FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION FIELD INSPECTION REPORT

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FIELD INSPECTION REPORT Date May 22, 2018 Project Northern Natural Gas Company Cedar Station Upgrade Project Dakota County, Minnesota Authority: Sections 7(c) Personnel FERC Staff: Company Staff: S.

1 FIELD INSPECTION REPORT Date May 22, 2018 Project Northern Natural Gas Company Cedar Station Upgrade Project Dakota County, Minnesota Authority: Sections 7(c) Personnel FERC Staff: Company Staff: S. Xiah Kragie Terry Plucker, Trevor Poland, John Baus Jr. Inspection Summary 0 Problem Areas 0 Noncompliances No No Follow-Up Letter Required Refer to Enforcement Introduction On May 22, 2018, S. Xiah Kragie of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) performed a construction inspection of the Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern) Cedar Station Upgrade Project (Project), under contract to the FERC and per the request of the FERC Project Manager, David Hanobic. The Project consists of the construction and operation of an approximately 7.8-mile-long, 20-inchdiameter natural gas pipeline loop 1 and appurtenant facilities in Dakota County, Minnesota. More specifically, the Project includes the: construction of an approximately 7.86-mile-long, 20-inch-diameter natural gas pipeline that will loop Northern s existing lateral pipeline, originating at Northern s existing Rosemount Junction facility in Rosemount, Minnesota, and extending to its existing Cedar Station in Eagan, Minnesota (Cedar Station Upgrade); construction of a pig launcher 2 and takeoff valve setting at Station Number (Sta. No.) 0+00 within the existing Rosemount Junction facility; 1 A pipeline loop is a segment of pipe installed parallel to an existing pipeline. 2 A pig is a tool that moves through the pipeline, and is used for cleaning, internal inspections, or other purposes. A launcher/receiver is an aboveground structure used to install/retrieve pigs from the pipeline.

2 construction of a pig receiver, tie-in valve setting, and modifications to existing regulators within the existing Cedar Station facility near Sta. No of Northern s existing lateral pipeline; replacement of a 10-foot-long segment of existing 12-inch-diameter pipeline with the same size and diameter pipeline; and replacement of approximately 105 feet of existing 8-inch-diameter bypass pipeline with approximately 260 feet of new 10-inch-diameter pipeline, both within the Cedar Station, to facilitate tie-ins of the new pipeline to existing station piping. Northern states that this Project will not add any new service. The anticipated in-service date for the entire Project is September 1, The purpose of the inspection was to determine Northern s compliance with the environmental conditions of the Commission s August 22, 2017 Order Issuing Certificate and to inspect the construction conditions of the pipeline right-of-way (ROW) and other Project facilities. 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 May 22, 2018, weather conditions were partly cloudy with temperatures ranging in the mid-70s ( F). A total of approximately 1.4 inches of rain was recorded during the two weeks preceding the inspection, including approximately 1.1 inches of rain recorded on May 9, The inspection began at Northern s existing Cedar Station at the Project s terminus, and ended near Northern s existing Rosemount Junction facility and a Project staging area (Photo Numbers [Nos.] 1 to 20). Construction, including grading and site work, had begun at most of the horizontal directional drill (HDD) crossing entry and exit sites (Photo Nos. 2 to 4, 6 to 8, 10 to 12, 14 to 16, 18, and 19). Active drilling operations were underway along the HDD #1, #3, #4, and #9 crossings. Northern stated that conventional open trench construction had not begun yet, and clearing between Sta. No and Sta. No , near a school, was delayed until the end of the school year. One inadvertent release of drilling mud was observed near the HDD #3 exit site at Sta. No (Photo No. 15). Northern estimated that approximately 175 gallons of drilling mud were released just outside the ROW limits. Hand tools and a vac truck were being used to contain and clean-up the spill. Where grading of the HDD sites was complete, topsoil was properly segregated and seeded, but not growing or well established, yet. Silt fences and other erosion control devices (ECDs) were installed, as needed. Sound walls were also installed at most of the HDD drill sites to mitigate noise impacts at proximate residences or commercial properties (Photo Nos. 4, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, and 18). A cursory check of noise loudness on either side of a sound wall at the HDD #4 entry site demonstrated a reduction in noise levels from 75 dba 3 to 61 dba. The closest residence impacted by HDD noise was at the combined HDD #1 and HDD #2 entry site near Sta. No (Photo No. 18), where noise just outside the wall was measured at 69 dba during drilling operations. With the exception of HDD pipe 3 dba is the A-weighted decibel value of sound.

