Officials have identified the source of a leak in the Olympic Pipeline, which was first reported on November 11, between the Washington towns of Everett and Snohomish. This recent incident is nothing short of alarming. We’ve still seen at least 13 leaks from the pipeline since 1999, and one catastrophic leak that ignited an explosion, killing a teenager and two toddlers in a nearby Bellingham creek.
Today, the Olympic Pipeline serves a critical role in carrying gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products. It provides key energy resources to both Washington and Oregon. It provides over 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel and is a vital link in the supply chain that fuels the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. On November 16, the team completed pipeline maintenance and safely resumed operation of the pipeline. They soon stopped operations once again when they saw a product buildup at one of their collection sites.
The Washington State Department of Ecology has determined the leak’s contents. Sadly, it’s all in a toxic and highly carcinogenic mix of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel. In the aftermath of this incident, BP, the operator of the Olympic Pipeline, has since excavated over 200 feet of the pipeline. They’re in the process of developing plans to replace the damaged stretch. A BP spokesperson said they would be providing updates on the timeline for repair and restart as available. So stay tuned, as we share more on what we’re learning from these efforts!
“Repair plans for the 20-inch segment are being developed and a timeline for repair and restart will be shared when available,” – BP
Kenneth Clarkson, then spokesperson for the Pipeline Safety Trust, expressed desire for accountability from Olympic Pipeline. He stated, “Olympic Pipeline must explain what has changed and what they’re doing to stop it.” He further highlighted the financial implications of past incidents, noting that “These incidents have caused over $100m in property damage.”
Since fuel shortages have compounded issues caused by the leak, Washington state officials responded quickly. On November 19, Attorney General Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency to suspend Washington’s Open Public Meetings Act and other state regulations. This measure harms transportation safety by allowing commercial vehicle operators to drive longer hours. They deliver jet fuel that keeps the Seattle-Tacoma airport running even through the expected crush of Thanksgiving travel.
Airlines have taken significant steps to address risks associated with fuel supply disruptions. Alaska Airlines, which faced work stoppage threats, told us recently it expects no disruptions to service the week of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, Delta Airlines has announced that it is operating its full Seattle hub schedule. It, too, has recently ceased making fuel stops on some of its long-haul flights.
On Tuesday morning, BP reported that they had found the source of all the leaking. This hearing represents an important step in the right direction towards addressing the persistent threat. In that context, the company has recently come under fire for a spill of 267,000 gallons of gasoline from the Olympic Pipeline. In 2023, this example resulted in a significant $3.8 million dollar penalty imposed by the state Department of Ecology.
The recent leak at Colonial Pipeline has created heightened scrutiny and concern over pipeline safety practices and regulations. The Pipeline Safety Trust, and many other advocacy groups, are continually pushing to tighten this oversight. Their mission is to stop future spills and accidents, and keep communities safe from the dangers associated with moving petroleum.