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`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`FIELD INSPECTION REPORT
`
`
`Date April 29 and 30, 2025
`
`Project
`
`East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC
`System Alignment Program Project
`Knox, Sevier, Jefferson, and Blount Counties, Tennessee; Smyth, Patrick,
`Wythe, and Pittsylvania Counties, Virginia; and Rockingham County, North
`Carolina
`Docket No.: CP23-131-000
`Authority: 7(c)
`
`Personnel FERC Contractor:
`FERC Contractor Staff:
`Company Staff:
`Tetra Tech, Inc.
`Clay Roesler
`Jonathan Stamper (Project Environmental
`Inspector) and Wade Abbott (East Tennessee
`Natural Gas, LLC Environmental Supervisor)
`
`Inspection Summary
`0 Problem Area(s)
`0 Noncompliance(s)
`No Follow-Up Letter Required
`No Refer to Enforcement
`Introduction
`On April 29 and 30, 2025, Clay Roesler of Tetra Tech performed a n environmental inspection of the
`East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC (ETNG), System Alignment Program Project (Project), under contract
`to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) and per the request of the FERC
`Environmental Project Manager, Andrea Jensen.
`The Project consists of:
`• the installation of 16.07 miles of 24-inch- diameter pipeline loop next to ETNG ’s existing 16-
`inch-diameter pipeline (Line 3300- 1) in Knox and Sevier Counties, Tennessee (Boyds Creek
`Loop);
`• replacement of 6.37 miles of existing 8-inch-diameter pipeline (Line 3300-1) with new 24-inch-
`diameter pipeline in Washington County, Virginia (Bristol to Glade Spring Pipe Replacement);
`• installation of one new 7,000-horsepower (hp) electric-motor-driven (EMD) compressor unit at
`the planned Talbott Compressor Station (CS) in Jefferson County, Tennessee;
`• installation of two new 9,500- hp EMD compressor units (totaling 19,000 hp) at the planned
`Draper CS in Rockingham County, North Carolina;
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`• installation of new launchers and receivers at ET NG’s existing Topside Junction Meter and
`Regulator Station (Topside Station) in Knox County, Tennessee, and Boyds Creek CS in Sevier
`County, Tennessee;
`• installation of associated piping modifications at ET NG’s Glade Spring CS in Washington
`County, Virginia, and Rural Retreat CS in Wythe County, Virginia; and
`• the hydrostatic pressure testing of a 1.19- mile segment of ET NG’s existing Line 3600- 1 in
`Patrick County, Virginia.
`The purpose of the inspection was to determine ETNG’s compliance with the environmental conditions
`of the Commission’s March 21, 2024, Order Issuing Certificate and Approving Abandonment for the
`Project and to inspect the construction and restoration conditions of the Project rights-of-way (ROW).
`The findings of the inspection were that no instances of noncompliance or problem areas were identified.
`A site map and photographic record are presented in this report.
`Inspection
`On April 29 and 30, 2025, weather conditions were clear, with temperatures in the low 50s (°F) to the
`low 80s (°F) at the Draper CS near Eden, North Carolina; along the Line 3300-1 Bristol to Glade Spring
`Pipe Replacement near Glade Spring, Virginia; at the Talbott CS near Talbott, Tennessee; and along the
`Boyds Creek Loop ROW near Knoxville, Tennessee. Project areas received approximately 0.5 inch of
`rain during the two days before the inspection. The inspection comprised visits to the Draper CS, Line
`3300-1 Pipeline Replacement ROW, Talbott CS, and Boyds Creek Loop ROW , where soil conditions
`were stable.
`Draper CS
`At the Draper CS (Photo Numbers [ Nos.] 1 through 3), site construction was progressing and
`approximately 85 percent complete, according to ETNG. Grass was well established along a drainage
`ditch that directs stormwater toward the site’s main retention pond. Th is drainage ditch, as well as the
`berm and banks surrounding the stormwater retention pond, were stable, with well-established grass and
`no environmental concerns identified (Photo No. 1). The road alongside the ditch and above the pond
`bank was stable (Photo No. 2). The gravel compressor equipment pad was stable. Diesel and gasoline
`tanks, as well as several pieces of small gas-powered equipment, were within the containment area, per
`the site Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) plan (Photo No. 3). No environmental
`concerns were identified.
