FERC Approves Variance for Columbia Gas Transmission's Virginia Reliability Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved a variance for Columbia Gas Transmission's Virginia Reliability Project, allowing the company to modify the crossing method from open trench to horizontal directional drill (HDD) near a newly identified archaeological site. This decision was made in response to Columbia's request, submitted on August 15, 2025, to install approximately 0.23 miles of pipeline using HDD. The variance is in compliance with environmental condition 5 of the Commission's November 16, 2023 Order Issuing Certificates and Approving Abandonment.

Key Takeaways:

  • FERC approved a variance for Columbia Gas Transmission's Virginia Reliability Project, allowing the company to modify the crossing method from open trench to HDD near an archaeological site.
  • The variance is for approximately 0.23 miles of pipeline installation using HDD, as requested by Columbia on August 15, 2025.
  • The approval is in compliance with environmental condition 5 of the Commission's November 16, 2023 Order Issuing Certificates and Approving Abandonment.
  • Columbia has demonstrated landowner concurrence and obtained all relevant federal authorizations or consultations for the approved activities.
  • FERC reminds Columbia to comply with all applicable remaining terms and conditions of the Order.
  • J. Keith Rodgers, Environmental Project Manager, was the contact person for any questions related to the approved variance.

Statistics:

  • 0.23 miles of pipeline will be installed using HDD as part of the Virginia Reliability Project.
  • The FERC approval was issued on August 22, 2025.
  • The variance is in compliance with environmental condition 5 of the Commission's November 16, 2023 Order.
  • Columbia obtained landowner concurrence and federal authorizations for the approved activities.
  • J. Keith Rodgers is the contact person for any questions related to the approved variance, at (202) 502-6839.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
  • Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC
  • Virginia Reliability Project (Docket No. CP22-503-000)