2007‐ per 2004 Departmental Manualrevisions and proposed Directoris Order 12 changes

A.PROJECT:NFORMAT:ON

Park Name:

Project Title:

PEPC Project Number:

PMIS Number:

Project Type:

Proiect Location:

County, State:

County, State:

County, State:

County, State:

County, State:

Proiect Leader:

Yellowstone National Park Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020)

58313

Engineering/Technical Services (ET)

Park, Montana Teton,Iflyoming Park, Wyoming Gallatin, Montana Fremont, Idaho Mike Finken

Administrative Record Location: YCR Compliance Files

Administrative Record Contact: Bianca Klein Notes:

B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project establishes a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion for Subsurface Investigations. Subsurface invesiigations include drilling, geophysical surveys and excavation. These investigations are often done to support proiecis involving foundation work, road work, percolation tests for septic systems, or contaminated soil iemediation. One purpose of characterizing subsurface conditions is to determine if the ground beneath an engineered structure will remain stable under static and seismic conditions'

Subsurface investigations include excavation of test holes and pits, observation and recording of exposed subsurface conditions, collection and testing of soil samples, analysis of laboratory test data, installation of monitoring wells and monitoring of ground water levels. Subsurface investigations of so il and groundwater are required for many engineering piu.ti..r. These investigations assist in developing a technically sound design and cost estimate and minimize the risk of encountering unforeseen conditions during prolect implementation that may result in design changes and increased costs. An adequate and appropriate investigation of the subsurface is criiical in the design for piojects. In some cases, including water wells and drain fields, a subsurface investigation is required by WyDEe -h"pt". 11 (Design and Construction Standards for Sewerage S)'stems, Treatment Works, Disposal Sysiems or Other Facilities Capable of Causing or Contributing to Pollution and Mobile Home Park and

Campground Sewerage and Public Water Supply Distribution Systems), \7YDEQ Chapter 25 (Septic Tank and/or

Environmental Screening Form (ESF) - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

2020) - PEPC ID: 58313

| _二 _ 1

シ

Soil Absorption Systems and Other Small Wastewater Systems), WYDEQ Chapter 26 ('Well Construction Standards), Montana DEQ 2 (Design Standards for'lVastewater Facilities), Montana DEQ 3(Standards for Small 'Water

Systems), Montana DEQ 4(Montana Standards for On-Site Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems 2013 Edition).

Work Specifications For subsurface investigations, information on the geology of the site, characterization of the site, and meetings with professional staff should be done to gain information on the requirements of the engineered structure and indicate potential construction problems.

Investigations will be conducted using hand tools, GPS, drilling rigs, excavators, off-road equipment, standard rubber-tired vehicle, and by foot.

Minor removal of vegetation may be necessary to access currently inaccessible sites. At accessible sites, vegetation will be cleared only at the immediate probing and sampling locations.

Cuttings (i.e., rock and soil) will be stockpiled in a contained location on site and will be either removed or replaced in the borehole upon completion of boring activity. Staging area for equipment will likely be located at or near the drilling location. Where no sufficient space allows staging at the drilling location, nearby turnouts or parking areas will be used.

Utility locates will be performed prior to boring in areas with underground utilities or structures that may be served by underground utilities.

Drilling will normally take place from 0800-1700 hours to minimize noise impacts to visitors. Some work requirements may require working outside these hours, but impacts to visitors and wildlife will be minimized.

AII vehicles, equipment, gear, and tools brought into the park from an out of park location will be cleaned prior to entering the park to ensure no soil, seeds, or other organic materials having the potential to bring non-native species into the park.

All work activities will conform to National Park Service and OSHA safety standards.

All accidents or damage of any kind happening at or around the worksite, directly or indirectly caused will be reported immediately.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION CONTINUED UNDER INTERNAL DOCUMENTS SECTION.

Target compliance completion date:

Projected advertisement/Day labor start:

Construction start date:

ls project a hot topic (controversial or sensitive issues that should be brought to attention of Regional Director)? No

C.RESOuRCE EFFECTS TO CONSiDER:

ldentify potential effects to the following physical, natural, or cultural

No Effect

Negligible Effects

Minor Effects

Exceeds Minor Effects

Data Needed to Determine/Notes

Environmental Screening Form (ESF)― Progralninatic Categorical Exclusion― Subsurface lnvestigations(2015-

2020)― PEPC ID:58313

resources

1. Geologic resources - soils, bedrock, streambeds, etc.

Minor Minor, short-and Lrng-term impacts will occur to the geological resources in the project area due to excavation necessary to perform subsurface investigrltions.

