Gov. Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation Wednesday, Nov. 19, after a shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline disrupted jet-fuel deliveries to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The move comes as state officials and BP investigate a fuel leak near Everett that forced the 400-mile pipeline system offline for the second time in a week. Ferguson said the declaration ensures Sea-Tac Airport can maintain an adequate fuel supply while the line remains shut down.
“We are in close communication with our state and federal partners,” Ferguson said. “This declaration will help the airport maintain its fuel supply while the pipeline is offline and limit disruptions to travelers.”
Pipeline Shut Again After New Product Discovered
BP Pipelines North America confirmed Wednesday that the 16-inch segment of the Olympic Pipeline was halted Monday afternoon, Nov. 17, after crews detected additional product at a collection point within the response site. The line had just resumed operations Sunday following a leak test, BP said.
According to the Washington Department of Ecology, responders discovered more fuel—reported as diesel—during cleanup efforts near a drainage ditch in a field outside Everett. Out of caution, BP shut down both parallel lines to locate the source, later identifying the leak on the larger 20-inch pipe.
BP said excavation is underway for a full visual inspection. No timeline for repairs has been released.
Spill Response and Ongoing Investigation
The initial release was reported after a sheen was spotted in a drainage ditch. Crews have deployed boom, recovery equipment, and contaminated-soil removal, though the total volume spilled and recovered remains under assessment, BP said.
On Wednesday, heavy equipment and cleanup crews were visible from Lowell-Snohomish River Road as the Department of Ecology worked alongside BP to contain the leak. The cause remains under investigation, according to Ecology spokesperson Jasmin Adams.
Sea-Tac Airport: No Flight Impacts Yet
The Port of Seattle said it is aware of the continued disruption to the pipeline that supplies fuel across the region, including to Sea-Tac. Airlines manage their own fuel systems, and no flight impacts have been reported.
“We’re working with our stakeholders and airlines here, but no impacts to flights right now,” Sea-Tac Airport spokesperson Perry Cooper said. “We’ll see how the situation evolves.”
A Critical Fuel Corridor
The Olympic Pipeline moves gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel from Puget Sound refineries to Seattle, SeaTac, Tacoma, Vancouver, and south to Portland. The line has a history of leaks, including releases in 2023 near Mount Vernon and in 2014 near Burlington. A catastrophic 1999 explosion in Bellingham killed three people.
Want more local news? Follow Puget Press Everett on Facebook.
