Seams Steering Group – Western Interconnection Planning Work Group - July 31, 2002 Western Utility Group – Western Regional Corridor Study Presenters:

Seams Steering Group – Western Interconnection Planning Work Group - July 31, 2002

Western Utility Group – Western Regional Corridor Study

Presenters:

•Gayle Gordon – BLM – (303) 239-3783

•Bud Andersen – WUG - (775) 829-9931

•Carl Barnett – Saddle Mountain Consulting

- (503) 755-2913

•Bil Weigand – BLM – (208) 373-3862

PRIORITY CORRIDOR PLANNING DISCUSSION OUTLINE

• Western Utility Group – Background Information

• BLM/FS - Background Information

• ROW & Special Use Programs

• National Energy Policy– BLM ROW Implementation Steps

– Corridor Planning Review

– Priority Corridor Project• Public Availability & Security Concerns

• Questions - Answers

Acreage Comparison by Agency

Agency mm Acres

BLM Surface acres 262

Mineral Estate 700

Forest Service 191

Fish & Wildlife Service 93

National Park Service 84

Army Corps of Engineers 12

Bureau of Reclamation 9

Totals 651

BLM - The AgencyBLM - The Agency

• General Land Office - 1812

• DOI - 1849

• Grazing Service - 1934

• BLM - 1946

• Federal Land Policy & Mgmt Act - 1976

U.S. Department of InteriorBureau of Land Management

USDA - Forest Service

• Forest Reserves - 1891

• Organic Administration Act – 1897

• Transfer Act - 1905

• Multiple Use – Sustained Yield Act - 1960

• Federal Land Policy & Mgmt Act – 1976• Title V -- Specifically

• National Forest Management Act -- 1976 Act -- 1976

U.S. Department of AgricultureForest Service

FS Mission: Caring for the Land & Serving People

Agency Missions

BLM Mission: To sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

STATUTORY AUTHORITIES FOR SPECIAL USES AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY

• Authorities for Forest Service Special UsesAuthorities for Forest Service Special Uses::

- Title V of the Federal Land Policy & Management Act (FLPMA)Title V of the Federal Land Policy & Management Act (FLPMA)

- Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA)Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act (MLA)

**PLUS 16 OTHER statutory authorities for**PLUS 16 OTHER statutory authorities for

the use and occupancy of NFS landsthe use and occupancy of NFS lands

- Authorities for BLM’s Right-of-Way AdministrationAuthorities for BLM’s Right-of-Way Administration::

– Title V of FLPMATitle V of FLPMA

– Section 28 of the MLASection 28 of the MLA

Federal Land Policy & Federal Land Policy & Management ActManagement Act• Multiple Use Management - Sec. 103(c)Multiple Use Management - Sec. 103(c)

• MUM is whatever the land use plan says it is, i.e., the mix MUM is whatever the land use plan says it is, i.e., the mix of principal uses that maintains the health of the landof principal uses that maintains the health of the land

• Public Involvement - Sec. 103(d)Public Involvement - Sec. 103(d)• means the opportunity for the participation by affected means the opportunity for the participation by affected

citizens in:citizens in:• decision-makingdecision-making• rule-makingrule-making• land use planningland use planning

• Public Involvement is critical in development of all LUPsPublic Involvement is critical in development of all LUPs


Federal Land Policy & Federal Land Policy & Management ActManagement Act

Principal Uses (Sec. 103(l))Principal Uses (Sec. 103(l)) livestock grazinglivestock grazing

fish & wildlife development & utilizationfish & wildlife development & utilization

mineral exploration and productionmineral exploration and production

timber productiontimber production

outdoor recreationoutdoor recreation


• rights-of-way•Title V - Rights-of-Way

Right-of-Way AuthorizationsRight-of-Way AuthorizationsAre Either:Are Either:

1.1. Linear Rights-of-WayLinear Rights-of-Way

2.2. Site or Non-Linear Rights-of-WaySite or Non-Linear Rights-of-Way

The term “right-of-way” includes an easement, lease, permit,or license to occupy, use, or traverse public lands for purposeslisted in Title V of the Federal Land Policy & Management Act.

