Authorities Join Forces to Control Pipeline Leak

Authorities have just released a report on the accidental release of refined petroleum from a 10-inch section of pipeline at Broadway and Williams Road in Tampa, just west of Mango, Friday at about 7:45 p.m.

According to a press release from Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center, the pipeline carries jet and diesel fuel to Orlando. At the time of the leak, the pipeline was carrying jet fuel.

The leak was stopped July 23 at about 9 p.m. and Central Florida Pipeline, which operates the pipeline, began pumping the product out of the line Sunday morning at about 10:30 a.m.

Central Florida Pipeline is using booms and other containment equipment to contain the product and ensure that it does not impact the Tampa Bypass Canal.

A unified command has been established with representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Division of Emergency Management,
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue - Office of Emergency Management, and Central Florida Pipeline.

Mitigation efforts are under way.  Air monitoring is being conducted and biologists are on scene evaluating the environmental impact.

A U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration representative is on the scene conducting an investigation into the cause of the breach of the pipe, which remains under investigation. Officials also will review Central Florida Pipeline's repair and restart plan.

There are no road closures or evacuations in conjunction with this incident.