# COLONIAL PIPELINE CO — Corrective Action Order

- **operation:** document
- **citation:** CPF 120155018H
- **title:** COLONIAL PIPELINE CO — Corrective Action Order
- **source type:** enforcement
- **agency:** Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
- **status:** historical
- **official:** true
- **published on:** 2015-09-29
- **effective on:** Not available
- **summary:** CLOSED corrective action order.
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- **markdown:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-120155018h.md
- **app url:** https://regulus.evalyn.ai/document/phmsa-enforcement-120155018h
- **source url:** https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/case/120155018H
**body:**

Corrective Action Order involving COLONIAL PIPELINE CO. The dataset does not identify a cited regulation for this case. The case was opened on 2015-09-29 and is reported as closed as of 2020-07-16. Open the official case record for notices, responses, orders, and the latest status.

Official case documents:

120155018H_Amended Corrective Action Order_10222015.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Amended%20Corrective%20Action%20Order_10222015.pdf

120155018H_Amended Corrective Action Order_10222015_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Amended%20Corrective%20Action%20Order_10222015_text.pdf

120155018H_Closure Letter_07162020.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Closure%20Letter_07162020.pdf

120155018H_Closure Letter_07162020_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Closure%20Letter_07162020_text.pdf

120155018H_Corrective Action Order_09292015.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Corrective%20Action%20Order_09292015.pdf

120155018H_Corrective Action Order_09292015_text.pdf: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-documents/120155018H/120155018H_Corrective%20Action%20Order_09292015_text.pdf

120155018H_Amended Corrective Action Order_10222015_text.pdf

October 22, 2015
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL AND FAX TO: (678) 762-2466
Mr. Tim Felt
President & Chief Executive Officer
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30009-4765
Re: CPF No. 1-2015-5018H
Dear Mr. Felt:
Enclosed is an Amended Corrective Action Order issued in the above-referenced case, requiring
Colonial Pipeline Company to take certain corrective actions with respect the failure of its Line
#4 pipeline on September 21, 2015, in Centreville, Virginia. The amended order replaces and
supersedes the original Corrective Action Order issued to Colonial on September 29, 2015.
Service is being made by certified mail, electric transmission, and facsimile. Service of the
Amended Corrective Action Order by electronic transmission is deemed complete upon
transmission and acknowledgement of receipt, or as otherwise provided under 49 C.F.R. § 190.5.
The terms and conditions of this Order are effective upon completion of service.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Wiese
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Byron Coy, P.E., Regional Director, Eastern Region, OPS



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
____________________________________
In the Matter of )
Colonial Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 1-2015-5018H
)
)
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
AMENDED CORRECTIVE ACTION ORDER
Purpose and Background:
This Amended Corrective Action Order (Order) is being issued, under the authority of 49 U.S.C.
§ 60112, to require Colonial Pipeline Company (Colonial or Respondent), to take the necessary
corrective action to protect the public, property, and the environment from potential hazards
associated with the recent failure on Colonial’s Line #4 pipeline.
On September 21, 2015, a reportable accident occurred on Colonial’s Line #4 hazardous liquid
pipeline in Centreville, Virginia, resulting in the release of approximately 4,000 gallons of
gasoline (Failure). This pipeline transports petroleum products from Houston, Texas, to Linden,
New Jersey. The accident occurred on a 288-mile section of Line #4 that runs between the
company’s Greensboro Tank Farm in Greensboro North Carolina, and the Dorsey Tank Farm in
Woodbine, Maryland. Colonial operates a parallel pipeline, known as Line #3 that runs thirty
feet apart from Line #4 at the site of the accident (Leak Site). Based on a visual inspection of the
pipe, a leak occurred at a crack within a dent that was discovered on the bottom of Line #4. The
root cause of the release has not yet been determined. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117, the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety
(OPS), initiated an investigation of the accident.
On September 29, 2015 PHMSA issued a Corrective Action Order to Colonial. This Amended
Corrective Action Order replaces and supersedes the CAO issued to Colonial on September 29,
2015.
The preliminary findings of the ongoing investigation are as follows.
Preliminary Findings:
1. Colonial operates roughly 5,500 miles of hazardous liquid transmission pipeline within
the United States. The pipelines travel through the states of Texas, Louisiana,



