Columbia Gas of Virginia – Rock Springs POD

Advisories

Columbia Gas will be posting construction updates to this section of the website on a regular basis. Please visit this site often for the most up-to-date construction information. If you would like to receive the Advisory via email, please sign-up here.

Periodic Noise This Week

Posted

April 22, 2024

Dear Community,

Columbia Gas is committed to keeping you informed as the construction of the new Rock Springs POD progresses. We wanted to inform you of work that will be occurring over the next week that may impact the community.

What: Periodic loud noise and natural gas odor as the new Point-of-Delivery (POD) is tied-in to the existing system.

When: Monday, April 22, 2024, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Where: New POD site

Why: To finalize construction and connection of the new POD

What to Expect: As we work to complete the Rock Springs POD replacement project, there are some processes that need to occur to bring the new POD online that may cause minor disturbances within your community. Intermittently throughout the week, April 22-26, you will hear some periods of loud noise and may smell some of the odorant added to natural gas.

This process is safe, and the noise and odor are normal as this process is completed and the new POD is brought online. Columbia Gas has informed local law enforcement agencies to alert them of this process and they are aware of the work that will be occurring. This work is safe and the noise and smells you may experience are normal.

As a critical infrastructure provider, we work to provide safety, service, and comfort to our customers and the communities we serve. We will strive to keep you informed as to any work associated with the new Rock Springs POD. If you have questions, please email our team at info@rockspringspod.com

Pressure Testing Update

Posted

April 3, 2024

Dear Community,

Recent inclement weather has delayed the pressure testing that was scheduled to occur on Tuesday. This testing has been rescheduled for the afternoon of Thursday, April 4, 2024, weather permitting. As the pressure is released through a “blow down” process you may hear additional noise for a short time during the afternoon. This noise is normal as the pipe is depressurized. This work is scheduled to be completed by the evening. Please reach out to our team at info@rockspringspod.com if you have any questions regarding this process.

Pressure Testing

Posted

April 1, 2024

Columbia Gas is committed to keeping you informed as the construction of the new Rock Springs POD progresses. Construction is moving forward and is on schedule. Please be aware that on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, pressure testing will occur at the new POD. As the pressure is released through a “blow down” process you may hear additional noise for a short time. This noise is normal as the pipe is depressurized. Please reach out to our team at info@rockspringspod.com if you have any questions regarding this process.

Extended Construction Hours

Posted

March 7, 2024

We are committed to keeping you informed as the Rock Springs POD construction progresses. Due to inclement weather delays, there will be construction activity on site as late as 7 p.m. this week to ensure the project remains on schedule and is completed as soon as possible. Due to the extended construction hours, our team may need to use additional lighting to ensure crew and project safety during this time. Please reach out to our team at info@rockspringspod.com if you have any questions.

Heavy Construction Advisory

Posted

February 15, 2024

We are committed to keeping you informed as the Rock Springs POD construction progresses. This Friday, 2/16, the heavy construction phase will begin. A state certified flag crew will be on-site directing traffic to ensure both northbound and southbound traffic is maintained. Please use caution while driving or walking in the area.

Construction Update

Posted

February 1, 2024

Clearing and grubbing has begun on the construction site. Over the next several weeks, workers will continue to grade area and begin construction of pillars. Flagging crews will be operating on Riley Road during construction hours (Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.). Please travel with caution as construction vehicles will be entering and exiting the site.

Construction Notification

Posted

January 12, 2024

This advisory is to inform you that construction of the new Rock Springs point-of-delivery (POD) that will replace the existing 53-year-old POD will begin the week of January 16, 2024. Below is an approximate timeline of the construction schedule. The January portion of work will include site clearing and the civil and concrete construction for the project. The work may necessitate the temporary closure of Riley Road northbound in that area. If that is necessary, a state certified flag crew will be on-site directing traffic to ensure both northbound and southbound traffic is maintained. As well, temporary rumble strips will be placed on the pavement to warn motorists of the road work. Please use extra caution if you will be driving in this area. Some work may be postponed at times dependent on weather delays. We expect the project to be completed by late April/early May.

