Summary Of September 9th Helena Incident And Response

SHELBY COUNTY, Ala. - On September 9, 2016, a state mining inspector in Shelby County, Ala., detected a gasoline odor at a surface mine and alerted Colonial Pipeline, which operates two pipelines in the immediate vicinity. Upon notification, Colonial Pipeline initiated a shutdown of both lines, known as Line 1 and 2, and mobilized a coordinated response effort with federal, state and local agencies as well as local emergency responders. Later that day, it was confirmed that the released product was gasoline and Line 2, which transports diesel, jet fuel and other refined products, was placed back into service.

Environmental controls were immediately deployed at the release site, including on a tributary (Peel Creek) to the Cahaba River and at the mouth of the tributary and the Cahaba River. These precautions were initiated out of an abundance of caution as the released product was contained in a man-made mine water retention pond adjacent to the release site. The release volume is estimated to be 7,370 barrels. 

Working in coordination with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and the Cahaba Riverkeeper, water quality sampling commenced on September 9 and will continue throughout the remediation process and periodically thereafter in consultation with ADEM. In order to maintain safe working conditions, an air monitoring plan was also put into place during the active response. 

On September 21, Colonial Pipeline completed construction of a temporary bypass around the leak site to allow Line 1 to return to service as rapidly and safely as possible. This plan was reviewed by all appropriate federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation (PHMSA) and EPA. 

Over the course of the incident, the EPA, and the Governors of Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia took executive action to reduce potential delivery disruptions of gasoline supplies. 

In coordination with PHMSA, on September 29, Colonial Pipeline identified the release location following excavation of the pipe. On October 1, Colonial Pipeline removed the impacted segment of pipe and sent it to an independent laboratory for analysis.

Working with federal, state and local agencies, in addition to local conservation organizations, Colonial Pipeline continues with remediation efforts at the release location. Over the course of the response, more than 800 Colonial Pipeline employees and partners responded to the incident. 

The Colonial Pipeline system is currently operating at normal capacity. Between late October and mid – November, Colonial will be performing system integrity work to remove the temporary bypass in Alabama and restore Line 1 to service. 

About Colonial Pipeline Company: Colonial Pipeline delivers more than 100 million gallons of refined products each day to markets between Houston and New York City, serving more than 50 million people. We transport refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, home heating oil and fuels for the U.S. military. Our pipeline system consists of more than 5,500 miles of underground pipe and above ground storage tanks and pump stations. The company is based in Alpharetta, Ga.