Buckeye Pipeline Overview

BUCKEYE PIPELINE SUMMARY

  • General Description

    • Two 12" steel pipes: 601 Line (kerosene aviation fuel) and 602 Line (multiple fuel types).

    • Pipeline routes from Linden, NJ, to various terminals in NYC, including JFK and LaGuardia airports.

  • Operational Details

    • Operating pressure: 1,200 psig from Linden; reduces to 300 psig during operations to avoid fuel mixing.

    • Specific valves have distinct turn requirements for operation (42 turns, some less).

  • Markers and Control

    • Pipeline marked with PVC poles; orange tops indicate owner and product information.

    • FDNY houses manual shut-off wrenches for valve operations during emergencies.

  • Alarm Systems

    • Intruder alarms at four locations; must notify Buckeye Control Center prior to non-emergency access.

    • Hazardous vapor alarms in two locations; Haz-Mat response needed where detected.

  • Emergency Operations Protocol

    • Immediate response needed to isolate leaks; protective measures include shutting off valves and patrolling the pipeline.

    • Chief Officers must validate unit readiness and oversee the isolation process.

    • Maintain communication with Dispatch and ensure safety measures during emergencies.

  • Training and Drills

    • Regular drills scheduled (Familiarization, Division, and Borough drills) to ensure effective response and familiarity with pipeline operations.

    • Drills simulate emergencies without operating valves during familiarization phases.

  • Inspection Procedures

    • Valves must be inspected biannually; flooding issues reported immediately.

    • Critiques conducted post-drills to improve future operations.

  • Communication Protocol

    • Units assigned specific incident reporting protocols using "L. A. T. E." (Location, Amount, Topography, Exposures).

General Description

  • Two 12" steel pipes: 601 Line (kerosene aviation fuel) and 602 Line (multiple fuel types).

  • The pipeline originates from Linden, NJ, and extends to various terminals in New York City, including major airports like JFK and LaGuardia, ensuring a crucial supply line for aviation fuels in the region.

Operational Details

  • The pipeline operates at a pressure of 1,200 psig from Linden, which is strategically reduced to 300 psig during operations to prevent fuel mixing, enhancing safety and operational integrity.

  • Each valve in the pipeline system has specific turn requirements for operation, with most requiring 42 turns; some valves may have less stringent operational requirements, underscoring the need for trained personnel familiar with these specifications.

Markers and Control

  • The pipeline is identified by PVC poles with orange tops, which indicate ownership and product information, providing clear visual cues for oversight and emergency response teams.

  • The FDNY maintains manual shut-off wrenches for valve operations available during emergencies, ensuring a rapid response capability in the event of a fuel leak or other incident.

Alarm Systems

  • Biometric and access control systems are integrated, with intruder alarms monitored at four distinct locations. Personnel must notify the Buckeye Control Center prior to accessing these areas for non-emergency purposes to maintain security protocols.

  • Hazardous vapor alarms are strategically placed in two locations; if vapors are detected, a Haz-Mat response is mandated to mitigate risks associated with potential leaks or spills.

Emergency Operations Protocol

  • In the event of a leak, immediate response protocols dictate isolation measures, which include shutting off relevant valves and initiating a patrolling routine along the pipeline.

  • Chief Officers are tasked with validating unit readiness prior to deploying resources for isolation, maintaining oversight of the entire operation to ensure compliance with safety measures and procedures.

  • Continuous communication protocols with Dispatch are essential, emphasizing collaborative efforts to uphold safety during emergencies.

Training and Drills

  • Regularly scheduled drills (Familiarization, Division, and Borough drills) are implemented to ensure effective emergency response and operational familiarity, fostering competency among responders.

  • Drills simulate emergency scenarios without operating valves during familiarization phases to enhance readiness without risking safety or functionality.

Inspection Procedures

  • Comprehensive inspections of valves are requisite biannually; any flooding concerns must be reported immediately, ensuring proactive risk management.

  • Post-drill critiques are carried out to gather insights and improve future operations; lessons learned are documented to refine protocols further.

Communication Protocol

  • Units are assigned specific incident reporting duties utilizing the “L. A. T. E.” format (Location, Amount, Topography, Exposures) to ensure structured and efficient communication during operational incidents.

General Description

  • Two 12" steel pipes: 601 Line (kerosene aviation fuel) and 602 Line (multiple fuel types).

  • The pipeline originates from Linden, NJ, and extends approximately 70 miles to various terminals in New York City, including major airports like JFK and LaGuardia, ensuring a crucial supply line for aviation fuels in the region. This facilitates the efficient transport of fuel essential for commercial airlines and emergency services, playing a key role in maintaining air travel operations in the area.

Operational Details

  • The pipeline operates at a pressure of 1,200 psig from Linden, which is strategically reduced to 300 psig during operations to prevent fuel mixing and maintain the integrity of different fuel types.

  • Each valve in the pipeline system has specific turn requirements for operation; most require 42 turns for formal opening or closure, while some valves may have less stringent operational requirements. These specifications necessitate that trained personnel familiar with the pipeline’s operational characteristics handle valve operations to prevent mishaps and ensure efficiency.

Markers and Control

  • The pipeline is clearly marked with PVC poles featuring orange tops, which provide essential indicators of ownership and product flowing through the pipes. These markers assist in visual identification during inspection and emergency response operations.

  • The FDNY maintains a stock of manual shut-off wrenches specifically for valve operations that are strategically placed along the pipeline route. This preparedness is crucial in emergency situations, allowing for rapid response and secure valve operation to mitigate potential leaks or spills.

Alarm Systems

  • The pipeline features advanced biometric and access control systems, with intruder alarms monitored at four distinct locations along the pipeline. Personnel are required to notify the Buckeye Control Center before accessing these areas for non-emergency purposes, ensuring strict adherence to security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Hazardous vapor alarms are installed at key locations; upon detection of vapors, a Haz-Mat response is triggered. This includes notification and deployment of specialized response teams trained to handle chemical hazards, ensuring the safety of personnel and the surrounding environment.

Emergency Operations Protocol

  • In the event of a leak, immediate response protocols must be enacted, dictating isolation measures that include shutting off relevant valves and initiating a patrolling routine along the pipeline to assess the extent of the leak.

  • Chief Officers are tasked with validating unit readiness through inspection of equipment and personnel before deploying resources for isolation. This oversight ensures compliance with safety measures and readiness to address the incident effectively.

  • Continuous communication protocols with Dispatch are integral during emergencies, facilitating collaborative efforts among various units to maintain safety and coordination during incident management.

Training and Drills

  • Regularly scheduled drills, which include Familiarization, Division, and Borough drills, are implemented to ensure effective emergency response and operational familiarity among all personnel. These drills are critical for enhancing teamwork and response efficiency in real emergencies.

  • Drills simulate emergency scenarios without operating valves during familiarization phases to optimize readiness, ensuring safety while familiarizing personnel with operational protocols and response strategies.

Inspection Procedures

  • Comprehensive inspections of all valves are required biannually; any flooding concerns must be reported immediately to operational management, ensuring a proactive approach to risk management and system integrity.

  • Post-drill critiques are conducted to collect feedback and insights, allowing teams to enhance future training and operational procedures based on lessons learned during drills and real incidents. This continuous improvement cycle is vital for maintaining high operational standards.

Communication Protocol

  • Units are assigned specific incident reporting duties utilizing the “L. A. T. E.” format (Location, Amount, Topography, Exposures). This structured reporting approach ensures that all critical information is conveyed clearly and promptly during operational incidents, facilitating effective decision-making and resource allocation.