Colonial Pipeline Completes Repair And Restarts Line Segments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For further information, call: Steve Baker, Director of Communications, (678) 762‑2589

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (Oct. 5, 2012) – Colonial Pipeline Company completed repairs overnight on a pipeline in Chattanooga, Tenn., where reports of gasoline odors on Wednesday led to that line and a nearby distillate pipeline to be shut down.

The line carrying gasoline was repaired and the distillate line, which carries diesel fuel, jet fuel and other products, was inspected and found to be undamaged. Both lines were safely restarted this (Friday) morning and flow rates were expected to return to normal by midday.

“We had a crew of 85 responders divided into crews working around the clock to locate the damaged section of pipe, repair it and inspect the adjacent line to make sure it was safe to resume operating,” said Tim Felt, Colonial President and CEO.

“I want to thank them and also thank our customers who have been patient and supportive in helping us understand what we needed to do to help them serve the marketplace.”

The location of the release was near Colonial’s Moccasin Bend Delivery Facility. After a nearby construction company operator reported the odor of gasoline, Colonial shut down the line transporting gasoline and the adjacent distillate line. Colonial reported a preliminary estimate to the National Response Center of 500 gallons, but that number should be revised as the investigation is completed.

The Chattanooga Fire Department responded promptly and assisted with air monitoring and the deployment of 2,000 feet of containment boom to protect the environment around the work site as well as the Tennessee River, about 1,000 feet away.

Colonial Pipeline consists of more than 5,500 miles of pipe and connects Gulf Coast refineries with markets across the South and Eastern United States. Colonial safely transports refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, home heating oil and fuels for the U.S. military. For more information, visit www.colpipe.com.