Despite problems found at the Shell Puget Sound Refinery in Anacortes earlier this month, refineries statewide appear to be prepared to tackle an unexpected oil spill, the Washington Department of Ecology announced Friday.
Shell and two other refineries in the Puget Sound region — ConocoPhillips and Tesoro Anacortes — are among 20 refineries, pipeline companies and oil distribution terminals statewide that were inspected since June.
Department of Ecology Spill Preparedness Section Manager Linda Pilkey-Jarvis said the inspection program was launched to spot-check and share lessons with regulated facilities that are required to comply with new provisions in the state’s oil-spill preparedness plan.
“We found a few problems that are easily correctable — such as record-keeping, including boom equipment in maintenance programs, and equipment lists that didn’t match contingency plans,” she said. “All in all, we’re encouraged that most companies in Washington are in compliance or are getting there
quickly. Our visits helped refine the quality of their maintenance programs.”
Oil spill preparedness plans help ensure that refineries, pipeline and vessel shipping companies, and other large oil-handling facilities operating in Washington, can mount an effective and timely response if they spill oil.
