California fuel pipeline to resume service Saturday after fuel leak caused disruption

The pipeline operator detected a leak on Thursday.

ByNadine El-Bawab
February 11, 2023, 1:45 PM

A California pipeline, that delivers the majority of fuel to the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas, is expected to resume operations Saturday afternoon, the pipeline operator announced.

The Kinder Morgan gas pipeline, which supplies about 90% of needed gas, diesel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum products to the Las Vegas Valley and surrounding areas, experienced a disruption that resulted in a temporary shutdown of the line.

"We have isolated the source of the release within our Watson Station in Long Beach, California. Restart activities are underway for Watson Station’s associated SFPP West and CalNev pipelines. We expect these pipelines to resume operations this afternoon and begin delivering fuel to their respective market areas later today. We continue to be in close contact with our customers and the appropriate regulatory agencies as we work to resolve this issue," Kinder Morgan, the pipeline operator, said in a statement to ABC News.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency Friday due to the disruption.

On Thursday, Kinder Morgan, the pipeline operator, began investigating a leak inside its Watson Station in Long Beach, California, the company said in a statement.

PHOTO: In this March 7, 2011, file photo, a motorist fuels up at a gas station in Santa Cruz, Calif.
In this March 7, 2011, file photo, a motorist fuels up at a gas station in Santa Cruz, Calif. A leak in a fuel pipeline facility in California has forced a shutdown of deliveries of gasoline and diesel from the Los Angeles to areas including Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP, FILE

"Watson Station and its associated SFPP West and CALNEV pipelines have been isolated and shut down while we work to resolve this issue. There are no injuries or fire reported as a result of this incident," Kinder Morgan said in its statement.  Kinder Morgan’s 566-mile CALNEV pipeline system transports gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from Los Angeles to terminals in Barstow, California, and Las Vegas.

"The appropriate regulatory agencies have been notified, and an investigation into the cause and quantity of the release will be conducted. We are working closely with our customers on potential impacts," Kinder Morgan said.

The disruption may cause a shortage of fuel supplies in Nevada, according to the declaration of emergency.

PHOTO: In this Nov. 14, 2022, file photo, Nevada Gov.-elect Joe Lombardo speaks at his alma mater, Rancho High School, in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
In this Nov. 14, 2022, file photo, Nevada Gov.-elect Joe Lombardo speaks at his alma mater, Rancho High School, in North Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images, FILE

The emergency declaration will allow Nevada to receive federal waivers, resources to repair the pipeline and allow the state to increase the transportation of fuel by other means, according to Lombardo.

"To avoid any unnecessary shortages, I strongly urge all Las Vegas residents to avoid panic buying while awaiting repair timeline updates," Lombardo said in a statement posted on Twitter.

The declaration expires in 15 days unless it is renewed.

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