Pipeline Safety Information for Washington Local Governments

Since the 1999 Olympic Pipeline disaster in Bellingham, 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.  The Planning Near Pipelines pages address land use planning issues for property crossed by or near a major transmission pipeline. Review the model franchises and sample franchises from other jurisdictions pages if you are drafting a new pipeline franchise, or renewing a pipeline franchise.

Additional information can be found on the Pipeline Safety Web pages of the Washington State Utility and Transportation Commission (UTC) and the Pipeline Safety Trust.  Through certification by Office of Pipeline Safety, the Utilities and Transportation Commission, inspects, and enforces intrastate gas and liquid pipeline safety requirements. By signed agreement with OPS, the UTC also inspects interstate liquid and gas pipeline safety requirements. The Pipeline Safety Trust is an oversight organization created by Bellingham residents to ensure safer pipelines nationwide. It is funded by an endowment from the criminal fines imposed after the Bellingham pipeline disaster.  The 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.

Washington local governments are encouraged to provide MRSC with additional information, links, and suggestions for these pages. Our goal is to provide objective, helpful information to cities and counties. If you have additional information or suggestions, please contact Jim Doherty, MRSC Legal Consultant, at jdoherty@mrsc.org, or Lynne De Merritt, Senior Research Consultant at ldemerritt@mrsc.org or call (206) 625-1300.

Pipeline Safety Contents

• News and Notes
• Pipeline Safety Regulations
  • Federal Regulations
  • Washington State Regulations
  • Regulations in Other States
  • Regulations in Canada
• Washington Model Pipeline Ordinances
  • Model Setback Ordinance for Transmission Pipelines
  • Model Franchise Ordinance for Hazardous Liquid Pipelines
  • Model Franchise Ordinance for Natural Gas Pipelines
• Washington Local Government Pipeline Information  
• Planning Near Pipelines
  • PIPA Recommended Practices 
  • Planning Near Pipelines: Sample Land Use Ordinances
• Pipeline Safety Publications and Other References

News and Notes

USDOT Announces New Safety Guidelines to Better Protect Communities Close to Transmission Pipelines Guidelines Will Foster Improved Land-Use Planning and Development Practices, News Release, December 16, 2010

Model Pipeline Ordinances - In 2000, the Washington State Legislature directed the Municipal Research Council to draft model ordinances and franchise documents regarding pipelines, now codified at RCW 43.110.070, by June 30, 2001. That task was completed by MRSC and copies appear under Washington Model Pipeline Ordinances.

2005 Workshop Reports - The presence of a major pipeline forms a relationship between the pipeline operator, safety regulators, local government, property owners and developers. How it is managed can directly affect the safe operation of the pipeline and the public health and safety of the surrounding community.  In 2005 five workshops were conducted throughout the state to exchange ideas, and explore the range of tools available to manage and make effective decisions concerning land use in proximity to transmission pipelines.  The resulting report,  Land Use Planning in Proximity to Natural Gas and Hazardous Liquid Transmission Pipelines () was a collaborative effort between state and local governments and the pipeline industry.