Pipeline Leak Disrupts Jet Fuel Supply to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

A leak discovered on November 11 in the Olympic Pipeline near Everett, Washington, has disrupted the supply of jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac). The 400-mile pipeline, operated by BP, transports refined petroleum products from northern Washington to Oregon. BP crews have excavated over 100 feet of the pipeline but have yet to identify the source of the leak. There is no estimated timeline for when the pipeline will be restored to full operation.

In response to the fuel supply disruption, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency on November 19. The proclamation temporarily waives state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, aiming to facilitate fuel deliveries to Sea-Tac.

Airlines have implemented measures to mitigate the impact. Alaska Airlines, the largest carrier at Sea-Tac, reported that about 10 of its flights made refueling stops on Sunday. Delta Air Lines, the second-largest carrier, has issued travel waivers to passengers on long international flights, noting that some domestic long-haul flights may also require fueling stops.

The Washington State Department of Ecology has not yet determined the volume of fuel spilled. There have been no reports of impacts to wildlife or the nearby Snohomish River.

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell has requested information from BP regarding the cause of the leak, detection methods, inspection history, and plans for repair. She emphasized the importance of Sea-Tac to the Pacific Northwest, noting that the airport generates $17 billion in revenue for the region.