NATIONAL RESPONSE TEAM

Of The National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan

G-OPF 2100 2nd St. S.W., Washington, DC 20593-0001

Olympic Pipeline Fire

Sitrep One

11 June, 1999

These reports describe significant environmental incidents reported to and tracked by the National Response Center. They reflect both new incidents and follow-up information describing actions taken for previously reported events. The NRC publishes Incident Summary Reports periodically upon receipt of documentary information from the Federal On-Scene Coordinator.

Occurence Date: 10 June
Location: Bellingham, WA
Source: 16 inch pipeline
Material: Gasoline
Severity: Major
Quantity Discharged: Unknown
Quantity in Water: Unknown
Body of Water Affected: Whatcom Creek
Federal On-Scene Coordinator: EPA Region X

At 1643 on June 10, 1999 a 16 inch pipeline ruptured under Whatcom Creek near a fish hatchery in downtown Bellingham, WA. The spill was initially three miles up river from Bellingham Bay. Explosions occurred and fires were ignited in downtown Bellingham. Bellingham fire department with a hazmat crew is on scene. A 1 mile safety zone from the mouth of creek was issued by COTP. Air monitoring is being conducted at the mouth of the creek. Interstate 5 was closed in both directions. Potential discharge of 3600 barrels of gasoline. There were two confirmed fatalities in this incident. CASE PENDS.