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 2
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Branches from the main lines also extend into
Tennessee. The system delivers a daily average of approximately 100 million gallons of
liquid petroleum products to businesses and communities throughout the Southern and
Eastern United States.1
2. The section of Line #4 at the Leak Site was constructed in 1963 and is composed of 32-
inch diameter, 0.281” wall thickness (generally), API-5L, X52 pipe, has asphalt enamel
coating and a double-submerged arc-welded (DSAW) seam type, manufactured by
National Tube Company.
3. The Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) of the section of Line #4 at the Leak Site is
657 psig, as established by hydrostatic testing in 1963. At the time of the Failure, the
highest steady state operating pressure of Line #4 at the Leak Site, during the 60 days
prior to the Failure on September 21, 2015 was 283 psig.
4. In response to reports from local residents of a gasoline odor near a retention pond
approximately 1,000 feet from Lines #3 and #4 in Centreville, Virginia, on the morning
of September 21, 2015, the Fairfax County Fire Department and Fairfax County Fire
Marshall responded to the site of the retention pond.
5. Due to the reports of gasoline odor near the site of the retention pond in Centreville,
Virginia, as well as the activity on the part of the Fairfax County Fire Department and
Fairfax County Fire Marshall near this site, officials from Colonial arrived at this site by
the evening of September 21, 2015. After arriving, these officials discovered large
quantities of gasoline in the storm water system leading to the retention pond.
6. At 9:00 pm on September 21, 2015, Colonial acted to immediately isolate Lines 3 and 4
by closing remote-operated valves at the Chantilly, Virginia Station (downstream), and
Remington, Virginia Station (upstream).
2
7. At approximately 1:30 pm on September 22, 2015, an OPS investigator arrived at the
Leak Site. A representative of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, in its capacity
as interstate agent for PHMSA (VA-SCC) arrived at the Leak Site later in the afternoon
on September 22, 2015.
8. On September 22, 2015, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) informed the
Director, Eastern Region, PHMSA, that NTSB officials were going to visit the Leak Site
on September 23, 2015.
9. On September 22, 2015, at 1:32 am , Colonial made a report to the National Response
Center (NRC Report No. 1129084), noting a sheen and odor of gasoline in the retention
pond approximately 3,000 feet from Lines #3 and #4 in Centreville, Virginia.
10. On September 22, 2015 Colonial conducted an investigation by digging test holes around
Lines #3 and #4 in order to identify the source of the leak. Colonial personnel later
discovered a crack within a dent on the bottom of Line #4.
1 Colonial Pipeline Company. Website: http://www.colpipe.com/home/about-colonial (last visited September 29,
2015).
2 The isolation valves are separated by a distance of approximately 27 miles.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 3
11. On September 23, 2015, officials from the NTSB arrived at the Leak Site. On this date,
the NTSB also informed the Director that it was also launching an investigation into the
Failure.
12. On September 23, 2015, at 4:23 pm, Colonial made a follow-up notification to the NRC
(“Report No. 1129221). Colonial recovered approximately 2,000 gallons of the estimated
4,000 gallons released. As a precaution, three restaurants were closed by the Fairfax
County Fire Marshal. The release caused significant soil contamination in the vicinity of
the Leak Site and nearby storm water drainage piping and retention ponds.
13. The accident occurred within a High Consequence Area (HCA). There were no reported
injuries or fatalities, and the released gasoline failed to ignite.
14. Based on a visual examination of the pipeline at the Leak Site, gasoline was released
from a crack within a shallow dent located on the bottom of the pipe. However, the
specific cause of the failure is still undetermined and the investigation is ongoing. The
pipe at the Leak Site was excavated and examined on September 23, 2015. The Non-
Destructive Examination (NDE) inspection and sleeve repair were made the following
day on September 24, 2015, with final inspection and certification of welds on September
25, 2015.
15. Colonial had most recently identified the dent at the Leak Site and a similar dent 69 feet
from the Leak Site during a 2013 in-line inspection (2013 ILI). During the 2013 ILI, it
was determined that neither dent required repair or excavation, as both were less than two
percent of the pipe diameter. On September 24, 2015, Colonial excavated the site of the
second dent and confirmed that it did not appear to have any cracks or appear to be
leaking.
16. Colonial installed a repair sleeve at the Leak Site. Colonial has indicated that it intends
to remove the section of pipe containing the defect now under the repair sleeve for NTSB
testing and analysis in an attempt to learn more about the metallurgy and failure
mechanisms.
17. On September 25, 2015, following satisfactory installation of the B-Sleeve, the Director
approved the temporary re-start of Line #4, which included a 20% reduction in operating
pressure at the leak location, resulting in a temporary maximum pressure at this location
of 223 psig.
18. Colonial and the Director agreed that as part of the temporary restart, Line #4 must be
immediately shut down upon any sign of significant or unexplained pressure loss in Line
#4 or leakage at the Leak Site. If any leaks occur, all pumps would be shut down and the
line blocked on each side of the Leak Site.
19. The Director further directed, and Colonial agreed, that until the CAO was issued,
Colonial is to maintain a 24 hour on-site presence at the excavation site, construct a
temporary chain-link fence around the excavation and set a jersey-type barrier between
the nearby dead-end street and the excavation site. Colonial also agreed to provide
ongoing forecast information to PHMSA and VA-SCC about planned site work and
provide an opportunity for inspections and compliance oversight.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 4
Determination of Necessity for Corrective Action Order and Right to Hearing:
Section 60112 of Title 49, United States Code, provides for the issuance of a Corrective Action
Order, after reasonable notice and the opportunity for a hearing, requiring corrective action,
which may include the suspended or restricted use of a pipeline facility, physical inspection,
testing, repair, replacement, or other action, as appropriate. The basis for making the
determination that a pipeline facility is or would be hazardous, requiring corrective action, is set
forth both in the above-referenced statute and 49 C.F.R. § 190.233, a copy of which is enclosed.
Section 60112 and the regulations promulgated thereunder provide for the issuance of a
Corrective Action Order, without prior notice and opportunity for hearing, upon a finding that
failure to issue the Order expeditiously would result in the likelihood of serious harm to life,
property, or the environment. In such cases, an opportunity for a hearing and expedited review
will be provided as soon as practicable after the issuance of the Order.
After evaluating the foregoing preliminary findings of fact, I find that continued operation of the
“Affected Segment,” as defined below, without corrective measures is or would be hazardous to
life, property, or the environment. Additionally, having considered the nature of the Failure; the
unexplained existence of a dent in the pipeline 69 feet north of the joint of pipe that failed; the
location of the Failure in an HCA and the resulting soil and water contamination in the vicinity
of the Failure Site; the age of the pipeline; and the undetermined cause of the Failure, I find that
