Crack in Olympic Pipeline Causes Fuel Delivery Delays at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport

A crack in the Olympic Pipeline near Everett, Washington, has led to significant delays in jet fuel deliveries to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SeaTac). Airlines have been advised to conserve fuel and may need to "ferry" fuel into Seattle—loading extra fuel at departure cities to avoid refueling at SeaTac.

According to law enforcement sources, the pipeline issue could cause SeaTac's fuel reserves to run low starting Monday. Currently, fuel is being trucked to the airport, a less efficient process allowing only two trucks to offload into a tank at a time. To expedite deliveries, the Olympic Pipeline Company is bringing in drivers from neighboring states, and the Washington State Patrol is waiving driver-hour restrictions.

SeaTac officials are monitoring the situation and maintain that sufficient reserves are available, with no major impacts anticipated on Monday. Airlines are prepared to implement contingency plans if necessary.

The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline, partially owned and operated by BP, transports refined fuel products across Washington and Oregon. Previous pipeline issues have affected regional fuel supplies, including a gasoline price spike in September. In 1999, an explosion involving the Olympic Pipeline in Bellingham, Washington, resulted in three fatalities.

BP has been contacted for comment on the current outage but has not yet responded.