# U.S. DOT/PHMSA - Draft Environmental Assessment for Columbia Gulf Transmission, Mainline 100, 200 and 300 pipelines located in Williamson and Davidson - **operation:** document - **citation:** 09000064818c98a6 - **title:** U.S. DOT/PHMSA - Draft Environmental Assessment for Columbia Gulf Transmission, Mainline 100, 200 and 300 pipelines located in Williamson and Davidson - **source type:** rulemaking - **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - **status:** current - **official:** true - **published on:** Not available - **effective on:** Not available - **summary:** DRAFT PHMSA Special Permit Application Environmental Information Submittal Environmental Assessment Special Permit Nos. PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 August 2014 Columbia Gulf Transmission Company 1700 MacCorkle Ave SE Charleston, West Virginia 25325-1273 Area - 4 Wilson County Davidson County Area - 3 Area - 2 Williamson County Rutherford County Prepared by Area - 1... Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 • Alternative 1: Grant the Request with Conditions (Preferred Alternative). This alternative would allow Columbia Gulf to continue to operate the 11 pipeline segments at their current MAOP with conditions for... - **machine formats:** - **json:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/regulations-gov-attachment-09000064818c98a6.json - **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/regulations-gov-attachment-09000064818c98a6.md - **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/regulations-gov-attachment-09000064818c98a6 - **source url:** https://downloads.regulations.gov/PHMSA-2008-0330-0008/attachment_1.pdf **body:** <<>> DRAFT PHMSA Special Permit Application Environmental Information Submittal Environmental Assessment Special Permit Nos. PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 August 2014 Columbia Gulf Transmission Company 1700 MacCorkle Ave SE Charleston, West Virginia 25325-1273 Area - 4 Wilson County Davidson County Area - 3 Area - 2 Williamson County Rutherford County Prepared by Area - 1 ecology and environment, inc. Global Environmental Specialists 02:1004044.0005.02/Columbia *EA Cover3.ai-8/22/14-GRA <<>> DRAFT PHMSA Special Permit Application Environmental Information Submittal Environmental Assessment Special Permit Nos. PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 August 2014 Prepared for: COLUMBIA GULF TRANSMISSION COMPANY 1700 MacCorkle Ave SE PO Box 1273 Charleston, West Virginia 25325-1273 Prepared by: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT, INC. 368 Pleasant View Drive Lancaster, New York 14086 ©2014 Ecology and Environment, Inc. <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Table of Contents Section Page List of Tables………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………….iii List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...iii Acronyms and Abbreviations………………………………………………………………………………………….………iv 1.0 Background ................................................................................................................. 1 2.0 Site Description ........................................................................................................... 2 3.0 4.0 Purpose and Need ....................................................................................................... 4 Affected Resources and Environmental Consequences ................................................. 5 4.1 Aesthetics ................................................................................................................... 5 4.2 Agricultural Resources ............................................................................................... 6 4.3 Air Quality .................................................................................................................. 7 4.4 Biological Resources .................................................................................................. 8 4.4.1 Land Cover/Vegetation ............................................................................................. 8 4.4.2 Wildlife ...................................................................................................................... 8 4.4.3 Federal and State Protected Species ........................................................................ 9 4.5 Climate Change ........................................................................................................ 10 4.6 Cultural Resources ................................................................................................... 10 4.7 Environmental Justice .............................................................................................. 11 4.8 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources .................................................................... 11 4.9 Hazardous Materials ................................................................................................ 15 4.10 Indian Trust Assets ................................................................................................... 