Installation and Removal

Below is a summary of the Bureau of Land Management’s key findings regarding the installation and removal periods of Over The River, as described in the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

• “Overall, the quality of life for most residents would be unaffected by installation and removal activities. The influx of additional visitor spending and temporary increase in the incomes of local residents would be a benefit to the area.” (Chapter 4-134)

• A “tread lightly work ethic” will be established and implemented through mandatory trainings on the “importance of minimizing (the) amount of disturbed area and avoiding identified sensitive areas. … Workers and staff would be made aware of sensitive environmental issues, what they need to do to avoid impacts to sensitive resources.” (Chapter 5-10, 11)

• While the drilling period is about two years, the impact on any one location is brief.  In the Final EIS, the BLM explains: “It is important to note that the duration of disturbance during the drilling period is relatively brief at any one location. … At a specific panel location, therefore, the noise and activity associated with drilling would remain within 0.25 mile during a 5-day period and then move beyond that distance, resulting in a diminishment of noise and other disturbances at any one location.” (Chapter 4-7)

• To reduce noise, the artists’ initial proposal included numerous mitigations that will be implemented during installation. The Final EIS confirms that: “Design measures consisting of mufflers and spark arrestors would reduce noise levels from engine powered equipment.” (Chapter 4-32). The Final EIS also concludes that “US 50 traffic noise is comparable to drilling noise of 75-85 dB(A).” (Chapter 4-327)

• According to the Final EIS, only “An estimated 1.9 acres would be disturbed for anchor points and 3.7 acres for the equipment and footpaths. Soils removed from the anchor holes would be containerized and removed from the construction areas.” (Chapter 4-31)

• Project design features involving sediment fences, rubber mats, and treads on equipment disturbance areas; covering soil piles; limiting public access to work areas; and restoring disturbed areas to preconstruction conditions would be implanted to reduce sediment input to the river. … As a result of these design features, sediment input to the river would be considered a minor level impact on aquatic species and their habitat.” (Chapter 4-31, 32)