We need a voice into the pipeline

Five major natural gas and liquid fuel pipelines intersect in Spokane County, a total equaled in Washington only by Whatcom County. Yet, no one living east of Wenatchee sits on a citizens’ panel that advises state officials charged with inspecting those facilities.

Anyone interested?

More than 21,000 miles of gas or fuel mains and trunk lines crisscross Washington. Virtually all of it is underground. Out of sight, out of mind. Right?

In Washington, that blissful ignorance ended in July 1999, when a gasoline pipeline ruptured near Bellingham. An explosion and fire killed three and awakened many to the presence – and risk – posed by an invisible infrastructure filled with some extremely volatile stuff. Thanks to subsequent federal and state action, Washington emerged from the tragedy as one of only four states – Minnesota, New York and Arizona are the others – with authority to inspect interstate as well as intrastate pipelines.

The Utilities and Transportation Commission had inspected in-state natural gas pipelines since 1955, and fuel pipelines since 1996. But as an agent of the U.S. Office of Pipeline Safety, a beefed-up state Pipeline Safety Division now has responsibility for all inspections, although it cannot take enforcement action on its own. That authority remains with the OPS.

And the feds do take heed. In late 2003, federal officials followed up on state recommendations and ordered Williams Northwest Pipeline to shut down its 26-inch natural gas pipeline along the Interstate 5 corridor. The 50-year-old pipe had failed twice, the second time despite a reduction in pressure. Although some sections were repaired and reopened, Williams also chose to shore up capacity with new, larger pipe.The Pipeline Safety Division has clout at the local level as well. Last month, a staff report found that a Puget Sound Energy pipeline leak triggered a Bellevue home explosion that killed its 68-year-old occupant. They recommended the utilities commission impose a $175,000 fine.

A federal audit of the state’s inspection effort awarded the Pipeline Safety Division a score of 99 out of 100, and the OPS has closed its Seattle office.

At Avista Utilities, chief gas engineer Mike Falkenberry says he appreciates working with officials who know the company and local conditions.

Although the Bellingham accident increased the level of scrutiny, he says, “I think we have a good relationship.”

Alan Rathbun directs the division, which has a staff of 14 and a budget of $2.2 million. The federal government covers about one-third of that, a levy on the pipeline companies the rest.

He says members of the Citizens Committee on Pipeline Safety inform the division of local public concerns and recommend actions, and communicate information about state programs back to their communities. They may also testify in the Legislature, or before Congress. Subcommittees focus on public awareness, pipeline damage prevention measures and policy issues.

A Spokane member, for example, might focus on potential dangers to the aquifer that could result from breaks in any of the five pipelines in the county. Or, more broadly, what might be the proper balance between public information about pipeline locations and security concerns.

As growing communities envelop utility rights of way created decades ago, land use also becomes an issue, although one mostly in the hands of local officials. You might be surprised how close your home is to one of these pipelines.

The Citizens Committee has 13 members. Four non-voting members represent pipeline owners and operators. The nine voting members include elected officials and citizens appointed by the governor for three-year terms.

They receive money for travel and expenses, but no salary. The committee meets six to eight times annually.

Application forms are available on the commission Web site, www.wutc.gov, under “Pipeline Safety.”

“We’re just looking for people who have an interest,” says Rathbun, who nevertheless adds that newcomers must deal with a pretty steep learning curve.

Even if that curve is vertical, Spokane badly needs a voice on that commission. Think about it.