LUSBY, Md. — Cove Point LNG, operated by Berkshire Hathaway Energy GT&S, issued a detailed public update on Nov. 29, 2025, regarding a Notice of Proposed Safety Order (NOPSO) received from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on Oct. 23, 2025. The statement, shared through Calvert County Government, explains the sequence of events involving minor leaks and observed tank movement at the facility’s ethane storage tanks earlier this year.
On March 17, 2025, during a routine leak survey, Cove Point personnel discovered 10 minor leaks around the ethane storage tanks. The leaks were described as too small to trigger the facility’s fixed gas-detection system but were identified through manual inspection procedures. Company officials stated that the leaks never presented a safety risk to employees, the surrounding community, or the facility itself.
Nine of the leaks were repaired the same day. The tenth showed no active leakage after initial observation and was scheduled for repair during the planned annual maintenance outage. That repair was completed on Oct. 24, 2025.
The incident was not reported to PHMSA at the time because it did not meet the federal agency’s criteria for a reportable safety-related condition under 49 CFR Part 191 or 195.
Separately, on Aug. 14, 2025, Cove Point voluntarily disclosed observed elevation changes of the ethane storage tanks in its routine semi-annual operations report filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
On Sept. 24, 2025, representatives from both FERC and PHMSA conducted an on-site review at Cove Point. During the visit, inspectors examined the remaining minor leak area using a portable Optical Gas Imaging camera, as the release volume was intermittent and below the threshold of fixed detectors.
One month later, on Oct. 23, 2025, PHMSA issued the Notice of Proposed Safety Order. A NOPSO is a regulatory tool used when an agency identifies potential integrity concerns that do not require immediate shutdown but must be addressed through specific corrective actions over time. The order remains in proposed status pending review and response from the operator.
In response, Cove Point commissioned three independent third-party assessments: two geotechnical engineering firms and one mechanical integrity firm. All three concluded that the ethane storage tanks and associated piping remain safe for continued operation under existing conditions.
The facility emphasizes multiple layers of leak detection in the ethane storage area, including nine point-type leak detectors, seven open-path laser detectors, and two flame detectors. The broader terminal employs additional fixed monitors, infrared cameras, and regular manned patrols.
Company officials highlighted their practice of exceeding minimum regulatory requirements, maintaining frequent communication with FERC and PHMSA, conducting internal audits, and voluntarily investing in enhanced monitoring and sustainability measures.
Cove Point stated it will continue enhanced monitoring 365 days per year while working with PHMSA to determine root cause and implement any additional measures required under the final safety order.
Calvert County Government requested the factual update to keep residents informed. Questions from the public may be directed to George Anas, community relations manager for BHE GT&S, at George.Anas@BHEGTS.com.
The Cove Point LNG terminal, located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Lusby, is the only liquefied natural gas import and export facility on the U.S. East Coast capable of both liquefaction and regasification. It began commercial operations in 1978 and was converted for export service in 2018.