Pipelines Still Safest Way To Transport Petroleum

GREENVILLE, S.C. — According to Jim Boyd, Colonial Pipeline’s district leader for the Greenville area, pipelines are still the safest way to transport petroleum, but local residents can help to make them even safer. 

Boyd, based at Colonial’s district office at Spartanburg, S.C., is responsible for the company’s operations in the Mid-Atlantic area. 

He points out that Colonial plays an important role in South Carolina’s petroleum picture. ​“Colonial transports more gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel more miles than any other pipeline system in the world,” he said. ​“In 1997, we transported more than 890 million gallons of gasoline and other products such as diesel fuel from refineries in Texas through Alabama to marketing terminals at Belton and Spartanburg for use by local consumers. We delivered another 981 million gallons to shipper terminals at North Augusta, S.C., and across the river at Augusta, GA.” 

Boyd outlined safety precautions local officials should take when confronted with a possible pipeline leak, and the actions residents should take to protect themselves in the unlikely event of a pipeline accident. 

“The most important thing to remember is that property can be replaced, but lives can not,” he said. 

He noted six signs of a possible pipeline leak: 

1.) A hissing or roaring sound indicating liquid under pressure is escaping. 

2.) Odor of gasoline, kerosene or diesel fuel near the pipeline easement. 

3.) A spot of dead or discolored vegetation on the pipeline easement. 

4.) Liquid petroleum products on the ground. 

5.) Petroleum sheen on creeks or other bodies of water near the pipeline. 

6.) Flames occurring if leaking product ignites. 

Griese said that residents who believe a pipeline leak has occurred should leave the area immediately. 

“If there’s a strong odor of gasoline in the area, a flammable mixture of gasoline vapors and oxygen could exist, ​“he said. ​“In such an event, it would be best to walk out of the area rather than risk having a spark from an automobile engine being the source of ignition. Other sources of heat or flame, including the elctrical arcing from a light switch, should be avoided. Remember that pilot lights on hot water heaters and gas stoves can ignite flammable vapors.” 

He said residents should avoid contact with an liquids escaping from a pipeline. 

“Many times, local officials are th first to respond to a pipeline leak, ​“Griese said. ​“With proper training, they can identify the pipeline company involved. They can play a vital role in evacuating local residents if that is appropriate, and could play an important part in responding to the leak.” 

He said that Colonial maintains a workforce with extensive training in how to respond to leaks and clean them up, and has budgeted $59 million in 1998 alone for safety and maintenance programs designed to prevent accidental releases from its system. ​“much of that budget is being spent for maintenance in Georgia, ​“he said. ​“We have a major maintenance effort under way locally.” 

He said public officials or residents who suspect a Colonial pipeline is leaking should report the information as quickly as possible to the company’s toll-free emergency number in Atlanta. The number is 1 – 800-926‑2728, and is manned around the clock every day. He said colonial employees are also available around the clock at the company’s Atlanta Junction facility at Powder Springs. The telephone numbers there are 770 – 948-8700 or 770 – 732-6861. 

Griese said that the more than $59 million Colonial is spending this year on programs to assure safe, accident-free operation of its pipeline is funding programs such as: 

> Regular aerial patrol of the pipeline.

> Internal inspection of the pipeline by smart tools that find flaws that might eventually lead to an accident. 

> Protection of the pipeline from corrosion through the use of weak electrical currents.