Enbridge begins construction on Talbott compressor - The Standard Banner

Earth-moving is underway at the site of Enbridge’s new natural gas compressor station in Talbott, representatives of the energy transportation company reported.East Tennessee Natural Gas, LLC (ETNG), which is owned and operated by Enbridge, received “Notice to Proceed” early last month from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Completion of the new station, which is part of a system alignment program with four project areas in three states, is expected by August 1, 2025.The project is designed to meet shifting customer needs for natural gas. In Tennessee, it includes 16.5 miles of 24-inch diameter pipeline adjacent to the company’s existing 16-inch pipe in Knox and Sevier counties, as well as the electrically-driven compressor station on property at Valley Home Road and Talbott-Kansas Road in Jefferson County.Earlier, the station drew concerns from residents of the area, but Enbridge representatives say they have worked with them to lessen its impact on the rural neighborhood.In March, members of the Jefferson County Regional Planning Commission gave their blessing to the 10-acre site plan. However, the move was more of a courtesy since the station is exempt from local zoning and planning under the Natural Gas Act.The company hosted two meetings with neighbors, as well as a FERC open house last February.“We worked with the landowners to make sure we have adequate setback and buffer zones, as well as vegetation and lighting controls to minimize the station’s impact on the surrounding area,” said Enbridge Manager of Stakeholder Relations Art Haskins.The 10-acre station footprint will be contained on a 40-acre parcel with vegetation to shield it from surrounding properties, he said. The fact that the station is electrically-driven will minimize noise, which must be kept to 55 decibels at the nearest structure. That equates to a neighbor’s window air conditioner at 20 feet, Haskins said.Haskins said Enbridge has worked to minimize light pollution from the site. However, the company must also meet security requirements of the Department of Homeland Security. Engineers have also worked with Alpha Talbott Utility District to meet a request from Kansas-Talbott Volunteer Fire Department that a fire hydrant be included at the site.Residents of the area say they have safety concerns, but Haskins said he believes the site will be safe.“We have 48 of these in the state, with most of them in operation over 70 years, and we have never had a serious problem,” he said.The station is expected pay approximately $1 million in ad valorem taxes to Jefferson County, Enbridge reports.The station will help Enbridge move natural gas over a major trunk line serving the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, as they attempt to meet shifting customer needs.The housing for the station will be about three-quarters the size of a basketball court, Enbridge officials said. The site will also include an office, radio communications tower, and other structures.The East Tennessee Natural Gas Pipeline system has been in place over 70 years. Enbridge is the largest energy infrastructure company in North America. They transport 20 percent of the natural gas consumed in the U.S., as well as 25 percent of the crude oil produced in North America. New compressor stations are electric-powered as part of a move to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.

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