`Line 3300-1 Bristol to Glade Spring Pipe Replacement
`Along the Bristol to Glade Spring Pipe Replacement ROW (Photo Nos. 4 through 6), ROW grading and
`the installations of equipment bridges and rock construction entrances were underway. Topsoil had been
`segregated along the ROW and stabilized with seed and straw m ulch. At milepost (MP) 6.3, the ROW
`was graded, with temporary slope breakers properly installed across the ROW and no erosion or
`environmental concerns identified (Photo No. 4). At MP 3.9, t opsoil was segregated, stockpiled along
`the edge of the ROW, and stabilized with seed and straw mulch. A rock construction entrance was
`installed, the ROW was graded, and silt fence and slope breakers were properly installed (Photo No. 5).
`MP 1.1 is the location of a sensitive resource area on the ROW (Photo No. 6). A monitor was present
`and will remain at the location to inspect all disturbed soil at the site. Topsoil was segregated, and a
`backhoe was tamping and prepping the pile for seed and mulch. Overall, clearing along the ROW was
`progressing well, with no environmental concerns identified.
`
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`Talbott CS
`At the Talbott CS (Photo Nos. 7 through 10), work continued with the installation of mechanical
`equipment and completion of the compressor building. The mainline gas transmission line was tied-in
`for the suction and discharge piping for the compressor . Metal roofing and siding were being installed
`on the compressor building, haybales had been placed at the edge of the stabilized facility road to slow
`stormwater sheet flow off the road at a low spot , and no erosion or environmental concerns were
`identified (Photo No 7). The tie-in to the mainline running through the facility was completed (Photo
`No. 8). Grass was well established on the slope above the stormwater drainage exit from the site , and
`the rock structure wa s functioning as designed, with no erosion or environmental concerns identified
`(Photo No. 9). The facility communication tower was complete, and the graded slope below the tower
`road showed minor rill erosion within the establishing grass. This was discussed with ETNG during the
`inspection and slated for repair (Photo No. 10). Overall, construction conditions at the Talbott CS were
`satisfactory, with no off-ROW impacts or other environmental concerns identified.
`Boyds Creek Loop ROW
`Construction activities continued, with approximately 12 miles of pipeline installed and road crossings
`remaining to be completed (Photo Nos. 11 through 20). Cleanup was underway along multiple sections
`of the ROW. At MP 0.35 – the steepest slope on the Project – the ROW was stable, with slope breakers
`properly installed. Although final cleanup and restoration were not yet complete, grass was becoming
`established along seeded portions of the ROW, and t he ROW was stable, with no erosion or
`environmental concerns identified (Photo No. 11 ). At MP 0.6, cleanup was in progress, establishing
`final grade and moving topsoil back across the ROW. The equipment bridges and erosion control
`devices (ECDs) remained in good condition, and the creek flow was clear (Photo No. 12). Final cleanup
`was in progress, and no erosion or environmental concerns were identified at MP 1.2 (Photo No. 13). At
`MP 1.25, f inal cleanup was complete, and c ompost filter sock was installed across the ROW as
`temporary slope breakers to stabilize, yet maintain the aesthetic of, the residential ROW (Photo No. 14).
