Olympic Status Report
Information as of 08/06/01 4:30 PM MDT
Summary
The information presented below describes the Olympic Pipe Line Company's (Olympic) In-Line
Inspection (ILI) program and the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety's oversight of the
implementation of the ILI program. The ILI of the entire Olympic Pipeline System is complete
and the evaluation and repair of sites identified by the ILI surveys are underway. The operating
pressure of the pipeline system is restricted to 80 percent of the maximum operating pressure
providing an additional margin of safety during the ILI program activities. The Federal Office of
Pipe Line Safety and the State of Washington's Pipeline Safety Staff continue to monitor the
activities associated with the evaluation and repair of the pipeline system.
In-line Inspection of Olympic Pipe Line Company
Oversight -
The Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety is responsible for the safety of the
nations interstate hazardous liquid and natural gas pipelines. The Federal Office of Pipeline
Safety is monitoring the Olympic ILI Survey activities to assure compliance with the Office of
Pipeline Safety's Corrective Action Order and pipeline safety requirements. Additionally, the
Federal Office of Pipeline Safety is providing to State and Local Officials expertise and
information regarding ILI Surveys and pipeline operations within their communities.
The Order -
On June 18, 1999, the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety issued Olympic Pipe Line Company
(Olympic) a Corrective Action Order (Order) addressing safety concerns resulting from the tragic
June 10, 1999, incident in Bellingham, Washington. The Order required Olympic to develop a
plan to address factors of the June 10, 1999, incident. The plan, required by the Order,
specifically required the use of ILI tools for assessing the integrity of the Olympic Pipeline
system. This action does not preclude the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety from requiring
hydrostatic testing of the pipeline. The Order restricts the operating pressure of the pipeline
system to 80 percent of the maximum operating pressure providing for an additional margin of
safety during the surveys, evaluations, and repair activities.
The Tools -
A Geometry ILI tool and a High Resolution Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) ILI tool were utilized
for the Olympic ILI Surveys. An Ultrasonic ILI tool was also utilized in the Ferndale to Allen
segment of the 16-inch pipeline. Additionally, a Transverse Field MFL ILI tool survey will be
conducted as a condition for returning the pipeline to full service. These ILI tools are of the best
available technology for identifying features located in the immediate area of the June 10, 1999,
incident. The ILI tools travel through the pipeline in diesel fuel at 3.5 to 5.0 miles per hour.
Geometry ILI Tool - The Geometry ILI Tool is used in the pipeline industry for
identifying changes in the roundness of a pipeline such as caused
by dents and other external force damage. Also referred to as a
Deformation Tool.
High Resolution MFL Tool - The High Resolution Magnetic Flux Leakage
(MFL) ILI Tool is used in the pipeline industry for
identifying potential pipe manufacturing defects,
metal loss caused by external forces, and internal
and external pipeline corrosion.
Transverse Field MFL Tool - A MFL ILI Tool with the magnets oriented 90
degrees from a conventional MFL Tool. This tool is
used for identifying hook cracks, seam weld
corrosion, and long narrow longitudinal defects.
Ultrasound Tool - An in-line tool utilizing ultrasound technology to identify general
corrosion, pitting, laminations, and hydrogen induced cracking.
Cleaning Tool - An in-line tool utilized for cleaning the internal surface of the
pipeline.
Dummy Tool - A tool without an instrumentation package which is transported
through the pipeline for assuring passage of the instrumented tools
such as Geometry or MFL.
The Evaluation -
After completion of the ILI Surveys the data was evaluated identifying areas possibly critical to
the integrity of the pipeline. Correlation of the survey data was conducted at the completion of
both the surveys assuring integration of all available data. ILI Survey results were evaluated by
Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers and the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Expert ILI
Consultant, Washington State Pipeline Safety Engineers, Olympic Engineers, Olympic's Expert
ILI Consultant, and the Company supplying the ILI Tool. The results of these evaluations
dictated remedial actions assuring pipeline integrity.
The Results -
The 16-inch pipeline system encompasses the Cherry Point to Ferndale, Ferndale to Allen, Allen
to Renton, and the Anacortes to Allen pipeline segments. The review and evaluation of the ILI
Surveys for the 16-inch pipeline system resulted in approximately 120 sites being identified for
excavation and further evaluation as to the necessity of repair. The excavation and evaluation of
these sites are complete with the exception of two sites in the Ferndale to Allen segment. These
sites were included in the hydrostatic testing of the pipeline segment and will be excavated when
permitting authorities have given their approval. Engineers from the Federal Office of Pipeline
Safety and the State Utilities and Transportation Commission observed the abovementioned
evaluations resulting in pipe replacement or repairs to approximately 87 of the identified sites.
ILI Activities -
May 16-17, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed Olympic preparations for conducting
the 16-inch Ferndale to Allen In-line Inspection (ILI) surveys.
