Pipeline leaking jet fuel near Everett causes state of emergency in WA

Governor Bob Ferguson has declared a state of emergency after a leak forced the shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline.

The state of emergency is to ensure adequate jet fuel is delivered to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) after a leak shut down a major fuel pipeline. The Olympic Pipeline, located near Everett, had a crack, prompting worries about delays in fuel distribution.

The order temporarily waives and suspends state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office said in a news release. The proclamation ensures safe-driving measures are in place, the release said.

The Olympic Pipeline is a 400-mile pipeline system running from Whatcom County to Portland. The Olympic Pipeline transports refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, to terminal sites in Seattle, SeaTac, Tacoma, Vancouver, and Portland. The Olympic Pipeline is operated by BP Pipelines.

Pipeline leak discovered last week

This leak was discovered during routine maintenance on the 16-inch pipeline nine days ago between Everett and Snohomish. Early Sunday morning, Nov. 16, crews performed a leak test. Everything seemed to work, so they turned the pipeline back on, only to find more leaking the following day, shutting the pipeline down once more.

“The release was first reported after discovery of sheen in a drainage ditch in an agricultural field,” BP stated. “Responders have deployed boom and oil recovery equipment to contain and clean up the released product.”

Pipeline operators are now working with state and federal agencies to dig up the pipe, contain the leak, and repair it. There is not a clear picture about how much fuel has leaked, as of this reporting.

“The safety of personnel, the environment, and the community remains our highest priority,” BP said.

In the meantime, truckers are delivering jet fuel to SEA.

Ferguson’s emergency order temporarily lifts the limits on truck-driver hours so they can keep hauling jet fuel. Airport officials have also asked inbound airlines to arrive with full tanks, a practice known as “ferrying” fuel, to help maintain supplies.

Airlines operating at SEA received a warning, according to ABC News, that they may need to preserve their jet fuel due to the pipeline issue. Officials at SEA stated that the airport has an ample amount of fuel reserves and is not anticipating any significant impacts on Monday.

“The Port of Seattle is aware of a continued disruption to the Olympic Pipeline that provides fuel around the region, including to SEA Airport,” the Port of Seattle stated. “Aircraft fueling is managed by the airlines, and there are no impacts to flights at this time. As the situation evolves, SEA operations is working closely with airline partners and Washington state departments on contingency plans.

“In addition, we’d note to travellers, as usual, they should continue to check with their airlines for the status of their specific flight,” the Port of Seattle continued in its statement.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Contributing: Luke Duecy, KIRO Newsradio; The Associated Press

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