Columbia Gas is committed to keeping you carefully informed on the construction of this project.

Construction Timeline

Site Clearing: Mid-January

Civil and Concrete Construction: Mid-January

Testing and Connection: Late February

Fencing of POD: Mid-March

Restoration: Late March/Early April

Completion: Mid-April/Late April

Informational Block Meeting

Posted

November 29, 2023

Columbia Gas is committed to keeping you informed on the construction. As such, we have scheduled an “Informational Block Meeting” for residents in close proximity to the work. Columbia Gas representatives will be on hand on Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Columbia Gas’ Vint Hill office, located at 4167 Bludau Drive, Warrenton, VA 20187, to discuss the construction process and answer any questions you may have. This is intended to be an open house format where you can come and go anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Pre-Construction Notification

Posted

May 10, 2023

Pre-construction work for the new Rock Springs POD is anticipated to begin on May 16, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. During this time, there may be periodic lane closures on Riley Road. Please drive with caution in the area of Riley and Rock Springs Road. Be prepared to stop as directed by a flagman. Please stay informed by signing up to receive our advisories.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a natural gas provider in Fauquier County since 1931, Columbia Gas of Virginia is dedicated to providing exceptional service for County residents and businesses. The relocation of the Rock Springs POD is an important element of our commitment to the community.

Q:
What is Point of Delivery (POD)?
A:
A point of delivery (POD) is a point at which natural gas is received from a larger gas transmission pipeline and disbursed into a local gas distribution system feeding into homes and businesses serviced by a local gas provider. Natural gas delivered from the distribution system is used as a source of heating, cooking fuel in residential homes and a wide range of commercial and industrial processes.
Q:
Why is a new POD needed?
A:
The current POD is over 50 years old. While the POD continues to perform and meet the needs of the customers it serves, safety standards for PODs have been upgraded in the years since the system was first built. As a result, the current POD does not meet the safety standards of newer and current Columbia Gas POD facilities and is no longer adequate to meet the needs of customers on the Rock Springs Distribution System. Like other forms of infrastructure such as roads, bridges and water distribution systems, PODs require routine upgrades and eventually replacement to ensure that the system continues to perform safely for the benefit of its customers and the greater community. By installing a new and upgraded POD, Columbia Gas can ensure the safety and reliability of gas service in the area with a facility that utilizes the latest technology.
Q:
Where will the new POD be located?
A:
The new Rock Springs POD will be located near the intersection of Rock Springs Road and Riley Road (State Road 676). This location is ideal because of its proximity to the TC Energy pipeline which supplies the gas for local distribution and Columbia Gas’s primary trunk line which runs along Dumfries and Riley Road.
Q:
Why can’t the upgraded POD be built at the existing POD site?
A:
The existing site does not meet today’s standards for vehicular access and does not provide adequate space for the construction and operation of the facilities required for a new POD.
Q:
When is construction anticipated to begin?
A:
Construction of the new Rock Springs POD is anticipated to begin in mid-January of 2024.
Q:
Will my natural gas service be interrupted during construction of the new POD?
A:
No. Natural gas service will be uninterrupted to the nearly 1,600 customers who receive natural gas along this distribution system.
Q:
What can I expect during construction?
A:
Construction of the new Rock Springs POD will occur Monday – Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The majority of the work will occur on the POD site itself. There will be limited work that will require temporary closures of Riley Road, primarily during pre-construction work. Columbia Gas will provide advance notice to the community when interruptions to traffic on Riley Road may be necessary.
‍To stay informed, we urge area residents to sign-up for our advisories.
Q:
How can I stay informed of anticipated construction work?
A:
We encourage residents and those interested in construction of the new Rock Springs POD to stay informed by signing up to receive regular emails on construction activity. We will be hosting a community information session on December 5, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.