16 4.11 Land Use ................................................................................................................... 16 4.12 Noise ........................................................................................................................ 17 4.13 Recreation ................................................................................................................ 17 4.14 Safety ....................................................................................................................... 18 4.15 Socioeconomics ....................................................................................................... 19 4.16 Topography .............................................................................................................. 20 4.17 Transportation ......................................................................................................... 20 4.18 Floodplains ............................................................................................................... 21 4.19 Water Resources ...................................................................................................... 21 5.0 Alternatives Considered and Environmental Impacts of Each Alternative ................... 22 5.1 5.2 5.3 Alternative 1: Grant the Request with Conditions .................................................. 22 Alternative 2: Deny the Request Resulting in the MAOP Reduction ....................... 23 Alternative 3: Deny the Request Resulting in Pipe Replacement ............................ 24 6.0 References ................................................................................................................ 24 ii <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Appendices A Figures B Site Reconnaissance Report C Federally Protected Species List of Tables Table Page 1. Special Permit Segment Areas………………………………………………………………………….………………………2 Nearest Existing Access Roads for Each Area…………………………………………….………………………..….20 2. List of Figures (Appendix A) Figure 1. Project Location 2a. Area 1 Aerial Imagery 2b. Area 2 Aerial Imagery 2c. Area 3 Aerial Imagery 2d. Area 4 Aerial Imagery 3. Land Use/Land Cover 4. Geology 5. Recreational Opportunities 6. SSURGO Soils 7. Water Resources 8. Cultural Resources 9. Ecoregions 10. Seismic Hazard 11. Mineral Resources iii <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA‐2008‐0066 and PHMSA‐2008‐0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Acronyms and Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations Columbia Gulf Columbia Gulf Transmission Company DOT Department of Transportation EA Environmental Assessment EO Executive Order ESA Endangered Species Act FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission MAOP Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure ML Mainline NEPA National Environmental Policy Act NGVD National Geodetic Vertical Datum NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service NRHP National Register of Historic Places NWI National Wetlands Inventory PHMSA Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration PIR Potential Impact Radius ROW Right‐Of‐Way SHPO State Historic Preservation Office SSA Sole Source Aquifer TDEC‐DNH Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Heritage THC Tennessee Historical Commission TWRA Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency U.S.C. Unites States Code USACE United States Army Corps of Engineers USCB United States Census Bureau USDA United States Department of Agriculture USEPA United States Environmental Protection Agency USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service USGS United States Geological Survey iv <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 1.0 Background On March 2, 2010, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) granted Columbia Gulf Transmission Company (Columbia Gulf) a special permit (PHMSA-2008-0066) to operate special permit segments of the Mainline (ML) 100, 200, and 300 natural gas transmission pipelines at the current maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP), where a change in class locations occurred from Class 1 to Class 3. Furthermore, on April 13, 2010, PHMSA granted Columbia Gulf a special permit (PHMSA-2008-0330) at two additional special permit segments of ML 200 and 300 natural gas transmission pipelines at the current MAOP, where a change in class locations occurred from Class 1 to Class 3. These special permits allow Columbia Gulf to continue to operate these 11 pipeline segments at their existing MAOP without replacement subject to several stringent conditions. Special Permit PHMSA- 2008-0066 applies to nine natural gas pipeline segments on the 30-inch ML 100, 30-inch ML 200 and 36- in ML 300 pipelines operated by Columbia Gulf located in Williamson and Davidson Counties, Tennessee. Special Permit PHMSA-2008-0330 applies to two natural gas pipeline segments on the 30- inch ML 200 and 36-inch ML 300 pipelines operated by Columbia Gulf located in Wilson County, Tennessee. This Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared by Columbia Gulf to assist PHMSA in preparation of their EA in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) Order 5610.1C, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 United States Code (U.S.C.) §§ 4321 – 4375, and the Council on Environmental Quality regulations 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §§ 1500-1508. NEPA requires that federal agencies analyze a proposed federal action to determine whether the action will have a significant impact on the human environment. Columbia Gulf understands that PHMSA analyzes special permit requests for potential risks to public safety and the environment that could result from their decision to grant or deny the request. As part of this analysis, PHMSA evaluates whether a special permit would impact the likelihood and consequences of a pipeline failure as compared to the status quo in the absence of the special permit. PHMSA may grant the special permit request, grant the request with additional conditions, or deny the request. Columbia Gulf developed this EA to assist PHMSA in determining the effects of the permit decision, if any, on the environment. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60118(c) and 49 CFR § 190.341, Columbia Gulf understands that PHMSA may only grant special permit requests that are consistent with pipeline safety. PHMSA will impose conditions in the special permit if PHMSA concludes they are necessary for safety, environmental protection, or are otherwise in the public interest. If PHMSA determines that a special permit would be inconsistent with pipeline safety or is not justified, the application will be denied. Provided here is a summary of the three alternatives assessed in this EA. Section 5 provides detailed descriptions of these alternatives and the results of implementation of each. 1 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 • Alternative 1: Grant the Request with Conditions (Preferred Alternative). This alternative would allow Columbia Gulf to continue to operate the 11 pipeline segments at their current MAOP with conditions for increased inspection and monitoring of the segments. This option, with the potential conditions, will provide the least impact to environment, residents, surrounding land uses, operating requirements, and Columbia Gulf’s existing customers. • Alternative 2: Deny the Request Resulting in the MAOP Reductions. This alternative would force Columbia Gulf to reduce its MAOP through the pipeline segments and therefore not allow Columbia Gulf to meet its contractual obligations with its current customers. This alternative is thought to be non-viable and is therefore not considered. • Alternative 3: Deny the Request Resulting in Pipe Replacement. If the special permits are denied, Columbia Gulf would have to replace these 11 segments of the pipeline so that the current MAOP could be maintained and Columbia Gulf could keep its contractual obligations. Unlike the other alternatives, implementing Alternative 3 would impact the environment, residential landowners, scenic views, and county infrastructure. The replacements required in this alternative would require additional financial costs that would increase fees for Columbia Gulf’s existing customers. 2.0 Site Description The ML 100, ML 200, and ML 300 natural gas transmission pipeline system originates near Rayne, Louisiana, and crosses Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky before terminating near Kenova, West Virginia. These special permit requests involve four areas along the pipeline in Williamson, Davidson, and Wilson Counties, Tennessee. Table 1 details the locations of each, along with the applicable permit number. Figure 1 (all figures are provided in Appendix A) shows the area locations, and Figures 2a through 2d provide aerial imagery of each area. Table 1. Special Permit Segment Areas Pipeline Pipeline Diameter Description County, State Length (feet) Begin Station End Station MAOP Area 1 (PHMSA-2008-0066) ML 100 30-inch MP 30 - Tennessee State Hwy 431 Williamson, Tennessee 690 1584+69 1591+59 935 ML 200 30-inch MP 30 - Tennessee State Hwy 431 Williamson, Tennessee 1,081 1584+58 1595+39 1008 ML 300 36-inch MP 30 - Tennessee State Hwy 431 Williamson, Tennessee 534 1584+74 1590+08 1008 Area 2 (PHMSA-2008-0066) ML 100 30-inch MP 33.8 - McKays Mill Williamson, Tennessee 10,797 1783+03 1891+00 935 ML 200 30-inch MP 33.8 - McKays Mill Williamson, Tennessee 10,525 1785+75 1891+00 1008 ML 300 36-inch MP 33.8 - McKays Mill Williamson, Tennessee 9,816 1792+84 1891+00 1008 2 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Table 1. Special Permit Segment Areas Pipeline Pipeline Diameter Description County, State Length (feet) Begin Station End Station MAOP Area 3 (PHMSA-2008-0066) ML 100 30-inch MP 41.9 - Sugar Valley Davidson, Tennessee 5,567 2210+36 2266+03 935 ML 200 30-inch MP 41.9 - Sugar Valley Davidson, Tennessee 5,487 2212+41 2267+28 1008 ML 300 36-inch MP 41.9 - Sugar Valley Davidson, Tennessee 603 2208+45 2214+48 1008 Area 4 (PHMSA-2008-0330) ML 200 30-inch MP 