Piedmont Natural Gas

Staff Report

A controlled flaring event, like the one seen here, could be seen by Taylors residents over the next couple of weeks as Piedmont Natural Gas performs routine inspections of a 17-mile stretch of pipeline.(Photo: SUBMITTED PHOTO)

As a part of its ongoing Transmission Integrity Management Program (TIMP), Piedmont Natural Gas will be performing a series of routine pipeline inspection activities along a nearly 17-mile stretch of natural gas pipeline running from Simpsonville to Greenville.

The work will begin Wednesday and end around Sept. 2. During the testing period, which involves the use of an In-Line Inspection Device (ILID), it will be necessary for Piedmont to “flare, ” or burn off, the excess natural gas used during the inspection process.

Large vertical pipes called flare stacks will be used for all of the flaring operations. These could produce prolonged periods of loud noise and result in a tall flame being visible to nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

The flare stacks will be located in the parking lot of Springwell Church at the intersection of Wood River Way and Wade Hampton Blvd. in Taylors. Flare stack operation is a controlled process that will be managed and monitored by Piedmont Natural Gas personnel in cooperation with local fire departments.

Piedmont Natural Gas is performing the pipeline inspection activities in compliance with Federal Department of Transportation regulations that require regular pipeline inspection and assessment. These are done to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas.

The flaring activities are expected to take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays until Sept. 2.

The full inspection will take place along a 17-mile pipeline running from Harts Lane in Simpsonville to Wade Hampton Blvd. in Greenville.

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