failure to issue this Order expeditiously would result in the likelihood of serious harm to life,
property, or the environment.
Accordingly, this Corrective Action Order mandating immediate corrective action is issued
without prior notice and opportunity for a hearing. The terms and conditions of this Order are
effective upon receipt.
Within 10 days of receipt of this Order, Respondent may contest its issuance obtain expedited
review either by answering in writing or requesting a hearing under 49 C.F.R. § 190.211, to be
held as soon as practicable under the terms of such regulation, by notifying the Associate
Administrator for Pipeline Safety in writing, with a copy to the Director, Eastern Region,
PHMSA (Director). If Respondent requests a hearing, it will be held telephonically or in-person
in the Eastern Region or Washington, D.C.
After receiving and analyzing additional data in the course of this investigation, PHMSA may
identify other corrective measures that need to be taken. In that event, PHMSA will notify
Respondent of any additional measures that are required and an amended Order issued, if
necessary. To the extent consistent with safety, Respondent will be afforded notice and an
opportunity for a hearing prior to the imposition of any additional corrective measures.
Required Corrective Actions:
Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60112, I hereby order Colonial to immediately take the following
corrective actions for the Affected Segment and Isolated Segment of Line #4:
Definitions
The term “Affected Segment” means approximately 288 miles of Colonial’s Line #4 between the
Greensboro, North Carolina Tank Farm, and the Dorsey Tank Farm in Woodbine, Maryland.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 5
The term “Isolated Segment” means the segment of Line #4 that is approximately 3.6 miles long
and runs between the Compton Road Valve 10545+13 (upstream of leak) and Chantilly Junction
MP 244 (downstream of leak) in or near Centreville, Virginia.
The term “Director” means the Director, Eastern Region, PHMSA.
The term “Failure Site” means refers to the location of the Isolated Segment that runs across the
Leak Site, which is located at MP 241.
Corrective Actions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Repair Plan. Colonial must establish a plan to make a permanent repair at the Failure
Site in accordance with applicable pipeline safety regulations. The plan must be
submitted to the Director for prior approval. As noted above, while B-Sleeves are
permanent repairs, Colonial is removing the B-Sleeve in this particular instance for
NTSB testing and analysis in an attempt to learn more about the metallurgy and failure
mechanisms.
Pressure Restriction. The operating pressure may not exceed 223 psig under steady state
conditions, which is 80% of the highest steady state operating pressure at the Leak Site in
the 60 days prior to the Failure on September 21, 2015. According to Colonial, hydraulic
analysis shows that under transient conditions the pressure at the Leak Site could reach
284 psig.
Removal of Pressure Restriction. Upon written request from Colonial, the Director may
allow the removal or modification of the pressure restriction when a reliable engineering
analysis demonstrates that the pressure increase is safe, taking into consideration all
known defects, anomalies, completion of the Repair Plan, and the operating parameters
of the pipeline.
Temporary Removal or Modification. The Director may allow the pressure restrictions to
be temporarily removed or modified upon written application from Colonial. In order to
justify such a removal or modification, Colonial must demonstrate that mitigative and
preventive measures will have been implemented prior to and during the temporary
removal or modification of the pressure restriction. Colonial may appeal any
determination under this Paragraph to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline Safety.
Records Verification. Colonial shall verify the records for the Affected Segment to
confirm the MOP. Colonial must submit documentation of this record verification to the
Director within 45 days of receipt of this Order.3
Review of Prior ILI Results.
Colonial must conduct a preliminary review of the results for any previous ILI run
conducted on the Affected Segment to determine if any features with similar
characteristics are present elsewhere on the Affected Segment. Colonial must complete
the review within 15 days of receipt of this Order and must submit documentation of this
review to the Director within 30 days of receipt of this Order.
Colonial must then conduct a detailed integrating review of the raw data for any previous
ILI runs conducted on the Affected Segment since the line was constructed to determine
3 See PHMSA Advisory Bulletin 2012-06.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 6
whether any features were present in the failed pipe joint, and to determine if any features
with similar characteristics are present elsewhere on the Affected Segment. This detailed
review must include a review of the ILI vendors’ raw data and an analysis by an
independent third party approved by PHMSA who is not the same vendor that initially
evaluated the ILI results. Documentation of this detailed review must include the
following:
a) A list of all ILI tool runs, tool types, and the dates of the completion of the tool
runs.
b) c) d) A list describing the type, size, wall loss, etc., and the specific location of all ILI
MOP-impacting, crack, dent, or other integrity-impacting features present in the
failed joint and/or pipe in the Affected Segment.
A list describing the (type, size, wall loss, etc.), and the specific location of all ILI
features with similar characteristics present elsewhere on the Affected Segment.
An explanation of the process used to review the ILI results and the results of the
re-evaluation.
Documentation of this detailed review must be submitted to the Director within 90 days
of receipt of this Order.
7. Mechanical and Metallurgical Testing. Mechanical and metallurgical testing, including
failure analysis, will be done by the NTSB in accordance with NTSB procedures and
protocols. In the event that the NTSB does not perform these functions, the Operator will
be responsible for completing all testing and analysis. Details of this analysis will be
defined if the NTSB does not perform the analysis.
8. Root Cause Failure Analysis. The NTSB will perform a root cause failure analysis
(RCFA) to determine the cause of the Failure. In the event that the NTSB does not
perform these functions, the Operator must perform and complete a RCFA and submit a
final report of this RCFA to the Director. Details of the RCFA will be defined if the
NTSB does not perform these tasks.
9. Emergency Response Plan and Training Review. Colonial must review and assess the
effectiveness of its emergency response plan with regards to the Failure. Include in the
review and assessment the on-scene response and support, coordination, and
communication with emergency responders and public officials. Also, include a review
and assessment of the effectiveness of its emergency training program. Colonial must
amend its emergency response plan and emergency training, if necessary, to reflect the
results of this review. The documentation of this plan and review must be available for
inspection by OPS or provided to the Director, if requested.
10. Public Awareness Program Review. Colonial must review and assess the effectiveness of
its Public Awareness Program within 90 days following receipt of this Order. Colonial
must amend its program, if necessary, to reflect the results of this review.
Documentation of this review must be made available to OPS upon request and to the
Director.
11. Remedial Work Plan (RWP).
a) Within 90 days following receipt of this Order, Colonial must submit a RWP to the
Director for approval.