57.4 - Mt Juliet Road Wilson, Tennessee 1,600 3030+43 3046+43 935 ML 300 36-inch MP 57.4 - Mt Juliet Road Wilson, Tennessee 1,600 3025+55 3041+55 1008 Area 1 (Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0066) includes three segments of pipeline, a 690-foot section of ML 100, a 1,081-foot section of ML 200, and a 534-foot section of ML 300. In total, Area 1 is approximately 1,081 feet in length. This area is located within the municipal limits of Franklin, Tennessee, and on the southwestern side of the Forrest Crossing Golf Club. Area 1 is a maintained herbaceous right-of-way (ROW) within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas, open fields, and residential areas. The topography at Area 1 slopes gently to the northeast, with elevations ranging from 690 to 716 feet above National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) for mean sea level. Appendix B includes copies of site photographs that show various features associated with Area 1. Area 2 (Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0066) includes three segments of pipeline: a 10,797-foot section of ML 100, a 10,525-foot section of ML 200, and a 9,816-foot section of ML 300. In total, Area 2 is approximately 10,900 feet in length. This area is located within the municipal limits of Franklin, Tennessee, and crosses McKay’s Mill Subdivision. Area 2 is a maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas, open fields, and residential areas. The topography at Area 2 is gently rolling with a steep slope on the northeast end of the ROW. Elevations range from 740 to 1,030 feet above NGVD for mean sea level. Appendix B includes copies of site photographs that show various features associated with Area 2. Area 3 (Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0066) includes three segments of pipeline, a 5,567-foot section of ML 100, a 5,487-foot section of ML 200, and a 603-foot section of ML 300. In total, Area 3 is approximately 5,700 feet in length. This area is located within the municipal limits of Nashville, Tennessee, and is adjacent to the Sugar Valley Subdivision. The area is a maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas, open fields, and residential areas. The topography in Area 3 is relatively flat and slopes upward to the northeast with elevations ranging from 542 to 579 feet above NGVD for mean sea level. Appendix B includes copies of site photographs that show various features associated with Area 3. Area 4 (Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0330) includes two segments of pipeline, a 1,600-foot section of ML 200 and a 1,600-foot section of ML 300 for a total length of 1,600 feet for Area 4. This area is 3 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 located adjacent and south of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and is adjacent to Providence Marketplace, a commercial development. The area is a maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas and commercial development. The topography is relatively flat, with elevations ranging from 580 to 620 feet above the NGVD for mean sea level. Appendix B includes copies of site photographs that show various features associated with Area 4. On August 14 and 15, 2014, a field team consisting of two qualified biologists visited these areas to document environmental resources on or immediately adjacent to the areas. Appendix B contains the site reconnaissance report from this event. There are no schools, libraries, playgrounds, parks, theatres, or hospitals on, or immediately adjacent to, any of the areas. Based on U.S. Census data (USCB 2010), the population of Williamson County was 183,182 in 2010 and the median household income was $91,146. The population of Davidson County was 626,681 in 2010, with a median household income of $46,676. Finally, the population of Wilson County was 113,993 in 2010, with a median household income of $61,353. 3.0 Purpose and Need The purpose of this EA is to identify resources associated with the natural and human environment as they relate to Areas 1 through 4. This EA has been prepared to accompany special permit petitions to PHMSA for relief from the requirements of 49 CFR 192.611(a) for Areas 1 through 4, which experienced class location changes from Class 1 to Class 3. Coverage of the identified areas under each special permit will allow the continued operation of the identified segments of the pipeline at the existing MAOP without pipeline replacement and its associated cost and impacts. The existing Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0066 and Special Permit No. PHMSA-2008-0330 contain numerous conditions to ensure and manage the operation, maintenance, design, and integrity threats for the covered pipelines. These special permits impose stringent conditions over not only the special permit segments (the areas identified in each permit where the class changes have occurred), but also an area corresponding to 25 miles on each side of the special permit segments or the closest upstream or downstream pig launcher/receiver. The aggressive assessment, review, and