- Filling the pipeline with diesel fuel
- Cleaning Tools insertion and retrieval
- Dummy Tool insertion and retrieval
The Cleaning and Dummy tools were reported to be in good condition indicating the ILI Tools
should not experience difficulty during the surveys.
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety is monitoring pipeline pressures and flow rates from the
Olympic Renton Control Center assuring the operation of the pipeline within the approved ILI
survey parameters.
As a safety precaution during the filling, cleaning, and dummy tool operations Olympic is
patrolling the pipeline by helicopter.
Olympic personnel are stationed at mainline valves along the pipeline. Spill response materials
and equipment are distributed along the pipeline right-of-way assuring immediate and effective
response to any possible release of product from the pipeline.
Emergency response personnel along the pipeline were alerted of the ILI survey activities.
May 18, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed construction activities allowing the ILI
surveys for the Ferndale to Allen 16-inch pipeline segment to be conducted without re-inserting
the ILI Tools at the Bayview Terminal. This action results in Bayview being by-passed
(disconnected) from the 16-inch mainline.
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Expert ILI Consultant and Engineers briefed city officials
from Redmond, Renton, and Bellevue regarding the Olympic ILI Surveys.
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety will continue to brief city and State officials along the
pipeline regarding the ILI surveys and any necessary remedial actions as a result of the surveys.
May 19, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers and ILI Consultant met with City Officials from
Bellevue, Redmond, and Renton. The City Officials were given a briefing regarding ILI Tools
and typical ILI operations.
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 12-inch Renton to
Seattle pipeline.
- A Dummy Tool was inserted into the pipeline at Renton at approximately 1:00
PM PDT and exited the pipeline in good condition at the Seattle delivery point at
approximately 3:00 PM PDT.
- A Geometry (Deformation) ILI Tool was inserted into the pipeline at Renton at
approximately 4:00 PM PDT and exited the pipeline in good condition at the
Seattle delivery point at approximately 7:00 PM PDT.
- Operating pressures and flow rates were within parameters specified for the ILI
Surveys.
- The ILI Tool was operating properly when it exited the pipeline.
- Data generated by the ILI Tool is continuous along the pipeline without gaps or
skips in the data.
- The quality of data received from the ILI Tool was good.
- The preliminary field data is currently being reviewed for this ILI survey.
- The preliminary review of field data is projected to be completed within
approximately ten days after completion of the Geometry and MFL ILI surveys.
May 20, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Ferndale
to Allen pipeline segment.
- A Geometry (Deformation) ILI Tool was then inserted into the pipeline at
Ferndale at approximately 10:15 AM PDT and exited the pipeline in good
condition at the Allen Pump Station at approximately 10:47 PM PDT.
- Operating pressures and flow rates were within parameters specified for the ILI
Surveys.
- The ILI Tool was operating properly when it exited the pipeline.
- Data generated by the ILI Tool is continuous along the pipeline without gaps or
skips in the data.
- The quality of data received from the ILI Tool was good.
- The preliminary field data is currently being reviewed for this ILI survey.
- The preliminary review of field data is projected to by completed within
approximately ten days after completion of the Geometry and MFL ILI surveys.
May 21, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers and Expert ILI Consultant continue the review
of the Geometry ILI Tool preliminary field data.
May 22, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers and Expert ILI Consultant continue the review
of the Geometry ILI Tool preliminary field data.
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Allen to
Renton pipeline segment.
- Geometry Tool was launch from Allen Pump Station at approximately 9:55 AM
PDT.
- OPS is monitoring operating pressures and flow rates from the Renton Control
Center.
May 23, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers and Consultant continue to observed the ILI
survey of the 16-inch Allen to Renton pipeline segment.
- The Geometry Tool arrived at Renton Pump Station at approximately 5:08 AM
PDT.
- The Geometry Tool was removed from the pipeline at approximately 6:09 AM
PDT and was reported to be in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the Geometry
Tool.
- The data is complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
May 24, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 12-inch Renton to
Sea-Tac pipeline segment.
- The Geometry Tool was launched from Renton Pump Station at approximately
12:41 PM PDT.
- The Geometry Tool was removed from the pipeline at Sea-Tac at approximately
1:55 PM PDT and was reported to be in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the Geometry
Tool.
May 25, 2000:
For the 12-inch Renton to Sea-Tac pipeline segment it is reported that the data is complete
without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
May 26, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Ferndale
to Allen pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool was launched from Ferndale Pump Station at approximately 9:40
PM PDT.
May 27, 2000:
Continuation of the ILI survey of the 16-inch Ferndale to Allen pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool arrived at the Allen Station at approximately 8:39 AM PDT. The
tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the MFL Tool.
- The data is reported to be complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
May 28, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Allen to
Renton pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool was launched from Allen Pump Station at approximately 2:20 PM
PDT.