b) c) d) e) CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 7
The Director may approve the RWP incrementally without approving the entire
RWP.
Once approved by the Director, the RWP will be incorporated by reference into this
Order.
The RWP must specify the tests, inspections, assessments, evaluations, and
remedial measures Colonial will use to verify the integrity of the Affected Segment.
It must address all known or suspected factors contributing to the Failure. Colonial
should consider both the risk of another failure and the consequence of another
failure to develop a prioritized schedule for RWP related work along the Affected
Segment.
The RWP must include a procedure or process to:
1. Identify pipe in the Affected Segment with characteristics similar to the
contributing factors identified for the Failure.
2. Gather all data necessary to review the failure history (in service and pressure
test failures) of the Affected Segment and to prepare a written report containing
all the available information such as the locations, dates, and causes of leaks and
failures.
3. 4. 5. Integrate the results of the metallurgical testing, suspected cause, and other
corrective actions required by this Order with all relevant pre-existing
operational and assessment data for the Affected Segment. Pre-existing
operational data includes, but is not limited to, construction, operations,
maintenance, testing, repairs, prior metallurgical analyses, and any third party
consultation information. Pre-existing assessment data includes, but is not
limited to, ILI tool runs, hydrostatic pressure testing, direct assessments, close
interval surveys, and DCVG/ACVG surveys.
Determine if conditions similar to those contributing to the Failure are likely to
exist elsewhere on the Affected Segment.
Conduct additional field tests, inspections, assessments, and/or evaluations to
determine whether, and to what extent, the conditions associated with the
Failure and other failures from the operating history or any other integrity
threats are present elsewhere on the Affected Segment. At a minimum, this
process must consider all failure causes and specify the use of one or more of
the following:
a. ILI tools that are technically appropriate for assessing the pipeline system
based on the suspected cause of failure and that can reliably detect and
identify anomalies;
b. Hydrostatic pressure testing;
c. Close-interval surveys;
d. Cathodic protection surveys, to include interference surveys in
coordination with other utilities (e.g. underground utilities, overhead
power lines, etc.) in the area;
e. Coating surveys;



