Colonial Pipeline Outage Highlights Operational Issues for Terminals

The recent ransomware attack that brought Colonial Pipeline – and nearly the entire East Coast petroleum product supply chain – to its knees highlighted operational issues where the terminal industry could help overall fuel supply resilience with assistance from regulators. 

It also made clear the need for greater emergency contingency planning and dialogue between terminal operators, U.S. Coast Guard headquarters, local Captains of the Port, governors, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

Two specific issues raised during the outage included the need for temporary air emissions waivers at terminals and more flexibility at TWIC-required facilities during emergencies. ILTA engaged officials with both agencies during the Colonial Pipeline outage and the slow return to more normal operations.