Wolk Introduces Pipeline Safety Bill

Measure in Response to Recent Suisun Marsh Diesel Spill

Wolk's bill seeks to add language into law that will require a more immediate notification by the pipeline owner to the proper state authorities and to require a statewide assessment of current pipeline conditions.

"These pipelines crisscross California and we have no idea what condition they are in until it's too late," said Wolk. "But beyond their overall condition, we need to make sure that the proper state authorities are contacted immediately when a spill occurs. Not eight hours or 13 hours or 24 hours later. Immediately."

“Suisun Marsh is surrounded by urban areas. We were lucky this time. But most of the pipelines in California run under major metropolitan areas. Not to minimize what happened in the Marsh, but this could have been a lot worse if the spill was closer to Fairfield or Vacaville for instance."

Specifically, the Wolk bill, AB 1408, would add the word "immediately" to a section of the California Government Code, requiring any party responsible for the discharge or threatened discharge of oil in marine waters to report the discharge to the Office of Emergency Services. Secondly, the language in the bill directs the Office of Oil Spill and Response to conduct a statewide assessment of all underground pipelines in the State and report back to the Legislature.

"The Suisun Marsh spill was an eye opener. In many ways we were fortunate the spill occurred when it did and where it did. Had this same break occurred during the winter flood season we could have experienced a major environmental disaster. We have an obligation to learn everything we can from this experience and make the appropriate changes in our notification and response system before the next break." said Wolk. "This incident demonstrated how we are now at the mercy of the companies that own and maintain these pipelines. We need to demand an immediate notification of a pipeline break to maximize our ability to contain the spill. This legislation will help make that happen."

AB 1408 is in the California State Senate and is awaiting assignment to a Senate policy committee.