management of the length of pipeline covered under each special permit far outweighs the public safety benefit that would be obtained through the replacement of the relatively small areas of identified Class 3 pipeline. The actions specified in these special permits will help ensure pipeline and public safety to a much larger area than would be gained through pipe replacement. In addition, replacement of the pipeline areas would involve the ground disturbance during excavation for the installation of the new pipe and removal of the old pipe within the vicinity of the identified areas with associated environmental and other impacts. Avoiding outages associated with Class 3 upgrades ensures reliable gas transportation and delivery for customers and avoids the need for gas blow downs to the atmosphere. 4 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 4.0 Affected Resources and Environmental Consequences The following sections provide the potential affected resources and environmental consequences for each area in accordance with PHMSA’s Guidance for Special Permit Applications on Providing Environmental Information (PHMSA n.d.). These are as follows: • Aesthetics • Agricultural Resources • Air Quality • Biological Resources • Climate Change • Cultural Resources • Environmental Justice • Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources • Hazardous Materials • Land Use • Noise • Recreation • Safety • Socioeconomics • Topography • Transportation • Floodplains • Water Resources • Indian Trust Assets 4.1 Aesthetics The land cover/land use within and surrounding the areas was examined to determine aesthetics or visual character within the vicinity of the areas in questions. The following subsections provide summaries for each of the areas. Figures 3a through 3c show land use/land cover data within the vicinity of the four areas (USDA 2011). There are no scenic highways or trails in the vicinity of the areas, as shown in Figure 4. Area 1. Area 1 traverses maintained herbaceous ROW and is surrounded by hay/pasture and a small area of scrub/shrub at the northeastern end. The northeastern end of Area 1 ends at the Harpeth River with a golf course intermixed with houses on the opposite side of the Harpeth River (USDA 2011). Area 2. Area 2 traverses maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape dominated by hay/pasture on the southwestern end and developed, open space; mixed forest; and deciduous forest on the northern end. The central portion of Area 2 traverses McKay’s Mill Subdivision, a residential development (USDA 2011). Area 3. Area 3 traverses maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape that is dominated by cultivated crops, developed areas of low intensity, deciduous forest, and hay/pasture. The northern portion of Area 3 abuts Sugar Valley Subdivision, a residential development (USDA 2011). Area 4. Area 4 traverses maintained herbaceous ROW. The southern half of the ROW traverses landscape dominated by shrub/scrub, herbaceous, deciduous forest, and mixed forest. The northern half of the ROW abuts commercial development (USDA 2011). The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions; as such, there would be no impact to aesthetics. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. 5 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Alternative 3 would result in a temporary, localized impact during the construction of the pipeline replacement. This would be from the construction activities occurring within the areas and any potential access roads or staging areas that would be needed as part of the replacement project. Once construction and restoration is complete, these areas would return to their previous visual character for operation of the pipeline. 4.2 Agricultural Resources Prime farmland and farmland of statewide importance have been identified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as areas of major importance in meeting the nation’s short- and long-range needs for food and fiber. Prime farmland, as defined by the NRCS, is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops. Prime farmland soils have properties that are favorable for the economy and produce the highest crop yields with minimal inputs of energy and other economic resources. Farmland of statewide importance, as defined by the NRCS, is land, in addition to prime and unique farmland, that is of statewide importance for the production of food, feed, fiber, forage, and oil seed crops. Generally, additional farmlands of statewide importance include those that are nearly prime farmland and that economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Some may produce as high a yield as prime farmlands if conditions are favorable. In some states, additional farmlands of statewide importance may include tracts of land that have been designated for agriculture by state law. Area 1. According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2014), 1,246 feet of Area 1 is underlain by prime farmland soils. This includes the Maury silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded. There are no farmlands of statewide importance underlain or in the vicinity of Area 1. Figure 5a details the soils and prime farmland within the vicinity of Area 1 as mapped by the NRCS. The existing ROW within Area 1 is not currently utilized for agriculture, but adjacent areas are utilized for row crops. Area 2. According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2014), 9,787 feet of Area 2 is underlain by prime farmland soils. This includes the following soils: • Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes; • Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded; • Egam silt loam, phosphatic; • Huntington silt loam, phosphatic; and • Lindside silt loam, phosphatic. There are no farmlands of statewide importance underlain or in the vicinity of Area 2. Figure 5b details the soils and prime farmland within the vicinity of Area 2 as mapped by the NRCS. The existing ROW within Area 2 is not currently utilized for agriculture, but adjacent areas are utilized for row crops. 6 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 Area 3. According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2014), 4,753 feet of Area 3 is underlain by prime farmland soils. This includes the following soils: • Armour silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes; • Arrington silt loam; • Egam silt loam, phosphatic; and • Lindside silt loam. There are no farmlands of statewide importance underlain or in the vicinity of Area 3. Figure 5c details the soils and prime farmland within the vicinity of Area 3 as mapped by the NRCS. The existing ROW within Area 3 is not currently utilized for agriculture, but adjacent areas are utilized for row crops. Area 4. According to the NRCS Web Soil Survey (NRCS 2014), Area 4 is not underlain by prime farmland soils or soils of statewide importance. Figure 5d details the soils within the vicinity of Area 4 as mapped by the NRCS. Additionally, neither the existing ROW nor the adjacent areas are currently utilized for agricultural purposes. The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions; as such, there would be no impact to agricultural resources. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. Alternative 3 would not result in impacts to agricultural as none of the areas traverse lands with agricultural operations. Upon completion of construction, Columbia Gulf would restore the ROW and the soils so that the ROW could be utilized for agricultural operations in the future. 4.3 Air Quality Neither Williamson, Davidson, nor Wilson Counties, Tennessee, are in nonattainment areas as designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA; USEPA 2014). Williamson County is designated as being in maintenance status for ozone and lead, and both Davidson and Wilson Counties are designated as being in maintenance status for ozone. For Alternative 3, there would be temporary air impacts due to the use of construction equipment and vehicles. No aboveground facilities such as compressor stations or meter stations would be required for a pipeline replacement; therefore, no operational impacts are anticipated for air quality. The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions; as such, there would be no impact to air quality. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. For Alternative 3, there would be temporary air impacts due to the use of construction equipment and vehicles. No aboveground facilities such as compressor stations or meter stations would be required for a pipeline replacement; therefore, no operational impacts are anticipated for air quality. 7 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 4.4 Biological Resources The following subsections detail the biological resources associated with the Project. They are as follows: • Land Cover/Vegetation; • Wildlife; and • Federal and State Protected Species. 4.4.1 Land Cover/Vegetation Based on the site visit, ROW vegetation at Areas 1, 2, and 3 are a maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas, open fields, and residential areas. No water resources were traversed by Area 1. Three streams and one small emergent wetland are traversed by Area 2. Two steams and one emergent wetland are traversed by Area 3. Area 4 is a maintained herbaceous ROW within a landscape consisting of a mixture of forested areas and commercial development. Three emergent wetlands were found to be traversed by Area 4. Herbaceous species that were typically found in the maintained herbaceous ROW include yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), red clover (Trifolium pratense), Indian goosegrass (Eleusine indica), purple passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), and grasses (Paspalum spp.). Species typically found in the deciduous forests include dogwood (Cornus florida), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), American elm (Ulmus americana), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), red maple (Acer rubrum), red oak (Quercus rubra), eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and black cherry (Prunus serotina). Species typically found in the emergent wetlands include late goldenrod (Solidago altissima), cattail (Typha latifolia), sedges (Carex spp., Cyperus spp., and Eleocharis spp.) and, Canada rush (Juncus canadensis). 