Project Description
The 45-mile-long project to install a 30-inch natural gas pipeline required a full Environmental Impact Review (EIR) be conducted under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Route options traversed the entire width of the Sacramento Valley with numerous water crossings and special status species habitat. Some of the most productive agricultural cropland lay between the source and termination points for the project. The California State Lands Commission was designated as the lead agency due to a crossing of the Sacramento River.

GTS Involvement
GTS was contracted to determine the preferred route from numerous options proposed by two separate environmental firms. GTS used its proprietary analysis method and route optimization software to quantify the construction costs and environmental impacts for each of the alternatives. The resultant recommendation was vetted by a panel of subject matter experts.
GTS prepared the project description and provided a comprehensive construction survey to be used in preparing the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (PEA).
In addition, GTS prepared the design calculations, construction drawings, HDD report and construction specifications for the project, and responded to numerous data requests. The project also required GTS to review and comment on the entire DEIR document to ensure engineering and construction issues were adequately represented.