Calvert County Government shares the following update from Cove Point LNG
regarding the recent proposed safety order from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The county requested factual information to share with residents. Questions may be directed to George Anas at George.Anas@BHEGTS.com.
Nov. 29, 2025
On March 17, 2025, during a routine leak check by Cove Point personnel, we identified 10 minor leaks around the ethane storage tanks; the leaks were so minor in scale that they were undetectable by permanently installed gas detection. However, the facility’s rigorous inspections process and skilled staff ensured all imperfections were detected. At no time did these minor leaks in the ethane storage area pose an unsafe condition for our employees, community, or our facility. Nine of the leaks were safely repaired by Cove Point personnel on the same day they were identified. Showing no additional leakage, the 10th area was monitored, and a plan was developed around the Cove Point annual outage to address logistics of accessing the repair site. The repair was safely completed on October 24, 2025.
• This event was not reported to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) because, by their own reporting requirements, the event did not meet the definition of a reportable event.
• On August 14, 2025, Cove Point LNG self-reported observed elevation changes of its Ethane Storage Tanks on a standard FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) semi-annual report.
• On September 24, 2025, FERC and PHMSA visited Cove Point to assess the reported ethane storge tank movement. The remaining leak was inspected by both agencies, but it was intermittent and at such low volume it could only be detected by a portable Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) camera.
• On October 23, 2025, Cove Point, LNG received notice of a proposed safety order from PHMSA. It is important to note that this order is only “proposed.” A NOPSO is issued to tell an operator that their pipeline/system could have potential integrity or safety issues that need to be addressed/corrected. A Notice of Proposed Safety Order (NOPSO) addresses integrity risks that may not require immediate corrective action but must be addressed over time.
To ensure full transparency and safety, Cove Point has engaged two independent geotechnical engineering firms and one mechanical integrity firm. All have concluded that the tanks and associated equipment remain safe to operate under the current conditions.
Cove Point LNG utilizes state-of-the-art detection and monitoring devices, and it operates one of the strictest leak detection programs in Maryland. The specific area where the leaks occurred has 9-point leak detectors, 7 open path detectors, and 2 flame detectors. The overall facility is equipped with a multi-layer detection network that is strategically placed to ensure rapid and reliable detection of any potential leak. At Cove Point, regulatory integrity is a foundational principle that guides every aspect of our operations. We go above and beyond compliance by fostering transparent, proactive relationships with federal and state regulators, including FERC and the PHMSA. Our approach includes:
• Frequent, open communication with regulators to ensure alignment on safety, reliability, and environmental stewardship.
• Voluntary investments in safety and sustainability initiatives that exceed regulatory mandates, demonstrating our leadership and accountability.
• Rigorous internal audits and performance reviews to identify and address potential risks before they become compliance issues.
• Collaborative engagement with policymakers to shape regulations that promote innovation while protecting public and environmental health.
Cove Point LNG will continue working closely with our regulatory partner, PHMSA. While determining the root cause, we will be performing additional monitoring activities 365 days a year to ensure we continue to operate safely and in compliance. As a steward of critical energy infrastructure, Cove Point LNG recognizes that operating with integrity is essential to earning the trust of our customers, communities, regulators, and Calvert County partners. We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and responsible energy.
Any additional questions or concerns should be directed to George Anas at George.Anas@bhegts.com.
Calvert County Government, Calvert County, Maryland