4.4.2 Wildlife Typical wildlife species in Williamson, Davidson, and Wilson Counties include white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), American woodcock (Scolopax minor), bobcat (Lynx rufus), coyote (Canis latrins), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus), eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus), raccoon (Procyon lotor), striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis), eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), and the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger). All species may be found along all segments of pipeline. Typical fisheries species found in the Mill Creek watershed, which traverses Davidson County, include largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), brown trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout 8 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA‐2008‐0066 and PHMSA‐2008‐0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 (Oncorhynchus mykiss), common bream (Abramis brama), blue gill (Lepomis macrochirus), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). 4.4.3 Federal and State Protected Species A review of United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat data, USFWS Endangered Species County Lists, and state natural heritage inventories to determine the federally and state protected species that could potentially occur along the project facilities. No USFWS‐designated critical habitat is crossed by the areas. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq.), was designed to prevent the extinction of native and foreign species of wild flora and fauna. The ESA defines an endangered species as any animal or plant in danger of extinction and a threatened species as any plant or animal likely to become extinct within the foreseeable future. This act makes it illegal to harass, harm, or kill listed species and to possess, transport, buy, or sell the species or parts thereof in the course of an interstate or foreign commercial activity. A permit authorizing any prohibited activity may be issued following a formal consultation with the USFWS. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Natural Heritage (TDEC‐DNH) oversees the plant program and coordinates activities with other state agencies, while the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) oversees protection of animal species. TDEC‐DNH also administers USFWS‐funded projects designed to conserve and protect animal species of federal concern. Table C‐1 in Appendix C provides a summary of the federally listed species that could occur within the areas. The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions. As such, there would be no impact to biological resources as a result of this project. Under Alternative 3, the pipeline replacement would temporary impacts on vegetation and land use in the area of the replacement and any associated access roads or staging areas that could be required. In addition, under Alternative 3 there is the potential to impact the federally listed endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and the northern long‐eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) which is currently a candidate species for federal listing. Indiana bats and northern long‐eared bats utilize forested cover types in the summer for roosting habitat. If any trees greater than 3‐inch diameter breast height (dbh) would need to be removed, the USFWS would likely require bat surveys to determine if any trees to be removed are roosting trees for the Indiana bat or Northern long‐eared bat. Although the USFWS considers trees greater than 5‐inch dbh potential roosting trees for the Indiana bat, smaller trees down to 3‐inch dbh can be potential roosting trees for the northern long‐eared bat. The construction of this pipeline replacement would likely be subject to seasonal restrictions in order to minimize impacts to these species. If this alternative was selected, further consultation with the USFWS would be required. 9 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 4.5 Climate Change The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions; as such, there would be no impact to climate change. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. For Alternative 3, no aboveground facilities such as compressor stations or meter stations would be required for a pipeline replacement and, therefore, the project would not likely result in impacts to climate change. 