Enbridge responds to incident on its Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline near Danville, Kentucky

August 01, 2019

UPDATE: September 1, 2019, 11:15 a.m. EDT

Enbridge work crews continue to work on the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline system following the Line 15 pipeline failure in Lincoln County, Kentucky.

Texas Eastern Line 10 — the second of the two adjacent pipelines to the impacted pipeline — has also been returned to service. This was done after a thorough evaluation to validate the integrity of the pipeline in compliance with regulatory requirements.

The reintroduction of natural gas into the pipeline was initiated after regulatory requirements contained in the corrective action order (CAO) from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) were satisfied, and it was deemed safe to proceed. We continue to communicate with local residents, first responders, and community leaders to provide updates on the work being performed.

Texas Eastern Line 15 remains out of service in the affected area, and the timeline for its return to service has not yet been confirmed.


UPDATE: August 26, 2019, 11:45 a.m. EDT

Enbridge work crews continue to work on the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline system following the Line 15 pipeline failure in Lincoln County, Kentucky.

Following a thorough evaluation to validate the integrity of the pipeline in compliance with regulatory requirements, Texas Eastern Line 25 – one of two pipelines adjacent to the impacted pipeline – has been returned to service. The reintroduction of natural gas into the pipeline was initiated after regulatory requirements contained in the corrective action order (CAO) from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) were satisfied, and it was deemed safe to proceed. We have been communicating with local residents, first responders, and community leaders to provide updates on the work being performed.

The two pipelines adjacent to the impacted line were taken out of service as a precautionary safety measure following the incident. These pipelines transport natural gas used for heating, cooking, electric power generation, and other uses. Texas Eastern Line 10 and Line 15 remain out of service in the affected area, and the timeline for their return to service has not yet been confirmed.


UPDATE: August 12, 2019, 1:40 p.m. EDT

Over the weekend, Enbridge work crews began assessing two natural gas pipelines adjacent to the pipeline which was involved in the Lincoln County, Kentucky incident. We are committed to performing the work safely and respectfully to minimize disruptions to the surrounding community. The assessments, which are part of the return to service plan, include reviewing inspection data, evaluating construction records, performing field investigations, and scheduling additional interior and exterior inspections. These pipelines will only be returned to service once a rigorous inspection process has been completed, all regulatory requirements have been met, and it has been determined it is safe to proceed. We do not have an updated timeline on when that will occur.

Ensuring the safety of communities and the environment will always be our top priority.

Our care team remains on-site to provide support and address the individual needs of those impacted and is collaborating closely with support organizations to assist the local community. Progress is being made towards helping nearby residents transition from temporary to permanent housing.


UPDATE: August 9, 2019, 12:50 p.m. EDT

At Enbridge, safety and the protection of the environment are our top priorities.

On August 8, 2019, Enbridge received a corrective action order (CAO) from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). We are working diligently to comply with the requirements identified by the PHMSA, and to return to service two adjacent natural gas pipelines near the incident site that were taken out of service as a precautionary safety measure.

Enbridge takes these issues very seriously. We will address all the site-specific concerns identified by PHMSA and will be undertaking rigorous inspections on the pipelines in compliance with the CAO before returning the two pipelines to service. These pipelines will not be returned to service until we satisfy regulatory requirements and it is safe to do so. We have no timelines on when that will occur.

The National Transportation Safety Board returned control of the incident site to Enbridge on the afternoon of August 9, 2019. Enbridge is mobilizing work crews to the area to begin assessment work on the two natural gas pipelines adjacent to the impacted pipeline. Safety is a guiding principle in everything we do. We will ensure all work activities are being done safely and respectfully to minimize disruptions to the surrounding community.


UPDATE: August 8, 2019, 3:47 p.m. EDT

The Enbridge on-site care team is continuing to provide support to individuals and families impacted by the pipeline incident in Lincoln County, Kentucky. This team is working with the Red Cross and numerous other support organization to provide assistance with housing arrangements for those affected on an individual basis.

Enbridge has completed preliminary air, soil and water sampling from the incident site. These results indicate there is no risk to human health. We will continue to conduct sampling as part of our standard procedure to ensure the ongoing safety of the affected area.

We are working on a return to service plan for two adjacent 30-inch natural gas pipelines near the incident site that were taken out of service as a precautionary safety measure. These pipelines provide natural gas that is used to heat homes, hospitals, businesses and schools. They are also used as a fuel for electric power generation. These pipelines will not be returned to service until we satisfy regulatory requirements and it is safe to do so. We have no timelines on when that will occur.

The National Transportation Safety Board has not released the incident site and Enbridge is continuing to support their investigation.


UPDATE: August 5, 2019, 6:30 p.m. EDT

Enbridge continues to provide support to individuals and families impacted by the pipeline incident in Lincoln County, Kentucky.

Our primary concern continues to be for the people impacted by this incident, and we will continue to provide assistance and support. We cannot overstate the role that emergency responders and support agencies have played in taking care of the community and we are grateful for all involved.

Since the event, we have mobilized a dedicated care team to the incident site. This care team of Enbridge personnel is working directly with affected landowners, in close coordination with numerous community service organizations, helping with temporary housing, transportation, meals, counseling and any other needs of the local community.

Air, water and soil sampling is being conducted as part of our standard procedure to ensure the ongoing safety of the affected area.

Enbridge is cooperating with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has control of the incident site and investigation. We are unable to comment on matters related to the incident at this time.


UPDATE: August 2, 2019, 4:30 p.m. EDT

Enbridge is continuing to respond to the incident on the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline system near Danville, Kentucky.

Our top priority is caring for and addressing the needs of those impacted by this incident. Enbridge has a team on-site working directly with the neighbors, community members, and response organizations.

We are grateful for the incredible response and support provided from emergency responders in Lincoln, Boyle, Casey and Russell Counties, local nonprofits and humanitarian organizations, and we remain committed to working closely with them.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has control of the incident site and investigation. While Enbridge is supporting this investigation it is unable to comment on matters related to the incident.


UPDATE: August 1, 2019, 7:45 p.m. EDT

During the morning of Aug. 1, 2019, a natural gas pipeline incident occurred on the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline system near Danville, Kentucky.

“We are deeply saddened that this incident has resulted in a fatality,” said Al Monaco, President and CEO of Enbridge. “I want to express our condolences to the family and loved ones of the person who was lost today and to all who have been affected by this incident.”

Enbridge’s primary concern is for the individuals and families impacted by this incident, and we have a care team on-site providing assistance and support.

The incident occurred on a 30-inch pipeline that forms part of the Texas Eastern natural gas system. The line has been isolated.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the incident investigation. Enbridge is in regular contact with the NTSB in support of the investigation.  

Safety remains our number one priority and we will continue to work closely with emergency responders and other local officials.


UPDATE: August 1, 2019, 1:15 p.m. EDT

Enbridge is continuing to respond to the incident on the Texas Eastern natural gas pipeline system in Lincoln County.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the incident site. The NTSB is investigating the incident and Enbridge is supporting that investigation.

At Enbridge, our first concern is the safety of the public and the surrounding communities.

Enbridge has mobilized emergency response personnel and resources to the site, and we are continuing to work alongside first responders.


August 1, 2019, 5:20 a.m. EDT

Enbridge is aware of and is responding to a rupture on the Texas Eastern system in Lincoln County, Kentucky. Our first concern is for those impacted by this incident and ensuring the safety of the community. Our teams are coordinating with first responders to secure the site. We have isolated the affected line and are working closely with emergency responders to manage the situation. We will provide more information as it becomes available.