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Independent regulatory commissions

Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project: Update on Construction Status and Environmental Compliance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project, proposed by Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC, aims to expand the company's natural gas pipeline network in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. On July 19, 2018, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the project, subject to various environmental conditions. This biweekly status report provides an update on the project's construction status and environmental compliance for the period August 16, 2025, through August 29, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project's construction is proceeding on schedule, with an estimated 100% completion for clearing, grading, ditching, stringing, welding, coating, lowering-in, backfill, and cleanup activities.
  • Environmental inspectors continued monitoring the project area, erosion control devices, and revegetation progress, with revegetation progress visible at multiple locations along the pipeline route.
  • Mitigation plans were finalized to address the Berm Road spring and submitted for agency review on August 21, 2025.
  • A meeting with involved agencies is scheduled for the week of September 8, 2025, to discuss the proposed mitigation plans.
  • Trenching within waterbodies greater than 10 feet wide and HDD crossings have been completed.
  • No new complaints were received from landowners or residents during the reporting period.
  • The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) conducted a site inspection on August 27, 2025, and identified several violations of Environmental Article Titles 4, 5, and 9, including the improper installation of culverts and discharge of turbid water and iron precipitate.
  • Corrective actions have been taken or are planned, including the installation of elliptical culverts and rock check dams, as well as a comprehensive environmental analysis of previous inadvertent returns.

Statistics:

  • The project's construction schedule is on track, with estimated completion rates of 100% for various stages of construction.
  • The revegetation progress is visible at 6 locations along the pipeline route (MP 0.04, 1.67, 1.98, 2.16, 3.60).
  • The MDE identified 5 violations of Environmental Article Titles 4, 5, and 9, which have been addressed or will be addressed through corrective actions.

Sources:

  • Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC (2025). Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project Docket No. CP17-80-000 Construction Status Report Report No. 23.
  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (2018). 164 FERC P 61,036.

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