`At MP 2.4, installation of the pipeline was complete across the residential ROW ( front yards of newly
`constructed houses). The driveways were open-cut, and the housing contractor was compensated to re-
`pour the concrete driveways. A temporary rock construction entrance will be removed, allowing topsoil
`to be reapplied and a landscape contractor to restore the yards (Photo No. 15). At MP 2.8, pipeline was
`installed, the trench was b ackfilled, and rough cleanup was in progress to grade and restore contours
`along the ROW . Remaining topsoil piles were stabilized with g rass, and no environmental concerns
`were identified (Photo No. 16). At MP 2.8, a tractor was de-compacting the soil along the ROW – ETNG
`stated that topsoil would not be reapplied along the ROW until compaction test results were acceptable
`(Photo No. 17). At MP 3.6, ROW cleanup was complete across the two waterbody crossings – grass
`was becoming established, and slope breakers and ECDs were properly maintained (Photo No 18). At
`MP 6.4, excavations were underway to install pipeline beneath existing pipelines that cross the narrow,
`residential ROW (Photo No. 19). At MP 10.4, several natural springs were coming to the surface along
`the ROW. The origin of the springs appear ed to be from a forested hillside above the ROW. The
`landowner had complained about the springs and agreed to have drain tiles installed to convey the water
`to the downslope edge of the ROW. Minor rill erosion was noted downgradient of the spring flow;
`however, no sedimentation was observed. The ROW through this area will be reworked during the drain
`tile installations (Photo No. 20). Overall, construction conditions along the Boyds Creek Loop ROW
`were satisfactory, with no environmental concerns identified.
`Conclusions and Recommendations
`A follow-u p letter is no t required at this time , because no instances of noncompliance were identified.
`Overall, environmental compliance with the FERC’s Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and
`
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`Maintenance Plan and Wetland and Waterbody Construction and Mitigation Procedures was
`acceptable. Construction efforts were progressing satisfactorily, and no environmental concerns were
`identified. The next inspection is scheduled for the week of May 26, 2025.
`
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`SITE MAPS
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`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Draper CS
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 1
`Facility: Draper CS
`Direction: Southwest
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`Grass was well established along a
`drainage ditch that directs stormwater
`toward the site’s main retention
`pond, and temporary silt fence could
`now be removed. The ditch was
`stable, with no environmental
`concerns identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 2
`Facility: Draper CS
`Direction: East
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`Grass was well established along the
`drainage ditch and on the berm and
`banks surrounding the stormwater
`retention pond. The road alongside
`the ditch and above the pond bank
`was stable. No erosion or
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
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`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Draper CS/ Line 3300-1 Bristol to Glade Spring
`Pipe Replacement
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 3
`Facility: Draper CS
`Direction: South/Southeast
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`The gravel compressor pad was
`stable. Diesel and gasoline tanks, as
`well as several pieces of small gas-
`powered equipment, were within the
`containment area, per the site SPCC
`plan, with no leaks or spills observed.
`No environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 4
`MP/Sta. No.: 6.3
`Direction: Southwest
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open and Forested
`ROW. Topsoil was segregated along
`the ROW and stabilized with seed
`and straw mulch. The ROW was
`graded, and temporary slope breakers
`were properly installed. No erosion
`or environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Line 3300-1 Bristol to Glade Spring Pipe
`Replacement
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 5
`MP/Sta. No.: 3.9
`Direction: West/Southwest
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open ROW. Topsoil
`was segregated, stockpiled along the
`edge of the ROW, and stabilized with
`seed and straw mulch. A rock
`construction entrance was installed at
`the road crossing. The ROW was
`graded, with silt fence and slope
`breakers properly installed. No
`erosion or environmental concerns
`were identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 6
`MP/Sta. No.: 1.1
`Direction: West
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open ROW. At a
`sensitive resource area, a monitor
`was present and will remain at the
`location to inspect all disturbed soil
`at the site. Topsoil was segregated,
`and a backhoe was tamping and
`prepping the pile for seed and mulch.
`No erosion or environmental
`concerns were identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Talbott CS
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 7
`Facility: Talbott CS
`Direction: East
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`The entrance to the CS was stable and
`well maintained. Metal roofing and
`siding were being installed on the
`compressor building. The facility road
`was stable, with no erosion. Haybales
`were placed at the edge of the road to
`slow stormwater sheet flow off the
`road at a low spot. No erosion or
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 8
`Facility: Talbott CS
`Direction: East
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`The tie-in to the mainline running
`through the facility was complete.
`The open trench was benched and
`stable. No erosion or environmental
`concerns were identified.
