Critical gas safety and reliability project the result of extensive collaboration with park stakeholders

BALTIMORE (April 18, 2018) – BGE is replacing a two-mile section of gas pipeline that runs through Gwynns Falls Leakin Park in Baltimore. The section of gas pipe that is being replaced in the park is part of BGE's 16-mile Granite Natural Gas Pipeline, a critical component of the region's natural gas system that serves more than 650,000 customers. This $31 million investment will help ensure continued safe and reliable service throughout central Maryland.

"Because this project is located in Leakin Park, several years before any work began, BGE engaged Baltimore City, Friends of Gwynns Falls Leakin Park, Outward Bound, community associations and other stakeholders," said A. Christopher Burton, vice president of gas distribution for BGE. "Understanding the importance of the park to the people of Baltimore and surrounding areas, BGE listened to the very important feedback from these groups which ultimately helped relocate the route with a keen focus on minimizing environmental and recreational impacts."

The existing pipeline was originally constructed through the park in 1949 and was the first to bring natural gas to the Baltimore region from interstate pipelines. It currently runs through sensitive wetland areas of the park along the Dead Run tributary of the Gwynns Falls.

The new route for the replacement section avoids the Dead Run wetlands and removes the pipeline from within the 100-year flood plain. To minimize impacts to the park, some of the new route runs along existing park roadways to incorporate existing open areas into the route right-of-way to allow for ongoing maintenance and inspections. While sections of wooded areas will be cleared to accommodate the new route, existing open areas that coincide with the pipeline to be decommissioned will be allowed to return to their natural states with native vegetation.

The $31 million project includes a $2.6 million commitment to Baltimore City to replace, restore or improve the park's wildlife habitats and assets. This commitment will fund the following:

• • Reforestation of temporary construction zones – 900 new trees
• • Reforestation to areas outside of the park – 5,500 new trees
• • A new pathway from the Carrie Murray Nature Center to Eagle Drive
• • Restoration of the Carrie Murray Nature Center entrance on Ridgetop Road
• • Restoration of the Hutton Road bike trail
• • Resurfacing of the park tennis courts
• • Improvements to a park baseball field

Additionally, BGE is offering 500 free trees to residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the park on a first come first served basis. The Arbor Day Foundation is managing tree distribution. 

Work began in February and is expected to conclude in the fall. This $31 million investment in BGE's natural gas system will help ensure the continued safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to central Maryland customers. More information about the project is available at www.bge.com/gasprojectupdate under the Granite Pipeline Relocation Project section. 

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BGE, founded in 1816 as the nation's first gas utility and headquartered in Baltimore, is Maryland's largest natural gas and electric utility. The company's approximately 3,200 employees are committed to safe and reliable power delivery to more than 1.25 million electric customers and more than 650,000 natural gas customers in central Maryland, as well as enhanced energy management, conservation, environmental stewardship and community assistance. J.D. Power's 2017 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study SM ranked BGE highest in customer satisfaction with business electric service in the east among large utilities. The company also has an estimated annual economic impact of $5 billion of output in its service area, supporting more than 9,500 local jobs and producing $923 million in labor income. BGE is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation's leading competitive energy provider. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.