BGE Pipeline Maintenance

On Wednesday evening, February 16^th, BGE conducted a community meeting at Wilde Lake High School to inform residents about an upcoming project to clear trees and shrubs from its natural gas pipeline easement that originates in Clarksville, passes through Columbia and terminates in Elkridge. We discussed the background on the pipeline and the easement and had a lengthy discussion on gas safety and BGE's maintenance and inspection programs to ensure public safety. Part of those programs includes ensuring a clear line of sight from the air to enable effective aerial inspections. As the letter BGE sent to adjoining property owners in February indicated, in addition to removing trees and shrubs within 10 feet of either side of the pipeline center, BGE will also clear the canopy in a similar fashion. BGE conducts monthly inspections by helicopter, looking for obvious signs of leaks, encroachments, missing pipeline markers, and construction activity near the pipeline. Having a clear line of sight from air to ground will make these inspections more effective.

Clearly this work will change the appearance of the easement. We understand the concern customers will have with that change but the ultimate goal is to ensure BGE can continue to operate, inspect and maintain the pipe to ensure the safety of the public and of our employees. BGE’s forestry contractor, Mercier’s Inc., will be contacting every property owner abutting the easement to ensure people understand the scope of work. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and we'll work to stay engaged. If necessary, a BGE representative will participate.

BGE intends to engage with the community and will work to properly balance community concerns with our operating needs, always with a focus on maintaining the integrity of our infrastructure to ensure the safety of the public. For more information call BGE at 410-685-0123 or visit us online at www.bge.com.