U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has requested answers from BP North America following a leak in the Olympic Pipeline that has halted jet fuel deliveries to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) just before Thanksgiving. The incident is also expected to impact gas prices in Western Washington.
In her letter to BP CEO Murray Auchincloss, Sen. Cantwell stated: “The Olympic Pipeline, owned and operated by BP, has shut down two of its pipelines due to a leak identified by a local farmer near Everett, WA. As a result, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has lost its primary source of jet fuel immediately before the busiest travel holiday of the year. An estimated 900,000 people will travel through SEA for Thanksgiving, many of them trying to spend time with family and loved ones.”
The airport sees more than 1,000 flights daily. According to Sen. Cantwell’s office, it would require 90 trucks every 24 hours to deliver even half of SEA’s usual daily fuel needs while the pipeline remains out of service.
Sen. Cantwell criticized BP’s handling of the situation: “With so much riding on the reliable transportation of fuel through your system, pipeline safety and operational integrity must be top priorities,” she wrote. “The fact that a blueberry farmer—not BP—first identified the spill, and that it is still not known for certain which of the two pipelines is leaking, raises significant concerns about the capabilities of the Olympic Pipeline’s leak detection systems and the adequacy of your inspection and maintenance programs.”
She also highlighted potential effects on regional gasoline supply as another nearby pipeline transporting gasoline was also shut down during high holiday demand. Reports suggest this could lead to an increase in gas prices at local stations.
Cantwell’s letter asked BP for details on repair plans and timelines for restoring service; information about what caused the leak; mitigation steps being taken at BP’s Cherry Point refinery; records from recent inspections; explanations regarding leak detection failures; documentation on inspection and maintenance plans; estimates on how regional gas prices will be affected; and whether BP intends to compensate drivers if higher costs are passed along at the pump.
SEA serves as a major hub for Delta and Alaska Airlines and supports over 170,000 jobs in the region.
A response from BP is requested no later than November 24 for a briefing to the committee and written responses by November 28.
