Governor Ferguson issues emergency proclamation addressing Olympic Pipeline shutdown, fuel delivery impacts at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
Proclamation enables jet fuel delivery via trucks to maintain fuel supply at SEA Airport
SEATTLE – Governor Bob Ferguson today declared an emergency as a result of a shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline following a fuel leak near Everett. The shutdown has disrupted jet fuel transportation to SEA (Seattle-Tacoma) International Airport, which relies directly on the pipeline for jet fuel deliveries.
On Nov. 11, routine maintenance uncovered a leak on the Olympic Pipeline in Snohomish County between Everett and the City of Snohomish. The Olympic Pipeline notified the state of the leak and is working with state and federal partners on containment, cleanup and repair. The Olympic Pipeline has not yet provided an estimated timeline for restoring the system.
The Governor’s emergency proclamation temporarily waives and suspends state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial motor vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, while ensuring that safe-driving measures are in place. The proclamation ensures adequate fuel supplies can be delivered to SEA Airport while the Olympic Pipeline remains offline. The proclamation is available here.
“We are in close communication with our state and federal partners,” Governor Ferguson said. “This declaration will help the airport maintain its fuel supply while the pipeline is offline and limit disruptions to travelers.”
State and federal partners – including the Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – are responding to the leak.
As of Nov. 12, SEA Airport officials implemented operational adjustments to incoming flights, issuing notifications to inbound airlines to fuel up to capacity prior to arriving, a practice known as “ferrying” fuel.
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