BP Shuts Entire Olympic Fuel Pipeline System After Leak Near Everett

BP has shut down the full 400-mile Olympic Pipeline system after a product leak triggered repeated shutdowns and inspections near Everett, Washington. Crews have begun excavating the affected segment, with no timeline yet announced for repairs or restart.

(Reuters) — BP on Nov. 19 said it shut down the 400-mile Olympic Pipeline following a leak, halting fuel delivery from the system.

The company restored one of the two pipelines east of Everett, Washington, on Nov. 17 that was shut to determine the source of some product discharge. But the restored line was shut down again, the London-based oil and gas company said.

"On the afternoon of Monday, November 17, the 16-inch line was shut down to investigate an increase in product observed in a collection point on the response site," the company said in a statement.

Crews have begun excavation of the pipelines to allow for inspection, the company said, without providing a timeline for the repairs.

The Olympic Pipeline system moves fuel from northern Washington to Oregon. The pipeline transports key refined petroleum products - including gasoline and diesel - and supplies jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.