Colonial Pipeline Receives Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award from the American Petroleum Institute

ALPHARETTA, GA (AUGUST 20, 2020) – Colonial Pipeline has been recognized by the American Petroleum Institute (API) with a ​“2019 Distinguished Pipeline Safety Award” in the medium operator category. API annually recognizes the performance of operators for their efforts to improve safety within the pipeline industry, as part of the industry’s drive toward zero pipeline incidents.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Colonial President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Blount. ​“It is especially meaningful because it is awarded by our peers – and it goes beyond safety performance to include our broader contributions to industry leadership. At Colonial, one of our core values is safety. To be honored for our safety performance – the most critical aspect of what we do – is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our One Colonial team. We respect our role as part of the nation’s critical infrastructure, and will continue to focus on providing safe and reliable service to our customers and many stakeholders.”

“These awards acknowledge not only a commitment to safety based on the operational record of each company, but they also recognize that safety is more than a number. It’s a commitment that starts at the top of the organization and is carried through every employee of the organization regardless of their function,” said API President and CEO Mike Sommers. ​“It is not a number or even one action, but rather it’s a culture that becomes woven throughout the entire fabric of the organization.”

Recipients are chosen by a Selection Team of peers, representing members of the API Pipeline Subcommittee and the Environmental, Health and Safety Group (EHSG).

API stated in an awards briefing that Colonial was recognized for the following contributions: 

• In 2019, Colonial demonstrated great strides in advancing safety culture improvements through Visible Safety Leadership and Engagement. The company conducted nearly 500% more Behavior-Based Safety Observations (BBSOs) in 2019 than in 2018, and doubled the number of Critical Work Observations (CWOs) in 2019. 

• Colonial has taken a leadership role in numerous API Committees and in research and development to strengthen leading practices and research for the industry’s highest priorities within integrity management, specifically, methodologies and technologies for assessing cracks, dent fatigue and metal loss/​corrosion.

• Colonial engages consistently and proactively with various external stakeholders across its pipeline. Stakeholder engagement efforts for emergency responders, public officials, excavators, schools, and landowners take many forms including face-to-face meetings and events as well as hardcopy and electronic messaging to maintain active safety dialogue.

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. 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.

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Colonial Media Contact:

Kesley Tweed

[email protected]