May 29, 2000:
Continuation of the ILI survey of the 16-inch Allen to Renton pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool arrived at the Renton Station at approximately 10:59 AM PDT.
The tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the MFL Tool.
- The data is reported to be complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
May 31, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Anacortes
to Allen pipeline segment.
- The Dummy Tool was launched from Anacortes Station at approximately 4:45
PM PDT.
- The Dummy Tool arrived and was removed from the pipeline at the Allen Station
at 6:23 PM PDT and was reported to be in good condition.
- The MFL Tool was launched at approximately 10:45 PM PDT from Anacortes
Station.
June 1, 2000:
Continuation of the ILI survey of the 16-inch Anacortes to Allen pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool arrived at the Allen Station at approximately 00:55 AM PDT. The
tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the MFL Tool.
- The data is complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
Federal OPS and State Commission Engineers are observing calibration excavation site North of
Mount Vernon (MP 27). Area will be sand blasted tomorrow and measurements taken of the
pipe damage.
The Federal OPS ILI Consultant continues to the review of the ILI Tool preliminary field data of
the Ferndale to Allen pipeline segment.
June 2, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Cherry
Point to Ferndale pipeline segment.
- The MFL Tool was launched at approximately 1:07 PM PDT from Cherry Point
Station.
- The MFL Tool arrived at the Ferndale Station at approximately 2:23 PM PDT.
The tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the MFL Tool.
- The data is complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
June 4, 2000:
The Federal OPS ILI Consultant and Engineers continue to the review of the ILI Tool
preliminary field data of the Ferndale to Allen pipeline segment.
June 5, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Anacortes
to Allen pipeline segment.
- The Geometry Tool was launched at approximately 8:55 AM PDT from
Anacortes Station.
- The Geometry Tool arrived at the Allen Station at approximately 11:05 AM PDT.
The tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the Geometry
Tool.
- The data is complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
The Federal OPS ILI Consultant continues to the review of the ILI Tool preliminary field data of
the Ferndale to Allen pipeline segment.
June 7, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety Engineers observed the ILI survey of the 16-inch Cherry
Point to Ferndale pipeline segment.
- The Geometry Tool was launched at approximately 1:50 PM PDT from Cherry
Point Station.
- The Geometry Tool arrived at the Ferndale Station at approximately 3:05 PM
PDT. The tool was in good condition.
- The data recorder was functioning properly when removed from the Geometry
Tool.
- The data is complete without skips or gaps and is of good quality.
June 15, 2000:
The Geometry Tool was launched from the 12-inch Vancouver Junction facility at approximately
11:18 AM PDT and arrived at the Vancouver delivery facility at 12:32 PM PDT. The tool was
reported to be in good condition when it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality
and complete for the entire segment of pipeline.
June 19, 2000:
The Federal Office of Pipeline Safety and WUTC Engineers monitored excavations in the
Ferndale to Allen segment of pipeline.
An Enduro Geometry Tool survey was conducted for the 6-inch Olympia Lateral. The Geometry
Tool was launched at approximately 8:25 AM PDT and was received at approximately 1:30 PM
PDT. The tool was reported to be in good condition and the data of good quality.
An MFL Tool survey was conducted for the 12-inch Renton to Seattle Lateral. The MFL Tool
was launched from Renton at approximately 6:44 PM PDT and was received at the Seattle
Delivery at approximately 9:34 PM PDT. The MFL tool was reported to be in good condition
when it was removed from the pipeline. The MFL Tool data was not of good quality. This
segment of line will be surveyed again with the MFL tool.
June 22, 2000:
The MFL Tool was launched from the 12-inch Vancouver Junction facility at approximately
12:15 AM PDT and arrived at the Vancouver delivery facility at 1:23 AM PDT. The tool was
reported to be in good condition when it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality
and complete for the entire segment of pipeline.
June 24, 2000:
The 12-inch Renton to Sea-Tac line was surveyed with the MFL Tool. The MFL Tool was
launched from the Renton Pump Station at approximately 11:19 AM PDT and arrived at the
SeaTac delivery facility at 12:33 PM PDT. The tool was reported to be in good condition when
it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality and complete for the entire segment of
pipeline.
June 25, 2000:
The re-survey for the MFL Tool was conducted for the 12-inch Renton to Seattle Lateral. The
MFL Tool was launched from Renton at approximately 7:24 PM PDT and was received at the
Seattle Delivery at approximately 10:08 PM PDT. The MFL tool was reported to be in good
condition when it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality and complete for the
entire segment of pipeline.
June 28, 2000:
The 8-inch Tacoma Jct. to Tacoma Delivery Facility was surveyed with the MFL Tool. The
MFL Tool was launched from the Tacoma Jct. Facility at approximately 10:15 AM PDT and
arrived at the Tacoma Delivery Facility at 11:42 AM PDT. The tool was reported to be in good
condition when it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality and complete for the
entire segment of pipeline.
