2. Primary ecological alterations 



2.1 Partial or complete vegetation removal, depending on type of 

 line being installed and the community type in which it is 

 installed 



2.2 Partial or complete removal of consumer groups, depending on 

 the type of line being installed and its placement 



2.3 Loss of soil structure within the easement due to movement of 

 heavy machinery and construction activities 



2.4 Alteration of surface water drainages 



2.5 Introduction of toxic chemicals from chemical maintenance 

 (herbicide treatment of rights-of-way) and from line discharges 



2.6 Displacement of sensitive wildlife species from adjacent areas 

 due to construction operations and human activity 



2.7 Long-term establishment of subclimax communities along easement 

 corridor as a result of periodic right-of-way maintenance 



2.8 Transport of sediments to adjacent sites 



3. Attribute alterations 



Attribute alterations associated with line installation may vary 

 widely depending on the type and size of line, site location, and 

 placement methodology. Three general categories of lines segregated 

 according to the similarity of ecological effects are described: 

 (1) temporary surface lines to supply drilling sites with water and 

 gas; (2) permanent overhead electrical lines to supply electrical 

 and phone service to production, treatment, and pump station facili- 

 ties; and (3) permanently buried lines which include utility lines 

 (electrical, water, gas, and telephone) and flowlines (for brine 

 disposal or hydrocarbon transport to treatment facilities), and 

 gas/oil pipelines (for transport of product to distribution or 

 additional processing centers). 



Temporary surface lines, overhead electrical lines, and permanently 

 buried utility lines usually follow existing road easements where 

 maintenance and repair are easily accomplished. Associated ecologi- 

 cal alterations are typically small, local, and occur in previously 



161 