BLM ROW Program BLM ROW Program DataData(ALL DATA AS OF 9/30/2001)(ALL DATA AS OF 9/30/2001)

• 86,845 Total Existing Authorizations & Acres– FLPMA/other: 62,985 -5.7million acres

– MLA: 23,860 -0.25million acres

• Type of ROW - No. – Acreage - Length (miles)– Power Lines: 12,655 - 490,500 acres - 40,466 miles

– Oil and Gas: 22,665 - 233,000 acres - 38,446 miles

– Telephone: 4,423 - 51,000 acres - 4,200 miles

– Fiber Optic: 452 - 17,454 acres - 10,500 miles

– Other Linear: 45,485 - 4.9 million acres

BLM ROW Program BLM ROW Program DataData (ALL DATA AS OF 9/30/2001)(ALL DATA AS OF 9/30/2001)

• Applications Processed and Grants IssuedApplications Processed and Grants Issued

– FY 1999- 5,080FY 1999- 5,080

– FY 2000- 5,769FY 2000- 5,769

– FY 2001- 6,441FY 2001- 6,441

• FY 2001 Cost Recovery FeesFY 2001 Cost Recovery Fees

– $6.9 Million$6.9 Million

• FY 2001 Rental ReceiptsFY 2001 Rental Receipts

– $9.4 Million $9.4 Million

– 42,909 ROW Grants Waived/Exempt from Rent42,909 ROW Grants Waived/Exempt from Rent

Forest Service Special Uses Forest Service Special Uses Program DataProgram Data

• 45,000 Existing Authorizations (Non Recreation)– Power Lines: 2,750

– Telephone lines 1,400

– Comm. Sites: 4,225

– Other: 36,375

• ENCUMBERING MORE THAN 9 MM ACRES OF NATIONAL FOREST LANDS

• PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENTS OF MORE THAN $ 150 BILLION

• Rent Collected- FY 2001 - $12,648,000+

– Power Lines: $1,690,000

USE AUTHORIZATION PROCESS FLOW CHART

PREAPPLICATION APPLICATION NEPA DECISION COMPLIANCE TERMINATION

*Adjudication*Consultation*LUPConformance*Plan Submission*Coordination*Concerns*Requirements*Internal Review

*Filing*Consultation*Cost Recovery*Recordation*AncillaryFacilities*Coordination*Notices

*Analysis*Consultation*Coordination*Scoping*Compliance*Mitigation*Alternatives*SatisfyEnvironmentalObligations

*Consultation*Issuance*Stipulation*Term*Rental*Protest/Appeals*Recordation

*Consultation*Coordination*Monitoring*Mitigation*Rehabilitation*Reclamation*Suspension*Analysis ofSuccess*Documentation*Recordation

*Consultation*Coordination*Monitoring*Rehabilitation*Reclamation*Restoration*Recordation

TYPES: Notice of Intent, Notice of Operation, Applications for Permit to Drill, Rights-of-Way, Sundry Notices, Permits, Leases,Mineral Material Sales, and Seismic Activities.

*Screening Criteria

National Energy PolicyNational Energy Policy

• Release of the National Energy Policy – Release of the National Energy Policy – 5/17/015/17/01

• Executive Order 13211 - Executive Order 13211 - May 18, 2001May 18, 2001

• (Regulations-Statement of Energy Effects)(Regulations-Statement of Energy Effects)

• Executive Order 13212 - Executive Order 13212 - May 18, 2001May 18, 2001

• (Expedite Energy Projects)(Expedite Energy Projects)

• (White House Task Force on Energy Siting)(White House Task Force on Energy Siting)

• Role for “Renewable” Energy Facilities in meeting Role for “Renewable” Energy Facilities in meeting nation’s energy needsnation’s energy needs

THE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICYTHE NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY

Contains more than 100 recommendations for addressing the energy needs of the United States.

•The FS has identified more than 25 tasks,

while….

•The BLM has identified more than 40 specific

tasks.

Energy Policy Implementation Tasks

Implementing theImplementing the

National Energy National Energy PolicyPolicy

1. Establish ROW Project Manager positions

2. Provide for additional ROW training courses

3. Develop Policy for siting renewable energy facilities

4. Identify/remove administrative impediments

5. Finalize ROW cost recovery regulations

6. Give priority to energy ROW applications

7.7. Emphasize ROW planning and corridor Emphasize ROW planning and corridor designationsdesignations

BLM/FS Actions: NEP Implementation Steps

1. Establish ROW Project Manager 1. Establish ROW Project Manager PositionsPositions

• Two national level Project Manager Two national level Project Manager positions were established in November positions were established in November 2000 to manage major ROW projects on a 2000 to manage major ROW projects on a bureauwide basis.bureauwide basis.

