CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - On Saturday, January 7, 2017, two individuals detected a smell of gasoline near Colonial Pipeline's right of way in Chattanooga and called 911. After being notified of the report, Colonial Pipeline shut down its two lines in the area, known as Lines 19 and 20, which run from Atlanta to Nashville. Colonial mobilized a coordinated response with federal, state and local agencies as well as local emergency responders. Later that day, the released product was confirmed to be gasoline from Line 19. Line 20, which transports diesel, jet fuel and other refined products, was restored to service.

Local emergency responders reported the leak was 'small.' Because the location of the leak was suspected to be under Shoal Creek, a tributary to the Tennessee River, environmental controls were immediately implemented. These controls included protective boom in Shoal Creek and in the Tennessee River. The volume of product released is estimated to be 15 barrels, or about 630 gallons.

In coordination with PHMSA, on January 12, Colonial Pipeline removed a segment of the pipeline suspected to be the source of the leak and, after confirming the leak's location, began installation of the new segment. The pipe, which was tested before installation, was installed later that same day and Line 19 was restarted.

Working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC), water quality sampling will continue throughout the remediation process in consultation with TDEC. Colonial is working with state and local agencies, as well as local conservation organizations, on remediation of the leak site and Shoal Creek. Colonial will remain at the site until all testing is complete and the area is properly restored.

Over the course of the response, more than 200 Colonial Pipeline employees and partners responded to the incident.

About Colonial Pipeline Company:Colonial Pipeline delivers more than 100 million gallons of refined products each day to markets between Houston and New York City, serving more than 50 million people. We transport refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, home heating oil and fuels for the U.S. military. Our pipeline system consists of more than 5,500 miles of underground pipe and above ground storage tanks and pump stations. The company is based in Alpharetta, Ga.

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Colonial Pipeline Company published this content on 24 January 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
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