Potomac Pipeline Project: Environmental Remediation Completed, Road Closure Continues
Cleanup efforts following sediment and iron runoff from natural gas pipeline construction near Hancock, Maryland, have been completed, according to a recent report filed by TC Energy with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The work, conducted under a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service, addresses environmental concerns stemming from drilling activities impacting the C&O Canal.
MDE Inspection Reveals Environmental Violations
An unannounced inspection by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in November 2025 identified violations related to sediment pollution and iron precipitate in the C&O Canal and adjacent floodplain. The MDE report indicated that impacts from a spring discharge, affected by the release of underground drilling fluids, had not been authorized and required remediation. Areas of disturbance also hadn’t been fully restored.
Remediation and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the MDE’s recommendations, Columbia Gas secured a permit from the National Park Service on December 9, 2025, to conduct cleanup work within the canal. This work was finished by December 18, 2025. TC Energy continues to monitor a local spring for lingering effects from the inadvertent return of drilling fluids. Berm Road remains closed to public traffic until the company determines the spring has fully recovered.
Pipeline Project Details and Regional Impact
The project is a 3.4-mile extension of a natural gas pipeline connecting Southern Fulton, Pennsylvania, to northern Morgan County, West Virginia. The pipeline involves .8 miles of horizontal directional drilling under the Potomac River. It is a 3.5-mile portion of a TC Energy pipeline that will run west of Hancock, Maryland, and will be buried 100 feet under the Potomac River and C&O Canal towpath. Approximately 100 people are employed by the Eastern Panhandle Expansion Project, with a capital cost of around $24.97 million.
Broader Pipeline Network Expansion
This pipeline extension is intended to support the Mountaineer Gas pipeline, which will extend into West Virginia, more than doubling natural gas output in the area. The project aims to deliver natural gas to Mountaineer Gas Company customers and contribute to the economic development of the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia.
Future Trends in Pipeline Construction and Environmental Oversight
The Potomac pipeline project highlights several emerging trends in energy infrastructure development and environmental regulation.
Increased Scrutiny and Regulatory Oversight
The MDE inspection and subsequent remediation requirements demonstrate a growing trend of stricter environmental oversight for pipeline projects. Expect more frequent unannounced inspections and a lower tolerance for even minor environmental impacts. Companies will need to prioritize proactive environmental monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Advanced Environmental Monitoring Technologies
TC Energy’s use of a drone for environmental monitoring represents a shift towards leveraging technology to enhance oversight. Future projects will likely incorporate more sophisticated technologies, such as real-time sensor networks, remote sensing, and data analytics, to detect and address environmental issues quickly.
Community Engagement and Transparency
Although TC Energy has been working with local residents regarding the Berm Road closure, increased community engagement and transparency will be crucial for gaining public acceptance of pipeline projects. Companies will need to proactively communicate project details, address concerns, and involve stakeholders in the planning and monitoring processes.
Focus on Inadvertent Returns and Fluid Management
The incident involving the release of drilling fluids underscores the importance of preventing inadvertent returns – the unintentional release of drilling fluids into the surrounding environment. Companies will need to invest in advanced drilling techniques, robust containment systems, and comprehensive fluid management plans to minimize this risk.
FAQ
Q: What caused the closure of Berm Road?
A: Berm Road remains closed due to the need to monitor a local spring for the dissipation of effects from drilling fluids released during pipeline construction.
Q: Who is responsible for the pipeline project?
A: The project is a collaboration between Columbia Gas Transmission and TC Energy.
Q: What is the purpose of the pipeline?
A: The pipeline extension is designed to connect a natural gas supply from Pennsylvania to West Virginia, supporting the Mountaineer Gas pipeline and increasing natural gas output in the region.
Q: What is TC Energy’s role in the project?
A: TC Energy is a project partner with Columbia Gas and is responsible for filing construction status reports with FERC.
Did you know? The pipeline will stretch .8 miles (4300 feet) under the Potomac River.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about pipeline projects in your area by regularly checking the FERC website for updates and environmental reports.
Interested in learning more about energy infrastructure projects in the region? Explore TC Energy’s operations map to spot their network of pipelines and storage facilities.
