The 26'' natural gas pipeline involved in the rupture on May 1, 2003, has been cut out and repaired. The line was put back into service at approximately 4:20 p.m. on May 4. WUTC pipeline safety inpsectors were on site during the incident investigation and during the replacement and repair of the pipeline.
The cause of the rupture is still now known and is under investigation.
The federal Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) issued a Corrective Action Order on Friday May 2nd ordering the Wililams Gas Pipeline Company to:
1. Reduce the pressure on the entire 26-inch pipeline that runs from Sumas
to the Washington border.
2. Conduct a metallurgic analysis on the failed pipe section.
3. Re-evaluate the 1996 pigging data in the failed section.
4. Perform geotechnical analysis (fault zones, seismic potential, etc.).
5. Inform the Western Region Director of the pigging and geotechnical
analysis results.
6. Reduce the pressure on the pipeline until the Western Regional Director
approves a pressure increase.
The WUTC inspector’s role will be to review the company’s actions to ensure they are in full compliance with the Corrective Action Order.
Background
The WUTC was informed of a rupture of a natural gas pipeline approximately 2:40 p.m. on May 1, 2003 in the Lake Tapps area, south of Auburn. An inspector from the UTC's pipeline safety program was immediately dispatched to the site. Williams is an interstate pipeline operator. The WUTC will investigate this incident in its capacity as an interstate agent of the federal Office of Pipeline Safety.
The pipeline is a 26" line owned and operated by Williams Gas Pipeline West. There are no reported injuries, but houses and businesses in the vicinity were evacuated. Fortunately, the gas did not ignite. The cause of the rupture is not known yet.
Service to customers was not affected because natural gas was re-routed to a nearby Williams line.
Pictures of incident scene
Location of incident
Staff contact: Kim West
Posted/updated: 10/24/2005
Grade Crossing Protective Fund
