Oct. 7, 2008

OLYMPIA, Wash. – A statewide citizens committee providing guidance on improving the safety of pipelines in Washington is recruiting additional members.

The Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety has announced that it is taking applications for candidates to fill two current vacancies. Both of the vacant positions are open to the general public.

The Washington state Legislature created the committee in 2000 to provide citizen input on matters relating to the safety of pipelines carrying natural gas, petroleum and aviation fuel.

The legislation, coming in the aftermath of the fatal Bellingham pipeline explosion in 1999, also established a statewide safety-inspection program for interstate pipelines with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC). Pipeline safety staff with the commission provides support to the citizens’ committee.

The committee is composed of nine voting members representing local government, elected officials and the general public. Four non-voting members from the industry also sit on the committee. All members are appointed by the governor to staggered three-year terms. Previous pipeline experience is not necessary.

The committee advises the governor, the Legislature, local, state and federal agencies on pipeline safety, as well as routing, construction, operation, maintenance, prevention and emergency response. Currently, the committee meets every other month. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the state to citizens serving on the committee. Information about the committee’s work can be found at: www.utc.wa.gov/pipeline/ccops.

To submit an online application, please go to: http://www.governor.wa.gov/boards/application/application.asp. If you have questions regarding the committee’s activities, please contact Marina Woodard at (360) 664-1150 or mwoodard@utc.wa.gov.