Much of Williams Northwest Pipeline’s 268-mile, 26-inch line between Sumas and Washougal, Washington will remain idle this winter while the company tests the line and devises a long-term repair plan after the line ruptured for the second time in eight months last week (see Daily GPI, Dec. 18).

Williams said the decision announced last Wednesday to close off the 26-inch pipeline “has had no immediate impact” on its ability to meet market demand this winter because Northwest Pipeline has a parallel 30-inch line in the same corridor with capacity at its northernmost receipt point at Sumas estimated to be 950,000 Dth/d.

Following the second rupture near Toledo, WA Dec. 13, the Transportation Department’s Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) reinforced its earlier call for the pipeline to come up with a comprehensive integrity assessment on the line which went into service in 1957. On May 2, 2003, after repairs were made to the earlier break, OPS ordered the pipe to run at no more than 80% of capacity, and requested the comprehensive plan, which Northwest has since been working on.

“Issues specific to this pipeline segment — including environmental factors, such as soil acidity and moisture, operating conditions, age and the type of coating — can play a role in creating these type of problems. We are bringing all the necessary resources to bear to ensure the integrity of our facilities and keep our commitment to operate a safe and reliable pipeline,” said Doug Whisenant, senior vice president of Williams’ gas pipeline business.

“The order received today is consistent with the inspection program already in progress and gives us a timetable for completing the necessary work.” He said “preliminary analysis” shows Williams could replace the 376,000 Dth/d of capacity associated with the downed pipeline by constructing 100 miles of new 36-inch pipeline. No decision has been made, however.

A spokesperson said that while testing continues the line would remain basically closed, but Northwest would bring up small segments through the winter and have enough added capacity in the spring and early summer “to get us through” while the longer-term solution is pursued.

“Costs associated with the capacity replacement are expected to be capitalized and recoverable through future rates in a way that preserves Northwest’s ability to be competitive in its market,” Whisenant said.

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