• In response to recommendations in the In response to recommendations in the National Energy Policy, BLM established National Energy Policy, BLM established two additional positions in May 2002.two additional positions in May 2002.

ROW PROJECT MANAGERSROW PROJECT MANAGERS

• LaVerne SteahLaVerne Steah – located in Utah State Office, – located in Utah State Office, Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City

Phone: (801) 539-4114Phone: (801) 539-4114

Email: [email protected]: [email protected]

• Jerry CrockfordJerry Crockford – located in the Farmington – located in the Farmington NM, Field OfficeNM, Field Office

Phone: (505) 599-6333Phone: (505) 599-6333


ROW PROJECT MANAGERSROW PROJECT MANAGERS

• Tom HurshmanTom Hurshman – located in Montrose, CO – located in Montrose, CO Field OfficeField Office

Phone: (970) 240-5345Phone: (970) 240-5345


• Scott PowersScott Powers – located in the Montana State – located in the Montana State Office - Billings, MontanaOffice - Billings, Montana

Phone: (406) 896-5319Phone: (406) 896-5319


2. 2. Provide for additional ROW training courses

• During FY 2002/FY 2003, and in conjunction with industry, the FS/BLM will double the frequency of offerings of technical training courses to agency/industry personnel

– Managing Major Rights-of-Way

– Electric Systems Shortcourse

– Pipeline Systems Shortcourse

- BLM has worked with Wind Energy Industry in development of new policy and siting procedures for renewable energy facilities;

- Interim policy was issued on July 29, 2002.

3. Develop Policy for Siting Renewable Energy Facilities

4. 4. Identify/Remove Administrative Barriers to Energy Exploration, Development, & Siting of Energy Related Facilities

• Work with the FERC and other agencies to minimize duplication in permitting oil and gas pipeline projects

• Streamlining Environmental Processes

– Interagency Working Group

5. Finalize Cost Recovery Rule (43 CFR 2800/2880)

• BLM & the FS proposed new regulations in 1999 to:

Revise Cost Recovery Fees & Procedures

Adjusts cost recovery fees to reflect cost increases since 1987

Federal Agencies subject to processing/monitoring fees

Add Inflation Adjustment Mechanism (IPD)

Clarify Category Definitions

Improve customer service by:

Establishing a customer service standard for timely processing of ROW applications;

Adding a “Master Agreement” provision to streamline processing and administrative procedures with a specific company;

Adding new provisions to improve the billing & collection of rent.

ROLLOUT & IMPLEMENTATION OF ROLLOUT & IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FINAL REGULATIONSTHE FINAL REGULATIONS

• Publish Final Rule - 2002 Publish Final Rule - 2002

• Complete Development of New Agency Complete Development of New Agency Directives (Manuals/Handbooks)Directives (Manuals/Handbooks)

• Train Field PersonnelTrain Field Personnel

• Educate Public (applicants and holders)Educate Public (applicants and holders)

• Sections 1 & 2 of Executive Order Sections 1 & 2 of Executive Order 13212 direct agencies to expedite 13212 direct agencies to expedite review & completion of energy review & completion of energy related projects;related projects;

• Section 3 of the Order establishes Section 3 of the Order establishes the White House Task Force on the White House Task Force on Siting Energy Projects to assist Siting Energy Projects to assist agencies in their efforts to agencies in their efforts to expedite the processing of energy-expedite the processing of energy-related ROW applications.related ROW applications.

66. Prioritizing Energy ROW . Prioritizing Energy ROW ApplicationsApplications

• Executive Order 13211 directs agencies to prepare a Statement of Energy Effects when undertaking certain (rule-making) agency actions;

• WO IM 2002 – 053 directs the preparation of a Statement of Energy Effects for any decision that is inconsistent with the National Energy Policy. For such a decision, the Authorized Officer must:

• Provide rationale why energy-related use cannot co-exit with other uses;

• Identify Alternatives considered;

• Identify impacts of decision in regards to production lost, missed exploration opportunities, etc., & steps taken to offset losses.

