Finance

BP crew excavates Olympic Pipeline, yet to find cause of leak

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 23, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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BP crew excavates Olympic Pipeline, yet to find cause of leak
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(Reuters) -BP said on Friday its Olympic Pipeline crew excavated more than 100 feet (0.03 km) of pipeline following a leak earlier this month near Everett, Washington, but have not yet identified the

BP Crew Probes Olympic Pipeline Leak Near Everett, WA

(Reuters) -BP said on Friday its Olympic Pipeline crew excavated more than 100 feet (0.03 km) of pipeline following a leak earlier this month near Everett, Washington, but have not yet identified the source of the leak.

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson on Wednesday declared an emergency following the Olympic Pipeline shutdown, which has disrupted jet fuel supplies to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

"Crews have safely excavated over 100 feet of pipeline but have not yet identified the source of the release. Excavation and inspection of the pipeline will continue overnight," a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement, adding that the pipeline remains shut at this time.

The London-based oil and gas company did not provide a timeline for restarting the pipeline.

The 400-mile Olympic Pipeline system moves fuel from northern Washington to Oregon. The pipeline transports refined petroleum products including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

The fuel leak was first reported on November 11. BP restored on Monday one of the two pipelines east of Everett that had been shut to determine the source of some product discharge.

The restored line was shut down again shortly after, halting refined product deliveries across the system.

(Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar)

Key Takeaways

  • BP excavated over 100 feet of the Olympic Pipeline.
  • The source of the leak near Everett remains unidentified.
  • Washington Governor declared an emergency due to the shutdown.
  • Jet fuel supplies to Seattle-Tacoma Airport are disrupted.
  • BP has not provided a timeline for pipeline restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an oil pipeline?
An oil pipeline is a system of pipes used to transport crude oil or refined petroleum products from one location to another, often over long distances.
What is a fuel leak?
A fuel leak occurs when fuel escapes from its containment, such as a pipeline or storage tank, which can lead to environmental contamination and safety hazards.
What is environmental emergency management?
Environmental emergency management involves planning and responding to incidents that pose a risk to the environment, such as oil spills or chemical leaks, to minimize damage and ensure public safety.
What is jet fuel?
Jet fuel is a type of aviation fuel designed for use in aircraft powered by gas-turbine engines, commonly derived from crude oil.
What is infrastructure financing?
Infrastructure financing refers to the funding of large-scale public works projects, such as transportation systems, energy facilities, and utilities, often requiring significant capital investment.

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