Stonewall Gathering Pipeline Sediment and Erosion Control Assessment
Conducted By:
PO Box 341 Lewisburg, WV
July 27, 2015
Autumn Bryson, Environmental Scientist, conducted a site visit to the Stonewall Gathering Pipeline, a 36 inch pipeline being constructed in Lewis County, West Virginia on July 27, 2015. The following observations were made: Silt fences, filter socks, and hay were the methods used to control sedimentation and erosion. Failing silt fences were observed at Goosepen Run Stream Crossing along the pipeline route, allowing sediment to enter the nearby stream. The sediment and erosion control measures used are inadequate for the amount of exposed soil and high precipitation events that are common to this region.
Figure 1. Goosepen Run Stream Crossing Location
Photo 1. Silt fence failure at Goosepen Run Stream Crossing location
Photo 2. Erosion not contained by silt fence at Goosepen Run location Along Sleepcamp Run road, soil was piled high on steep slopes above the road. Silt fences were the only method used to hold the soil in place. There were several occurrences where the silt fences were overloaded and torn due to the weight of the rock and soil. One fabric silt fence is an inadequate method to stabilize an entire hillside. Silt fences were not designed for this use. With a heavy rain event, a landslide could occur causing a safety hazard on public roadways.
Figure 2. Sleepcamp Run Road location
Photo 3. Compromised silt fence above Sleepcamp Road
Photo 4. Overloaded silt fence on Sleepcamp Run Road
Along Copley Road, the pipeline route crosses Sand Fork (SWV-JJP-003). At this location, sedimentation was observed in the stream. The silt fences were overflowing allowing the overflow to empty into the nearby stream. The high volume of soil is too much for the silt fence to bear.
Figure 3. Location of pipeline along Copley Road crossing Sand Fork
Photo 5. Overloaded silt fence and sedimentation in Sand Fork
The Stonewall Gathering pipeline crosses Left Millstone Road and continues down the mountain to cross Millstone Run (SWV-JJP2-012). Sedementation was observed in Millstone Run. Filter socks and silt fences were attempting to control the erosion but the volume of soil was too much to hold the hillside in place. The runoff has breached the silt fence and evaded the filter sock. There was also a tear in the filter fabric on the temporary bridge. This hole in the filter fabric allows runoff to flow directly into the stream below further exacerbating the sedimentation issues.
Figure 4. Location of Pipeline crossing Left Millstone Road.
Photo 6. Tear in filter fabric over Millstone Run
Photo 7. Sedimentation in Millstone Run.
Photo 8. Runoff bypassing sedimentation and erosion control methods
An illegal stream crossing was observed where the Stonewall Gathering Line crosses Elk Lick. It appeared that heavy equipment was driven directly through the streambed. There was no stream crossing permit signage in place. No sediment and erosion control methods were used and as a result there was significant sedimentation and damage to the streambank.
Figure 5. Pipeline Crossing Elk Lick upstream of illegal stream crossing
Photo 9. Illegal stream crossing on Elk Lick looking upstream
Photo 10. Illegal stream crossing on Elk Lick looking downstream
Photo 11. Illegal stream crossing with no sediment and erosion control measures
The Stonewall Gathering line crosses the Right Fork of Kincheloe Creek. Another erosion control measure failed at this stream crossing (SWV-FMT-012) The silt fence was unable to contain the volume of soil eroding from the hillside. As a result, the soil breached the silt fence and spilled into the stream.
Figure 6. Location of erosion control failure at Stream Crossing SWV-FMT-012
Photo 12. Soil breaching silt fence and entering into Right Fork Kincheloe Creek
Based on observations made during the site visit to the Stonewall Gathering pipeline, the Sediment and Erosion Control Plan is ineffective for a construction project of this magnitude. Silt fences, filter socks, and hay are not able to control erosion and reduce sedimentation into nearby streams. At each location there were instances where the erosion control methods failed impacting the surface waters in the vicinity. The silt fences are unable to bear the load of soil excavated during construction. Filter socks are inadequate at controlling runoff. Filter fabric has been compromised leaving it ineffective. In addition, there is an area where no best management practices are used and heavy equipment has been driven directly through a streambed. These sedimentation and erosion control issues need to be addressed. A more effective plan for controlling sedimentation and erosion needs to be implemented to reduce impacts on nearby streams.