Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Approves Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has granted in-service authorization to Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC for its Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project. The project, situated in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, Washington County, Maryland, and Morgan County, West Virginia, involves the installation of new pipeline infrastructure to increase gas transportation capacity. The commission's approval is contingent on Columbia's compliance with environmental conditions and the completion of long-term mitigation measures.

Key Takeaways:

• The Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project, developed by Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC, has been granted in-service authorization by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
• The project, located in Fulton County, Pennsylvania, Washington County, Maryland, and Morgan County, West Virginia, involves the construction of new pipeline infrastructure to enhance gas transportation capacity.
• The commission's approval is based on Columbia's submission of a bi-weekly construction status report, photographic documentation, and a commitment to resolve environmental concerns, including a groundwater spring that emerged during horizontal drilling.
• Columbia has committed to work with multiple permitting agencies, including the Maryland Department of the Environment, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and National Park Service, to ensure long-term mitigation measures are implemented.
• The company has undertaken to provide updates to the Commission staff in its bi-weekly status reports until the mitigation work is complete.
• The project's approval is subject to Columbia's compliance with all applicable remaining terms and conditions of the Order issued by FERC on July 19, 2018.

Statistics:

• 1,000s of people: The proposed pipeline expansion is expected to benefit thousands of households and businesses in the surrounding areas.
• 95%: Columbia's mechanical completion of the project is reported to be at 95% as of June 4, 2025.
• 45 days: The company has committed to completing the long-term mitigation work within 45 days.

Sources:

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). (2025, June 20). In-Service Authorization for Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC's Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project (Docket No. CP17-80-000). [Available from FERC website]
• Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC. (2025, June 4). Bi-Weekly Construction Status Report (Docket No. CP17-80-000)
• FERC Order Issuing Certificate (2018, July 19). (Available from FERC website)