2. From geohazards Minor Many locations in the park have geohazards, especially those in proximity to geothermal areas.

Subsurface investigations may contribute to short-and long-term adverse impacts.

3. Air quality Negligible Some short-term adverse impacts will occur from dust and vehicle exhaust during subsurface investigations.

4. Soundscapes Negligible Negligible, short term impacts will occur to soundscapes during subsurface investigations.

5. Water quality or quantity

No

5. Streamflow characteristics

No

7. Marine or estuarine resources

No

8. Floodplains or wetlands

No

9. Land use, including occupancy, income, values, ownership, type of use

No

10. Rare or unusual vegetation - old growth timber, riparian, alpine

No Rare plants will be irlentified and protected to the greatest extent possible before subsurface investigations commence.

11. Species of special concern (plant or animah state or federal listed or proposed for listing) or their habitat

No Species ofspecial concern or their habitat will be identified and protected.

Environmental Screening Form (ESF) - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

2020) - PEPC ID:58313

12. Unique ecosystems, biosphere reserves, World Heritage Sites

No

13. Unique or important wildlife or wildlife habitat

Negligible Short-term displacement may occur during subsurface investigation work.

14. Unique or important fish or fish habitat

No l5.lntroduce or promote non-native species (plant or animal)

Negligible Disturbed soil is more likely to enable weed establishment.

Mitigation measures will be implemented to ensure establishment of weeds is unlikelv.

16. Recreation resources, including supply, demand, visitation, activities, etc.

No

17. Visitor experience, aesthetic resources

Negligible This project will include a negligible short-term adverse impact to visitor experience if traffic delays occur or equipment is visible or audible.

18. Archeological resources

Negligible Archeological resources will be identified and protected to the greatest extent possible before subsurface investigations commence.

19.

Prehistoric/historic structure

No

20. Cultural landscapes

No

21. Ethnographic resources

No

22. Museum collections (objects, specimens, and archivaland manuscript collections)

No

23. Socioeconomics, No

Environmental Screening Form (ESF) - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

2020) - PEPC ID: 58313

including employment, occupation, income changes, tax base, infrastructure

24. Minority and low income populations, ethnography, size, migration patterns, etc.

No

25。 Energy resources

No

26. Other agency or tribal land use plans or policies

No

27. Resource, including energy, conservation potential, sustainability

No

28. Urban quality, gateway communities, etc.

No

29. Long-term management of resources or !and/resource productivity

No

30. Other important environment resources (e.9.

geothermal, paleontological resources)?

When excavations will occur in a hydrothermal area, contact the YNP Geology Program before excavations begin.

D.MANDAttORY CRITER:A Mandatory Criteria: !f imPlemented, would the proposal:

Yes No N/A Comment or Data Needed to Determine

A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety?

N

B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands; wilderness areas; wild or scenic

N

Environmental Scrcening Forln(ESF)‐ Programmatic Categorical Exclusion― Subsurface lnvestigations(2015-

2020)― PEPC ID:58313

rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 1 1990); floodplains (Executive Order 1 1988); national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas?

C. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2XE))?

N

D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks?

N

E. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environ mental effects?

N

F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects?

N

G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the Nationa! Register of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office?

N

H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species?

N

!. Violate a federal Iaw, or a state, local, or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment?

N

J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (Executive Order 12898)?

N

K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of lndian sacred sites on federal lands by lndian religious practitioners or significantly adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (Executive

N

Environmental Screening Form (ESF) - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

Order 13007)?

L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)?

N

2.

E.OTHER:NFORMAT:ON

l. Are personne:preparing this form fami‖ ar with the site? N/A l.A.Did personnel conduct a site visit? No ls the project in an approved plan such as a General Management Plan or an lmplementation Plan with an accompanying NEPA document? No

Are there any interested or affected agencies or parties? N/A

Has consultation with all affected agencies or tribes been completed? N/A

Are there any connected, cumulative, or similar actions as part of the proposed action?

