Proposal Pushes New Md. Buildings Back From Major Water Pipes

A local utility is trying to make changes to avoid the "substantial risk(s) to public safety" posed by the explosion of large water mains.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is holding a public hearing Wednesday on a proposal that would require new development in Montgomery and Prince George's counties to be at least 80 feet away from the largest water pipes. There are exceptions built into the proposal, including projects that get an architect's approval.

The lines covered can burst with the force of 20 to 200 tons of dynamite because of the pressure inside. That happened most recently in Capitol Heights in January 2011, and along River Road in December 2008. 

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