June 29, 2000:
The 8-inch Tacoma Jct. to Tacoma Delivery Facility was surveyed with the Geometry Tool. The
Geometry Tool was launched from the Tacoma Jct. Facility at approximately 11:06 AM PDT and
arrived at the Tacoma Delivery Facility at 12:05 PM PDT. The tool was reported to be in good
condition when it was removed from the pipeline. Data is of good quality and complete for the
entire segment of pipeline.
The Ultrasound In-Line Inspection Tool was launched from the Ferndale Pump Station at
approximately 3:57 PM PDT.
June 30, 2000:
The Ultrasound In-Line Inspection Tool arrived at the Allen Pump Station at approximately
12:49 PM PDT. The tool was reported to be in good condition when it was removed from the
pipeline.
July 1-8, 2000:
Excavation sites from ILI tool evaluations were filled in as a safety precaution during the
transition from Equilon to BP Amoco for the management and operation for the Olympic Pipe
Line System. On July 5th it was reported the Ultrasonic In-line Inspection Tool data was of good
quality and complete for the entire segment of pipeline.
July 9, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline was surveyed with the Geometry Tool. The Geometry
Tool was launched from the Renton Pipeline Facility at approximately 3:26 PM PDT.
July 10, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline survey continued with the Geometry ILI Tool. The
Geometry ILI Tool arrived at the Portland facility at 10:08 PM PDT. The tool was reported to be
in good condition when it was removed from the pipeline.
July 11, 2000:
Evaluation of the data from the 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline Geometry Tool survey
revealed the data was of good quality but not continuous for the entire pipeline segment. The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline segment will be re-surveyed with the Geometry Tool.
July 15, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline was re-surveyed with the Geometry Tool. The
Geometry Tool was launched from the Renton Pipeline Facility at approximately 4:58 PM PDT.
July 16, 2000:
The re-survey of the 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline with the Geometry Tool continued.
July 17, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline survey continued with the Geometry ILI Tool. The
Geometry ILI Tool arrived at the Portland facility at 00:45 AM PDT. The tool was reported to be
in good condition when it was removed from the pipeline. The data is being evaluated.
July 23, 2000:
The 20-inch Allen to Renton pipeline was surveyed with the Geometry Tool. The Geometry
Tool was launched from the Allen Pipeline Facility at approximately 4:10 PM PDT.
July 24, 2000:
The 20-inch Allen to Renton pipeline survey continued with the Geometry Tool. The Geometry
Tool was received at the Renton Pipeline Facility at approximately 12:21 PM PDT and was
reported to be in good condition.
July 25, 2000:
The MFL Tool survey was conducted for the 6-inch Olympia Lateral. The MFL Tool was
launched at approximately 11:32 AM PDT and was received at approximately 3:16 PM PDT.
The tool was reported to be in good condition.
The data for the 20-inch Allen to Renton Geometry Tool survey was reported to be of good
quality and continuous for the pipeline segment.
July 29, 2000:
The 20-inch Allen to Renton pipeline was survey with the MFL Tool. The MFL Tool was
launched from the Allen Pipeline Facility at approximately 1:14 PM PDT.
July 30, 2000:
The 20-inch Allen to Renton pipeline survey continued with the MFL Tool. The MFL Tool was
received at the Renton pipeline facility at approximately 8:48 AM PDT. The tool was reported to
be in good condition.
August 2, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline was survey with the MFL Tool. The MFL Tool was
launched from the Renton Pipeline Facility at approximately 1:14 PM PDT.
August 3, 2000:
The 14-inch Renton to Portland pipeline survey continued with the MFL Tool. The MFL Tool
was received at the Portland pipeline facility at approximately 7:52 PM PDT. The data from the
run is continuous and of good quality. This completes the in-line inspection surveys.
August 8, 2000:
The OPS Staff and Consultants attended a Public Forum for the City of Bellingham, Washington,
regarding the status of the OPS Corrective Action Orders and results of the in-line inspection tool
surveys.
September 25, 2000:
OPS engineer attended the City/County Consortium meeting in Redmond, Washington,
providing a briefing regarding the in-line inspection tool surveys and resulting activities.
January 16, 2001:
OPS engineer attended the City/County Consortium meeting in Renton, Washington, providing a
briefing regarding the in-line inspection tool surveys and resulting activities.
February 13, 2001:
OPS engineer attended the City/County Consortium meeting in Redmond, Washington,
providing a briefing regarding the in-line inspection tool surveys and resulting activities.
March 12, 2001:
OPS engineer attended the City/County Consortium meeting in Redmond, Washington,
providing a briefing regarding the in-line inspection tool surveys and resulting activities.
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