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 8
f. Stress corrosion cracking surveys;
g. h. Selective seam corrosion surveys; and
Other tests, inspections, assessments, and evaluations appropriate for the
failure causes.
6. Describe the inspection and repair criteria Colonial will use to prioritize,
excavate, evaluate, and repair anomalies, imperfections, and other identified
integrity threats. Include a description of how any defects will be graded and a
schedule for repairs or replacement.
7. Ensure long-term periodic testing and integrity verification measures are
described in maintenance procedures and incorporated in their integrity
management program; to ensure the ongoing safe operation of the Affected
Segment considering the results of the analyses, inspections, evaluations, and
corrective measures undertaken pursuant to this Order.
8. 9. Include a proposed schedule for completion of the RWP.
Colonial must revise the RWP as necessary to incorporate new information
obtained during the failure investigation and remedial activities, to incorporate
the results of actions undertaken pursuant to this Order, and/or to incorporate
modifications required by the Director.
a. Submit any plan revisions to the Director for prior approval.
b. The Director may approve plan revisions incrementally.
c. Any and all revisions to the RWP after it has been approved and
incorporated by reference into this Order will be fully described and
documented in the CAO Documentation Report (CDR).
10. Implement the RWP as it is approved by the Director, including any revisions to
the plan.
12. CAO Documentation Report. Colonial must create and revise, as necessary, a CAO
Documentation Report (CDR). When Colonial has concluded all the items in this Order
it will submit the final CDR in its entirety to the Director. This will allow the Director to
complete a thorough review of all actions taken by Colonial with regards to this Order
prior to approving the closure of this Order. The intent is for the CDR to summarize all
activities and documentation associated with this Order in one document.
a. The Director may approve the CDR incrementally without approving the entire
CDR.
b. Once approved by the Director, the CDR will be incorporated by reference into
this Order.
c. The CDR must include, but not be limited to:
i. A Table of Contents;
ii. A summary of the Failure events and the response activities;
iii. A summary of pipe data/properties and all prior assessments of the