3 pullback activities, Northern stated that it limited drilling activity to normal construction hours (7am to 7pm). Pipe segments were being delivered to the staging areas and readied for HDD pullback; the HDD pullback pipe for HDD #1 and HDD #14 were already welded (Photo Nos. 2 and 19). At Cedar Station, limited trees were cleared, and the locations of existing pipelines were physically confirmed by hydrovac excavation and marking those existing underground lines every 50 feet. Northern stated that all hydrovac spoils were taken to holding tanks at the staging area for testing before disposal. At three locations along the ROW, Northern temporarily changed the contours of the existing ground surface, cutting and filling slopes to create a safe, level surface to work from. These occurred at Sta. No (Photo No. 6), at Sta. No in Lebanon Hills Park (Photo No. 11), and at Sta. No (Photo No. 17). In all cases, Northern committed to restoring the ROW contours. Overall, ECDs were properly installed and maintained along the ROW and at resource crossings, where necessary; and equipment mats and/or gravel were installed to stabilize staging areas and construction entrances. No tracking of mud or debris onto public roadways was observed (Photo Nos. 2 to 5, 7 to 18, and 20). Conclusions and Recommendations A follow-up letter is not required at this time, because no instances of noncompliance were identified. Overall, construction was progressing acceptably, and no environmental concerns were identified. Another inspection is tentatively scheduled for the week of June 18, 2018.

4 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 06/27/2018 SITE MAP

Photo No.: 1 MP/Sta. No.: 413+88 Direction: North Comments: Residential and Industrial ROW. Trees lining the existing Cedar Station were cleared in February, according to Northern.

Hydrovac spoils were taken to holding tanks at the staging area for testing before disposal, according to Nor

5 Photo No.: 1 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: North Comments: Residential and Industrial ROW. Trees lining the existing Cedar Station were cleared in February, according to Northern. Limited ground disturbing activities were observed. Every 50 feet, existing pipelines were excavated by hydrovac and marked with story poles. Hydrovac spoils were taken to holding tanks at the staging area for testing before disposal, according to Northern. Photo No.: 2 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: North Comments: Residential and Commercial ROW, HDD #13 Entry Site, HDD #14 Exit Site, wetland/waterbody W-48. A doublerow of silt fence was installed along the adjacent stormwater management facility. Where the workspace was cut into the hill, orange exclusion fencing was installed for safety.

Photo No.: 3 MP/Sta. No.: 401+25 Direction: South Comments: Residential and Commercial ROW, HDD #13 Entry Site, HDD #14 Exit Site. Visual screening trees were preserved along the residential road.

Northern stated that a sound wall will be installed prior to drilling. Photo No.: 4 MP/Sta. No.: 390+80 Direction: South Comments: Commercial and Highway ROW, HDD #13 Entry Site.

6 Photo No.: 3 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: South Comments: Residential and Commercial ROW, HDD #13 Entry Site, HDD #14 Exit Site. Visual screening trees were preserved along the residential road. Topsoil was graded and segregated from the HDD workspace was, and the topsoil stockpile was seeded; although the seed had not germinated, yet. Northern stated that a sound wall will be installed prior to drilling. Photo No.: 4 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: South Comments: Commercial and Highway ROW, HDD #13 Entry Site. Topsoil was graded and properly segregated from the HDD #13 drill site, Wetland W-41 A sound wall was installed between adjacent commercial properties and the ROW, and topsoil was stockpiled and seeded against sound wall. The wetland boundaries were marked, and silt fence was installed along the ROW limits. Inspection participants discussed reinforcing the silt fence at the lowest point of the workspace.

Photo No.: 5 MP/Sta. No.: 384+84 Direction: West Comments: Forested ROW, Staging Area. The staging area was cleared.

