Linear Projects
The demand to expand oil and gas exploration and delivery has created an urgent need for both long- and short-haul energy corridors across the U.S. Since such linear projects frequently cross multiple land and waterway jurisdictions, and may involve multiple layers of permitting, they can create complicated cultural resource compliance requirements.
To address this need, GMI has assembled a team of cultural resources professionals with linear project experience across the U.S. and Guam. Typical projects have included:
- Archaeological survey/inventory
- NRHP eligibility testing
- Archaeological data recovery
- Construction monitoring
- GIS mapping/CADD/database development
- 3-D laser scanning
- Geoarchaeology
- Native American consultation
- Historic architecture documentation
- Human osteological services
- Ethnographic and historical research
- Public outreach and exhibit services
- Section 404 and FERC permitting
- Wetlands delineation and mitigation
- NEPA compliance
- Environmental assessments and environmental impact statements
This expertise includes all aspects of the cultural resources and environmental regulatory compliance processes. We have a proven track record assisting clients navigate state and local laws and regulations. GMI can expedite solutions to your compliance needs on projects of any size, and assure your schedules are met.
Representative Clients
| 360 Worldwide | Kodiac Electric Association |
| 3D/International | Level 3 Communications |
| Amec Paragon | Lone Star Gas |
| Amoco | Mastec North America |
| Anadarko Petroleum Company | Matador Operating System |
| Arizona Public Service | Mitchell Energy |
| AT&T | Mustang Engineering |
| B&H Environmental | Naismith Engineering |
| British Petroleum | Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of America |
| Bureau of Land Management | Natural Resources Group |
| Carter & Burgess | Navaho Pipeline Company |
| CH2M Hill, Inc | North Meridian Mainline |
| Chevron | Occidental Permian |
| City of Jonesboro Water District | Ocean Energy |
| Conoco Phillips | Oxy USA |
| Cornerstone Environmental Resources | Parkhill, Smith, and Cooper |
| Department of the Army | Phelps Dodge |
| Devon Energy Producers | PNM Resources |
| Duke Energy | Reliant Energy and Gas |
| El Paso Electric | Rio Grande Electric Cooperative |
| El Paso Electric Company | Salt River Project |
| El Paso Energy | Shahara Oil Company |
| El Paso Global Networks | Socorro Electric Co. |
| El Paso Natural Gas | Southwestern Bell |
| El Paso Water Utilities | Southwestern Public Service Co. |
| Energy Transmission Systems | SPS Powerline |
| Engineering Pipeline Systems | Tennessee Valley Authority |
| Enron Corporation | The Williams Companies |
| ENSR International | Trans OK Pipeline |
| Entergy | Trans-Alaska Pipeline |
| Fort Huachuca Military Reservation | Trans-Texas Gas Corp. |
| Freebird Pipeline | Trigon Sheehan Engineers |
| Gulf States Transmission Corp. | Turner Collie & Braden |
| Independence Pipeline | Ultramar Diamond Shamrock |
| Jones & Stokes Associates | Valero Energy |
| Kerr-McGee | Vega Environmental Services |
| Kiewit Pacific | Western New Mexico Telephone Co. |
| Kinder-Morgan Energy |
Related Projects
APV Pipeline Feasibility and Siting Study Atlas,
CH2MHill
Mexico, Arizona, Nevada
GMI conducted previously recorded site searches at three state repositories for identification of previously recorded sites within a one-mile radius of the proposed APV pipeline corridor. The proposed pipeline, totaling 716 miles with alternatives, extended from Albuquerque, New Mexico across Arizona and into Nevada near Las Vegas.
Previous large-scale linear right-of-way reports for the areas were examined to supplement the repository data. A computer database search was conducted to determine the temporal and feature types located on the sites, and the map data was transferred to 1:100,000 maps in an Arcview GIS layer.
The plotting of the sites within one-half mile on the proposed corridor was to aid in determining a realistic number of sites that may be encountered during final right-of-way alignment and ultimate survey. From the data collected it was determined that at least 1,019 sites had been documented within one-half mile of the entire project corridor.
For reporting the project was broken down into segments.
- It was estimated that at least 200 sites would be encountered along Segments 1 and 1a, from Albuquerque to the New Mexico/Arizona state line. In addition, historic Route 66 crossed or paralleled much of the proposed corridor in the New Mexico segment.
- Along Segments 2 and 2a, the New Mexico/Arizona state line to Flagstaff, Arizona, 75 previously recorded sites were identified.
- Along the Segment 3, Flagstaff, Arizona to the Arizona/Nevada border, 77 previously recorded sites were identified, consisting mostly of lithic and sherd scatters, with ceramic sites scarcer toward the western end of the proposed route.
- In Segment 4, Ash Fork to Phoenix Spur, results indicated that there were 91 previously recorded sites, ranging from Archaic campsites to Historical period remains.
- Segment 5, the Arizona/Nevada Border to Las Vegas, contained 43 archaeological sites. These sites fell into two primary categories: prehistoric sparse lithic scatters and historic mining sites.
The data from this study were used to design the proposed preferred alignment with the least anticipated cultural resources issues.
Texas and New Mexico Inter-state Pipeline, Utlramar Diamond Shamrock (now Valero Energy)
A total of 45.2 miles of intensive survey was conducted for the proposed pumping station and power line right-of-way associated with a liquid petroleum products pipeline. The proposed electric pumping station adjacent to the pipeline was designed to increase the capacity of the pipeline.
Approximately 11.6 additional miles were surveyed for reroutes because of access, private land concerns, proposed power pole removal, and site avoidance strategies. During the survey, GMI archaeologists worked closely with the electrical co-op to avoid archaeological sites, as well as archaeological features when possible.
Twenty-six previously undiscovered archaeological sites were recorded during survey. Impacts to 12 of the sites were subsequently avoided due to reroutes and plan changes. Two previously recorded sites were revisited, updating information on each.
The Butterfield Trail crosses the power line right-of-way in the project area, though its exact location could not be identified. GMI designed and implemented a mitigation/data recovery plan for portions of the sites impacted by the pump station and power line.
Spiro Storage Project Natural Resource Group, Inc., Willbros Engineers, Inc., LeFlore and Haskell Counties, Oklahoma
In advance of the redevelopment of existing natural gas storage basins, as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit application, GMI examined approximately 823 acres consisting of 13.2 miles of pipeline corridors (between 200 ft wide in valleys, and 300 feet wide on hills), two amorphous shaped block areas for large structures (Features 1 and 2), three 400-ft-square meter stations, and 200-ft buffer zones along two sides of existing interconnect facilities.
Nine archaeological sites and eight isolated finds were identified during a series of archaeological surveys. Seven of the nine archaeological sites were remains of non-extant historic structural sites, and two (34LF1348 and 34LF1349) were prehistoric rock shelter sites. The four historic sites recorded had a paucity of associated artifacts, a lack of integrity from land clearing, or a substantial overprinting of recent land use, and retained very limited information potential.
Results of archival research on the chain of title ownership at the courthouse did not conclusively provide information that indicated when these sites were occupied. These sites were recommended as being not eligible for listing on the NRHP.
The two prehistoric sites (34LF1348 and 34LF1349) consisted of rock shelters that contained petroglyphs, without evidence of other artifacts. Due to the scarcity of these kinds of sites and their importance as possible Traditional Cultural Properties, as well as containing important aboriginal iconography and residues of paint that can potentially be dated and sourced, these sites were considered eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.
