Updates can be found online at http://www.columbiapipelinegroup.com/en/about-us/news-room/pipeline-incident-update.aspx
Click here on Headline News for complete coverage of this morning's explosion.
A letter to our neighbors in Knifley from Shawn Patterson - President, Operations and Project Delivery, Columbia Pipeline Group:
Early this morning, an incident occurred in Knifley, Kentucky on our natural gas transmission pipeline in Adair County.
We are working closely with our neighbors who have been affected by this incident.
We deeply regret that two individuals were injured this morning as a result of the incident, and are thankful that both have been released from the hospital and that there are no further reports of injuries. We recognize the hardship this incident has had on all those affected, and are committed to working with local agencies to provide for and to meet the immediate needs of the community.
We are thankful for the assistance we have received.
It is during difficult situations like these that we recognize the importance of coming together as one community to support each other. I am proud of the dedication and commitment of so many first responders, our employees and members of the community. The tremendous support provided to us is truly invaluable and we will be working to find ways to recognize and thank these groups for all that they do. I also want to recognize the residents and community organizations of Knifley for their actions following the incident – thank you for helping your fellow neighbors.
We are committed to safety.
At Columbia Pipeline Group, we believe our primary responsibility is to ensure public safety through responsible operations. We are fully committed to working with all appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough and complete investigation into the cause of this incident. We will take whatever steps necessary to continue to provide safe and reliable natural gas transportation through our pipeline transmission system.
We are proud to be a part of your community.
Employees have lived, worked and served in Kentucky for more than 100 years. I know I speak for all of our employees when I say we are proud to be a part of your community. I want you to have confidence in the fact that Columbia Pipeline Group is committed to doing everything it takes to make things right.
We will continue to help the families of Adair County -- both by our actions and our contribution to the community.
Thank you.
Shawn Patterson
Columbia Pipeline Group
February 13, 2014
Investigation Under Way: We have received several inquiries seeking speculation as to a potential cause of today’s incident, as well as detailed information about the pipeline, including operating and inspection history. These are all understandable and important questions, and they will be a central focus of the incident investigation process that began even as our emergency response teams were working to make the area safe early today.
Our investigative team mobilized immediately upon notification of this incident. We have team members on site in Adair County, working closely with appropriate local, state and federal authorities to review all aspects of the incident, including factors such as the operating, inspection and maintenance history of the pipeline, environmental conditions at the time of the rupture, and outside activity that may have taken place in the area. This investigation may take some time, but it is vital to providing assurance to the public that we understand and appropriately address the cause of the incident. Throughout this process, we will work with members of the public and all appropriate authorities to provide facts and updated information as they become available.
Additional Details Regarding Timeline: Here is updated information regarding the sequence of events this morning. Columbia Gulf Transmission estimates that the approximate time of the pipeline rupture was between 2:00 and 2:15 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Thursday, Feb. 13. Columbia Gulf operations personnel were dispatched to the scene shortly after 2:15 a.m. EST. At approximately 2:45 a.m. EST operations personnel shut a main line valve on Line 200, stopping the flow of natural gas to the rupture area. The damaged portion of the pipeline was isolated at approximately 3:00 a.m. EST.
Additional Details Regarding System: In general, this system has been safely operating since the mid-1950s and 1960s. It transports natural gas from producing regions to markets in the Midwest and eastern US. We are able to maintain those deliveries for our customers today using alternative pipelines. Again, our immediate focus is on safety and community support, and additional details will come as our investigation continues.
Again, we would like to thank the local and state responders on site for their continued support and assistance. We will continue to work with responders and with community members to assist with anything they may need.
February 13, 2014
Knifley, KY - While we regret that two individuals were injured this morning as a result of our ruptured pipeline, we are pleased to report that both have been released from the hospital. We remain thankful that there were no further injuries. Our staff is on site and speaking with those individuals, as well as reaching out to the local Red Cross, to offer any assistance that would help the community during this time. Columbia is and remains committed to our neighbors in Kentucky.
At this time, there is no impact to commercial operations on Columbia Gulf and no impact to Columbia Gas Transmission.
We would like to continue to thank all of the local responders, including the volunteer fire department, the state fire marshal, local and state police and all other agencies involved. We appreciate the continued support and assistance with securing the site and ensuring the safety of local residents and employees.
February 13, 2014
Knifley, KY - At approximately 2:05 a.m. ET/1:05 a.m. CT, Columbia Gulf Transmission LLC operating teams detected a drop in pressure on the company’s Line 200 pipeline in Adair County, Ky. Our operating crews immediately responded to the alert and determined that there was a rupture in the pipeline.
We activated our emergency response procedures and took steps to isolate the damaged portion of the pipeline. The flow of gas was stopped to the damaged pipeline shortly thereafter.
Our trained response teams are working with emergency responders now to assure the safety and security of the area where the rupture occurred. We don’t yet know the cause but will be working with the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough and complete investigation.
We know that there has been damage to homes and there are reports of injuries, as well as an evacuation of the surrounding community. A critical and immediate priority for our team is to work with local responders to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors.
At this time, we are focused on making the area safe and working with federal, state and local authorities, but we will continue to provide updates when we have more information.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here