Equipment mats were installed extensively to prevent trackout and create stable conditions for heavy machinery, according to Nor

7 Photo No.: 5 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: West Comments: Forested ROW, Staging Area. The staging area was cleared. Northern stated that it planned to use less of the staging area than what was Certificated. Equipment mats were installed extensively to prevent trackout and create stable conditions for heavy machinery, according to Northern. Photo No.: 6 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: West Comments: Residential and Highway ROW, HDD #11 Entry Site, HDD #12 Exit Site. Topsoil was graded and properly segregated from the entire ROW in this area. The existing slope was graded by cutting and filling to create a safe, level surface for pipe stringing and HDD pullback pipe.

Photo No.: 7 MP/Sta. No.: 367+00 Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential and Highway ROW, HDD #11 Entry Site, HDD #12 Exit Site.

Northern committed to utilize straw bales and install equipment mats at the construction entrance to reduce track out and sediment transfer to the residential road. Photo No.

8 Photo No.: 7 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential and Highway ROW, HDD #11 Entry Site, HDD #12 Exit Site. The drainage from the workspace leads to residential cul-de-sac, although no drainage was evident. Northern committed to utilize straw bales and install equipment mats at the construction entrance to reduce track out and sediment transfer to the residential road. Photo No.: 8 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: East Comments: Residential and Utility ROW, HDD #9 Entry Site, Staging Area. The orange exclusion fencing delineates the re-routed High Line (pedestrian) Trail next to the ROW. Topsoil was segregated from all workspaces and pipe was strung along the ROW. The HDD workspace was stabilized with equipment mats. Noise levels measured within the sound walls approximately 30 feet from the drilling rig were measured at 86 dba; but outside of the sound walls, ambient noise was dominated by audible traffic and overhead airplanes, instead.

Photo No.: 9 MP/Sta. No.: 290+00 Direction: West Comments: Residential and Utility ROW. Orange exclusion fence was installed along the existing High Line Trail next to the ROW.

Photo No.: 10 MP/Sta. No.: 266+33 Direction: West Comments: Residential and Open ROW, HDD #8 Exit Site, wetland/waterbody W-30.

9 Photo No.: 9 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: West Comments: Residential and Utility ROW. Orange exclusion fence was installed along the existing High Line Trail next to the ROW. No tracking of mud or debris onto the residential street was evident. Northern stated that it would extend the orange exclusion fence where the ROW abuts immediate backyards. Photo No.: 10 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: West Comments: Residential and Open ROW, HDD #8 Exit Site, wetland/waterbody W-30. An approximately 200-foot-long section of the ROW was left undisturbed between the HDD exit point and the wetland/waterbody crossing, except for silt fence that was installed along the edge of the ROW and wetland/waterbody crossing.

Photo No.: 11 MP/Sta. No.: 159+00 Direction: East Comments: Open and Forested ROW, HDD #5 Entry Site, HDD #4 Exit Site, Lebanon Hills Park.

Northern stated that spoil piles were seeded the week before the inspection; seed had not germinated, yet. Photo No.

10 Photo No.: 11 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: East Comments: Open and Forested ROW, HDD #5 Entry Site, HDD #4 Exit Site, Lebanon Hills Park. Full topsoil segregation and substantial grading were conducted to create a stable, level workspace. Northern stated that spoil piles were seeded the week before the inspection; seed had not germinated, yet. Photo No.: 12 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Southeast Comments: Open and Forested ROW, HDD #5 Entry Site, HDD #4 Exit Site, Lebanon Hills Park, Wetland around Buck Pond (W-26) The workspace was encircled with a double row of silt fences for sediment control and wildlife exclusion. Wetland boundaries were clearly labeled. Additional signage was installed for the environmentally sensitive resource. A sound wall is visible in the background.

Photo No.: 13 MP/Sta. No.: 179+52 Direction: Northwest Comments: Residential ROW. Northern was hydrostatic pressure testing the existing mainline.

The ROW was cleared of topsoil; however, Northern s workspace were not appreciably distinct from the workspace for the new residential development construction. Photo No.: 14 MP/Sta. No.: 104+30 Direction: Northwest Comments: Open and Residential ROW, HDD #4 Entry Site.