`
`
`
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`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Talbott CS
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 9
`Facility: Talbott CS
`Direction: South
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`Grass was well established on the
`slope above the stormwater drainage
`exit from the site. The rock structure
`was functioning as designed, and no
`erosion or environmental concerns
`were identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 10
`Facility: Talbott CS
`Direction: South/Southwest
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Aboveground Facility.
`The facility communication tower
`was complete. The graded slope
`below the tower road showed minor
`rill erosion within the establishing
`grass. This was discussed with
`ETNG during the inspection and was
`slated for repair. No off-ROW
`impacts or other environmental
`concerns were identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Boyds Creek Loop
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 11
`MP/Sta. No.: 0.35
`Direction: Northeast
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open and Forested
`ROW. The steepest slope on the
`ROW was stable, with slope breakers
`installed across the slope. Although
`final cleanup and restoration were
`not yet complete, grass was
`becoming established on the ROW,
`with no erosion or environmental
`concerns identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 12
`MP/Sta. No.: 0.6
`Direction: West
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. Cleanup was
`underway, establishing final grade
`and moving topsoil back across the
`ROW. The equipment bridges across
`the creek and ECDs remained in
`good condition, and the creek flow
`was clear. No off-ROW impacts or
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Boyds Creek Loop
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 13
`MP/Sta. No.: 1.2
`Direction: Southwest
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. Final cleanup was
`in progress. The ROW was stable,
`with no erosion or environmental
`concerns identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 14
`MP/Sta. No.: 1.25
`Direction: West
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. Final cleanup was
`complete, and compost filter sock
`was installed across the ROW as
`temporary slope breakers to stabilize,
`yet maintain the aesthetic of, the
`residential ROW. No erosion or
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
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`
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`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Boyds Creek Loop
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 15
`MP/Sta. No.: 2.4
`Direction: East/Northeast
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open and Residential
`ROW. Installation of the pipeline
`was complete across the front yards
`of newly constructed houses. The
`driveways were open-cut, and the
`housing contractor was compensated
`to re-pour the concrete driveways.
`The rock construction entrance will
`be removed, allowing topsoil to be
`reapplied and a landscape contractor
`to restore the yards. No
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 16
`MP/Sta. No.: 2.8
`Direction: West
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. Pipeline was
`installed, the trench was backfilled,
`and rough cleanup was in progress to
`grade and restore contours along the
`ROW. Remaining topsoil piles were
`stabilized with grass, and no
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Boyds Creek Loop
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 17
`MP/Sta. No.: 2.8
`Direction: East
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Forested ROW. A
`tractor was de-compacting the soil
`along the ROW – ETNG stated that
`topsoil would not be reapplied along
`the ROW until compaction test results
`were acceptable. No off-ROW
`impacts or environmental concerns
`were identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 18
`MP/Sta. No.: 3.6
`Direction: East
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. ROW cleanup
`was complete across the two
`waterbody crossings – grass was
`becoming established, and slope
`breakers and ECDs were properly
`maintained. No erosion or
`environmental concerns were
`identified.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
`PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD
`
`Company: East Tennessee Natural Gas LLC Docket Nos.: CP23-131-000
`Project: System Alignment Program Facility: Boyds Creek Loop
`
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 19
`MP/Sta. No.: 6.4
`Direction: Northeast
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open, Forested, and
`Residential ROW. Excavations were
`underway to install pipeline beneath
`existing pipelines that cross the
`narrow, residential ROW. No off-
`ROW impacts or environmental
`concerns were identified.
`
`
`
`
`Photo No.: 20
`P/Sta. No.: 10.4
`Direction: South
`Assessment: Acceptable
`Comments: Open and Residential
`ROW. Several natural springs were
`coming to the surface along the
`ROW. The origin of the springs
`appeared to be from a forested
`hillside above the ROW. The
`landowner had complained about the
`springs and agreed to have drain tiles
`installed to convey the water to the
`downslope edge of the ROW. Minor
`rill erosion was noted downgradient
`of the spring flow; however, no
`sedimentation was observed. The
`ROW through this area will be
`reworked during the drain tile
`installations.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

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