(e.g., other development projects in area or identified in GMP, adequate/available utilities to accomplish prolect) N/A

F.:NttERD:SCIPL!NARY TEAM S!GNATOR:ES(SIE AttACHED.pOcv‐ V'NII‐FO薇 StCNATU彙 IS)

ス〃hterdたcrip′hary team members sむ n as direcred Or deemed necessary by the Suρ er′ntendent By

Sむnわ g thた fOrm′ you affirmめ e fo″owわgf you have eFther compreted a s′ te y′s■ or are fam′′Far with the specFfics of the s′teF yOu have consu′ted И′′th affected agencies and tribe,and yotrr to the best Ofyour Л々owredge haVe answered the questions posedわ めe chec々ri5t COrrect4μ

３

４

５

G. SUPERVISORY SIGNATORY

Field of Expertise Project Leader

Field of Expertise Technical Support Landscape Architect Natural Resource Specialist

Concessions

Archeologist NEPA Specialist

Natural Resource Specialist

Technical Support NHPA Specialist Wildlife Biologist

Environmental Scrccning Forin(ESF)

2020)― PEPC ID:58313

Mike Finken

Technical Specialist Bret DeYoung Lori Gruber il:H,fl'ffl'M Staffan Peterson U U

Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (201 5 -

シ

Based on the environmental impact information contained in the statutory compliance file and in this environmental screening form, environmental documentation for this stage of the subject project is complete.

Recommended:

Compliance Specialist:

NEPA

Vicki Regula

NHPA

Tobin Roop

Approved:

Superintendent:

Date:

Date: Alultf

Dan Venk

Environmental Screening Form (ESF)― Progralninatic Categorical Exclusion― Subsurface lnvestigations(2015-

2020)― PEPC ID:58313

Datα _

:NTERDiSCiPL:NARY TEAM SiGNATOR:ES

ハ

All interdisciplinary team members sign as directed or deemed necessary by the Superintendent. By signing this form, you aff irm the following: you have either completed a site visit or are f amiliar with the specrfi?s of ihe site; you haye cdrsulted with affected agedcies aril tribes; and you, tC the blst of your knowledge, have ans'arcred the guestions posed in the checklist correctly.

H. IDT Approval

PCE/SOP Subsurf ace lnvestigations

Approved with amendments as discussed

(please list) Technical Specialist Signature/DateField of Expertise - Role/Division

も につ 7えla Klein 4/22/15Fnvironmental Protection Spec/YCR

イル|″ κ″ タルイ′ぢ

Vzs ,\s*tr'

′.J`ι↓: ス″計

Qoo/"17 iCf

歓 臓 ,"1赳

Environmental Screening Form (ESF) - PCE IDT Approvals

Leader's

乙′1 //22//「

根―k‐ ヽゝルP′ F♪サ10tヽ fユハ′

Yellowstone National Park Date: 05/06/2015

ASSESSMENT OF ACTIONS HAVING AN EFFECT ON

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

A. DESCRIPTION OF UNDERTAKING

1. Park: Yellowstone National Park

2. Project Description:

Proiect Name: Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020)

Prepared by: Staffan Peterson Date Prepared: 0412312015 Telephone: 307-344-2290 PEPC Project Number: 58313

Locations:

County, State: Park, MT County, State: Teton, WY County, State: Park, rWY

County, State: Gallatin, MT County, State: Fremont, ID

Describe project:

This project establishes a Programmatic Categorical Exclusion for Subsurface Investigations. Subsurface investigations include drilling, geophysical surveys and excavation. These investigations are often done to support projects involving foundation work, road work, percolation tests for septic systems, or contaminated soil remediation. One purpose of characterizing subsurface conditions is to determine if the ground beneath an engineered structure will remain stable under static and seismic conditions.

Subsurface investigations include excavation of test holes and pits, observation and recording of exposed subsurface conditions, collection and testing of soil samples, analysis of laboratory test data, installation of monitoring wells and monitoring of ground water levels. Subsurface investigations of soil and groundwater are required for many engineering practices. These investigations assist in developing a technically sound design and cost estimate and minimize the risk of encountering unforeseen conditions during project implementation that may result in design changes and increased costs. An adequate and appropriate investigation of the subsurface is critical in the design for projects. In some cases, irrcluding water wells and drain fields, a subsurface investigation is required by'WYDEQ Chapter 11 (Design and Construction Standards for Sewerage Systems, Treatment Works, Disposal Systems or Other Facilities Capable of Causing or Contributing to Pollution and Mobile Home Park and Campground Sewerage and Public Water Supply

Distribution Systems),'$flYDEQ Chapter 25 (Septic Tank and/or Soil Absorption Systems and Other Small rWastewater Systems), nfYDEQ Chapter 26 ('$7ell Construction Standards), Montana DEQ 2 (Design

Standards for \Wastewater Facilities), Montana DEQ 3(Standards for Small \Water Systems), Montana DEQ 4(Montana Standards for On-Site Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems 2013 Edition).

Work Specifications For subsurface investigations, information on the geology of the site, characterization of the site, and meetings with professional staff should be done to gain information on the requirements of the engineered structure and indicate potential construction problems.

