As part of assessing the feasibility of two routes proposed for a 15-mile-long natural gas pipeline, GMG asked Barr to perform a desktop review and assist the utility in selecting and modifying the final route.
Our work included performing a detailed land-ownership survey to identify required permits and agency consultations. Because the proposed pipeline would cross state and federal lands, as well as land belonging to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the project required numerous approvals. Barr prepared an application for transportation and utility systems and facilities on federal lands and submitted it to the Chippewa National Forest on behalf of GMG, and developed a stormwater pollution-prevention plan for submittal to the U.S. EPA. In addition, we prepared an application for a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources license to cross public lands and waters, and consulted with the State Historic Preservation Office and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers on cultural resources requirements.
After the Leech Lake tribe requested a Phase I archaeological survey, Barr worked with the tribe’s Heritage Sites Program to conduct one. We continued to assist GMG with stormwater pollution prevention during pipeline construction, which was completed in autumn 2020.