Pipelines are a vital component of transporting petroleum products in this country. Pipelines remain the safest way to move petroleum products for home and industry and your assistance can help ensure the safety of the pipeline. For basic information on pipelines see http://www.pipeline101.com.
Jet fuel is the only product transported in this pipeline. Jet fuel is a petroleum distillate with a flash point greater than 100ºF and is a combustible fluid. It is sometimes called turbine fuel. Jet fuel has physical properties similar to kerosene.
Above ground markers along the pipeline route clearly show the location of the pipeline right-of-way.
The pipeline has operated safely in its present location since installed in 1966. The pipeline has never had an accident or release and McChord Pipeline Co. remains committed to maintaining excellence in safe and reliable pipeline operation in the future.
The pipeline is continuously monitored for pressure and flow conditions from a control room that is manned 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
The pipeline will be shutdown if any abnormal conditions are noticed; sections of the pipeline can be isolated within 30 minutes, if necessary.
The pipeline is protected from internal and external corrosion. Jet fuel is a non-corrosive petroleum product and also contains a customer required corrosion inhibitor that further protects the pipe from internal corrosion.
The pipeline is coated on the exterior and protected from external corrosion by a cathodic protection system. The cathodic protection system is inspected bi-weekly and tested annually. Whenever the pipeline is exposed, the exterior is visually inspected. Any discovered coating defects are repaired prior to backfilling the pipeline.
Historically, the external coating and pipeline surface has been in excellent condition when inspected. Whenever the pipeline has been internally inspected, there has never been any indication of internal corrosion.
Pipeline isolation valves, pressure relief devices and shutdown systems are tested at routine intervals as required by federal regulations.
Emergency response plans are in place for use with public safety officials and environmental agencies. These plans are updated routinely. For more information see the emergency response section of this website.
McChord Pipeline Co. communicates each year with the various state and local emergency response agencies along the pipeline right-of-way with specific information regarding the pipeline.
Spill response plans are reviewed annually.
