FERC Seeks Input on Shutting Gas Storage Sites
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Notice
Summary
Columbia Gas wants to shut down some gas storage facilities in West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and the government is asking the public for their thoughts on how this might affect the environment. If you live nearby or care about nature, now’s the time to speak up before July 30, 2026. Your input will help decide if the project moves forward and how it might impact the area and local communities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Landowners: Easement Negotiation and Eminent Domain
If you are a landowner in Marshall County, West Virginia or Greene or Washington Counties, Pennsylvania, Columbia may contact you to negotiate an easement to abandon storage facilities. You do not have to agree to an easement, but if FERC approves the project the company could initiate condemnation (eminent domain) in court and compensation would be decided by a judge under state law.
NEPA Review Will Assess Environmental Effects
FERC staff will prepare an environmental document (an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement) that will evaluate impacts in areas including geology and soils; water resources and wetlands; vegetation and wildlife; threatened and endangered species; cultural resources; socioeconomics; land use; air quality and noise; and reliability and safety. Agencies, tribes, and the public may comment during the NEPA process and cooperating agencies may be requested.
Project Scope, Land Use, and Timeline
Columbia proposes abandoning the Heard, Majorsville Shallow, and Majorsville Deep storage fields, including 57 injection/withdrawal wells, 14 observation wells, the Majorsville Compressor Station, associated pipelines and appurtenances, and base gas; abandonment activities would use about 199 acres and could take up to ten years to complete in a phased approach.
Public Comment Opportunity and How To Comment
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is accepting public comments on environmental issues for the Majorsville-Heard Storage Complex Abandonment Project through 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on July 30, 2026. You can submit comments by FERC's eComment, by eFiling (after creating an account), or by mailing a paper copy referencing Docket No. CP26-527-000.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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