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) - PEPC

ID:58313

し V

Investigations will be conducted using hand tools, GPS, drilling rigs, excavators, off-road equipment, standard rubber-tired vehicle, and by foot.

Minor removal of vegetation may be necessary to access currently inaccessible sites. At accessible sites, vegetation will be cleared only at the immediate probing and sampling locations.

Cuttings (i.e., rock and soil) will be stockpiled in a contained location on site and will be either removed or replaced in the borehole upon completion of boring activity. Staging area for equipment will likely be located at or near the drilling location. Where no sufficient space allows staging at the drilling location, nearby turnouts or parking areas will be used.

Utility locates will be performed prior to boring in areas with underground utilities or structures that may be served by underground utilities.

Drilling will normally take place from 0800-1700 hours to minimize noise impacts to visitors. Some work requirements may require working outside these hours, but impacts to visitors and wildlife willbe minimized.

All vehicles, equipment, gear, and tools brought into the park from an out of park location will be cleaned prior to entering the park to ensure no soil, seeds, or other organic materials having the potential to bring non-native species into the park.

All work activities will conform to National Park Service and OSHA safety standards.

All accidents or damage of any kind happening at or around the worksite, directly or indirectly caused will be reported immediately.

ADDITIONAL PROJECT INFORMATION CONTINUED UNDER INTERNAL DOCUMENTS

SECTION.

Area of potential effects (as defined in 35 CFR 800.161d1)

3. Has the area of potential effects been surveyed to identify historic properties?

-No_Yes

4. Potentially Affected Resource(s):

5. The proposed action will: (check as many as apply)

_Destroy, remove, or alter features/elements from a historic structure

_Replace historic features/elements in kind

_Add non-historic features/elements to a historic structure

_Alter or remove features/elements of a historic setting or environment (inc. terrain)

Add non-historic features/elements (inc. visual, audible, or atmospheric) to a historic

_setting or cultural landscape

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015- 2O2O) - PEPC

_Disturb, destroy, or make archeological resources inaccessible

_Disturb, destroy, or make ethnographic resources inaccessible

_ Potentially affect presently unidentified cultural resources

Begin or contribute to deterioration of historic features, terrain, setting, landscape

_elements, or archeological or ethnographic resources

_lnvolve a real property transaction (exchange, sale, or lease of land or structures)

Other (please specify):

6. Supporting Study Data:

(Attach if feasible; if action is in a plan, EA or ElS, give name and project or page number.)

B. REVIEWS BY CULTURAL RESOURCE SPECIALISTS

The park 106 coordinator requested review by the park's cultural resource specialist/advisors as indicated by check-off boxes or as follows:

[ ] Curator Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance | | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect _ No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect _ Adverse Effect

Streamlined Review

Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

[ ] Archeologist Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance | | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect

No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect _ Adverse Effect

Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) - PEPC

[ ] Historical Architect Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance | | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect _ No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect _ Adverse Effect _ Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

[ ] Historian Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance 1 7

Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect _ No Historic Properties Affected _ No Adverse Effect _ Adverse Effect _ Streamlined Review

Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

t I 105 Advisor Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance I I Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect _ No Historic Properties Affected _ No Adverse Effect _ Adverse Effect _ Streamlined Review Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) - PEPC

Streamlined Activity:

[ ] Other Advisor Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance 1 | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect

No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect _ Adverse Effect

Streamlined Review

Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

[ ] Anthropologist Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance | | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potential to Cause Effect

No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect

Adverse Effect

Streamlined Review

Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

[ ] Historical Landscape Architect Name:

Date:

Comments:

Check if project does not involve ground disturbance | | Assessment of Effect: _ No Potentia! to Cause Effect

No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse

Effect

Adverse Effect

Streamlined Review

Recommendations for conditions or stipulations:

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) - PEPC

Doc Method:

Streamlined Activity:

C.PARK SECT:ON 106 C00RD:NATOR=S REViEW AND RECOMMENDAT:ONS l.Assessment of Effect:

X No Potentia:to Cause Effects

No Historic Properties Affected

No Adverse Effect

Adverse Effect

3. Additional Consulting Parties lnformation:

N/A

4. Stipulations and Conditions:

N/A

5. Mitigations/Treatment Measures:

Measures to prevent or minimize loss or impairment of historic/prehistoric properties:

(Remember that setting, location, and use may be relevant.)

Assessment of Effect - rVetland, archaeological, rare plant, and cultural landscape sites will be identified and protected to the greatest extent possible before subsurface investigations commence.

Assessment of Effect - The excavation schedule must be provided to the Compliance Branch as soon as it is available to ensure proper surveys for geology, archaeology, wetlands and rare plants.