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 9
iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. Affected Segment;
A summary of all tests, inspections, assessments, evaluations, and analysis
required by this Order;
A summary of the Mechanical and Metallurgical Testing as required by
this Order;
Documentation of all actions taken by Colonial to implement the RWP,
the results of those actions, and the inspection and repair criteria used;
Documentation of any revisions to the RWP, including those necessary to
incorporate the results of actions undertaken pursuant to this Order and
whenever necessary to incorporate new information obtained during the
failure investigation and remedial activities;
Lessons learned while completing this Order;
A path forward describing specific actions Colonial will take on its entire
pipeline system as a result of the lessons learned from work on this Order;
and
x. Appendices (if required).
Other Requirements:
1. Reporting.
Monthly - Colonial must submit monthly reports to the Director that: (1) include all
available data and results of the testing and evaluations required by this Order; and (2)
describe the progress of the repairs or other remedial actions being undertaken. The first
monthly report is due November 1, 2015, for the month of October 2015.
Quarterly – Colonial must also submit quarterly reports to the Director. The first
quarterly report is due on January 5, 2016, for the period October 1, 2015, through
December 31, 2015.
Monthly reports will be due 5 days after the first of each month. Quarterly reports will be
due 10 days after the first of each month.
a. For example, the first monthly report will cover the time period from October 1,
2015, through October 31, 2015, and is due by November 5, 2015.
b. The first quarterly report will cover the time period from October 1, 2015 to
December 31, 2015, and is due by January 10, 2016.
The requirement for monthly and quarterly report submittals will terminate upon closure
of the Amended Corrective Action Order. The Director may change the interval for the
submission of these reports.
2. Documentation of Costs. It is requested but not required that Respondent maintain
documentation of the costs associated with implementation of this Order. Include in each
monthly report the to-date total costs associated with: (1) preparation and revision of
procedures, studies and analyses; (2) physical changes to pipeline infrastructure,
including repairs, replacements and other modifications; and (3) environmental
remediation, if applicable.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 10
3. Approvals. With respect to each submission requiring the approval of the Director, the
Director may: (a) approve the submission in whole or in part; (b) approve the submission
on specified conditions; (c) modify the submission to cure any deficiencies; (d)
disapprove the submission in whole or in part and direct Respondent to modify the
submission; or (e) any combination of the above. In the event of approval, approval upon
conditions, or modification by the Director, Colonial shall proceed to take all action
required by the submission, as approved or modified by the Director. If the Director
disapproves all or any portion of a submission, Respondent must correct all deficiencies
within the time specified by the Director and resubmit it for approval.
4. Extensions of Time. The Director may grant an extension of time for compliance with
any of the terms of this Order upon a written request timely submitted and demonstrating
good cause for an extension.
The actions required by this Order are in addition to and do not waive any requirements that
apply to Respondent’s pipeline system under 49 C.F.R. Part 195, under any other order issued to
Respondent under authority of 49 U.S.C. § 60101, et seq., or under any other provision of
Federal or State law.
Respondent may appeal any decision of the Director to the Associate Administrator for Pipeline
Safety. Decisions of the Associate Administrator shall be final.
Be advised that all material you submit in response to this enforcement action is subject to being
made publicly available. If you believe that any portion of your responsive material qualifies for
confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b), along with the complete original document you
must provide a second copy of the document with the portions you believe qualify for
confidential treatment redacted and an explanation of why you believe the redacted information
qualifies for confidential treatment under 5 U.S.C. 552(b).
Failure to comply with this Order may result in the assessment of civil penalties and in referral to
the Attorney General for appropriate relief in United States District Court pursuant to 49 U.S.C.
§ 60120.
In your correspondence on this matter, please refer to CPF No. 1-2015-5018H and for each
document you submit, please provide a copy in electronic format whenever possible.
The terms and conditions of this Amended Corrective Action Order are effective upon receipt.
__________________________________ ________________________
Jeffrey D. Wiese Date Issued
Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety

