Colonial pipeline back in service

The pipeline exploded on Monday while a crew were repairing defects in the pipeline that were the result of another gas spill in September. Of the crew, one person was killed and four were injured.

While the pipe is back in service, it may take several days for the fuel delivery supply chain to return to normal after the service restoration.

Both government officials and Colonial Pipeline have stated that a piece of excavation equipment hit the pipeline, which, in turn, caused the explosion.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the pipeline rupture further by conducting interviews, documenting the site and surrounding area and collecting physical evidence, the agency said in a news release. Investigators also plan to travel to Colonial's office in Georgia to review control room operations and collect data and documents.

Subsequent to the explosion, gas prices rose slightly during the week in several states because of the risk of shortages. Gas prices rose seven cents in Georgia and two cents in Tennessee. However, restarting the line has eased concerns about supply. Colonial restarted its gasoline pipeline six days after the explosion and fire.

The explosion also shutdown a sister pipeline (that transports diesel and jet fuel) for several hours.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07112016/colonial-pipeline-back-in-service/