Background for Pipeline Safety Regulations

Since the Olympic Pipeline disaster in Bellingham in 1999, the process for regulating and testing pipelines transporting hazardous liquids and gas has come under scrutiny. This site provides information to Washington local governments on various issues related to pipeline safety. See also MRSC's Energy Resources for information on the siting of energy facilities, including natural gas and petroleum pipelines.

Another resource is the web page maintained by the Pipeline Safety Trust , an oversight organization created by Bellingham residents to ensure safer pipelines nationwide. Four million dollars of the criminal fines imposed as a result of the Bellingham tragedy was awarded as an endowment to fund the Pipeline Safety Trust. Its mission statement is: The Pipeline Safety Trust promotes fuel transportation safety through education and advocacy, by increasing access to information, and by building partnerships with residents, safety advocates, government, and industry, that result in safer communities and a healthier environment.

Federal and state jurisdiction of pipeline siting can be confusing. Jurisdiction over siting decisions and technical standards for pipelines depends on whether pipelines are interstate or intrastate, the distance traversed by the pipelines, and the pipe diameter. (See WUTC Enforcement Responsibilities Chart) In 2000, the Washington State Legislature directed the Municipal Research Council to draft model ordinances and franchise documents regarding pipelines (Ch. 191 Laws of 2000, Section 8) by June 30, 2001. That task was completed by MRSC and copies appear on the Washington Model Pipeline Ordinances page.