Posted: 04 Nov, 2016
Washington State, US - The Washington State Department of Ecology updated rules for pipeline operators who move oil through the state. The updated rule, ‘the oil spill contingency plan rule’, requires pipeline operators to commit to more comprehensive oil spill response planning. Currently it will apply to six pipelines including the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain, and BP Olympic pipelines.
This is the latest update in a series of rule changes to improve the safety of oil transport through Washington State. It follows on from legislation in August 2016 for the transportation of oil by train, which requires notification of oil movement. As the number of oil trains increases it has raised concerns over public safety, and environmental risks from potential spills.