4.6 Cultural Resources A preliminary assessment of structures listed by the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (NRHP 2014a, 2014b, 2014c) within one mile of Areas 1 through 4 was conducted. No listed structures are present at or near Areas 3 and 4. The following private historic homes are listed on the NRHP and located within one mile of Areas 1 and 2 (Figure 6). The following NRHP sites are within one mile of Area 1: • Douglass-Reams House was added to the NRHP in 1988 and is currently vacant/not in use (NRHP 2014a). • McGavock-Gaines House was added to the NRHP in 1988 and is currently vacant/not in use (NRHP 2014a). • Robert Hodge House was also known as the Sullivan Farm House. This private historic home was added to the NRHP in 2005 (NRHP 2014b). The following NRHP sites are within one mile of Area 2: • John Herbert House was added to the NRHP in 1988 (NRHP 2014b). • Ravenswood was added to the NRHP in 1983 (NRHP 2014c). • John Seward House is also known as Seward Hall. This private historic home was added to the NRHP in 1988 (NRHP 2014c). • Joseph Wilson House was added to the NRHP in 1988 (NRHP 2014c). Columbia Gulf maintains an annual categorical exclusion agreement with the Tennessee Historical Commission (THC). This agreement allows Columbia Gulf to conduct minor activities in the existing and previously disturbed pipeline ROW without further consultation with THC regarding cultural, archaeological, or paleontological resources. The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions. As such, there would be no impact to cultural resources. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. For Alternative 3, Columbia Gulf would need to consult with the THC to determine if any potential work spaces for the pipeline replacement would be sited in areas not previously disturbed by the construction of the original pipeline. If so, cultural resource surveys would likely be required to determine if there are any resources present and avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures would be likely if they are present. 10 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 4.7 Environmental Justice Area 1 is in U.S. Census Track 509.08, Block 2008. Area 2 is in U.S. Census Track 510.01, Blocks 2002, 2015, 2066, 2069, 3005, 3006, 3007, and 3010, and Group Block 2. Area 3 is in U.S. Census Track 191.14, Group Block 1 and Track 191.15, Group Block 1. Area 4 is in U.S. Census Track 309.01, Block 1004 and 1013. The percent minority population near Areas 1 and 2 is 10.6 percent. The percent minority population near Area 3 is 10.6 percent, while the percent minority population near Area 4 is 11.1 percent. The population of Williamson County was 183,182 in 2010 and the median household income was $91,146. The population of Davidson County was 626,681 in 2010 with a median household income of $46,676. Also taken from U.S. Census data, the population of Wilson County was 113,993 in 2010 with a median household income of $61,353. The preferred alternative would involve no ground disturbance and no change in existing conditions; as such, there would be no impact to the adjacent communities. Existing conditions would remain undisturbed. For Alternative 3, the construction of the pipeline replacement would be a short-term event and would not be expected to impact adjacent communities. 4.8 Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources According to the USEPA (USEPA 2012), Areas 1, 2 and 4 are in the Outer Nashville Basin (71h) and Area 3 is in the Inner Nashville Basin (71i) of the Interior Plateau (Ecoregion 71). The Interior Plateau extends from southern Indiana and Ohio to northern Alabama. This diverse ecoregion is made up of: • Rock types that are distinctly different from the coastal plain sands of western Tennessee ecoregions; • Landscapes of open hills, irregular plains, and prairies; • Mississippian to Ordovician-age limestone, chert, sandstone, siltstone, and shale; and • Oak-hickory forest, with some areas of bluestem prairie and cedar glades. (Arnwine et al. 2000) The Outer Nashville Basin is made up of rolling hills and slightly higher elevations than the Inner Nashville Basin. Limestone rock and soils within the region are high in phosphorus. Commercial phosphorus is mined. The dominant land cover is deciduous forest, pasture, and cropland. The region has areas of urban development, including Nashville, which is located in the northwest portion of the region. Streams are low to moderate gradient, with occasionally high densities of fish (Arnwine et al. 2000). The Inner Nashville Basin is less hilly and lower in elevation than the Outer Nashville Basin. Shallow soils are redder and lower in phosphorous than those of the Outer Basin. Streams are also lower gradient and flow over large expanses of limestone bedrock. Hardwoods are mostly maple, oak, hickory, and ash. Urban, suburban, and industrial land use is increasing from the Outer Nashville Basin (Arnwine et al. 2000). Figure 7 depicts these ecoregions. 11 <<>> Hampshire to Hartsville PHMSA-2008-0066 and PHMSA-2008-0330 DRAFT Environmental Assessment August 2014 According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Seismic Map (USGS 2008), there is a 2 percent probability in a 50-year period that an earthquake would occur near Areas 1 through 4 at an intensity that exceeds VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale (USGS 2013). - **truncated:** true - **body characters:** 125047