120155018H_Closure Letter_07162020_text.pdf

OVERNIGHT EXPRESS DELIVERY
July 16, 2020
Mr. Joseph Blount
President & CEO
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
CPF 1-2015-5018H
Dear Mr. Blount:
On October 22, 2015, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
issued an Amended Corrective Action Order (ACAO) with regard to a pipeline failure accident of
Colonial Pipeline Company (Colonial). The ACAO included a list of various required Corrective
Actions.
We have received an email and ACAO Documentation Report dated March 31, 2020, from a
representative of Colonial. The Documentation Report was submitted as part of the final
Corrective Action deliverable. Simultaneously, the correspondence requested closure of the
ACAO.
Based on our review of the documentation, it has been determined that Colonial Pipeline has
complied with the terms of the Order.
This letter is to inform you no further action is necessary, and this case is now closed. Thank you
for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Robert Burrough
Director, Eastern Region
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

120155018H_Corrective Action Order_09292015_text.pdf

September 29, 2015
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL AND FAX TO: (678) 762-2466
Mr. Tim Felt
President & Chief Executive Officer
Colonial Pipeline Company
1185 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 100
Alpharetta, GA 30009-4765
Re: CPF No. 1-2015-5018H
Dear Mr. Felt:
Enclosed is a Corrective Action Order issued in the above-referenced case. It requires Colonial
Pipeline Company to take certain corrective actions with respect to its Line #4 pipeline that
failed on September 23, 2015, in Centreville, Virginia. Service is being made by certified mail
and facsimile. Service of the Corrective Action Order by electronic transmission is deemed
complete upon transmission and acknowledgement of receipt, or as otherwise provided under
49 C.F.R. § 190.5. The terms and conditions of this Order are effective upon completion of
service.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely,
Linda Daugherty
Acting Associate Administrator
for Pipeline Safety
Enclosure
cc: Mr. Byron Coy, Regional Director, Eastern Region, OPS



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PIPELINE AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF PIPELINE SAFETY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590
____________________________________
In the Matter of )
Colonial Pipeline Company, ) CPF No. 1-2015-5018H
)
)
)
Respondent. )
____________________________________)
CORRECTIVE ACTION ORDER
Purpose and Background:
This Corrective Action Order (“Order”) is being issued, under the authority of 49 U.S.C. §
60112, to require Colonial Pipeline Company (“Colonial or Respondent”), to take the necessary
corrective action to protect the public, property, and the environment from potential hazards
associated with the recent failure on Colonial’s Line #4 pipeline.
On September 23, 2015, a reportable accident occurred on Colonial’s Line #4 hazardous liquid
pipeline in Centreville, Virginia, resulting in the release of approximately 4,000 gallons of
gasoline (“Failure”). This pipeline transports petroleum product from Houston, Texas, to
Linden, New Jersey. The accident occurred on a 285-mile section of Line #4 that runs from
Greensboro Station, Greensboro, North Carolina, to Dorsey Junction Station in Sykesville,
Maryland. Colonial operates a parallel pipeline, known as Line #3, that runs thirty feet apart
from Line #4 at the site of the accident (“Leak Site”). Based on a visual inspection of the pipe, a
leak occurred as the result of a crack within a dent that was discovered on the bottom of Line #4.
The root cause of the release has not yet been determined. Pursuant to 49 U.S.C. § 60117, the
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”), Office of Pipeline Safety
(OPS), initiated an investigation of the accident. The preliminary findings of the ongoing
investigation are as follows.
Preliminary Findings:
• Colonial operates roughly 5,500 miles of hazardous liquid transmission pipeline within
the United States. The pipelines travel through the states of Texas, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Branches from the main lines also extend into
Tennessee. The system delivers a daily average of approximately 100 million gallons of