66. Prioritizing Energy ROW . Prioritizing Energy ROW ApplicationsApplications

Statement of Adverse Energy Impact

Implementing theImplementing the

National Energy National Energy PolicyPolicy

1. Establish ROW Project Manager positionsEstablish ROW Project Manager positions

2. Provide for additional ROW training coursesProvide for additional ROW training courses

3. Develop Policy for siting renewable energy Develop Policy for siting renewable energy facilitiesfacilities

4. Identify/remove administrative impedimentsIdentify/remove administrative impediments

5. Finalize ROW cost recovery regulationsFinalize ROW cost recovery regulations

6. Give priority to energy ROW applicationsGive priority to energy ROW applications

7.7. Emphasize ROW planning and corridor Emphasize ROW planning and corridor designationsdesignations

BLM/FS Actions: NEP Implementation Steps

National Forest National Forest Management Act 1976Management Act 1976

• Directed Each National Forest to Develop Land and Resource Management Plans (LRMP’s)

• Principles of Public Involvement and Public Disclosure in Decision-Making Similar to BLM

• 2000/2001 - Forest Service Revised Its Planning Regulations

• 85 of 127 Forest LRMP’s are Scheduled for Revision within the next 5 years

U.S. Department of AgricultureForest Service

Resource Management Resource Management PlanningPlanning

• 81 Planning/NEPA Efforts; 47 new starts – FY01;81 Planning/NEPA Efforts; 47 new starts – FY01;

• 9 new starts in FY02 (plus 24 new plan revisions)9 new starts in FY02 (plus 24 new plan revisions)

• 21 – Time Sensitive Plans21 – Time Sensitive Plans

• New Land-Use Planning GuidanceNew Land-Use Planning Guidance

• H-1601-1/Manual 1601H-1601-1/Manual 1601

• WO IM 2002-196• LUP Decisions for ROWs will:

• Identify “Closed” areas

• Identify “Avoidance” areas

• Identify “Open” areas

• Make site designations

• Make corridor designations

Land Use Planning:Land Use Planning:A Management ToolA Management Tool

• Management Plans Allocate Lands and Resources By:• Establishing Management Objectives, Standards, Guidelines, and

Prescriptions

• Designating Lands and and Resources for Specific Management Purposes

• Examples: Wilderness, WSA’s, Recreation Sites

• Designating Lands for Specific Land Uses • Examples:

• COMMUNICATION SITES• UTILITY CORRIDORS

7. Emphasize ROW planning and corridor designations - Energy Land Use Plans

• Action: Accelerate the completion of land-use plans with Accelerate the completion of land-use plans with major energy-related components.major energy-related components.• Status: Incorporating Presidential directives (National Energy Incorporating Presidential directives (National Energy

Policy, EO 13212) into the planning process. (ongoing)Policy, EO 13212) into the planning process. (ongoing)

• Status: Removing organizational constraints to ensure the timely Removing organizational constraints to ensure the timely completion of the plans - (ongoing)completion of the plans - (ongoing)

• Status: Revise/Supplement each agency’s directive’s system to Revise/Supplement each agency’s directive’s system to emphasize the importance of identifying and designating utility emphasize the importance of identifying and designating utility and energy corridors in land management planning – and energy corridors in land management planning – ((completed–WO IM 2002-196)

• Status: Placed energy-related land use plans on a 2-3 year time Placed energy-related land use plans on a 2-3 year time schedule. (Time-sensitive Plans)(completed)schedule. (Time-sensitive Plans)(completed)

• High priority planning efforts that must be completed by 2004 to High priority planning efforts that must be completed by 2004 to reflect congressional & administration priorities.reflect congressional & administration priorities.

• Plans are driven by:Plans are driven by:

– Wildfire ManagementWildfire Management

– T/E SpeciesT/E Species

– Special Designations Special Designations

– National Landscape Conservation SystemNational Landscape Conservation System

– Recreation/OHVRecreation/OHV

– Need for Open SpaceNeed for Open Space

– Energy DevelopmentEnergy Development• Corridor PlanningCorridor Planning

Time Sensitive PlansTime Sensitive Plans

Why Digitize the Corridor Study?• Supply/Demand

• Few hard copies remain

• Congressional Requests

• Public Availability

• Historical Use

• Murkowski Request

• New Spatial Technologies for Displaying Information

• Can Become An Effective Planning Tool and/or

• Decision Tool

Why Update the Corridor Study?

