Colonial Pipeline Implements Storm Preparedness Plans As Expected ​“Above Normal” Hurricane Season Begins

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA (June 3, 2021) – Hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) has begun and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center has predicted it to be ​“another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season.”

Colonial Pipeline has an extensive emergency preparedness program in place and proactively implements measures to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation in the event of hurricanes, which include:

• Reviewing hurricane preparedness plans and updating as appropriate.
• Ensuring emergency response equipment is inventoried and in top working condition. 
• Placing additional equipment at appropriate facilities to support storm response.
• Reviewing and updating contracts with vendors and other special services.
• Monitoring multiple forecasting systems to ensure any response effort is well prepared.

​“Colonial Pipeline continually prepares for the country’s annual storm season,” said Wes Dunbar, vice president of operations for Colonial Pipeline. ​“Throughout the year we plan, train and invest in appropriate resources so that we can safely continue transporting gasoline, jet fuel, diesel and home heating oil on behalf of our customers.” 

In the event of a hurricane, Colonial Pipeline will implement an emergency response plan, which prioritizes the safety of people and the continued safe operation of the pipeline. Additionally, the company will communicate with employees, contractors, customers, government officials, regulators and the media to provide updates on the company’s efforts. 

As the nation’s largest refined products pipeline, transporting more than 100 million gallons of fuel daily to meet the energy needs of consumers from Houston to the New York Harbor, Colonial Pipeline conducts regular emergency preparedness exercises to ensure employees are ready to respond, while effectively collaborating with federal, state and local response agencies. Theses training programs and equipment are continuously evaluated and improved.

About Colonial Pipeline: Colonial Pipeline Company, founded in 1962, connects refineries ­– primarily located in the Gulf Coast ­– with customers and markets throughout the Southern and Eastern United States through a pipeline system that spans more than 5,500 miles. The company delivers refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, home heating oil, and fuel for the U.S. military. Colonial is committed to safety and environmental stewardship across its operations. More information about Colonial is available at www.colpipe.com.

Colonial Media Contact:
Eric Abercrombie
[email protected]

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