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Public records request of detailed pipeline system data
Appeals Court Blocks Release of Pipeline Data Pending Review
October 2, 2007 -- The Washington state Court of Appeals, Division II has reversed a decision of the Thurston County Superior Court that had ordered the UTC to release to the public pipeline location data contained in the pipeline safety program's computer data base. Today’s decision orders the Superior Court to issue a preliminary injunction against the release of that information and to conduct a trial on the merits of a permanent injunction.
Six daily newspapers and two private citizens filed requests in February under the state's public disclosure act seeking release of the pipeline data. Several pipeline operators challenged the request in Thurston County Superior Court, arguing that disclosure of the data posed a risk to public safety and security.
| On March 16, 2007, Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks rejected the pipelines’arguments and ordered the UTC to release the data contained in the database. The database, a geographic information system, organizes data by location and includes information about the features of the hazardous liquid pipelines and high-pressure natural gas pipelines operating in Washington. |
Copy of the Division II decision.
Copy of the full Hicks order
Copy of the Appeals court commissioner ruling grant stay and accelerating review
Online access to pipeline maps for various Washington counties
Online access to federal pipeline maps for all Washington counties with transmission pipelines
Information on all regulated pipeline companies operating in Washington
