Program Fact Sheet

Program History
The UTC’s pipeline safety program began inspecting natural gas systems operating within the state of Washington in 1955. Intrastate hazardous liquid pipelines were added to UTC's authority in 1996. In 2000, the Legislature approved the Pipeline Safety Act (HB 2420) directing the program to seek federal approval to include inspections of all interstate pipelines. In 2001, the Legislature adopted the Pipeline Safety Funding Bill (SB 5182)

In 2003, after working closely with the federal office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) for two years, the UTC pipeline safety program became the lead inspector for all interstate pipeline inspections and incidents within the state of Washington. The UTC can make recommendations to OPS but does not have enforcement authority over interstate pipelines.

The program is supported through a combination of federal grants and pipeline fees. (More on fees)

Washington State Pipelines
There are 28 pipeline companies in Washington operating over 21,000 miles of pipelines. Eighteen of the pipelines carry natural gas and 10 carry hazardous liquids such as gasoline and jet fuel. There are seven interstate pipelines in Washington - four carry liquids and three carry natural gas. Interstate lines typically are large diameter lines operating at very high pressure.

The UTC also regulates a liquified natural gas facility, an underground natural gas storage site, and propane storage sites, as well as natural gas master meters. Master meters are small natural gas distribution systems operated by schools, hospitals or by residential complexes such as apartment buildings and mobile home parks.

Program Organization
A pipeline safety director manages the pipeline safety program. A senior engineer directs all compliance activities by the program’s seven pipeline inspectors. A policy analyst manages any enforcement actions and updates the program’s rules and policies. A geographic information system analyst maintains the program's legislatively-mandated pipeline mapping system. Pipeline Safety Organizational Chart

There is a diversity among the inspectors from formal degreed engineers to inspectors with extensive work experience with pipeline companies. All inspectors are federally certified, having completed training in all federal and state pipeline safety regulations as well as advanced investigator training.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) Pipeline Safety Program is to ensure public health, safety and environmental quality by:

• Conducting quality inspections of hazardous liquid and natural gas pipeline companies

• Improving safety laws and regulations

• Educating local communities on pipeline safety issues

• Providing technical assistance to pipeline operators, local governments and communities, and

• Enforcing laws and regulations in a fair & equitable manner