Tennessee Gasoline Pipeline Shut Down Pending Repairs By Colonial

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

ALPHARETTA, Ga. (Oct. 4, 2012) – Colonial Pipeline Company is excavating 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 for safety reasons.

Colonial’s visual inspection of the site where the pipeline is buried confirmed the presence of gasoline near the company’s Moccasin Bend Delivery Facility. Colonial reported a preliminary estimate to the National Response Center of 500 gallons, but that number should be revised as the investigation continues.

The Chattanooga Fire Department as well as Colonial personnel and contractors responded promptly and deployed 2,000 feet of containment boom. Site assessment and remedial activities are currently under way. Colonial is not aware of any reports of injuries or adverse health impacts, and no evacuations were required.

“We want to thank the Chattanooga Fire Department for their rapid response and the attention they gave to the safety of all responders and to protecting the environment,” said Tim Felt, Colonial’s President and CEO. ​“Our objectives now are to complete the repair safely and to take the steps we can to protect the environment in that area.”

The release occurred in an industrial area and excavation of the underground pipeline began Wednesday evening, a necessary step before any repairs can be completed. Once the line is inspected and regulators approve, the line can be restarted.

Colonial has been in regular contact with its shipping customers, including those in the Nashville market served by the downed lines. Updated shipping schedules, which do not project an extended shutdown, have been provided customers.

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.