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Independent regulatory commissions

FERC Issues Positive Construction Inspection Report for Columbia Gas Transmission LLC's Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a construction inspection report for the Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project, operated by Columbia Gas Transmission LLC. The report, dated June 5, 2025, highlights the project's satisfactory progress and compliance with environmental conditions.

The Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project involves the construction and operation of approximately 3.37 miles of 8-inch-diameter pipeline, spanning across Washington County, Maryland, Morgan County, West Virginia, and Fulton County, Pennsylvania. The project's in-service date is tentatively scheduled for July 19, 2026. The inspection was conducted by FERC staff member Jennifer Fink and company representative Brian Bowman, EDGE, Environmental Inspector on June 5 and 6, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • The inspection found no instances of noncompliance or problem areas.
  • Restoration of the project is proceeding in a satisfactory manner.
  • A follow-up letter is not required at this time.
  • Columbia Gas Transmission LLC formally requested in-service for the project on June 5, 2025.
  • The inspection highlighted the importance of maintaining proper restoration and segregation of topsoil, as well as the properly installed Environmental Control Devices (ECDs).
  • The inspection covered various locations, including the pipeline right-of-way, temporary workspaces, horizontal directional drill (HDD) locations, and contractor yard.
  • An environmental inspection on June 6, 2025, revealed a slight biological sheen on a groundwater seep but no other environmental concerns were identified.
  • Columbia Gas Transmission LLC is working to repair the drain tile and develop a plan to drain water from a ponding area.
  • A restoration inspection is tentatively planned for late summer to inspect and document the environmental conditions of the project.
  • The inspection concluded with a clean slate, highlighting Columbia Gas' commitment to environmental responsibility and compliance with FERC's regulations.

Statistics:

  • The project involves approximately 3.37 miles of 8-inch-diameter pipeline.
  • The project spans across Washington County, Maryland, Morgan County, West Virginia, and Fulton County, Pennsylvania.
  • The project's in-service date is tentatively scheduled for July 19, 2026.
  • The inspection covered 3.3 inches of rain in the two weeks prior to the inspection.
  • No environmental concerns were identified except for a slight biological sheen on a groundwater seep.
  • The inspection covered areas of the pipeline right-of-way, temporary workspaces, horizontal directional drill (HDD) locations, and contractor yard.

Sources:

  • FERC Field Inspection Report, dated June 5, 2025.
  • Document Accession #: 20250623-3021 Filed Date: 06/23/2025.

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