West Station Project

Washington Gas once owned and operated a manufactured gas plant (MGP) known as the “West Station Gas Works” in Washington, D.C. As the first federally-chartered gas company in the U.S., Washington Gas was responsible for providing light to the Capitol and the White House, among other things. To meet gas production requirements, Washington Gas manufactured gas from coal at the site using existing technologies.

The former plant was built in 1858 and was located near what is currently the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue NW and Virginia Avenue NW, in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. A majority of the Site was located within the area generally bound by Virginia Avenue NW to the northeast, New Hampshire Avenue NW to the southeast, F Street NW to the south, and the Potomac River to the west.

The manufactured gas process produced byproducts, such as coal tar and other chemicals that were used in the chemical, dye, and pharmaceutical industries. Some byproducts may remain underground in the areas of historic MGP operations, consistent with practices of the time.

At the direction of the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), and in accordance with DC rules and regulations, Washington Gas is conducting an environmental investigation at the above referenced site.

To learn more about the history of manufactured gas plants and this project, please read our West Station Fact Sheet – Winter 2024 Project Update.