Update: Colonial Pipeline says gasoline leak not expected to be fixed until Jan. 17

Image 1 of 20

Crews work near a possible gasoline spill along the Colonial Pipeline near Peg Cole Bridge Trail near Villa Rica on Jan. 14, 2025. (FOX 5)

Emergency workers and crews with the Colonial Pipeline responded to a potential gasoline release in Paulding County on Tuesday. The incident was reported near the Peg Cole Bridge Trail in Villa Rica, and SKYFOX 5 captured aerial footage of the site shortly after 3 p.m.

What we know:

Colonial Pipeline has issued a statement regarding the situation:

"Colonial Pipeline is responding to a report of a potential gasoline release on our right of way in Paulding County, Ga. We have temporarily shut down Line 1, crews are on scene coordinating response efforts, and we have made all required notifications."

Line 1, one of the main components of the pipeline system, is used to transport gasoline. As of now, response efforts are ongoing, and the pipeline segment remains shut down as a precautionary measure.

The Colonial Pipeline shut down's impact

What we don't know:

While crews are on site addressing the reported release, key details remain unclear, including:

  • The exact cause of the potential gasoline release.
  • The volume of gasoline that may have been released.
  • The extent of environmental impact in the area.
  • How long Line 1 will remain shut down.

On Wednesday morning, Colonial sent an update saying they believe the pipeline will remain down through Jan. 17. However, they do not have an exact time. Colonial also said they are working with customers on a plan to provide limited gasoline receipts and deliveries on certain segments of their system. 

Colonial Pipeline repairs

What's next:

Colonial Pipeline’s immediate priority is assessing and mitigating the potential gasoline release. Once the situation is under control, further updates on the investigation, environmental impact, and restoration of Line 1 operations are expected. Authorities and environmental agencies will likely monitor the site closely to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

What is the Colonial Pipeline?

The backstory:

The Colonial Pipeline is one of the most critical pieces of energy infrastructure in the United States. Spanning approximately 5,500 miles, the pipeline transports refined petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, from the Gulf Coast to the East Coast. It supplies nearly half of the fuel consumed along the East Coast, reaching destinations as far north as New Jersey.

The system is divided into two primary lines:

  • Line 1: Transports gasoline.
  • Line 2: Carries other refined products such as diesel and jet fuel.

Given its importance, any operational disruptions can have significant ripple effects on fuel supply and distribution.

Image 1 of 10

Crews work near a possible gasoline spill along the Colonial Pipeline near Peg Cole Bridge Trail near Villa Rica on Jan. 14, 2025. (FOX 5)

Big picture view:

The Colonial Pipeline plays a vital role in ensuring a steady energy supply to millions of Americans. Disruptions, whether due to technical issues or external threats, have the potential to cause fuel shortages, price spikes, and increased scrutiny on infrastructure safety and cybersecurity. The ongoing response in Paulding County underscores the importance of rapid incident management and highlights the need for continued investment in infrastructure resilience.

Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack

Timeline:

In May 2021, the Colonial Pipeline gained significant attention when it was the target of a ransomware cyberattack, which led to a temporary shutdown of its operations. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyber threats and underscored the importance of cybersecurity measures in protecting such essential systems.

RELATED:

The Source: This article is based on information provided by Paulding County and the Colonial Pipeline. It also uses previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports.

Paulding CountyNewsCrime and Public SafetyEnvironmentBusiness