Spokane City Council delays Yellowstone Pipeline vote

The Spokane City Council delayed voting on a new agreement with owners of the Yellowstone Pipeline on Monday.

Although the fuel pipeline’s operation dates back to the 1950s and runs from Montana into Washington, the city of Spokane and the pipeline’s owner have been without an agreement since the previous iteration expired more than a decade ago.

The Spokane City Council has expressed concerns about a draft agreement it has been asked to approve. It delayed a planned vote from Monday to Oct. 12 with some members saying they have too many unanswered questions.

Council President Breean Beggs told The Spokesman-Review last week that the council’s outstanding questions include what will happen if pipeline company and city are stuck in a stalemate.

The proposed agreement requires the pipeline company to carry liability insurance of $100 million. While council members recognize that’s a hefty sum, some have expressed concern that it might not be enough to cover the cost of a pipeline explosion or leak.

Council President Breean Beggs also has expressed concern about the structure of the company, suggesting the oil companies who own it could be insulated from responsibility in the event of a spill.If approved, the new deal would increase the pipeline company’s annual payment to the city from $200 to $25,000.

The pipeline takes a route that dances in and out of the city of Spokane’s borders, but does traverse a stretch of northeast Spokane before dipping under the Spokane River and passing within feet of a city-owned water well near Felts Field.

The pipeline circumvents most of the South Hill before cutting through the West Plains.

To assuage city concerns, the company agreed to pay $75,000 for a vulnerability assessment that will be conducted by the city’s water department. Its majority owner, Phillips 66, has said the pipeline is monitored 24/7 and is compliant with all safety regulations.