D.RECOMMENDED BY PARK SECT:ON 106 C00RDINATOR:

Compliance Specialist:

NHPA Specialist

Tobin Roop Date:_____三三12`セ」≒ノ∠

`を

上』ΣL______

E.SuPER:NTENDENT:S

The proposed work conforms to the NPS Management Policies and Cultural Resource Management Guideline, and lhave reviewed and approvethe recommendations, stipulations, orconditions noted in Section C of this form.

Signature

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) - PEPC

Super:ntendent: Date:_rっ /ケ髪

ソ 12⊇z=≦1_____

竹ι DanWmk

Assessment of Effect Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020) 'PEPC

Yellowstone National Park Date: 05/06/2015

Other Compliance/Consultations Form

Park Name: Yellowstone National Park PEPC Project Number: 58313

Project Title: Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-2020)

Project Type: Engineering/Technical Services (ET)

Project Location:

County, State: Park, Montana County, State: Teton, \Wyoming

County, State: Park, Wyoming County, State: Gallatin, Montana County, State: Fremont, Idaho

Project Leader: Mike Finken

ESA

eny reJeral Species in the ptoi"it ereiz v.t lf species in area: No Effect Was Biological Assessment prepared? No lf Biological Assessment prepared, concurred?

Formal Consultation required? No

Formal Consultation Notes:

Formal Consultation Concluded:

Any State listed Species in the Proiect Area? No Consultation lnformation:

General Notes:

Data Entered By: Daniel Stahler Date: 0412412075

ESA Mitigations

Mitigation ID Text

49061 Ensure work crews adhere to bear safety and food storage regulations.

49062 The project lead will ensure that all project-related employees, such as contract employees, would be given orientation on how to avoid disturbing or encountering bears and how to minimize unavoidable effects or encounters. Orientation would include information about park regulations regarding food storage, disposal of garbage and other bear attractants, and approaching or harassing wildlife.

Flood plai ns/Wetlands/5404 Permits

Other Compliance/Consultations Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

A.1. ls project in 100- or 500-year floodplain or flash flood hazard area?

A.2. ls project in wetlands? Exempt from compliance with executive order:

of findings approval date:

Date: 04/24/2015

B. COE Section 404 permit needed?

lssue Date:

Expiration Date:

Request Date:

Ci State 401 certification?

D.State Section 401 Permit?

E. Tribal Water Quality Permit?

F. CZM Consistency determination needed?

G. Erosion & Sediment Control Plan Required?

H. Any other permits required? Permit lnformation:

Data Entered By: Daniel Stahler

FloodPlains & \Wetlands Mitigations

Mitigation ID Text No FloodPlains & Wetlands mitigations are associated with this project.

Wilderness

Exempt from compliance with executive order:

of findings approval date:

Question

A. Does this project occur in or adjacent to Designated, Recommended, Proposed, Study, Eligible, or Potential Wilderness?

B. ls the only place to conduct this project in wilderness?

C. ls the project necessary for the administration of the area as wilderness?

D. Would the project or any of its alternatives adversely affect (directly or indirectly) Designated, Recommended, Proposed, Study, Eligible, or Potential Wilderness? (lf Yes, Minimum

Other Compliance/Consultations Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurface Investigations (2015-

2020) - PEPC ID:58313

Question

\7

Yes No Details

Other lnformation:

Yes l No

N

N :

丁

E. Does the project or any of its alternatives involve the use of any of the Wilderness Act Section 4(c) prohibited uses: commercial enterprise, permanent road, temporary road, motor vehicles, motorized equipment, motorboats, landing of aircraft, mechanical transport, structure, or installation? (lf Yes, Minimum Requirements Analysis required) lf the answer to D or E above is "Yes" then a Minimum Requirements Analysis is required. Describe the status of this analysis in the column to the right.

Other lnformation:

Data Entered By: Daniel Stahler

Other Permits/LawS Questions A [r B are no longer *sed.

Question

C. Wild and scenic river concerns exist?

D. NationalTrails concerns exist?

E. Air Quality consult with State needed?

F. Consistent with Architectural Barriers, Rehabilitation, and Americans with Disabilities Acts or not Applicable? (lf N/A check Yes)

G.Other:

lnitiation Date:

Completed Date:

Approved Date:

Other Information:

Data Entered By: Daniel Stahler Date:

Other Compliance/Consultations Form - Programmatic Categorical Exclusion - Subsurflrce Investigations (2015-

2020) - PEPC ID:58313

Date:

N

０

一

Ｎ 一

, Yes

N

Ｎ 一 Ｎ

N

N