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 2
liquid petroleum products to businesses and communities throughout the Southern and
Eastern United States.1
• The section of Line #4 at the Leak Site was constructed in 1963 and is composed of 32-
inch diameter, 0.281” wall thickness (generally), API-5L, X52 pipe, has asphalt enamel
coating and DSAW seam type, and is high-frequency electric resistance welded (“HF
ERW”) pipe manufactured by National Tube Company.
• The Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) of the section of Line #4 at the Leak Site is
657 psig, as established by hydrostatic testing in 1963. At the time of the Failure, the
actual operating pressure of the Affected Segment was 283 psig.
• In response to reports from local residents of gasoline odor near a retention pond
approximately 1,000 feet from Lines #3 and #4 in Centreville, Virginia, on the morning
of September 21, 2015, the Fairfax County Fire Department and Fairfax County Fire
Marshall responded to the site of the retention pond.
• Due the reports of gasoline odor near the site of the retention pond in Centreville,
Virginia, as well as the activity on the part of the Fairfax County Fire Department and
Fairfax County Fire Marshall near this site, officials from Colonial arrived at this site by
the evening of September 21, 2015. After arriving, these officials discovered large
quantities of gasoline in the storm water system leading to the retention pond.
• At 9:00 pm on September 21, 2015 Colonial acted to immediately isolate Lines 3 and 4
by closing remote operated valves at Greensboro, North Carolina, and Sykesville,
Maryland.
2
• At approximately 1:30 pm on September 22, 2015 an OPS investigator arrived at the
Leak Site. A representative of the Virginia State Corporation Commission, in its capacity
as interstate agent for PHMSA (“VA-SCC”) arrived at the Leak Site later in the afternoon
on September 22, 2015.
• On September 22, 2015 the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”) informed
the Director, Eastern Region, PHMSA, that NTSB officials were going to visit the Leak
Site on September 23, 2015.
• On the September 23, 2015, officials from the NTSB arrived at the Leak Site. On this
date the NTSB also informed the Director that it was also launching an investigation into
the Failure.
• On September 23, 2015, at 4:23 pm, Colonial made a report to the National Response
Center (NRC Report No. 1129084), noting a sheen and odor of gasoline in the retention
pond approximately 1,000 feet from Lines #3 and #4 in Centreville, Virginia.
1 Colonial Pipeline Company. Website: http://www.colpipe.com/home/about-colonial (last visited September 29,
2015).
2 The isolation valves are separated by a distance of approximately 280 miles; additional manual valves were closed
to further isolate the failure point.



CPF No: 1-2015-5018H
Page 3
• Colonial conducted an investigation by digging test holes around Lines #3 and #4 in
order to identify the source of the leak. Colonial personnel later discovered a crack
within a dent on the bottom of Line #4. There were no reported injuries or fatalities, and
the released gasoline failed to ignite. Colonial recovered approximately 2,000 gallons of
the estimated 4,000 gallons released. As a precaution, a small strip mall and a restaurant
in the vicinity of the release were evacuated. The release caused significant soil
contamination in the vicinity of Line #3, Line #4, and nearby storm water drainage piping
and retention ponds. The accident occurred within a High Consequence Area (HCA).
• Based on a visual examination of the pipeline at the Leak Site, gasoline was released
from a crack within a shallow dent located on the bottom of the pipe. However, the
specific cause of the failure is still undetermined and the investigation is ongoing. The
pipe at the Leak Site was excavated and examined on September 25, 2015.
• Colonial identified the dent at the Leak Site and a similar dent 65 feet from the Leak Site
during a 2010 in-line inspection (2010 ILI). During the 2010 ILI, it was determined that
neither dent required repair or excavation, as both were less than two percent of the pipe
diameter. On September 24, 2015, Colonial excavated the site of the second dent and
confirmed that it did not appear to have any cracks or appear to be leaking.
• Colonial applied a B-Sleeve at the leak site as a temporary measure, and planned to cut
out a section of Line #4 at the Leak Site in the coming weeks.
• On September 25, 2015, following satisfactory installation of the B-Sleeve, the Director
approved the temporary re-start for Line #4, which included a 20% reduction in operating
pressure at the leak location, resulting in a temporary maximum pressure at this location
of 223 psig.
• Colonial and the director agreed that as part of the temporary re-start, Line #4 must be
immediately shutdown upon any sign of significant or unexplained pressure loss in Line
#4 
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