This browser does not support the Video element.
Gov. Ferguson declares emergency over jet fuel pipeline leak
Governor Bob Ferguson is declaring an emergency to ensure adequate fuel is delivered to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a leak shut down a major fuel pipeline.
SEATTLE - Washington state's governor declared an emergency Wednesday to ensure adequate jet fuel is delivered to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after a leak shut down a major fuel pipeline.
The order temporarily waives and suspends state regulations limiting the number of hours commercial vehicle operators can drive when transporting jet fuel, Gov. Bob Ferguson's office said in a news release. The proclamation ensures safe-driving measures are in place, the release said.
The air traffic control tower is seen at the distance as Alaska Airlines planes sit at the gates at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in SeaTac, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
The Olympic Pipeline was shut down on Nov. 11 because of a leak north of Seattle, between the cities of Everett and Snohomish. Operators notified the state of the leak and were working with state and federal agencies to contain, clean and repair it, the governor's office said.
There was no estimate for when the pipeline would resume delivering fuel normally. But if it doesn't start back up by Saturday, the governor's office said airport operations would be "significantly affected." The office did not share details on what that impact would look like.
The airport "has limited fuel on hand to sustain operations," the governor’s office said, and since last week, airport officials have told incoming flights to fuel up to capacity before arriving because of the pipeline shutdown.
The 400-mile-long (644-kilometer-long) Olympic Pipeline is operated by BP Pipelines North America, Inc. It carries gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products from refineries in northwest Washington to points in Washington and Oregon. It is the primary way petroleum is delivered to fuel distribution terminals in the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades.
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
Hundreds line up for Thanksgiving meal provided by Tacoma, WA community
Man accused of killing Tanya Frazier in 1994 pleads not guilty
Doctors warn wildfire smoke could raise preterm birth risk
King County Council passes $20 billion budget proposal
Josh Naylor: "Super thankful to be back" with Seattle Mariners
Snohomish County family sues gaming platforms Roblox, Discord
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
The Source: Information in this story came from the Associated Press.