DIGITAL CORRIDOR STUDY OUTLINEDIGITAL CORRIDOR STUDY OUTLINEhttp://ncarc.blm.gov/website/wug2http://ncarc.blm.gov/website/wug2

• Corridor Study Text – By Chapter

• Regional Map – Western U.S.

• Layers: Visible or Active• Existing Corridors

• Agency Designated Corridors

• Proposed Corridors

• Energy Sources

• Constraints

• State Boundaries

• Water Features

• Shaded Relief

• View Features

• Legend; Zoom; Identify; Pan; Find; Measurement; Set Units; Details

BLM Intranet Site

DIGITAL CORRIDOR STUDY OUTLINE• State Maps – Western States

• Layers: Visible or Active• Existing Corridors

• Proposed Corridors

• Agency Designated Corridors

• Energy Sources

• Constraints

• Wild & Scenic Rivers

• Land Status

• BLM Planning Units

• County Boundaries

• State Boundaries

• Congressional Districts

• Cities

• Roads

• Major Water Features

• Shaded Relief

1 37

http://ncarc.blm.gov/website/wug2

1 38

State Map

Corridor Study Enhancement Opportunities

“Old” Corridor Data Needs

• Holder Information

• NEPA Documentation/Environmental Constraints

• Corridor and/or ROW Information• Location

• Type of Authorized Uses

• Width of Corridor or ROW

• Compatible Uses within Corridor and/or ROW

• Digital Maps

“New” Priority Corridors

• Western Utility Group Has Identified Several New “Priority Corridors”

• Public Availability & Security Concerns

Priority Corridor CriteriaPriority Corridors are those that address:Priority Corridors are those that address:

• Existing transmission constraints

• Active requests (IPPs; current and future demand)

• Existing and future land use constraints• Physical/Geographical

• Socio/Political

• Potential Energy Development• Supply to Market

Priority Corridors have been categorized as follows:

• Level 1 - Potential routes to be utilized in next 1-2 yrs.



Level 1 Corridors – Potential routes to be

utilized in next 1-2 yrs.





Issues To Be Addressed Within Land Use Planning Process

• Priority Corridor Attributes

• Construction/Operating/Maintenance Standards

• Scope of Designated Corridor• Existing Uses

• Width

• Proposed Uses

• Compatiable Uses

• New Uses

• Resource Management Objectives (T&E)

• Vegetative Management Objectives within corridor

Bureau-wide Vegetation Management EIS

Start – Oct. 2001 Finish – July 2003

19 Scoping Meetings – January 22 – March 12, 2002- Scoping Comment Period ended March 29, 2002

ROW Contact – John Styduhar OR SO – 503-952-6454 Fax: 6422

For further information: www.blm.gov

Other Planned Actions • Briefings/Coordination/Consultation

• Broad Industry Review – IRWA

• Western Electricity Coordinating Council

• Western Governor’s Association

• Federal Agencies• White House Energy Task Force/Chairman of CEQ

• USDI/BLM Leadership – Field Personnel

• USDA/USFS Leadership – Field Personnel

• Department of Energy (Solicit Funding)

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (Solicit Funding)

• Tribal Governments

• Address “Security” Issue(s)

• Solicit “Renewable” Energy Participation

Corridor Planning SummaryCorridor Planning Summary Corridors can only be designated within the Land Use Planning Process

“Designated corridors” will:

• Allocate Rights-of-Way for Utility Corridor Purposes

• Help to Streamline the Evaluation and Analysis of Site-Specific Utility Proposals and Applications

• Provide Industry with Certainty for Infrastructure Planning Purposes

• Mitigate Existing and Prevent Future Transmission Bottlenecks

• Streamline/Expedite the Processing of Permits/Projects• Serve as a Tool for Land Managers to Plan for and Consolidate Utility Rights-of-Way Uses

• “Designated corridors” must extend for entire length, irregardless of administrative jurisdictions – requires interagency coordination

End Product: Updated, Digital, & Secure

WESTERN REGIONAL CORRIDOR STUDY

IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL ENERGY PLAN

• The Forest Service’s Energy Implementation Plan

www.fs.fed.us.geology/fseip.pdf

• The BLM’s Energy Implementation Plan

www.blm.gov

Questions??

The End

Documents

Seams Steering Group – Western Interconnection Planning Work Group - July 31, 2002 Western Utility Group – Western Regional Corridor Study Presenters: