British oil and gas company bp has shut down the 400-mile (643km) Olympic Pipeline following a leak, halting fuel delivery from the system, reported Reuters. 

The Olympic Pipeline system transports fuel from northern Washington to Oregon, US. 

This shutdown has disrupted the supply of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, including deliveries to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. 

BP identified the leak on 11 November during routine maintenance in Snohomish County. The company has halted operations on both lines to investigate the source of the product discharge. 

One of the lines east of Everett was briefly restored on Monday but was subsequently shut down again as precautionary measures continued. 

BP has started excavation work to inspect the affected pipelines and determine the extent of the repairs required. 

BP’s statement was quoted by Reuters as saying: “On the afternoon of Monday, November 17, the 16-inch line was shut down to investigate an increase in product observed in a collection point on the response site.” 

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson issued an emergency proclamation addressing the Olympic Pipeline shutdown and fuel delivery impacts at the airport. 

The emergency proclamation temporarily waives and suspends state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial motor vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, while ensuring that safe driving measures are in place. 

The proclamation ensures adequate fuel supplies can be delivered to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport while the Olympic Pipeline remains offline. 

State and federal partners are responding to the leak, the governor stated. 

These include the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, the Washington State Department of Ecology and the US Environmental Protection Agency. 

As of 12 November, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport officials implemented operational adjustments to incoming flights, issuing notifications to inbound airlines to fuel up to capacity before arriving, a practice known as “ferrying” fuel. 

Governor Ferguson said: “We are in close communication with our state and federal partners. This declaration will help the airport maintain its fuel supply while the pipeline is offline and limit disruptions to travellers.”