BP pipeline reopens, contaminated soil removal continues
GIRARD TWP. — The BP pipeline that ruptured on Oct. 17 is back in operation while cleanup continues.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is investigating the break that flooded a farm field off Bell Road with 8,400 gallons of gasoline.
In response to emailed questions, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said, “The failed portion has been removed and replaced, and the pipeline has been restricted to operate at a 20% pressure reduction.”
Officials said the removed section was sent to an independent third party lab to analyze why the 80-year-old line ruptured. “A root-cause failure analysis is being prepared,” the pipeline agency said.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration said in an email the pressure reduction “provides a safety margin until the contribution causes to the failure are understood and addressed.”
The 10-inch line delivers 3 million gallons of gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel daily from the BP Whiting, Indiana, refinery to a terminal on the River Rouge.
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration establishes minimum standards to ensure pipelines are safely designed, constructed, operated, and maintained. The agency monitors compliance to ensure minimum standards are met.
“But companies may and often must take additional measures to ensure safety; when an incident occurs, such as was the case here," the agency said in an email.
It was not clear when the pipeline was brought back online.
Cesar Rodriguez, BP's public relations manager, was asked in an email from the Daily Reporter: Has the line been repaired? When will it be back in operation? What testing will be conducted on the line before it restarts?
"BP continues to work closely with state and local partners to ensure a return of service. The safety of residents and workers on the ground is a priority," Rodriguez said in response.
Bell Road continues open only to local traffic for the residents on the road.
Prior story Crews continue to remove contaminated soil following pipeline break
On the 70-acre farm, a 30-by-50 foot area was opened for the repair. Backhoes are digging out the soil contaminated around the gasoline leak and placing the material in dumpsters covered by tarps.
Work is under the supervision of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, according to Branch County Emergency Management.
Local officials said the removed soil contaminated with hydrocarbons will go to the Heritage Thermal Treatment Services in East Liverpool, Ohio, for burning.
The petroleum pipeline runs through Branch County from just north of Wattles Road, then exits the county east of Tekonsha near 19 ½ Mile Road into Calhoun County.
There are markers along roads where the pipeline crosses. The depth of the line varies according to federal requirements.
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An investigation by PHMSA for compliance with Federal Pipeline Safety Regulations is currently ongoing, the agency stated.
PHMSA can issue proposed civil penalties if it finds violations.
Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: BP pipeline break PHMSA contaminated soil EGLE
