Introduction
In FERC Docket No. CP23-516-000, East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC (East Tennessee) proposes to construct, modify, install, own, and operate natural gas transmission facilities in Trousdale, Smith, Jackson, Putnam, Overton, Fentress, Morgan, and Roane counties, Tennessee. Collectively, these facilities are referred to as the Ridgeline Expansion Project and are designed to provide natural gas service to the Tennessee Valley Authority.
On May 24, 2024, FERC issued a Notice of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Ridgeline Enhancement Project. FERC is seeking public comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Public Participation: Draft Environmental Impact Statement Comment Sessions
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, FERC staff has issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed Ridgeline Expansion Project. This document describes the impacts on the environment resulting from construction and operation of the proposed Ridgeline Expansion Project. The DEIS is not a decision document. The purpose of the DEIS is to disclose to the public and decision makers the impacts to the environmental resulting from the Ridgeline Expansion Project. In addition to describing the impacts on the natural and human environment, the DEIS includes discussion of measures to avoid or lessen environmental impacts, and alternatives considered.
The public is encouraged to provide comments on the environmental analysis contained in the DEIS. Comments on the DEIS are due by July 15, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
The public is encouraged to review the following sections in the DEIS.
| Section | Page Numbers or Section Number |
| Table of Contents | i |
| Executive Summary | ES-1 |
| Purpose and Need | 1-2 |
|
Project Description
|
Section 2 2-9 2-20 |
| Alternatives (renewable energy and routes) | Section 3 |
|
Environmental Analyses
|
Section 4 4-66 4-83 4-102 4-128 |
| Conclusions and Recommendations | Section 5 |
| Comments Received During the Scoping Process for The Project | Appendix B |
History of This Project
There are two dockets associated with Ridgeline Expansion Project:
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The Pre-Filing Docket: PF 22-7-000
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The Application: CP23-516-000
These dockets can be found in FERC’s eLibrary site. For a “Quick User Guide” and additional resources on using the eLibrary site, please visit FERCeLibrary Quick User Guide. eLibrary support can be reached by phone at 866-208-3676 or by email at [email protected] .
In May 2022, East Tennessee initiated a “Pre-Filing” docket. From that time until July 2023, East Tennessee contacted landowners, regulators, and affected parties to discuss potential concerns.
On July 18, 2023, East Tennessee then filed an application under Sections 7(c), of the Natural Gas Act (NGA), and Part 157 of the Commission’s regulations requesting authorization to provide 300,000 dekatherms per day of new firm natural gas transportation capacity and up to 95,000 dekatherms of Customized Delivery Service to the (TVA) Tennessee Valley Authority by construct, modify, install, own, and operate the following facilities of the Project.
On July 28, 2023, FERC issued a “Notice of Application” which established an intervention deadline of August 18, 2023. The July 28 Notice inadvertently omitted posting to Docket No. PF 22-7-000. On August 8, 2023 FERC issued an “Errata Notice” to correct the docket numbers.
Public Participation
There are three ways to become involved in FERC’s review of this project:
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You can file comments on the project,
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You can protest the filing, and
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You can file a motion to intervene in the proceeding.
For public inquiries and assistance with making filings such as interventions, comments, or requests for rehearing, contact the Office of Public Participation (OPP) at 202-502-6595 or [email protected]. All media inquiries should be directed to [email protected].