11 Photo No.: 13 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Northwest Comments: Residential ROW. Northern was hydrostatic pressure testing the existing mainline. Testing activities were being performed within the ROW limits. The ROW was cleared of topsoil; however, Northern s workspace were not appreciably distinct from the workspace for the new residential development construction. Photo No.: 14 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Northwest Comments: Open and Residential ROW, HDD #4 Entry Site. Drilling operations were underway. Silt fence was installed along the workspace limits, and sound walls were installed to the southwest and northwest of drilling operations to mitigate noise for nearby residences. Noise measurements taken within the sound wall approximately 50 feet from the drill rig were 75 dba; but were 61 dba immediately outside the sound wall, representing a 14 dba reduction in noise levels.

Photo No.: 15 MP/Sta. No.: 96+05 Direction: Southeast Comments: Open and Residential ROW, HDD #3 Exit Site. The HDD #3 exit site was approximately 650 feet from the HDD #4 entry site.

12 Photo No.: 15 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Southeast Comments: Open and Residential ROW, HDD #3 Exit Site. The HDD #3 exit site was approximately 650 feet from the HDD #4 entry site. During active drilling of HDD #4, noise levels were measured at dba at this distance (approximately 650 feet). In the background, a vacuum truck was parked at the edge of the workspace with a hose leading to a recent off-row inadvertent release of approximately 175 gallons of drilling mud from the HDD #3 crossing. Northern stated that hand tools were used to clean-up the spill and install a silt fence to contain the spill and protect the adjacent wetland/waterbody (Waterbody W- 20).

Photo No.: 16 MP/Sta. No.: 78+66 Direction: West Comments: Residential Road ROW, HDD #3 Entry Site. Sound walls were installed between the HDD #3 drill site and residences directly to the south.

A spill kit was verified on site. Photo No.: 17 MP/Sta. No.: 73+00 Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential ROW, Wetland W-07. The ROW was graded.

13 Photo No.: 16 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: West Comments: Residential Road ROW, HDD #3 Entry Site. Sound walls were installed between the HDD #3 drill site and residences directly to the south. Topsoil was properly segregated, and the site was stabilized with a combination of equipment mats and gravel to prevent rutting and the tracking of mud and debris onto the roadway. A spill kit was verified on site. Photo No.: 17 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential ROW, Wetland W-07. The ROW was graded. Wetland spoils were segregated from topsoil, and silt fence was installed. Northern stated that it will install equipment mats along both the upland and wetland sides of the ROW during trenching. Northern also stated that it will install hay bales across the ROW at the wetland crossing when not actively crossing the ROW.

Photo No.: 18 MP/Sta. No.: 54+28 Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential ROW, HDD #1 and HDD #2 Entry Sites.

Noise was measured at 69 dba on the residence side of the sound wall during drilling, consistent with predictions. Drilling activity was limited to 7am to 7pm, according to Northern.

14 Photo No.: 18 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Southeast Comments: Residential ROW, HDD #1 and HDD #2 Entry Sites. Sound walls were installed on three sides of the workspace to mitigate noise for nearby residences and an associated horse paddock. Noise was measured at 69 dba on the residence side of the sound wall during drilling, consistent with predictions. Drilling activity was limited to 7am to 7pm, according to Northern. Access along the existing driveway was maintained. Photo No.: 19 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: East Comments: Agricultural ROW. The Rosemont Junction facility (an industrial interconnect) is visible in the distance. The HDD #1 pullback pipe was welded in sections and staged at the edge of the staging area. The segregated topsoil piles had stabilizing annual grass growing. Silt fences were installed down gradient of the workspace.

Photo No.: 20 MP/Sta. No.: 10+50 Direction: Northwest Comments: Open and Agricultural ROW, Staging Area.

15 Photo No.: 20 MP/Sta. No.: Direction: Northwest Comments: Open and Agricultural ROW, Staging Area. The topsoil from the agricultural field was graded within the staging area and properly segregated. A subsection of the staging area was graded but unused; all utilized areas were overlain with geotextile fabric and gravel.

16 Document Content(s) NNG Cedar Station CP DOCX

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION FIELD INSPECTION REPORT

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION FIELD INSPECTION REPORT FIELD INSPECTION REPORT Date June 19, 2018 Project Northern Natural Gas Company (Northern) Cedar Station Upgrade Project Dakota County, Minnesota Authority: Section 7(c) Personnel FERC Staff: Company Staff: